*The thesis must be on an approved topic on which the student prepared through at least one relevant 300-level seminar
Seminars and Capstone Seminars: 300-level seminars are open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and typically involve extensive reading, discussion and a research paper. Seniors (and, in exceptional cases, juniors) may register for one of the 400- level Capstone Seminars to complete their Capstone research project in that seminar, if they opt to do the Capstone project instead of HIST 490 Senior Thesis. The Capstone project is an article-length (30 pages) research paper based on original analysis of the primary-source evidence and historical scholarship relevant to the student’s chosen topic. Topics for Capstone projects must fall within the scope of the Capstone Seminar. As part of the Capstone project, students are required to present an oral defense of their research before the history faculty and their peers. Note: Students may not earn credit for both a 300-level seminar and its companion 400-level Capstone Seminar.
Pre-requisites for all 400-level Capstone Seminars: Junior-level standing; history major status; a grade of C or better in HIST 322; and completion of at least 31 credits in the history major (in addition to any pre-requisites listed for the companion 300-level seminar).