Unlike most classes, the thesis project is largely self-paced, requiring discipline and steady commitment. Students often find it helpful to create stages in the writing of the thesis, discrete steps that allow for steady development of the project and regular feedback from the faculty advisor. The faculty advisor should provide direction at each step, but, once again, the student is responsible for submitting completed research and writing.

The following is a suggested sequence for completing the thesis, but the exact order and structure should be agreed by each faculty advisor and student.

1. Prospectus: Each thesis begins with a prospectus, a detailed description of your research project that includes a plan of action. The prospectus is a blueprint of and justification for your project. It should contain a working title, a brief introduction of your topic, a presentation of your thesis (i.e., your argument, or the central questions that you will attempt to answer), an explanation of the significance of the project, a brief discussion of what has been written about the topic, a tentative outline, and a preliminary bibliography.
2. Annotated Bibliography: This extensive bibliography requires a brief review of the most important sources. Consult librarians about search methods and bibliographical tools. Once you identify likely sources, you will evaluate the value of each source to your project through a cursory overview of each source and a description of its contribution to your research; that is, an annotation of each source.
3. Research Methodology: At this point you will need to describe your research design and methods. How will you conduct your research? What kinds of sources will you use? If primary sources are available, what are the problems or limitations with using them? Justify your research approach and how and why you chose your sources. Finally, discuss any potential methodological problems that you foresee.
4. Outline: Break down the thesis into chapters or parts and organize your argument and the evidence that will support it.
5. Drafts of Chapters: For issues of formatting and style, consult a manual, such as The Chicago Manual of Style. The International Studies Program does not require a specific format, but each thesis must be internally consistent. Please consult with your faculty advisor for style preference.
6. A rough draft should be submitted well in advance of the due date to the faculty advisor. 

Formatting Information

• ISP does not require a specific format, however each thesis must be internally consistent.  Please consult your faculty advisor for style preference.

Winter 2024 Deadline: Thursday, March 21, 2024

The following must be turned in by 4:00 pm on March 21 to isp@ucsd.edu:

• 1 Electronic Copy with your full lived name
• 1 Electronic Copy with your lived name and all identifying information removed

Late Submission: Theses turned in after 4:00 p.m. will have their grades reduced by 0.5 points for every 24-hour period (e.g. a thesis turned in at 12:00 pm on Tuesday of finals week will receive a 0.5 point reduction).

The thesis grade and level of honors will be determined by two independent faculty members assigned by ISP.  These faculty members will assign a grade to the thesis on a 4-point scale and the thesis grade and level of honors is determined by averaging both grades.  The faculty advisor will only assign a grade for INTL 196H, not for the thesis.

Thesis Grading Scale

• Highest Distinction (A+): 4.0 - 3.9
• High Distinction (A): 3.8 - 3.7
• Distinction (A-): 3.6 - 3.5
• No Distinction (B+ and below): 3.4 and below

Note: A third reader will be obtained if there is a discrepancy of 4 points or more between the two graders (i.e. 3.4 to 3.8).

To receive honors in International Studies, students must earn an appropriate thesis grade as well as meet the requirements detailed in “Honors Criteria”.

To receive honors in International Studies, students must complete all requirements for the major:

• Attain an exit GPA of 3.5 in courses in the International Studies major (INTL 101, 102, disciplinary focus, and interdisciplinary elective courses). The exit GPA includes all coursework through winter quarter of senior year including INTL 190H and INTL 196H.
• Receive a thesis grade of A- or better.
• Each student whose honor thesis earns a grade of A- shall be entitled to the designation "with distinction."
• Each student whose honors thesis earns a grade of an A shall be entitled to the designation "with high distinction."
• Each student whose honors thesis earns a grade of an A+ shall be entitled to the designation "with highest distinction."