Sample Senior Year Schedule
Please note that this is just one example of what a schedule might look like. Students and advisors should, of course, work out a timetable that best suits them. In general, students usually concentrate on the research during the first semester and writing during the second semester. Notice, however, that the schedule below asks students to do some writing in the first semester rather than leaving it all until late in the second semester.
September
- Meet with advisor. Go over prospectus. Have advisor suggest additional secondary sources.
- Submit focused review essay (six to eight pages) on how secondary sources treat your topic (i.e. a reworking of that part of your thesis proposal). Also submit a revised bibliography of secondary sources.
October
- Submit a tentative outline of each chapter. Identify issues to be examined and primary sources to be consulted
- Submit detailed outline of first chapter with bibliography of primary and secondary sources.
November
- Submit detailed outline of second chapter with bibliography
December
- Submit detailed outline of third chapter.
- Submit a “state of the thesis” report (i.e. what you've accomplished over the semester and what, if anything, you need to do before beginning writing).
- Advisor submits a progress report regarding the work done thus far.
February
- Submit drafts of 1st and 2nd chapters
March
- Submit drafts of 3rd chapter, conclusion, and introduction
April
- Submit revised thesis
- Submit final, polished version for signature of advisor and reader (third week)
- Submit bound and signed thesis to AmCiv Department (fourth week)
- Concentration Advisor submits a written evaluation of thesis to AmCiv Department and the Registrar (fourth week)