Can I use a previous paper I've written? Your thesis can build upon work you have done elsewhere. However, the BA thesis should be an original paper. You cannot double count a paper you have written for another course (this also means that you cannot just extend a paper written for another course). Whatever is being used from previous work should be disclosed and cited as such in the thesis. Please note that failure to do so will be considered a violation of academic integrity (i.e., plagiarism). It should be clear that the BA thesis develops new insights that are distinct from those developed in previous work. Keep in mind that the BA thesis should be structured around the analysis of primary research. Given that most of the papers you have written are based on secondary data, it is likely that papers you have written for other courses would be primarily useful for background, and for helping to develop your research question. If you are considering building on work done for another class, please consult your preceptor.
Am I required to link my area of specialization to my BA thesis topic? The area of specialization is best used as a foundation for your BA thesis research, but this relationship is not required.
Are second readers required for Public Policy honors BA theses? No. A second reader/faculty adviser is beneficial for providing additional support for your BA thesis work, but they are not required to receive honors for your BA paper. Note: All Public Policy BA papers are eligible for honors whether or not students work with a second reader. Students have successfully graduated with special honors in Public Policy without having a 2nd reader/faculty adviser. Students having second readers are required to complete the Second Reader Information and Confirmation form.
Who can serve as a second reader/faculty reader for the Public Policy BA paper? All University of Chicago Faculty Harper-Schmidt Collegiate Assistant Professors University of Chicago Lecturers University of Chicago Graduate Students (approved on a case by case basis) Faculty from other colleges or universities (approved on a case by case basis)
Who evaluates my BA thesis? Your BA paper is read by your preceptor and your second reader/faculty adviser who evaluates your paper as 1) acceptable; 2) not acceptable: or 3) acceptable with an honors recommendation.
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