Philosophy Of A Thesis

At the time you submit your proposal, let us know any of your preferences about who your examiners will be.

Students will also identify a thesis topic by the end of the course.

Departmental honors in philosophy are awarded to graduating seniors who satisfy the following two criteria: (a) at the start of their final semester, their overall GPA is 3.25 or higher and their GPA in philosophy is 3.5 or higher, and (b) their senior thesis receives an A from the thesis advisor and then is judged by the whole department faculty to be well-researched, well-argued, well-organized, well-written, and to exhibit original philosophical thinking.

To prepare for the thesis project, majors take Philosophy 292 Philosophical Methods (2 cr) during the spring of the junior year.

The seminar focuses on developing the skills students will need to complete the thesis project successfully.

(Normally the general examination advisor will chair the student's general exam.

Selection of the advisor will be a matter of negotiation between the student and a faculty member, in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies.) Late submissions will not normally be accepted and, in any case, require the prior permission of the Graduate Committee.

There are many considerations relevant to the choice of an examining committee.

The field of the general examination is that field of philosophy in which you intend to write your dissertation (not that your intentions can't change afterward).

For those in the Interdepartmental Program of Classical Philosophy, you must take your general exam no later than the end of your third year (May).

October General Exams: *The general examination advisor will assist the student in preparing the student's general examination proposal.