Skip to Navigation | Skip to Content

Academics: Honors

Honors thesis requirements

The following are guidelines for theses written for honors in political science or international relations:

  1. An honors thesis in political science or international relations must be acceptable to—and approved by—two (2) Calvin faculty members in order for the student to graduate “with honors.” One faculty member will serve as faculty supervisor and the other as second reader.
  2. Faculty members will not be asked to supervise more than two (2) honors theses per year.
  3. An honors thesis will normally be expected to be at least 6000 words in length, not counting any accompanying notes and bibliography.
  4. A complete draft of an honors thesis must be submitted to both faculty readers at least four weeks prior to commencement in preparation for a formal oral presentation to the members of the political science department.
  5. A formal oral presentation of the honors thesis to the members of the political science department must take place at least three weeks before Commencement.
  6. The final draft of an honors thesis—incorporating suggestions or criticisms from both faculty readers—must be submitted to both readers for formal approval at least one week prior to Commencement.
  7. A copy of the final draft of the honors thesis, along with a written report of the oral presentation and a written evaluation of the finished thesis by the faculty supervisor, will be kept on file in the political science department.
  8. If a thesis is written within the boundaries of a regular course and so is intended for course credit, the faculty supervisor—i.e., the course instructor—will determine the grade to be assigned to it. The second reader must confirm the acceptability of the grade assigned.
  9. If a thesis is not intended for course credit, the faculty supervisor and second reader will together determine whether the thesis meets acceptable standards for graduation “with honors.” Acceptable work will be defined as a grade of B+ or better, or its equivalent.
  10. The faculty supervisor will inform the Honors Program director upon final approval—or final disapproval—of any thesis submitted.