Papers & theses: notice on the relationship between the preferred major and the choice of promoter

Notice on the relationship between the preferred major and the choice of promoter

As determined in the Faculty Prospectus each student is to prepare a thesis or research paper under the guidance of a member of the ordinary or extraordinary academic personnel (post doc.) in the domain of his/her preferred major. Students are invited to choose a topic within the research programme of his/her preferred major. While the topic is thus related to the choice of the major, the choice of the promoter is not. In other words, students are not obliged to opt for a promoter who belongs to the research department in which his/her major is being offered. As a matter of fact, most professors offer research themes which can be included under a variety of different majors. The following two examples will serve to illustrate this point:

1. Prof. A. Denaux proposes the following topic: "The historical Jesus and Christology". The aim of the thesis is to provided an overview of research into the historical Jesus during the last decades and to offer a description of the primary theological-philosophical tendencies which can be discerned within this area of research. In the second instance, the relevance of this research for Christology can be further elaborated. Depending on where one wishes to place the emphasis, the thesis can be considered under the Biblical Studies major or the Systematic Theology major.
2. Prof. M. Lamberigts proposes the following topic: "A study of the role of Louvain theologians at the Ecumenical Council Vatican II". Partly on the basis of established research into the reception of the constitutions and decrees, the aim of the thesis is to endeavour to establish the extent to which Louvain theologians influenced the Council. Depending on where one wishes to place the emphasis, the thesis can be considered under the History of Church and Theology major, the Systematic Theology major and even the Pastoral Theology major. Prof. Lamberigts can be asked to serve as promoter in each case.

Space is foreseen on the Thesis Approval Form for a brief description of the proposed topic. Students are strongly encouraged to give sufficient attention to this part of the form.

The approval of thesis topics follows a number of phases. Topics are first presented to the department of the major for which the student has opted. Topics are then confirmed by the relevant Teaching Committee. Should the department have any objections these are presented to the Teaching Committee for discussion and a final decision.