HONORS IN LANGUAGES & CULTURE STUDIES
Director: Dr. Phil Kaffen (interim)
Students who are pursuing a degree in any of the majors or minors offered in the Department of Languages and Culture Studies, have the option to earn honors by completing research within the department. This research, which can be completed in English or in the target language, will have to be successfully defended. Students who write a thesis will also enhance their undergraduate experience through internships and/or study abroad credit in order to develop additional language skills.
When can I apply?
Students may apply at the beginning of their sophomore, junior or senior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
The requirements for Honors are: completion of LACS 3700 and LACS 4700 plus a study abroad program through the Office of Education Abroad, or a program-approved internship (LACS 4410).
LACS 3700: Research Methods helps students identify a topic, conduct preliminary research on the topic, and elaborate a project or thesis proposal that must be approved by the Honors Committee. This class is writing intensive. All project and thesis proposals will contain: an abstract presenting a research question, a literature review, the research design (procedure for collecting evidence), and a statement of the significance of the project.
LACS 4700: Honors Project guides a student in the final preparation of the project, which may be a traditional written thesis or may take the form of a portfolio containing a variety of elements: translations, videos, power points, photos, reflections. All projects/theses must have clearly delineated written conclusions and be presented in a public forum such as: The Charlotte Research Symposium, The Global Scholars Symposium, or a departmental forum.
To graduate with Honors, students must:
1. complete the Application to Candidacy through the Honors College.
2. complete LACS 3700 with an A OR a grade of B with endorsement of director.
3. complete a study abroad or program-approved internship experience of at least 3 hours (a spring break trip may meet this requirement).
4. complete LACS 4700 with an A.
5. present the written product of their research at an appropriate conference or public forum.
6. have a GPA in the LACS major or minor of at least 3.5.
Visit the program website for more information.
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