If you are writing on a topic within a field in which you have never taken a class, you will
have to do a substantial amount of work during the summer before your senior year. On top of
doing the reading and research immediately relevant to your topic, you will also have to
complete extra reading and research on foundational topics in the field.
For example, suppose you wish to write a thesis on the ethics of eating meat, but have not taken
a course in ethics (or have only taken a specialized course on a particular topic in ethical theory).
During the summer before your senior year you will not only have to read some of the important
texts on your topic, but you will also have to read about some of the basic theories employed by authors
writing on that topic.