Announcing the 2022-23 English Honors Program Thesis Proposal Workshop

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Dear English majors, 

I write as the Director of the English Department’s Honors Program, to invite you to this year’s Honors Proposal Workshop next Friday, February 25, 3:30-5:00 p.m., in the English Department Conference Room (311 New North).  If the English Honors Program sounds intriguing and you would like to learn more, and especially if you are considering applying to the Honors Program this spring: this workshop is designed for you!  Hear about inspiring Honors projects from current English Honors students, learn about the Program and application process, and get all the information you will need to write a successful Honors Proposal. 

This is a hands-on workshop where potential Honors applicants get a chance to work with current English Honors Program students on developing their proposals. I will make a short presentation, but most of the session will be a workshop about how to generate and identify potential thesis topics, and how to move from abstract idea to concrete, successful Honors proposal.  

You will find much useful information about the Honors Program, including details about the application process, by visiting the Honors Program website page.  On the drop-down menu, take a look especially at the “How to Apply” page (which includes links to some successful proposals) and also at the list of thesis titles from the past seven years (“Honors Projects”); these can help you start to generate ideas.  Completed applications are due this year on Friday, March 18.  The project proposal is the centerpiece of the Honors Program application—so the Proposal Workshop is a great opportunity to receive guidance and feedback to help you develop the strongest possible proposal. 

Also: if you have questions about the Program, or are interested in Honors but are having difficulty starting to identify a potential thesis topic, I am holding special Honors Program Office Hours on Wed. Feb. 9, 3:30-5:00, and Thursday Feb 24, 3:30-5, over Zoom.  Talking with an English professor from a current class—or from a previous class that covered material or presented ideas that you found especially interesting or compelling–can also help you zero in on potential topics.

Please feel free to reach out if you have questions.  I look forward to seeing you on February 25!

Professor Lori Merish