History
Stephen Lazer
About this opportunity
History as a field develops many of those crucial soft skills, particularly reading, writing, analysis, and empathy skills, that are in high demand. History is also a good jumping off field for a variety of advanced studies beyond history itself, such as law, international affairs, think tanks, and museum studies. See more here: https://shprs.asu.edu/history.
Thesis
A thesis in history is almost always a semester or yearlong research project, ending with a well-supported and well-argued paper. Applicable themes, topics, length, and other requirements should be decided between the student and their thesis advisor, as these may shift on a case-by-case basis.
Academic Preparation
Students in history should take one of the historian's craft courses (HST130 or 330) as well as advanced, topical historical methods courses (HST495) before embarking on a directed thesis project (HST492). Some faculty may allow 495 and 492 to be taken concurrently.
Recommended Timeline
A thesis will generally be completed during the senior year.
Other Honors Opportunities
Contracts are created on a case-by-case basis in history. They usually require a historical research project of some sort involving student analysis of primary and secondary sources. Honors projects in history vary widely. Additional papers and directed readings of additional scholarship are common, but not the only options. As a unit, we are open to your suggestions and want to accommodate you, so reach out to your faculty member with any ideas.