A Master's Thesis (HST 701)  

Some students may choose to emphasize the research element of their programs by writing a master's thesis. Such students may substitute a thesis and oral examination for the Comprehensive Essay. In that case you would register for HST 701: Masters Thesis rather than HST 700: Historical Integration and normally in your final semester in the Program. Satisfactory completion of that course is a requirement for graduation for students electing this option. 

A thesis project usually grows out research undertaken in HST 691: Research in American History or 695: Research in World History.  In other cases the Graduate Committee may approve topics based on work begun in another advanced course. 

The process is simple.  You will approach a faculty member, asking him/her to serve as your thesis advisor.  If that faculty member agrees, then the two of you develop a thesis proposal that is submitted to the Graduate Committee prior to your enrollment in HST 701. Obviously, a thesis is a major undertaking and will require some advanced planning on your part.  It is not a project that can be developed quickly or on the spur of the moment. 

Upon approving the topic, the Graduate Committee will designate a second reader.  The advisor and the second reader constitute a Thesis Committee, which is responsible for the final review and approval of the thesis. You must maintain regular contact with the advisor and the second reader.  The thesis work may extend beyond a semester and a “PR” grade will be given, but the project must be completed within two semesters. 

A master's thesis, of course, involves extensive research on a clearly defined and limited topic. But in order to parallel some of the integrative functions of the Comprehensive Essay, we are asking that the thesis include, perhaps in an introductory chapter, some reflection on how the particular topic connects to broad historical patterns and to recent historiography in the field. In short, you will need to situate your thesis research in some broader context. 

After the thesis is submitted, the Thesis Committee will conduct a one-to-two hour oral examination in which you will defend your arguments and demonstrate the relationship of your work to broader issues in your major field. The department faculty will be invited to attend. 

The Thesis Committee will grade the Thesis and oral examination as Honors, Pass, or No Credit.  A student who is graded No Credit may re-register for HST 701 and  have one opportunity to resubmit the thesis.  In case of a split vote on the Thesis Committee, the Graduate Committee will resolve the matter. 

After approval and in order to receive course credit, you must submit three copies of the thesis, corrected in light of readers comments and the oral examination, one each for the Department of History, College Archives, and Drake Library.