Presentation Transcript

1. So, you are thinking about an Hons thesis?

   Information Session: 8th October 2013 Kathy Laster- Hons Convenor Kathy.laster@monash.edu
2. What we will cover today… Why do the thesis unit? What is a thesis? Choosing topics and supervisors The thesis unit Key dates FAQs and your questions…. http://www.law.monash.edu.au/current-students/enrolments/honours/
3. Why Do the Thesis Unit? You CAN qualify for an LLB Hons degree without doing the thesis unit BUT High achieving students should do this unit because: Research skills highly prized It is a ‘rite of passage’ Supervision/mentoring is a unique learning opportunity Important for scholarships, higher degree and point of difference 20% mark up on this unit
4. What is a ‘thesis’? Narrow “a core idea/argument” A genre of formal writing which expounds your own thesis = Hons LLB thesis 8-10,000 words Past theses are in the library – have a look....
5. How do I find a topic? What area of law do I want to work /find work in? (instrumental) What area of law do I enjoy/am passionate about? (interest based) Which member of staff do I want to get to know better/learn from more? (supervisor/learning relationship based) Look at the list we provide.... READ to work out whether which topic option is most viable AND whether you will find this interesting for a sustained period
6. How do I find a supervisor? Who have you enjoyed/learned from most as a teacher? Look at Research Profiles of staff Talk to past Hons students... Check who is away on leave... ASK...(send them a polite email with some sense of your topic/options)
7. What does the Research Unit involve? Intended to support you in your thesis work Provides a peer group to aid and assist you Unit = 3 fullish days plus Hons Conference of 2 days Orientation Day in 2ndweekish of 1st semester 2nd Day around Easter (Optional) Coffee morning at beginning of Semester 2 3rd Day mid 2nd Semester HONS Conference – last 2 days of 2nd Semester
8. The HONS Conference Obligation to attend 1 day of previous year’s Conference This year 17th & 18th October at Chambers You are the audience and helpers Introduce Michael and Georgie- current Hons students….
9. Hons Conference Roles… All prospective Honours students must attend as audience for this year’s Honours Conference….. RSVP and dietary requirements: Honours 2014 students are also needed as : Timekeepers Photographer Reception Desk 2 Runners
10. Key dates…. Applications for Hons Unit closing 29/11/13 Offers (by email) 18-19/12/13 Manual enrolment during enrolment period, ideally 20-23/12/13 Submission of Thesis proposal (supervisor agreement) 10/2/13 Confirmation of supervisor & topic -18/2/2014
11. Some FAQs You need GPA of 72 in LAW units to qualify for the Thesis unit We must be able to find a supervise for your topic (permanent staff) Apply for Hons on Application form and we advise you of outcome- then enrol with documentation Thesis proposal (short description of topic and supervisor sign off - due in February) You can be OS for part of time but with supervisor’s consent
12. More FAQs No longer a second “winter” intake- just one a year... Results for thesis unit – tend to be Distinctions and High Distinctions Generally don’t like you to change topics midstream...but lots of refining of topics along the way I am here to help (and Pauline Smith too)
13. Your questions?