Thesis format
The Department of Anthropology considers a range of formats for Honors Thesis Projects, including, but not limited to, scholarly literature reviews of a single or multiple topic(s), projects that use theory to test scientific hypotheses, collaborative research projects whereby the honors student is individually responsible for submitting their own scholarly write-up of the collaborative work, and creative scholarly products such as museum exhibits or videos/documentaries of high production value of an Anthropological nature. Additional formats will be considered given the range of student interests and relevant faculty expertise. Given the wide range of possibilities that Honors Thesis Projects can take, we have no formal recommendation regarding their length. For examples of successfully completed Honor's Theses, students should consult the following website: https://campusguides.lib.utah.edu/c.php?
Who is eligible to be a faculty thesis mentor?
The Department of Anthropology recommends that Honors Students from the Department of Anthropology consider Anthropology Faculty as primary mentors; however, given the size of the Department (and relevant faculty expertise), students may seek permission to select faculty mentors from outside the Department of Anthropology on a case-by-case basis. The Department of Anthropology recommends that students identify a mentor before the end of their Junior year.
Are collaborative theses permitted?
A collaborative thesis is one where an Honors student works with one or more collaborators on the thesis.
The Department of Anthropology permits collaborative theses. The honors student is individually responsible for submitting their own scholarly write-up of the collaborative work and must document author contributions. Futhermore, the student must include a reflection statement at the beginning of the thesis.
Are joint theses permitted?
A joint thesis is a single thesis that satisfies the requirements of multiple majors.
Joint theses are permitted, but this is conditioned on the student leveraging knowledge, methods, and/ortheory gained from each major.
How does the Honors Thesis relate to other aspects of the major (e.g., a Capstone Project)? What departmental coursework supports the thesis?
In the Department of Anthropology, the Honors Thesis can be completed while pursuing allied educational opportunities, including, Independent Research (ANTH 4950), Anthropology Capstone (ANTH 5500), and/or through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP).
Additional information for students
Students should take note of the following: 1) while Honors Thesis credit hours in Department of Anthropology are administered through the Departmental Honors Thesis Liaison, for all practical purposes, their Honors Thesis Mentor will be responsible for structuring the learning environment and providing a grade recommendation to the Honors Faculty Liaison, and 2) students should enroll in Honors Thesis credit hours when they are ready to perform research and/or write-up their Honors Thesis Project. In all likelihood, students will enroll in Honors Thesis credit hours during the student's Senior year as they prepare their Honors Thesis Project.