Honors
The Honors Program in German Studies provides students with the opportunity to complete a year-long research project under the direction of a thesis advisor. Honors students must have an overall GPA of 3.0, and a strong record in German Studies. Admission to the Honors Program depends on the strength of the student and the proposal. We also consider other factors, such as as being able to find a thesis advisor.
Application for admission to Honors, details about requirements, deadlines and guidelines for the Honors Program are at the Charles Center. There is funding available to support your Honors project research.
Stage 1: Junior year: Apply for admission to the Honors Program
Meet with the Director of German Studies during the fall semester of your junior year.
Submit an application to the Program Director by March 15 of the junior year. If student is studying abroad, the student should contact the Program Director and declare intent to do honors at this time.
Stage 2: Junior year: Apply for the Senior Honors Sequence (GRMN 495-496)
Follow the Charles Center's application process to apply for the Honors sequence by April 15. This application must include a description of the student's proposed study and the name of a willing thesis advisor.
If admitted, the Charles Center will enroll you in GRMN 495 for fall of the senior year, and GRMN 496 for the spring of the senior year. You should begin the research for your thesis during the summer between the junior and senior year.
Stage 3: Senior year: The thesis
Students will spend a year working with a thesis advisor on a project while enrolled in GRMN 495-496.
You may write your honors thesis in German Studies either in English or German. You are encouraged to write your thesis in German, but it is not a requirement.
In the fall of the senior year, you will give the Program Director a list of the faculty members who will serve on your examining committee. You will meet with each committee member to discuss your project. Each examining committee must consist of three or more faculty members, with representation from at least two academic departments. Any current William & Mary faculty member who is eligible to assign grades may serve on an Honors committee, including visiting and adjunct faculty.
The thesis is due by mid-April of the senior year (two weeks before the end of spring classes). You will then stand for an oral examination before the last day of spring classes. The examining committee determines the level of honors (no honors, Honors, High Honors, Highest Honors) and assigns a grade for GRMN 496. The thesis advisor also then assigns a grade for GRMN 495.
Financial support for summer research is available.
