WGS Senior Thesis
Senior Honors Thesis Guidelines
Who should pursue Honors in Women’s and Gender Studies?
We encourage rising seniors who are majoring in women’s and gender studies and have a GPA of 3.5 or better in women’s and gender studies courses to consider an honors degree. Students with a GPA below 3.5 should consult their advisor to determine whether undertaking an honors thesis is advisable.
How to register for thesis credits:
First students should fill out the “Thesis Declaration Form” through the WGS Program office. Students who wish to receive honors in women's and gender studies are required to complete a senior thesis. Thesis students should enroll in the Research Seminar (WMGS 198a) during the fall semester (as all majors are required to do) and in Senior Thesis Research (WMGS 99b) during the spring. Please note that WMGS 99b does not count as one of the nine courses required for the major.
Thesis Readers:
Students must choose three readers for their thesis. At least one and preferably two readers should be core faculty members in WGS (core faculty members are listed on our website). The third reader must be a Brandeis faculty member who is outside the WGS Core Faculty (she or he may be a WGS affiliate faculty member). Readers should be chosen in the first semester of the student’s senior year.
Double-counting:
Students pursuing a thesis in another department or program may petition to submit this thesis as a WGS thesis if the project has a significant focus on women and/or gender. The student should contact the WGS Program Office to submit this petition. At least one reader from the WGS core faculty is required in order to count the project for honors in women’s and gender studies.
Defense and decision on level of honors of thesis:
An oral defense of the thesis is required, with all three readers present. The defense must take place before the date designated for departmental degree meetings (May 13, 2008). At the defense, the thesis is awarded highest honors, high honors, honors, or no honors. The level of honors is indicated on the thesis defense form and signed by all members of the committee.
Submission:
The completed thesis should be submitted to the WGS office by the date announced as the deadline for all senior projects.
Program Honors:
Determination of program honors is a decision of the WGS core faculty and is dependent not only on the level of honors earned for the thesis but also on the student’s academic record in the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. The level of program honors awarded will be highest honors, high honors, honors, or no honors.
2008 Timeline:
- Completed draft (with the expectation of revisions) to readers: Monday, April 7, 2008 (unless otherwise specified by readers)
- Thesis defense: BEFORE Tuesday, May 13, 2008
- Final paper submitted to WGS Program office: Friday, May 2, 2008