Below are several frequently asked questions about the Honors Program in French, Italian or Spanish at Cornell.
How do I write an Honors Thesis if I also plan to study abroad?
French, Italian, and Spanish majors who want to write Honors Theses as seniors may study abroad as juniors, whether for one or two semesters. To make this process as easy as possible, we encourage you to discuss your plans with the Director of Undergraduate Studies as soon as possible.
When do I decide on my topic?
Many of the most successful thesis have come out of past course work that sparked curiosity, that made a student want to go further, and to revisit and revise previous work. Students should review their past course work, brainstorm freely, dream, and identify their intellectual interests and passions. Ask yourself, during the junior year: What project will nurture and sustain my interest over two semesters of independent study?
How do I find a thesis adviser?
Once you have determined where your interests lie, consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies for help in identifying faculty members who match or support your interests. Speak to them about becoming your thesis adviser. You may also choose your second reader.
Can I switch my thesis adviser once I've started work in the Honors Work?
Most working relationships between Honors candidates and their thesis advisers go well, and the learning is genial, exciting, and mutual. Many Honors students recall their tutorial as a highlight of their Cornell experience, and professors, too, typically enjoy working with intellectually engaged students on a developing thesis. However, if you realize that the shape your topic is taking calls on a different kind of expertise from the one represented by your Honors Thesis adviser, it is possible to change adviser. Consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies for advice.
What are the guidelines for the format of my Honors Thesis?
– Approximately 50 pages of text, written in the target language (that is, not English), not including endnotes and bibliography, double-spaced in 12-point type.
– Use either the MLA or Chicago manuals of style for footnotes or endnotes, quotations, internal citations, bibliographical entries, etc. Handbooks are accessible online as well as in printed form which can be purchased or used in libraries.
– Two copies of your spiral bound thesis must be handed in to the Department by the day the thesis is due. Campus Copy in the Statler, Gnomon Copy, and the FedEx Office can copy and spiral bind your thesis. It is not necessary to have a hardcover binding.
– There are no predetermined formats for the title page, dedication page, or table of contents. The undergraduate office has a number of theses written by former Honors students, which you may review.
How is my final Honors grade determined?
The thesis writing process is determined in two parts. The entire course (Honors Work I in the Fall and Honors Work II in the Spring) will give you 8 credits. Both your first and second semesters will be graded by your thesis adviser. These may be different grades from that assigned to your thesis by your adviser and second reader.
The completed Honors Thesis is read and assessed by two readers. One reader is the thesis adviser. Both readers write a report and assign a grade to the Honors Work. You will receive both of the reports.