In order to graduate with a BA degree, all students in the Faculty of Humanities are required to research and write a research paper HUMN3099 Caribbean Studies (the equivalent of two semester-long courses and worth 6 credits) in the area of their major during their final year of study. All topics proposed by majors in Literatures in English must be cleared with the Coordinator of Literatures in English. Sometimes, students may request to take two approved substitutes in lieu of HUMN3099.
FIRST:
Students should obtain a copy of both the Faculty Guidelines on Essay Writing and the HUMN3099 Caribbean Studies Guidelines available from the Faculty Office. It should be noted that the Study is an academic research paper and is assessed according to the strict standards of presentation laid down by the Modern Language Association in The MLA Handbook and summarised in the Faculty Guidelines.
SECOND:
Students should come up with a topic. In order to ensure that the proposed topic is original, students should consult the list of Caribbean Studies done in previous years available at the circulation desk in the Main Library.
THIRD:
Students should determine whether the materials for the study, or a substantial part thereof, are available either in the Main Library here at Cave Hill or elsewhere locally or regionally. If they are not, students must come up with another topic.
FOURTH:
Students should write a proposal that will serve as a descriptive prospectus of the research to be undertaken. The proposal, which should be type-written and at least one (1) page in length (double-spaced, excluding bibliography), should include the following information:
- the working title of the study which may be subject to further revision or exact specification as your research proceeds. However, even at this stage, the goal should be to describe your project as clearly and as accurately as possible.
- a definition of the subject. This should include a statement of the specific issue or 'thesis' to be investigated.
- a tentative list of the divisions, phases or chapters into which the thesis will fall so far as the candidate can see them at this stage of his/her work.
- a selective bibliography (which should follow the guidelines prescribed by the MLA HANDBOOK and the Faculty Guidelines on Essay-Writing). The bibliography should list the: primary sources (authors, texts, editions, etc.);
- chief secondary sources which bear most closely upon the subject.
FIFTH:
The proposal should be formally submitted by September 30 of the academic year in question to one of the secretaries in the departmental office who will pass it on for review to the Coordinator of Literatures in English. Notices will be posted on the departmental notice-board(s) as follows:
- whether the proposal has been accepted as is or whether modifications are necessary. Any necessary revisions should be made promptly;
- the name of the supervisor appointed.
- If your name does not appear on the list, it is your responsibility to follow this up by enquiring from the secretaries.
SIXTH:
Students should collect, fill in and formally submit the HUMN3099 registration form available in the Faculty Office by October 31 of the year in question.
Students should note that the deadline for the submission of the finished product is mid to late April of the following year (please obtain the precise deadline from the Faculty Office). This is a firm deadline which is extended only in very rare circumstances and with the permission of the supervisor.
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