Thesis/Terminal Project
Every Folklore Master's Degree shall culminate in either a thesis or a terminal project based on original fieldwork. The thesis/project must show evidence of original ideas within a theoretical framework. A thesis is a written document following the Graduate School guidelines, whereas a project is somewhat more flexible, but just as rigorous. The faculty evaluates each of these with the same expectation of quality. The project may take many forms, such as a film, slide show, or museum exhibition. The project must be archivable. Every master's terminal project and thesis should be presented at a public forum or defense.
• Research Proposal: the research proposal is a document submitted to a student’s research committee prior to conducting research. Students should submit a 3-4 page proposal that describes: the topic, scholarly framework, the major line of inquiry, research methods, the timeline, and objectives (e.g. thesis, film, exhibit etc.). Ideally the research proposal should be submitted by the end of the first year (especially if you plan to graduate in two years).
• Prospectus: the prospectus is a document written after research is conducted that presents a plan for the thesis or terminal project. The (8-10 page) prospectus should include a title, an explanation of the overarching line of inquiry, discussion of scholarly framework, review of the literature, methodology, schedule of work, outline, and bibliography. The purpose of the prospectus is to help you plan and organize your thesis/project and to help you and your research committee work together toward mutually agreed-upon goals. The prospectus is due, with a copy to each research committee member, at the end of Week Six two terms prior to the term you plan to graduate. A minimum of two terms work will be devoted to the thesis/project. The student's research committee will review the academic merit and potential contribution of the proposed research. The chair will notify the candidate of the results of the committee's discussion (see timeline below).
• Steps Toward Completing Thesis/Terminal Project (Folklore Program):
These are highly recommended guidelines; students should work with their research committee to determine specific guidance for their thesis/projects.
o A preliminary (but complete) draft of the thesis/project is due by end of the term before you plan to graduate, a student will discuss with committee members whether one or both members will review the first draft.
o By Week Two of the term you plan to graduate the chair, one or both research committee members must provide feedback (depending on the agreement made with the committee).
o By Week Four you will submit a revised draft to your entire research committee.
o By Week Six you and your committee will hold a feedback meeting. The research committee will provide feedback, and you will respond to inquiries about the thesis/terminal project.
o Beginning Week Eight you will submit revisions to the chair (usually the revisions are only submitted to the chair; submit to other committee members when requested to do so).
o By Week Nine the chair will provide final feedback.
o From Week Eight to Week Ten a public presentation of the thesis/project is recommended.
o At the beginning of Week Ten submit a final version of the thesis to the graduate school or terminal project to the Folklore Program.
Submitting Theses and Terminal Projects
Candidates selecting the terminal project option shall submit one copy of the completed project to the Folklore Program, where it will be kept on file. Candidates choosing the thesis option should follow instructions provided by the Graduate School. All Folklore Masters students should familiarize themselves with the Graduate School’s Master's Degree Policies & Procedures as early in their degree program as possible. http://gradschool.uoregon.edu/?page=mastersDegreeProcedures
All theses must be submitted electronically and formatted according to the Graduate School’s Style Manual. A Thesis and Dissertation Style and Policy Manual, along with other resources can be found on the Graduate School’s webpage: http://gradschool.uoregon.edu/?page=thesisDissertationResources
Use the Style and Policy Manual for templates. Concerning the abstract page use the Sample Thesis Abstract Page that only requires one signature.
Thesis and Terminal Project credits
A candidate selecting the thesis option shall obtain written permission from his/her Folklore Program research committee chair and register for a minimum of 9 credits of FLR 503, Thesis; a candidate selecting the terminal project option shall follow the same procedure and register for a minimum of 9 credits of FLR 609, Terminal Project.
TIMELINE
In accordance with published guidelines, the candidate shall apply for graduation through the Graduate School no later than the beginning of the second week of the term of anticipated graduation. All candidates must be registered for a minimum of three credit hours of graduate work during the actual term of graduation. Each candidate should check with the Folklore Program and the Graduate School at least two terms before anticipated graduation to verify that all requirements will or have been met. Students should not plan to graduate in the summer unless they have received confirmation that committee members will be available during that time (many faculty have nine month contracts are and not available during summer term).
***Check with the Graduate School for specific dates***
http://gradschool.uoregon.edu/?page=deadlinesMasters
Two terms prior to graduation:
o End of Week 6: Submit a prospectus to research committee.
o Verify that all requirements will or have been met.
One term prior to graduation:
o By end of the term: Submit a thesis/terminal project first draft to chair/research committee. Student will discuss with committee whether one or both members review the first draft.
o Petition to remove incompletes older than one year.
o Petition to transfer hours into your degree program that were completed prior to admission in a conditional or regular master’s. (This includes all graduate post-baccalaureate, non-admitted graduate, and pre- or post- master’s, etc., and/or work from another institution.)
o Request to change your current classification to a regular master standing in your major.
Term of graduation:
o By Week 2: Chair or both research committee members provide thesis/terminal project feedback to student.
o Friday Week 2: Completed degree application due. Apply for degree online at the Graduate School website.
o By Week 4: Submit revised thesis/terminal project draft to research committee.
o Friday Week 5: Last day to file two signed copies of your final abstract to the Graduate School, with the Certificate of Submission, if you're doing a Master's thesis.
o By Week 6: Committee Feedback Meeting for thesis/terminal project. Research committee provides feedback and student answers questions about thesis or terminal project.
o Beginning Week 8: Submit revisions to the chair for final approval. Usually, the revisions are only submitted to the chair; student should submit to other committee members when requested to do so.
o Week 9: Chair provides final feedback to student.
o Week 8-10: Public presentation of thesis/project (recommended, but not required).
o Tuesday Week 10: Last day to upload completed and approved thesis and submit signed forms to the Graduate School. Submit final version of terminal project to Folklore Program.
Requirement Checklist:
o Will you have a minimum of 54 graduate hours on your record plus 9 credits of FLR 503 or FLR 609?
o Will you have completed 24 graded graduate hours, and 30 credits total in residence AT THE U of O?
o Will you have completed 9 graduate hours at the 600 level?
o Will your graduate standing be classified as a REGULAR graduate this term?
o Will you have a cumulative GPA of 3.0?
o Will you be registered for at least 3 graduate hours the term you graduate?
o Will all of your requirements for the degree be completed within a 7-year period of time?
o If you are applying for an M.A., have you passed the foreign language requirement?
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