Thesis Pathways
Students have a choice of three different thesis pathways. All three pathways will require an introduction, a robust review of the literature, a detailed description of the methodology, and a conclusion. The thesis chair, in partnership with the thesis committee, will provide guidance to each student to the completion of the thesis. In each pathway, students will be required to demonstrate both their engagement of the discipline and their contribution to the discipline. All pathways require a proposal defense with the format determined by the committee. Each pathway is described briefly below.
Traditional Thesis Pathway (TTP)
Students choosing the TTP will design and complete a traditional academic research project. In addition to the requirements listed above students will analyze the results of their research within the pertinent theory, conceptual foundation, and extant literature. The final thesis should also address how the project fits within or challenges current scholarly discourses. The traditional thesis is a rigorous research paper (approximately 100 pages typed and double-spaced) on a focused topic that informs the body of literature in Africana Studies. Students may find it useful to examine M.A. theses that are available in the university library.
Creative Thesis Pathway (CTP)
Students choosing the CTP will complete a creative project. The creative project itself will represent the research. In addition to the requirements listed above students will analyze the results of their research within the pertinent theory, conceptual foundation, and extant literature. The final thesis should also address how the project fits within or challenges current scholarly discourses and/or pertinent creative domain(s).
Practicum Thesis Pathway (PTP)
Students choosing the PTP will complete a practicum project in the field. Examples include internships, extended service-learning, and other field-based activities. The practicum project itself will represent the research. In addition to the requirements listed above students will analyze the results of their research within the pertinent theory, conceptual foundation, and extant literature. The final thesis should also address how the project fits within or challenges current scholarly discourses and/or pertinent phenomena facing the African diaspora.
Non-Thesis Pathway
Students who choose the non-thesis track must complete an annotated bibliography supervised by a faculty member and subsequent committee. The Africana list of books and articles should be submitted by January 15 and the annotated bibliography is due by March 15 of the year the student plans to graduate. The list of literature and the subsequent annotated bibliography should address the value of Africana knowledges in relation to the student’s future vocational goals and as learned in their courses, drawing on (and citing) readings assigned in those courses. Annotated bibliographies will be read by the committee and must be deemed satisfactory by the faculty.
Graduate Assistant Requirements
Graduate assistants are required to enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours each for the fall/spring semesters and 9 credit hours for the summer semester. These credit hours will consist of courses required for the prescribed program of study, as well as additional hours of AAS 8999 and/or AAS 8980 .