Distinction

Distinction may be awarded to students who have earned grades of A or A- in three-quarters of the credits in the major subject or program, with a grade of A or A- on the senior departmental examination, senior essay, or senior project. All courses taken for the major* are included in these calculations for Distinction in the Major. Grades of F as well as marks of CR in courses taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis are included as non-A grades.
*Including interdisciplinary courses

Prizes

Senior essays written by majors, when nominated by a member of the faculty, will be considered for the following prizes:

James Gordon Bennett Prize
For the best senior essay in International Relations.

Philo S. Bennett Prize
For the best senior essay in Political Philosophy.

Charles W. Clark Prize
For the best senior essay in Comparative Government or Politics.

Frank M. Patterson Prize
For the best senior essay on the American Political System.

Percival N. Clement Prize
For the best senior essay in support of the principles of the American Constitution and its first ten amendments.

In addition, the following prizes are awarded:

Daniel Tyler Prize
For a sophomore exhibiting academic excellence and promise who plans to be a Political Science Major.

Katherine K. Walker Prize*
Awarded to a student in Yale College or the Graduate School judged to have promoted, by deed, or creditable writing, on patriotic values. Awarded in conjunction with the History Department.