Senior Experience

Barnard College has a long-standing commitment to preparing students in the major so that they may undertake a capstone project. All Barnard seniors are required to complete a senior project or thesis. Senior projects or theses represent the culmination of academic work in the major. They allow students to develop records of individual research that include theoretical engagement in the major discipline, the development of creative projects or research, and original empirical and interpretative analysis. The form of the senior requirement may vary across majors, but the most common forms are the senior thesis (one or two semesters), supervised original research in a lab, a final creative project, and/or research that has been completed within a dedicated senior seminar.

Every year during spring break, a group of senior French majors, accompanied by Professor Laurie Postlewate, enjoy a five-day excursion to Paris, sponsored by the Renée Geen Foundation. Their activities include three theater outings, three museum visits, a cocktail reception with the Barnard Paris Alumnae Association at Reid Hall, and numerous promenades around the beautiful city of lights. The trip gives Barnard's graduating French majors the opportunity to share some memorable moments and a wonderful experience overall.