The thesis is a substantial work that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in a particular area of interest. (Copies of previous graduate students’ theses can be found on the fifth floor of the HBLL (call no. PN 29.02) and in room 4073 JKHB, Faculty Conference Room.)
You should choose a thesis topic as early as possible in your graduate studies, since the subject matter should stem from course work. The thesis requirement may be filled by a thesis on a topic demanding research and analysis. Discussing possible thesis topics with the Graduate Advisor and the chair of your Thesis Advisory Committee is especially important: your thesis topic can be approved only if your research can be supported and guided by the resources of the library and the expertise of the faculty.
As of October 1997, the university has new guidelines for submitting theses, dissertations, and projects. PLEASE READ THESE CAREFULLY. The thesis is its final form (typically between 60 to 100 pages) must adhere to the Office of Graduate Studies requirements (see “Guidelines for Submitting Theses, Projects, and Dissertations”) and the MLA Handbook, 3rd ed. Also included in this handbook are word processing hints.
The thesis can be written in German or English. Please note, however, that punctuation in German is different from English writing. See the pages from the Chicago Manual of Style for some of the differences. However, if you are using German quotes even when they are quite extensive and the body of the text is in English, use English punctuation throughout. You need to be consistent throughout the thesis.
If you cannot find the answer to formatting or style problems in the MLA Handbook, a copy of the Chicago Manual of Style is available in the department office as a reference.
After the thesis has been completed to the satisfaction of the committee in every detail, one copy is given to the graduate coordinator to check for format. After approval, one copy of the thesis is placed in the department office, one is given to the graduate coordinator, and one is given to the oral committee chair. A Thesis Defense Release Form, signed by the thesis advisor and a second reader, allows the Department Graduate Secretary to start the scheduling process for the thesis defense. The thesis defense is scheduled for two weeks after the copies have been approved by the persons designated above. (See more information on this under Orals.)
After successfully completing the oral examination, the thesis will be corrected based on suggestions made by the committee. When corrections have been completed and checked by your Thesis Committee Chair, four or more copies should be copied onto 20 lb bond paper, at least 25% paper. (See “Minimum Standards for Submitting Theses, Projects, and Dissertations.” Check with graduate advisor or departmental secretary for a copy).
An example of Form 8d which you use to submit copies of the thesis may be found at the end of this handbook. Please refer to this form for further instructions. [NB: The signatures on the Acceptance Page should be originals, not photocopies of signatures.]
Students must take six (6) thesis hours before being graduated. Since they must be enrolled for two thesis hours during the semester in which they defend their thesis, it is advisable for them to “reserve” two thesis hours of credit for the final semester.