Professor: Lindsay Hinkle and Brian McWhorter
2 credits
Thesis Orientation is two-credit class (graded pass/no pass) that introduces CHC students to the thesis process. The CHC thesis is the culmination of work in a major—a natural outgrowth from and expression of the ideas, problems, and approaches taught in that particular discipline or field of study. It creatively applies the methods of the discipline and tests students' power and limits, reflecting dialogue, common work, and apprenticeship with faculty members in their specialized fields of interest. This course focuses on introducing the thesis process and provides an overview of the steps you can take now to position yourself to have a rewarding thesis experience. We will examine why the CHC asks you to write a thesis and consider the types of skills and capabilities you can gain from conducting thesis research. You will be asked to explore undergraduate research in your discipline or field of study, and to think about topics on which you might like to focus. We will examine the nuts and bolts of thesis requirements and position you to identify and recruit a primary thesis advisor in your major or field of study. By the end of this course, you will have a plan in place and clear next steps for advancing in the thesis process.
Trying to decide whether to take HC 277H in Fall 2026? The best timing for HC 277H depends on your graduation timeline, your major, and your goals for the thesis.
Fall 2026 may be good timing for you to take HC 277H if you will be any of the following at that time:
- a third-year student
- a second-year science major who is interested in joining a laboratory
- a second-year student who is on track to graduate in three years
- a second-year student who has already taken upper division coursework in their major
Students who are Exploring majors or have just declared their major should typically wait to take the class until they have more experience in their major.
Questions about when to take HC 277H? Reach out to your CHC advisor to discuss your individual circumstances.