Undergraduate Program

1. Why study political science?
   
   Political Science has been called "the queen of the sciences", and rightly so. It is the only major where you can obtain practical knowledge and at the same time gain insights into the great issues of our age. What, for example, are the causes and institutional forces behind a conflict between the President and the chairman of a congressional committee. Are nations threatening an armed confrontation? What lies behind the conflict? Is there a public and media frenzy over a certain policy? Why do people react this way and is it justified? What is the human condition? What is the meaning of civil society, and what is the individual's place in it?
   
   When you study political science you will think about these questions often. You will be able to answer them better than you could otherwise thanks to an understanding of the Presidency and Congress, international relations, political ideologies, and political theory. The knowledge and critical skills gained from the study of politics will enable you to be a more rational citizen, a more constructive participant in public affairs, and a better professional in any vocation that deals with the public domain.
   
   
2. Why study political science at Duke?
   
   "The Faculty in the department are simply outstanding. On top of being respected scholars, Duke political science professors are engaging teachers. They thrive on intellectual interaction with each other and their students and are possibly the most visible professors on campus, often appearing at lectures, debates, and even on television".
   Sara Gross, Class of 2004
   
   "Perhaps it's the multitude of both conventional and offbeat classes offered. Or maybe it's the small classes, which always include a wide array of seminars. Add to this mix a group of deeply dedicated professors who are eager to interact with students, and Duke political science is simply unbeatable".
   Evan Oxman, Class of 2004
   
   
   
3. What opportunities are available for study abroad?
   For more information about Duke's study abroad program, please see their website at: http://www.aas.duke.edu/study_abroad/
   
   
4. What types of internships are available to the students?
   Please see our internship webpage for more information.
   
   
5. What is the average class size?
   The average class size is 30-40 students. Our introductory courses have the largest enrollment (approx. 150 students) but our 100 level course size ranges from 15 to 60 students. All our 200 level courses are considered seminars and therefore only have 15 to 18 students.
   
   
6. To what extent are faculty involved with the students?
   In a department that is noted nationally for its graduate program, all faculty teach undergraduate courses and advise students. Also, in spite of the demanding professional schedule of research/scholarship and professional commitments, the faculty maintain an open-door policy and are able to meet with students to discuss various issues.
   
   
7. What is FOCUS?
   For more information about FOCUS, please see their website at: http://pmac.aas.duke.edu/focus/
   
   
8. What should I take my first semester at Duke?
   We recommend that you take one of our political science introductory courses:
   POLSCI 91 The American Political System
   POLSCI 92 States, Markets, and Democratization: Introduction to Comparative Politics
   POLSCI 93 Elements of International Relations
   POLSCI 123 Introduction to Political Philosophy
   
   
9. When can I declare a major?
   You may declare your major any time during your sophomore year.
   
   
10. What other academic programs compliment the political science major?
    A political science major combines well with such programs as those offered by Asian and African languages, Asian and African-American studies, public policy studies, Canadian studies, comparative area studies, African studies, economics, women's studies, philosophy and Asian-Pacific studies.
    
    
11. Does the department offer a honor's program?
    Seniors entering their seventh semester who have attained a 3.3 GPA overall and a 3.5 GPA in political science are eligible for admission to our honor's program. Completion of the thesis, its evaluation, and its defense before a three-member faculty committee warrant graduation with distinction in political science, provided a students earns a grade of A- or better. Last year's theses are available on the department's website.
    
    
12. What are the major requirements?
    10 courses: 8 courses must be at or above the 100 level; at least one course in each of the four fields (American politics, comparative politics, political theory, and international relations); 5 courses in an area of concentration in one of the four fields; at least one course at Duke in the 200-299 in the area of concentration.
    
    
13. Do all majors attend law school after graduation?
    As most majors in the social sciences, political science majors tend to pursue careers in a variety of fields including teaching, law, public service and business.