Students must complete CUST-5000 as well as four half-courses and a Major Research Paper. The one-credit Major Research Paper is modeled on a scholarly journal article of approximately 40-50 pages (excluding bibliography). The Major Research Paper is expected to be completed in one year (three semesters). Under special circumstances a student may be permitted to take one more semester (September to December) to complete the Major Research Paper.
Schedule
Proposal
The student and supervisor should meet as soon as possible to discuss the student’s project. Over the course of first term they should work towards developing an initial proposal of about one page plus a draft bibliography for submission to the prospective second reader. These should both be completed by late December or early January.
The proposal is designed to help you think through your research project in some depth and detail. Writing this proposal should help you develop an understanding of the critical questions involved with your topic and help you form a plan of research. A good proposal will allow your supervisor to ensure that your research is heading in a promising direction and that your goals for the MRP are manageable. It also gives your supervisor a chance to provide you with feedback on possible sources and suggest questions for you to consider as you pursue your research
Final Paper
In early August the student will submit their Major Research Paper to the supervisor(s) and second reader, who will assign it a number grade by the end of August.
Second Reader
The second reader will be appointed from faculty within the Program.
Evaluation
The Major Research Paper will be assigned a number grade based on the average grade assigned by the supervisor and second reader.