Each department has the option to alter the requirements for Honors in the Major, as long as the stated minimums remain in effect.

Below, you will find the things you need to know about how Honors in the Major works in your department.

• The Honors in the Major project is a feature length screenplay which runs 90-120 pages, or a documentary project which requires research, pre-interviews, and a proposal which runs 50 pages or more. Other special projects would include an opportunity to develop a narrative on video (not film).
• The course you register for, for Honors Thesis credit, is FIL4975r, UnderGr.HonorsThesis.
• The Film School requires a minimum of six hours credit (occasionally we have students who take nine hours over 3 semesters).
• Up to three of these hours can count toward major elective requirements.
• The thesis will remain unfinished for one or two terms and students will receive 'I' (Incomplete) until the thesis is completed and graded.
• Film School students should be in their final year as a Film School major when beginning Honors in the Major thesis projects.
• Students are required to meet regularly with committee members.
• The timeline for Honors in the Major at the Film School usually runs as follows for those who are writing a feature-length screenplay: Semester I: research, completion of treatment, character biographies and Act I of screenplay; Semester II: completion of Act II and Act III and a complete re-write, ending with the Thesis Defense.
• Students are encouraged to make plans for Honors in the Major work in Film well in advance. Students should meet with Professor Valliere Richard to discuss the program at their earliest convenience.