For INTL 398, you work with an adviser to write a “major research paper” on a foreign topic during one semester. This page offers advice about finding an INTL 398 project adviser and registering for the course.

1) Identify one or more possible topics.  Consider topics that you would like to study more in depth from courses you have taken and topics that are related to your career interests.

2) Which faculty share an interest in your topic and are likely to work with you?  Consult department web pages to learn about faculty interests.  Keep in mind, that faculty whose courses you took and did well in are more likely to agree to advise you.

3) Print out the Prospective INTL Project Adviser Letter.

4) Meet with your first-choice faculty member to make your pitch and provide a copy of the Prospective INTL Project Adviser Letter.  If the professor accepts, discuss details, such as deadlines for components of the project, meeting times, and other expectations.  Agreeing on expectations early can help ensure that you will be able to complete the senior project and graduate.

5) Print the prospectus form and complete a draft, including details agreed upon with your project adviser.  Ask your project adviser to review and sign it.

6) Submit the revised prospectus no later than the second Tuesday of the semester to Program Director Kelly McMann’s mailbox in Mather House 110.

7) Once a section of INTL 398 with your adviser’s name appears in SIS, electronically request a permit from him or her.  Register once you have received the permit.

Feel free to email or meet with Professor McMann if she can be of help brainstorming about topics and advisers.  If you have any questions about the procedures described above, please contact Jessica Jurcak.