Students are encouraged to explore possible topics in the junior year. The best way to do this is to discuss potential areas of interest or specific topics with individual faculty members. We strongly recommend that the student and supervising faculty member agree on a topic before the student leaves for the summer. The written project description must be submitted to the Committee no later than the end of the first week of the first semester of the senior year. The proposal should include specific and detailed discussion of the project's purpose, references to related studies, and the expected methodology.
Proposals are normally three to five pages in length.
The designation High Honors indicates original work that has been particularly well done for a senior in economics. The designation Highest Honors is reserved for a particularly original contribution that has the potential for publication. If you are a junior trying to decide whether or not to pursue honors, or if you would like to pursue an independent research project, please consider enrolling in this class. If you are a senior planning to go to graduate school in economics, you also should talk with a faculty member about the possibility of taking the class. If the student does not receive this by the end of the first semester, he or she should request a copy from the College Archivist.