Honors in Romance Languages and Literatures

The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures recognizes students’ high achievement and honors-level scholarly work and accomplishments. Top students may earn degrees with designations of honors or high honors.

Honors Designation

Colgate University commencement ceremony

Students who wish to earn an honors designation upon graduation must meet the following requirements:

  • Attain an overall GPA of 3.0
  • Attain an average in all major courses of 3.3
  • Receive a minimum grade of A- on an honors paper in an honors seminar during senior year

To pursue an honors designation, students must select an adviser and a topic for an honors paper, then enroll in FREN 490 Honors or SPAN 490 Honors during either the fall or spring semester of senior year. During this honors seminar, students will write a paper of significant length and depth on their chosen topics. The expected length of an honors paper is established by the adviser in consultation with the department chair.

High Honors Designation

Students who wish to earn a high honors designation upon graduation must meet the following requirements:

  • Attain an overall GPA of 3.0
  • Attain an average in all major courses of 3.7
  • Research, write, and defend a thesis during senior year, receiving a minimum grade of A

To pursue a high honors designation, students must first select an adviser and a topic for a thesis. During the first semester of senior year, students must register for FREN 491 Independent Study or SPAN 491 Independent Study. During this independent study, students will gather research, compile a bibliography, and begin preparing their thesis. During the second semester of senior year, students must enroll in FREN 490 Honors or SPAN 490 Honors to complete the thesis.

Students final theses will serve as the basis for an oral examination by three or more members of the faculty. The quality of the thesis and of the oral defense determines whether the student receives high honors (A or higher), honors (A-), or simply a letter grade. The expected length of a high honors thesis is established by the adviser in consultation with the department chair.

Honors Course Credit

Students pursuing honors or high honors who register for FREN 490 or SPAN 490 must do so in addition to the minimum major requirements.