When reviewing the following resources, students may find it beneficial to consult the Registrar's Academic Calendar for important related deadlines and registration dates.
Find Resources for Current ICers
Course Registration
Your IC course plan cannot change unless you formally request changes. Speak with your IC advisor first, then Peggy Chang, to determine if your requested change(s) is feasible/allowable. Then, fill out the IC Course Plan Change form listed below by the Friday before the end of Shopping Period. Dean Chang will review your request in the form and notify you and your advisor before the end of Shopping Period.
Senior Thesis/Capstone Requirements
All Independent Concentrators must complete a final project in their senior year that ties together the central themes, questions, and methods of the concentration. Many students choose to complete a 1-semester capstone project; some capstones can take place for two semesters. Those who meet the eligibility requirements for honors may consider completing a 2-semester Honors Thesis instead. See below for information about both options.
All ICers present their capstone or thesis projects in their last semester before graduation, either in December or in the spring at the Theories in Action symposium.
- IC Honors and Capstone Overview (updated Spring 2023)
- IC Honors Guidelines with sample Title Page and "Senior Thesis Proposal Form" at the end of the document (updated Fall 2024)
- For Thesis Advisors only: IC Honors-Advisor Report [make a copy of the Google doc] (updated Spring 2023)
- IC Capstone Proposal Form [Google form]
Doing Research
- Discretionary funding for concentrators - UFunds
- Subject Experts at the Brown Libraries.
- "Does My Project Need IRB Approval?"
- Brown Library Digital Thesis Repository
Presenting Your Work
- Make an e-portfolio using the Digication app from Brown's app suite.
- In May, present at Theories in Action.
Deadlines Overview
May Graduates | December Completers | |
---|---|---|
Friday before end of Shopping Period, Sept. 13 | Requested Course Plan Changes due via the IC Course Plan Change Form | |
Third Friday of September/fall semester, Sept. 20 | Capstone description or Honors Thesis Proposal due to Peggy Chang | |
November 15 | First full draft of Thesis due to committee | |
December 15 | First chapter of Thesis due to committee and Peggy Chang | Final version of Thesis due to committee and Peggy Chang |
Friday before end of Shopping Period, Feb. 7 | Requested Course Plan Changes due via the IC Course Plan Change Form | |
February 14 | Capstone description or Honors Thesis Proposal due to Peggy Chang | |
March 15 | First full draft of Thesis due to committee | |
April 15 | Final version of Thesis due to committee and Peggy Chang | |
April 30 | IC Thesis Committee IC Honors-Advisor Report due to Peggy Chang | |
May 2 | IC DUS Recommendation for Honors due to the Registrar (no exceptions) | |
End of April - early May | Seniors present their capstone/thesis during the Theories in Action symposium | |
May 15 | First chapter of Thesis due to committee and Peggy Chang |