Information Sheet for

MATHEMATICS-ECONOMICS PROGRAM HONORS

(2007-2008)

Criteria for evaluating a mathematics-economics honors candidate are three-fold:

            1.         Performance in course work in the major

            2.         A written piece of research

            3.         An oral presentation of the candidate’s research.

Although no rules have been established by the Interdepartmental Program Committee (IPC) for determining the relative weights to be applied to the three criteria, high-caliber performance in one is not sufficient to merit honors by itself.  Please direct any questions to your faculty advisor.

A one to two page statement of the thesis question must be submitted to the IPC by 4 pm on October 10, 2007 (to be turned in at the Economics Department office). A student who is not enrolled in an honors thesis tutorial in the fall term must attach a signed note of approval from a tutor who has agreed to work with the student through the entire process. Normally, the tutor will be supervising an honors thesis tutorial in the spring semester.

A three to five page Research Prospectus consisting of clear statement of what is to be accomplished, a detailed outline of the research and explanation of the methodology, and a bibliography must be submitted to the IPC by noon on December 3, 2007. 

The candidate will give an oral presentation summarizing research in progress and outlining the major problems to be resolved in order to bring the research to a successful conclusion either at an Economics Department session on December 13, 2006, or at another time to be arranged.

An oral presentation to the IPC will be scheduled for sometime between April 14 and April 28, 2008.  At this time, the candidate will summarize briefly the main results from the research and stand ready to answer questions on this work and on course work in the major.  A candidate for honors will be awarded Pass, Honors, or High Honors by the IPC based on the research paper and performance in the major.

All recipients of Honors or High Honors are obliged to present a brief summary of their work to faculty and students at an Economics Department-sponsored poster session in early May.

                MECO THESIS TIMETABLE