Honors Program and AKD Honor Society

2006 Honors Brochure

Overview: The objective of the program is for students to conduct original research that results in something not unlike a graduate level Masters paper. A model thesis would have the structure of an article published in a professional journal. The program emphasizes the often non-linear process of research: how to translate an abstract interest into a sociological question that you can actually answer with research, learning to situate a topic in an existing literature, identifying research methods that would actually answer this question, applying for institutional research board approval, etc.

There are currently four key elements of our honors program. First, is a yearlong honors seminar (Sociology 190A and 190B) where students both learn the craft of sociological research and where they create an intellectual community of colleagues to support and aid their independent work. The seminar is where students learn to both appreciate and have fun with sociological research. The seminar instructor provides primary logistical support-getting situated with research questions, assistance with IRB applications, editing drafts, etc. Students have individual weekly meetings with the instructor. Second, is the faculty advisor. In the fall each student is matched with a faculty member whose research interests or whose research approach best matches the student interests. The faculty mentor provides primary substantive support. Third, students are given matched with a graduate student mentor. The role of the mentor is to-in coordination with the seminar instructor-provide additional moral and logistical support. Mentors regularly participate in the weekly seminar. Together the seminar instructor, advisor and mentor form an advisory team. The fourth component of the program is an annual research workshop where students, their mentors and advisors, and the sociology department as a whole come together for a one-day conference. Students present their work in thematic panels and faculty and graduate students serve as discussants. It is both an exhilarating intellectual experience and a celebration of the students' hard work.

Students who conduct quality research and write a strong thesis will graduate in sociology with distinction. The best thesis annually is awarded the Ida Harper Simpson Award for Research Excellence at commencement. The award carries a $500 prize.

Eligibility . Juniors with a minimum GPA of at least 3.3 in sociology, an excellent performance in sociological methods, and the strong endorsement of at least one faculty member will be considered for participation in the program. All students meeting these criteria will be invited to interview for a spot in the program in the spring of their junior year. Students who do not meet these criteria but who have a strong desire to write a thesis may also request an interview.

Please contact Director of Undergraduate Studies Suzanne Shanahan
(shanahan@soc.duke.edu ) for further details.

Alpha Kappa Delta

Duke University is host to the Pi chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society. Sociology majors with a superior average in their major are eligible for membership. Initiation takes place once a year. The chapter elects its own officers and organizes formal dinners, meetings with faculty and visits of outside speakers. It also arranges open houses prior to pre-registration so that students can discuss among themselves courses being offered for the following semester. Membership in the society offers contacts with other majors and with faculty, as well as the opportunity to enter a national paper competition. For more information, contact the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Rebecca Bach, rbach@soc.duke.edu, 660-5606.