Departmental Honors in Political Science

Overview

Departmental Honors in Political Science recognizes students who complete an independent, faculty-mentored research project of exceptional quality. Majors interested in departmental honors should first visit with the Undergraduate Director to discuss the guidelines and process. Email the Undergraduate Director (jiakunzhang@ku.edu) for an appointment.

Students must file an intent to graduate with departmental honors with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences prior to the specified deadline (intent form).

Graduating with Departmental Honors is one of the most meaningful distinctions a POLS major can earn. It signals to graduate programs and employers that you have done the work of an original researcher

3.75 Minimum GPA in Political Science       3.5 Minimum Cumulative GPA (all coursework)

HOW TO EARN DEPARTMENTAL HONORS

  1. Take POLS 499: Capstone Research (Junior  Year)
    Enroll in POLS 499 as a junior. You will develop a research question, review the literature, and produce a research design that becomes the foundation for your honors thesis. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing and 12 hours of upper-division POLS credit.
  2. Find a Faculty Mentor
    Identify a Political Science faculty member willing to serve as your Honors Thesis Advisor. Begin this search during POLS 499 — ideally in the spring semester of your junior year. Work with your faculty mentor to file an intent to graduate with departmental honors with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences prior to the specified deadline (intent form).
  3. Enroll in POLS 498: Honors Thesis (Senior Year)
    The typical process is for students is to complete POLS 499 Capstone Research for Political Science (3 hours) followed by POLS 498 Honors Thesis (3 hours). POLS 498 is completed under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Students must complete an oral defense of their thesis. 
    In some situations, students complete 6 hours of POLS 498 instead of first taking POLS 499. This is typically done across two semesters, and it requires the approval of the faculty advisor. 
  4. Complete and Defend Your Thesis
    Execute your research design, write your thesis, and present your findings. The written thesis must be defended orally and approved by a committee of at least three members of the College faculty (of whom at least two must be political science faculty).
     

The Defense

Students should consult their advisor about the specific expectations for the oral defense of the thesis. For many students, the defense involves a brief presentation of the research project (~10-15 minutes) with accompanying slides. This is followed by a question-and-answer period. The faculty will then deliberate (without the student). The student will then be notified of the outcome. It is possible that the student must make revisions for the committee to approve the thesis.

REQUIREMENTS TO GRADUATE WITH DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
 Maintain a minimum 3.75 GPA in Political Science courses
 Maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA (in residence and combined)
 Complete POLS 499 Capstone Research prior to enrolling in POLS 498
 Have thesis certified by faculty mentor at least two additional faculty readers

BUILDING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
Beyond POLS 206 (Research Methods in Political Science), the department strongly encourages honors-track students to deepen their methodological training. The following courses will make you a stronger researcher and a more competitive honors thesis writer.

POLS 199  ·  3 Credit Hours

Data I: Dealing with Data

An introduction to working with data in the social sciences. Ideal preparation for empirical thesis research.

 

POLS 399  ·  3 Credit Hours

Data II: Foundations of Data Science

Builds on Data I with deeper engagement with data science methods and tools relevant to political science research.

 

Graduate-level methods courses. Advanced undergraduates may, with department permission, enroll in graduate-level methods courses. Contact the Undergraduate Director with questions: kupols@ku.edu

 

POLS 706  ·  3 Credit Hours  ·  GRADUATE LEVEL (by permission)

Research Methods I

Quantitative research design and methods in political science.

 

POLS 708  ·  3 Credit Hours  ·  GRADUATE LEVEL (by permission)

Qualitative Research Methods

Case studies, process tracing, interview methods, and other qualitative approaches to political research.

THE HONORS THESIS: WHAT TO EXPECT

The honors thesis is an original research project. It is more than a literature review and synthesis of prior work. It requires substantial effort and independent work. For most students, the thesis resembles the structure of an empirical peer-reviewed research article in political science. That is, a thesis typically has:

  • Introduction
  • Literature Review
  • Theory and Hypotheses
  • Detailed Research Design
  • Data
  • Analysis
  • Conclusion

Some theses which are focused on political theory or engage in theory-building may follow an alternative structure. A faculty advisor should be consulted about what is appropriate and acceptable.

POLS 499 helps students develop a research question and navigate the research process. It should result in a draft of the introduction, literature, theory/hypothesis, and research design. It lays the groundwork for a thesis. POLS 498 is then used to edit the material completed in POLS 499, collect data, perform analysis, and finalize the written product under faculty mentor guidance.

Unless otherwise instructed, students are expected to have a copy of their written thesis submitted to the defense committee two weeks prior to the defense. The written thesis must be defended orally and approved by a committee of at least three members of the College faculty (of whom at least two must be political science faculty). The committee will then certify successful completion of the honors thesis enrollment. Work considered by the faculty advisor to be less than "A" quality will not be considered for honors and will not be presented to the committee for approval. 

RESEARCH RESOURCES

KU offers substantial support for undergraduate researchers — from funding your project to presenting and publishing your findings.

 

→  Funding Your Research (CURF) — research awards and travel grants

→  Presenting Your Research (CURF) — symposia, showcases, and presentation guides