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Degree Information: Master's
Thesis |
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The thesis, as the final requirement for the completion of the M.A. degree, should demonstrate knowledge of the theories and research methodologies of the field. Each student is responsible for finding a graduate professor willing to serve as a thesis director. As a preliminary step to writing the thesis, the student submits a Thesis Proposal to his/her adviser. This consists of a one- to two-page statement on the purpose of the research project, which includes a detailed explanation of the thesis statement and the methodology; a tentative outline; and a working bibliography confirming the availability of research and/or critical materials. The form for the thesis proposal is submitted to the thesis adviser and the two readers, who may accept or reject it or meet with the student to discuss the proposal and suggest changes. Once the thesis proposal has been approved, the thesis adviser submits the thesis proposal to the Coordinator of the Graduate Program to be formally filed.
The length of the thesis should be determined by the requirements of the subject, but the usual minimum requirement is 10,000 words. A superior paper for a course may be brought to the student's thesis committee for them to evaluate whether it may be revised and expanded into an acceptable thesis.
When writing the thesis, the student must work under the supervision of the thesis director. The student and thesis adviser will jointly decide on a procedure for having the thesis read by the other members of the committee.
As the student nears completion of the thesis, he/she should follow these recommendations: Students planning to graduate in a given semester should submit an adviser-approved draft to the other committee members for reading and approval no later than November 15 for December graduation and April 15 for May graduation. Students should not expect to graduate at the end of the semester if the deadline is not met.
After the director and the readers have approved the thesis, the student will hand the original plus two copies, all bound, to the Department. The original will be the copy with the original signed title page. They should be of letter-quality (typewritten, computer-generated or word-processed) printing and good quality photocopies. The thesis must be handed in on time for the Department to process the graduation papers.
The thesis is awarded a Bueno (PB), Notable (PN), or Sobresaliente (PS) as a final grade in ENGL 6895.
Once again, we wish to draw the student's attention to the rather strict time limits now in force for completion of the degree.
See Appendix D of the M.A. & PhD Programs Student Manual for a guide to important dates.
Policy on Student Progress in ENGL 6895-6896 Thesis
Students can enroll in ENGL 6895-96 for a maximum of four semesters, one semester of ENGL 6895 and a maximum of three of ENGL 6896. Thus, students must write their thesis proposal and complete the thesis in no more than four semesters of ENGL 6895-96. (Appeals for extensions beyond four semesters must be addressed to the Graduate Steering Committee.)
Students who enroll in ENGL 6895 are expected to work on their thesis proposal. In order to enroll in ENGL 6896, students must have an approved thesis proposal on file. A student will receive a grade of I-NP (Incomplete, No Pass) in ENGL 6895 until the thesis is completed with a final grade of PB, PN or PS.
Students who enroll in ENGL 6896 are expected to work on their thesis and complete it in no more than a total of three semesters.
In order to enroll in ENGL 6895-96 a student must have the written approval of his/her adviser (the professor in whose section he/she is enrolling) and of the Graduate Coordinator or the person representing the Coordinator during the registration period.
ENGL 6900 - Comprehensive Examination is a required course that allows a student studying for his/her degree examination, but not enrolled in any other course, to enjoy all the privileges of a regular graduate student. (Students can no longer enroll in ENGL 6895 - Thesis to prepare for and take their comprehensive examination.) Enrollment in ENGL 6895/6896 is contingent upon having passed ENGL 6900 - Comprehensive Examination.
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