English majors usually write senior theses in literary or cultural criticism. By special application, the department may approve theses partly in other genres (poetry, fiction) or media (film, photography, podcast, etc.). A substantial critical essay (usually 30-40 pages) must accompany the submission.

We will evaluate applications on the strength of their ideas and your preparation to develop them. (That is, you should not apply to make a film if you have no experience or coursework in filmmaking.) The plan you submit is not binding — if your direction has changed by September, you are not bound to follow it — but if it is approved, we will use it to pair you with an advisor who can respond to your work in an informed and rigorous way, and to help arrange outside co-advising as relevant. The student, the adviser, and the director of undergraduate studies in the fall of the senior year will determine the specific requirements in the different formats. 

If you are interested in applying to write an alternative thesis, please complete the application form, compile a 2-3 page prospectus with a relevant writing sample, and submit the documents via email to Lauren Romano.