In the Art Department, the only path to departmental Honors is
the Senior Thesis.
ART HISTORY THESIS
A Senior Thesis in Art History engages a topic involving substantial,
independent, year long research. For a student who has a clear
idea of what she wants to investigate, a well-considered plan
of research, and a willingness to accept the responsibility of
working independently, a senior thesis can be a rewarding experience.
It should be pointed out that a thesis is not a requirement for
acceptance into Graduate School in Art History. A seminar paper
for a 300 level course can provide a one semester equivalent to
senior thesis work; it allows for sustained research, faculty
guidance, and carries as well the benefit of working with one's
peers.
Candidates for Departmental Honors in Art History complete a Senior
Thesis in two units of independent study/thesis (ARTH 360, 370)
undertaken in the Fall and Spring of the senior year. Admission
to the honors program in the Department is open to students who
complete the following requirements:
- a 3.6 grade point average in the major
- a minimum of five units in Art History above 100-level courses.
Four of the five units must be taken in the Department and one
of the five units should be at the 300-level in the Department.
The following schedule must be observed:
- The student should start to think about a senior thesis topic
in the second semester of her junior year and consult with a
faculty member advisor.
- If the student has questions about the process of the senior
thesis or about registration, she should speak to the Department
chair.
- By the ADD/DROP date in the Fall semester, a student should
submit to both her thesis advisor and to the Departmental Thesis.
- Committee a one-page thesis proposal beginning bibliography,
and an academic transcript. At the same time the student and
advisor should agree upon a schedule of dates for the various
stages of the project .
By mid-December of the year
in which a Senior Thesis is being prepared, the thesis advisor,
upon receiving the student's work, will make a recommendation
to the Departmental Thesis Committee about the continuation of
the thesis work into the second semester. The Committee will determine
whether the student should continue her project as a 370 in the
Spring and convey its decision to the student by the end of the semester. In a case where it is recommended that the Senior
Thesis not be continued into the second semester, a student would
receive credit for 360 work on the completion of a schedule of
work previously agreed to between the thesis advisor and the student.
ART STUDIO THESIS
- Find a potential faculty advisor to discuss your ideas for
a thesis no later than
the spring of your junior year.
- Develop a written proposal in consultation with your advisor
- Make a list of all art and art history courses completed to
date and assemble a portfolio of past studio work. Slides or
actual art work are permissable.
Written proposals for studio art thesis projects will be due
first week of classes in the
Art Dept. Office. The studio faculty will meet to review proposals
and make recommendations before the add/drop deadline.
Your written proposal should tell us about the interests that
currently propel your studio inquiry. What do you hope to learn
by doing a self-directed body of work? Although many of your ideas
will unfold in time, you should have a clear idea of how you will
begin, and where you see yourself headed. Tell us about the formal,
conceptual and technical questions that you would like to focus
upon through your work. What experiences have prepared you to
take on a year of self-directed research in this area? Do you
have the necessary background/tools/skills to take on the project
that you are proposing? What kind of assistance will you require
from your advisor and other faculty members? What will be your
timetable for assessing your progress and focusing your project?
Written proposals should be no more than 2-3 pages, typed.
In addition to the written thesis proposal, you should provide
us with a list of the studio art and art history courses you have
completed to date, along with the names of your instructors and
the grade you received in each course. (Seniors doing thesis projects
must qualify for honors in the major, and must have completed
most of the major requirements). Please indicate which studio
professor has agreed to advise your thesis work.
Photos or examples of past work (no more than 5-10) should also
accompany your proposal, so that all members of the studio faculty
may better understand the context of your proposal. While your
named thesis advisor will work with you most closely, the entire
studio faculty will be interested in your development and available
for advice and feedback.
A tentative 360/Thesis class time will be scheduled as a group
meeting/crit time.
At the end of the first semester, the Studio Faculty Committee
determine whether the student should continue her project as a
370 in the Spring and convey its decision to the student by the end of the semester.
In a case where it is recommended that the Senior Thesis
not be continued into the second semester, a student would receive
credit for 360 work on the completion of a schedule of work previously
agreed to between the thesis advisor and the student.
Any questions? See your advisor for details.
