Course Description
This high school course is designed to prepare seniors for college and beyond, focusing on college preparation, academic skills, and support for the senior thesis. Students will engage in a variety of college prep activities, including guidance on college applications, scholarship opportunities, and admissions essays. The course also emphasizes practical skills such as time management, study techniques, and personal finance.
In addition to college prep, students will receive support and guidance as they work on their senior thesis. This involves research techniques, thesis planning, drafting, and revising, along with peer reviews and teacher feedback. The seminar provides a collaborative environment where students can discuss their progress, share insights, and seek advice from mentors.
By the end of the course, students will have a clearer understanding of the college application process, a solid foundation for their senior thesis, and essential skills for life after high school. This course is ideal for high school seniors seeking comprehensive preparation for college and assistance with completing their senior thesis.
Course Details
Senior Thesis
Twelfth Grade
Course Objectives
- Learn about college preparation, including applications, scholarships, and admissions essays.
- Develop practical skills such as time management, study techniques, and personal finance.
- Gain guidance and support for planning, drafting, and revising the senior thesis.
- Build a collaborative environment for peer feedback and mentorship.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the college transition process and the completion of the senior thesis.
Course Outline
Unit 1: College Preparation
- Understanding the College Application Process
- Overview of college applications and key deadlines.
- Gathering necessary documents and information for applications.
- College Research and Selection
- Researching potential colleges and universities.
- Understanding different types of institutions and their requirements.
- Writing Admissions Essays
- Guidance on crafting effective college admissions essays.
- Tips for writing personal statements and responding to prompts.
Unit 2: Practical Skills for College Success
- Time Management and Study Techniques
- Learning effective time management strategies.
- Developing study habits and techniques for academic success.
- Personal Finance and Budgeting
- Understanding basic personal finance concepts.
- Learning to budget and manage money as a college student.
Unit 3: Senior Thesis Preparation
- Selecting a Thesis Topic
- Guidance on choosing a suitable thesis topic.
- Brainstorming and narrowing down topic ideas.
- Research Techniques and Resource Selection
- Learning effective research methods and finding reliable sources.
- Building a comprehensive bibliography for the senior thesis.
- Thesis Planning and Outlining
- Creating a detailed outline for the thesis.
- Establishing a timeline for the thesis project.
Unit 4: Drafting and Revising the Senior Thesis
- Writing the Thesis Draft
- Developing the first draft of the thesis based on the outline.
- Incorporating research and evidence into the draft.
- Revising and Peer Review
- Revising the thesis draft based on feedback.
- Engaging in peer review and conferencing to improve the thesis.
- Finalizing the Thesis
- Making final revisions and proofreading.
- Preparing for the senior thesis defense or presentation.
Unit 5: College Transition and Senior Thesis Defense
- Preparing for College Transition
- Discussing life skills and expectations for college.
- Understanding the transition process and common challenges
Expected Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the college application process, essential life skills for college success, and a completed senior thesis. They will be prepared to transition to college and will have developed the skills needed for their academic and personal growth.
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
Mr. Logan Wells
Logan Well is a professor specializing in U.S. history and Mormon history & doctrine, currently serving as an adjunct professor of religion at BYU and Salt Lake Community College. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Brigham Young University. He then pursued a Master of Arts in History from Arizona State University, further deepening his understanding of historical analysis and research methodologies.
Mr. Wells is currently in the final stages of completing his Doctor of Philosophy in History at Claremont Graduate University.