Skip to content
 

Thesis Workshop for Juniors

 
Brennis Carillo (Government, Theater, Dance & Media, 2026) received a senior thesis grant for research in France.

For Harvard College juniors interested in writing on an international topic, the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES) offers a series of workshops to guide them through the process.

Writing a senior thesis can be a daunting task. These valuable sessions are designed to build fundamental skills for writing a successful thesis, offer a chance to learn from seniors completing their projects, and are led by CES Thesis Workshop Chairs Charles Clavey and Matt Reichert. Topics include:

  • Formulating a thesis topic
  • Managing research and leveraging Harvard’s resources
  • Identifying advisers
  • Developing and applying effective research methodologies
  • Creating an organized and substantive proposal

All sessions are open to Harvard College students, preferably Juniors, irrespective of geographic- or subject-area focus. For a schedule of the sessions, see below.

Do you have questions about our workshops? Contact our Workshop Chairs.

Charles Clavey Matt Reichert

Thesis Workshop Schedule – Fall 2025

What is a Thesis? How to Find an Advisor? Thesis Workshop for Juniors — What is a Thesis? How to Find an Advisor?
November 14, 2025
1:00pm - 2:00pm
  • Chair Charles Clavey – Preceptor in Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University and Matt Reichert – Preceptor on Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University
Library Resources and Seeking Letters of Recommendation Thesis Workshop for Juniors — Library Resources and Seeking Letters of Recommendation
November 24, 2025
5:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Chair Charles Clavey – Preceptor in Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University and Matt Reichert – Preceptor on Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University
CES Writer's Forum Mini-Conference Thesis Workshop for Juniors — CES Writer's Forum Mini-Conference
December 1, 2025
5:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Selam Ambaw – Harvard College Student, Harvard University
  • Maria Cheng – Harvard College Student, Harvard University
  • Adelaide Parker – Harvard College Student, Harvard University
  • Chair Charles Clavey – Preceptor in Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University and Matt Reichert – Preceptor on Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University

Thesis Workshop Schedule – Spring 2026

How to Write a Winning Proposal Thesis Workshop for Juniors — How to Write a Winning Proposal
January 6, 2026
5:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Chair Charles Clavey – Preceptor in Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University and Matt Reichert – Preceptor on Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University
Research Methods and Working in the Field Thesis Workshop for Juniors — Research Methods and Working in the Field
March 2, 2026
5:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Chair Charles Clavey – Preceptor in Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University and Matt Reichert – Preceptor on Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University
Senior Thesis Writers' Colloquium & Celebration Thesis Workshop for Juniors — Senior Thesis Writers' Colloquium & Celebration
April 27, 2026
4:00pm - 5:30pm
  • Chair Charles Clavey – Preceptor in Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University and Matt Reichert – Preceptor on Social Studies, Harvard University; Seminar Chair, Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES), Harvard University

Senior Thesis Grants

CES offers summer research travel grants for senior thesis writers to explore topics on political, historical, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual trends in modern or contemporary Europe.

Allison Jones (History, Secondary Field in Government, 2026)
Allison Jones (History, Secondary Field in Government, 2026)

The following students were Senior Thesis Grant Recipients in 2025.

Allison Jones (History, Secondary Field in Government, 2026)

Learn more about senior thesis grants and how to apply for one.

Details
Close