Graduation with Distinction: Linguistics (LINGUIST)
Procedure for selection of students
An overall GPA of 3.3 and a GPA of 3.5 in the major are required. The process for admission to the graduation with distinction program is initiated by the submission of an application form describing the research proposal to a faculty advisor by the end of the second semester of the junior year.
Expected product
The central requirement is an honors thesis prepared by the student under faculty supervision. The thesis generally consists of three to five chapters with an extensive bibliography. The use of primary materials in linguistic theory and at least one other language is required.
Evaluative body
An honors thesis committee, consisting of three members of the departmental faculty.
Evaluation procedure
Completion of the thesis, its evaluation, and its defense before the honors thesis committee warrants graduation with distinction when a grade of A- or better is assigned to the student's thesis.
Levels of distinction
Three levels: Distinction, High Distinction, and Highest Distinction. The honors thesis committee will decide whether or not to grant distinction at the appropriate level based on the quality of the completed work.
Special courses, other activities required, comments
Students have several choices in pursuing graduation with distinction. It is generally recommended that they take at least one thesis writing independent study course, LINGUISTICS 199. It is possible to take up to two semesters of 199, but neither of these courses may be counted in place of the regular major requirements.
The capstone course, LINGUISTICS 215S, is taken either during the junior or senior year. This course, offered no more than once per academic year, is generally offered in the spring semester, but on occasion may be available in the fall semester.
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