Senior Thesis Honors Program
In the Spring quarter of junior year, Religious Studies majors who have demonstrated academic excellence and maintained a GPA of 3.5 or above in the major may seek approval from a faculty member, in consultation with the Honors Coordinator, to undertake a senior Honors Research Project (HRP). With permission, the student becomes a candidate for graduating from Northwestern University with Honors, and for potential induction into the Theta Alpha Kappa (TAK) National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology. The rank of Honors is contingent on successful honors project completion, review and approval by the department Faculty Honors Review Committee, and final approval by WCAS.
Note: In years with more than five senior Honors candidates, the department offers a two-term senior research and writing seminar (REL 396 A & B) in fall and winter, led by a designated faculty member (typically the Honors Coordinator). In years with fewer than five candidates, students instead register for REL 399 (Independent Study) with their faculty advisor, allowing time for research, writing, and regular advising. Final projects are typically due submitted to the Faculty Honors Review Committee by the end of April.
Spring Quarter (Junior Year)
- Meet with a prospective thesis advisor to discuss your project idea and request their mentorship as your HRP advisor. If the faculty agrees to advise your project, email the Honors Coordinator to propose your project and cc: your thesis advisor.
- In winter term, you may wish to discuss with your advisor applying for a Summer Undergraduate Research Grant (due around March 15 - check this date) or other funding through the Office of Undergraduate Research. Your advisor must approve and support your application.
- Discuss research methodology with your advisor—how you’ll gather, analyze, and present your material.
- Decide on the format your project will take (see options below).
- Create a summer research plan with your advisor. Identify key reading/viewing materials and an appropriate timetable.
Thesis Format Options
Students may choose from one of the following primary formats for their Honors Research Project, in consultation with their faculty advisor and the Honors Coordinator:
- An Extended Research Paper (30–50 pages): A substantial written work that includes a literature review, three core analytical sections, and a full bibliography. This option allows for in-depth exploration of a major research question and is especially well-suited to students considering graduate study in the humanities or social sciences.
- A Publishable Academic Journal Article (25–30 pages / 8,000–12,000 words): A focused, scholarly paper written in the style of a peer-reviewed journal article—suitable for academic publication and/or use as a graduate school writing sample. Students pursuing this option should consult with their advisor about appropriate journals and follow the chosen outlet’s style and submission guidelines.
Students interested in pursuing an alternative format—such as a podcast series, long-form journalistic feature, documentary film, design project, or another creative or interdisciplinary project—should consult with the Honors Coordinator early in the planning process. These projects must demonstrate equivalent levels of research depth, analytical rigor, and critical engagement.
In such cases, students must work with a primary advisor in the Religious Studies department and also arrange for a faculty consultant with expertise in the relevant medium (e.g., journalism, filmmaking, digital design, etc.). The consultant will provide guidance throughout the project’s design and execution and will participate in the final review process for honors alongside the Religious Studies Faculty Honors Review Committee.
Fall Quarter (Senior Year)
- Formulate a compelling research question or problem connected to a religious phenomenon (text, event, ritual, performance, object, philosophy, sociological trend, or intersection with politics, law, medicine, media, gender, race, class, sexuality, etc.).
- Compile a substantial bibliography.
- Read/view your project’s primary and secondary sources.
- Organize research notes using a clearly labeled file system; code notes by section for easy reference.
- Meet regularly with your advisor to discuss research, organization, and framing.
- Draft and revise your thesis statement and outline (consider writing a sentence outline for clarity and flow). Begin drafting your introduction and map out body sections.
- Project timelines vary by format—e.g., podcasters should aim to have 1–2 episodes drafted by the end of fall quarter. Confirm expectations with your advisor.
Winter Quarter (Senior Year)
- Complete the body sections and conclusion of your project—whether in written, audio, video, or digital format.
- Submit a full draft to your advisor by March 1 for detailed feedback.
- Advisors will return edits by the final week of March.
- Revise and submit your final project to the Honors Coordinator by the end of April for Faculty Honors Committee review.
In Spring Quarter, the department may nominate for WCAS Honors those students whose projects are of exceptional quality, approved by the faculty review committee, and who have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major.
Questions?
Contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Honors Coordinator, Professor Sarah Taylor (“Dr. T”), for guidance at any stage of this process.