Political Science Department
Major Requirements

Core Requirements: Only courses numbered 100 to 350 count toward the core requirement in Social Science.

Cultural Diversity Requirement: Political Science 231, 233, 240, 241, 332, 333, 345, 471, 475 and 479 are options for fulfilling the cultural diversity requirement.

Major Requirements: Ten courses in Political Science, including:

• (a) at least one course in each of the following sub-fields. Seminars do not count toward sub-field requirements.
  • 1. Political Theory (Political Science 102, 204, 208, 209, 300, 301, 302, 303)
  • 2. American Politics (Political Science 111, 210, 215, 311, 312, 314, 315, 316, 318, 319, 323)
  • 3. Comparative Politics (Political Science 130, 230, 233, 240, 241, 331, 332, 333, 335, 336, 337)
  • 4. International Politics (Political Science 141, 240, 241, 340, 345, 346, 347, 348)
• (b) POL 221
• (c) A seminar numbered 450 to 489. Seminars may have specific prerequisites. Some may require prior coursework in that sub-field.
• (d) A major paper. This paper will be written in the senior year under the supervision of a Davidson College Political Science faculty member. An oral defense may be expected. This requirement can be met by the completion of an honors thesis or by writing of a paper (at least 20 pages) done in the context of a seminar. Not all seminars will offer this option; check with the faculty member offering the course. A grade of C or better must be earned on the paper to satisfy this requirement.  

Note that POL 221 and seminars must be taken at Davidson.

Honors Requirements: Juniors or Seniors who meet the general College Honors requirements, who have made a 3.5 G.P.A. on at least four Political Science courses, and who can furnish convincing evidence of a special interest in and capacity for research may be admitted to the departmental Honors program. Each successful applicant will develop an individualized plan of work in consultation with the department chair. This plan must include, in addition to the normal major requirements, the preparation of an Honors thesis (Political Science 498). Those who maintain a 3.5 G.P.A. in all political science courses through the senior year and who produce a thesis that is judged of high quality by the entire department will be awarded "Honors in Political Science."