Bachelor [History] From Wellesley College

As a study of change in human society over time it lies at the foundations of knowledge in both the humanities and the social sciences, offering its own approaches to questions explored in both branches of learning. The study of history prepares students for a wide range of careers that require broad knowledge of the human experience as well as critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Most of the major geographical fields in history as well as the sub-disciplines of social, cultural, political, and economic history are represented in our course offerings and in the research and intellectual interests of the faculty.

Furthermore, each year a small number of outstanding students choose to undertake honors work in History. Candidates for honors in History build upon the knowledge learned and skills developed in their previous coursework by crafting their own interpretations of the past. This experience can be richly rewarding: it offers students an opportunity to work closely with a faculty adviser, to think deeply about a significant intellectual problem of their own choosing, and to grow as a researcher, writer, and thinker. However, writing a successful honors thesis requires planning, hard work, and great dedication. Rising seniors should think carefully before choosing this path.

Students who wish to undertake honors work must apply during the spring semester of their junior year. Those accepted to the honors program (360) are strongly encouraged to complete a part of their research during the summer before the senior year. Doing so increases the time that can be devoted to writing during the academic year and makes the entire process both less stressful and more rewarding. Candidates needing to travel in order to complete their research should investigate funding options as soon as possible.

Additional requirements include: formal presentation of the research topic during a lunch meeting early in the fall semester; presentation of an outline and progress report during reading period of the fall semester; submission of work-in-progress on the first day of spring semester classes; attendance at an occasional colloquium for thesis writers during February and March; submission of the completed thesis by the campus-wide deadline in April; and an oral examination on the subject of the thesis during the reading period of the spring semester.