Honors in Dramatic Art

The designation of “honors” or “highest honors” is conferred on majors who complete and successfully defend an honors thesis (through Drama 691H and 692H) in scholarly or creative projects. Majors must meet the following criteria to participate in the honors program, although honors are awarded to a limited number of students:

• a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.3at the end of their junior year
• a 3.6 G.P.A. in all Drama courses
• Completion of at least 5 of the 8 core courses in the major.

It is possible to pursue honors either through a conventional written thesis or as a creative project accompanied by a written analysis; the written thesis format is encouraged. Honors projects are defined as intensive critical study of dramatic literature, acting, playwriting, directing, movement for the theatre, technology, or design.

Three-hour course registration is required in Drama 691H and Drama 692H during two subsequent semesters (six hour total); students will not be considered for the designation of “honors” or “highest honors” based on a one-semester project, nor on their body of work as a drama major. Courses used to fulfill the honors program are not applicable to the normal major requirement.

Generally, students interested in pursuing honors consult with the Head of Honors Advisor (currently Professor Gregory Kable) during the final weeks of their last semester as a junior and are expected to present a proposal that can be evaluated and approved by the end of the final exam period during their final junior semester. The proposal, usually two pages long, consists of three parts:

• A thesis statement and general commentary concerning the project and its relevance;
• The methodology to be used (such as amassing bibliography, readings, etc.);
• A preliminary timetable for completing the project during the two-semester course registration.

Students are encouraged to discuss possible projects with appropriate faculty members. The appointment of a major thesis advisor is made by the Head of Honors after considering all proposals. Course registration is made only after a proposal has been accepted and approved.

The first semester of honors work is usually spent on research and background preparation with the second semester used for preparing the thesis. Weekly meetings with the major thesis advisor, who is also responsible for assigning the two course grades, are required. Once completed the thesis must be defended before a three-person committee, consisting of the major thesis advisor, the Head of Honors (who sits on all thesis committees) and one additional faculty member from the Department of Dramatic Art. It is possible, in some circumstances, for the third committee member to be a member of the faculty in a different department at UNC-Chapel Hill. The defense should take place no later than mid-April (or early December) to comply with University guidelines for designating honors recipients. The designation most often awarded is “honors” although it is possible to pursue honors and not receive that label. “Highest honors” is awarded only in rare circumstances and then only in the case of distinguished scholarship and/or extraordinary creative activity.