Honors in English is a process that allows students the freedom to develop an independent course of research and writing, culminating in the presentation of a major thesis in the spring of the Senior year. Honors projects require intensive work in both semesters of the Senior year, during which Honors students register for 4-8 credits in the Honors Tutorial (ENGL 495-496) each semester. Students reading for Honors must hold a GPA of 3.5 or above (major and cumulative).
Planning for Honors typically begins in the fall semester of the Junior year, when interested students consult with potential faculty about their ideas for an Honors project. Students then enroll in a 1-credit Tutorial for Honors Candidates (ENGL 399) to begin preliminary research. In August of the Senior year, students submit a formal proposal for the Honors project. Once the proposal is approved by the Department and the College, the student is considered an Honors Candidate and may proceed with research in ENGL 495. Honors Candidates are exempt from the senior seminar requirement and do not enroll in ENGL 485.
- Courses required: fulfillment of the requirements for a major in English; English 495-496 (in the Senior year).
- A substantial, in-depth thesis.
- Approval by the English Honors Committee.