Political Philosophy, Politics and Law: Applications are invited for the new interdisciplinary major in Political Philosophy, Policy and Law (PPL). If you are a second-year interested in philosophy, ethics, political theory, public policy or the law, this could be the major for you. Want to find out more? There will be an informational meeting for students interested in the PPL major on Thursday, February 17th, from 8pm in Cabell 216. All are welcome. A copy of the application form (which includes information about deadlines etc.) is attached to this email. For further information, please contact Colin Bird, (phone: 924-3615; email: cpb6f@virginia.edu)

Distinguished Majors Program: The Department of Politics offers a Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) as an advanced program for students who major in Government or Foreign Affairs. The program provides qualified majors with the opportunity to pursue in-depth analysis of issues and topics related to the major. Students in the DMP take one more upper-level course in the Department than other majors and write a thesis under close faculty supervision during their fourth year. Participants in the program also meet for occasional seminars and discussion (often with selected faculty members) on topics of mutual interest. For more information, go to:

http://www.virginia.edu/politics/undergrad_program/distinguished.html

Department of Politics Honors Program at the University of Virginia: The purpose of this description of the Department of Politics Honors Program is to assist admissions officers of graduate and professional schools in appraising the qualifications of Honors candidates from this Department. Our program is based on the Oxford tutorial system and is one of only two programs at the University to follow this format and offer graduation with Honors. Since its inception in 1939, virtually every graduate of this program has completed studies at a major graduate or professional school. Students from this highly selective program regularly win Rhodes, Marshall, and Truman Scholarships.

The Politics Honors Program emphasizes the development of reading, writing, and analytical skills. Participants in the program must assume substantial responsibility and initiative in all phases of their work. The program is based on the belief that intellectual development in lieu of conventional letter grades liberates a considerable degree of intellectual curiosity and develops a new respect for learning.

At the end of their second year, students with records of high academic achievement and evidence of strong personal initiative apply for admission to the Honors program. A departmental committee interviews the applicants and appraises their records. Only those candidates with exceptional promise are admitted. The norm is to admit six of approximately 350 students who annually decide to major in our department. Upon acceptance into the program, students have the option of freezing their grade point average. Faculty agree to provide written evaluations of the student's class performance.

During their third and fourth years the Politics Honors candidates jointly take one seminar each semester in each of the department's four sub-fields: Political Theory, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and American Politics. The syllabi for these seminars involve extensive readings on various topics considered key for each sub-field. In addition, each week the candidates write and orally defend a five- to seven-page paper. Candidates receive fifteen credit hours for each seminar and a grade of satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Each candidate also takes a minimum of six other classes during their third and fourth years in any University department. Candidates have the option of taking these classes on a pass-fail basis or taking them for a grade. Candidates complete audited classes as if a grade were assigned, and their instructors submit written evaluations to the Department of Politics upon completion of the course.

In their fourth year, each student selects a topic and writes a thesis under faculty supervision. The average length exceeds one hundred pages. A departmental committee evaluates the candidates' theses and awards the prestigious Stevenson Prize for the best work.

At the end of their fourth year, the candidates are given written, comprehensive examinations on their seminar work for the past four semesters. Each exam lasts four hours. Candidates also complete an oral examination of approximately one hour. These examinations are prepared and administered by external examiners who are not associated with the program. These examiners have complete authority to determine the candidates' final standing ("Pass", Honors, High Honors, or Highest Honors). Successful candidates are the sole recipients of the joint Government and Foreign Affairs B.A. at the University of Virginia.

Updated 2/16/2005