When should I start thinking about my honors thesis?

You should start thinking of a topic for your thesis during the spring semester of your junior year. You should also speak with (or e-mail) a professor who you think would be interested in sponsoring your thesis. A list of the faculty members and their research interests is available on the faculty information page. You should also contact the director of undergraduate studies before the end of the spring semester to inform him or her of your intention of pursuing an honors thesis.
In the fall of your senior year, you and your faculty supervisor will set up a working schedule so that you can complete your honors thesis before the end of your spring semester. In addition, the instructor of the honors seminar will provide you with a time-table for completing a variety of landmarks during the year to insure that you are making good progress on your thesis. When completed, you will submit a bound copy of your thesis to the director of undergraduate studies, the honors seminar instructor and to your faculty advisor to be considered for both departmental honors, as well as the Romine Prize. You will find a more complete timeline on the honors and prizes page of this website.