Africana Studies Honors Thesis Guidelines (AFST 495 & AFST 496)

Note: students who are planning to do an Honors Thesis in Africana Studies should begin during their junior year. The first step is to find a thesis advisor. Consult with a member of the AFST faculty who you have worked with and knows about your previous scholarship. Bring your idea for a topic you want to study to your intended thesis advisor and ask if they are interested. The professor will likely advise you to also reach out to other professors whose expertise can be beneficial for your topic. 

I. The Africana Studies Honors Committee oversees the thesis proposal process, the Fall Break update, the mid-year interim review, and the appointment of a Supervisor and Thesis Committee for each accepted proposal.

II. Thesis proposal: guidelines

    A.    A polished, clear, informative, “professional” research proposal (2pps. max), including timeline

    B.    A personal statement (approx. 1 page): explaining the student’s goals in doing this research;

                1. student’s academic preparation: i.e., in Africana Studies and other relevant courses - how proposed research fits with student’s academic program

     C.    A current transcript (an unofficial Banner transcript is fine)

      D.   A recommendation from the proposed thesis supervisor (150 words approx.), including itemized expectations for the thesis process and schedule of deadlines.

III. Deadlines

1. For those applying for Charles Center Summer Research funding please submit it 2 weeks before the Charles Center deadline if you would like feedback from the committee. If you don’t want feedback, please submit the Friday before the Charles Center due date.
2. Student’s applying for Charles Center Summer Research funding must submit proposals to the Africana Honors Committee (email Prof Osiapem) three weeks prior to the CC deadline, which changes annually 
   1. If your project requires IRB approval, you must start the process before submitting the proposal to the Charles Center.
3. If you’re not applying for funding, the final deadline for submission of thesis proposal is 1week after graduation (although earlier submission is strongly encouraged, given Charles Center’s February application deadline for funding).   
   2. Committee decision is ordinarily within 2 weeks of receiving proposal and before any major data collection is started

 IV. In evaluating the proposal, the Honors Committee will look for the following:

       A.    Evidence of strong performance in Africana Studies courses relevant to the thesis as well as any non Africana Studies courses relevant to the thesis.

       B.    Strong thesis proposal, personal statement, and current transcript

                 1.    Strong recommendation from proposed thesis supervisor

                 2.    Evidence that the proposed project is feasible in the time allotted.

V. On the basis of its evaluation the Honors Committee may accept the proposal, reject it outright, or request revision and resubmission. If the latter, the Committee will send the student and proposed Thesis Supervisor an explanation.

VI. A Thesis Supervisor may be any continuing member of the Africana Studies Faculty.

     A.    In appropriate circumstances, joint supervision may be allowed with a faculty member from outside the AFST Program

VII. Fall Break update

    A.    The student should submit a report to Honors Committee before the end of Fall Break, including:

1. The names of proposed members of Thesis Committee (made in consultation with supervisor)
2. A statement that expectations for the thesis have been discussed with members of Thesis Committee
3. An explanation of any significant revisions or updates to the project as originally proposed
4. This report should also be copied to Thesis Committee

VIII. Constitution of Thesis Committee

    A.    4 faculty total: 2 continuing members of the Africana Studies faculty, 1 faculty member from another department/program, and the Thesis Supervisor (non-voting).

IX. Mid-year review (early January a week before the first day of class)

    A.    The student submits to the Honors Committee a 2-3 page statement of progress, including expected section outline of thesis and remaining timeline.

    B.    The Supervisor submits letter stating whether he or she supports the student’s statement and whether he or she recommends continuation for the final semester.

    C.    The Chair of Honors Committee asks Thesis Committee members of any concerns.

    D.    If Honors Committee approves continuation, a message to this effect is sent to student, Supervisor, Thesis Committee, and the Charles Center.

X. Thesis

    A.    Maximum length 70pps -- not including (e.g.) data presentation, appendix(ces), figures, tables, bibliography

    B.    The format of thesis is to be determined in consultation with the Supervisor and may vary according to the topic and methodology

XI. Defense

    A.    Opening presentation and oral defense

    B.    Audience may be present for opening presentation if student and supervisor wish, but must withdraw for oral defense

XII. Thesis committee deliberation

    A.    Following the oral defense, the student withdraws. The Thesis Supervisor makes a statement to Committee, providing information on the research and writing process. The Supervisor remains in room during the Committee’s deliberation and final vote but does not participate except in response to questions from the Committee.

XIII. Final decision

    A.    The Thesis Committee bases its decision on (i) the written thesis, (ii) the presentation, (iii) the oral defense

     B.    The Thesis Committee (not including the Supervisor) votes for or against the award of Honors