The senior thesis (498-499) is a year-long project in which students complete a substantial piece of scholarship under the supervision of a faculty member. The fall course (498) structures the first stages of this research in accordance with department milestones: 1) a 1000-word prospectus with bibliography, due before Fall Recess, followed by an informal oral defense, and 2) a chapter draft (ca. 15 pages) due at the end of scheduled classes. Students will be guided towards these goals by regular meetings with their faculty adviser. Written work will be evaluated solely as evidence of progress towards completion of the thesis.