A Guide to Writing a Senior Thesis in Sociology - WJH Home Page ...

Before You Begin. . .
Choosing to Write a Thesis
What is a Sociology Senior Thesis?
A senior thesis is an original research project undertaken during one’s senior year at
Harvard College. The thesis project requires research into the theories and past research
relevant to the project, analysis of data, either original or existing, and a written final
product. The thesis should be a project that can be feasibly completed in 7-10 months.
Generally, a thesis is about 60 to 100 pages, but there is no minimum or maximum.
Senior Sociology concentrators are not required to write a thesis. A thesis is required
for those students who wish to graduate with honors in Sociology.
Why Should I Write A Senior Thesis?
The decision to write a thesis should be taken seriously. You should consider what
benefits you personally will get from the process. About half of Sociology concentrators
choose to write a thesis; writing a thesis is not the best plan for everyone.
Good Reasons to Write a Thesis
• Intellectual excitement about an idea and the desire for an intense academic experience
that caps off your academic program. The thesis is a “capstone” experience that allows you a
great deal of freedom to explore a topic you care about and to build an area of expertise and wis-
dom. You can spend a whole academic year answering a question you think is important and in-
triguing. You have the opportunity to make an original contribution to knowledge. Many students
report that writing a thesis is the most intrinsically satisfying part of their college experience.
• Close contact with a faculty member. You and your thesis adviser will meet often (ideally
weekly or semi-weekly) for an entire academic year. You and your adviser will get to know each
other well and will develop a strong mutual interest in the outcome of your thesis. The undivided
attention of your adviser and your working relationship with him or her can be one of your best
learning experiences.
• Career preparation. If you are considering graduate school in sociology or the social sciences,
humanities, or even the sciences, we encourage you to write a thesis. The experience of writing a
thesis is the closest you can come as an undergraduate to understanding what advanced gradu-
ate study will look like. Writing a thesis provides you with the opportunity to test and hone your
skills as an independent researcher—and to make sure that you like the process of independent
research! It is a good way to gain some self knowledge. If you do not like key aspects of writing
your thesis (independent research, the writing process, intellectual debate and stimulation) you
will likely not enjoy writing a dissertation. Alternatively, many people who had not considered
graduate school found the thesis writing process so appealing they changed their future plans.
part one
A Guide to Writing a Senior Thesis in Sociology | page 3