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CU Honors College

Dixon Global Policy Scholars Curriculum

Requirements

Thanks to the generosity of a gift to the Clemson University Honors College from Joseph and Caroline Dixon, the Honors College is able to offer a challenging and rewarding series of educational enrichment opportunities to the students selected for the Dixon GPS.

2023-24 Courses

Students who apply to the Dixon GPS program commit to taking two courses, to be taught from 6:15-9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. Students who are co-oping, studying abroad, or another compelling reason may choose to take the courses during a later semester.

To remain in the Dixon GPS, participants must:

  • Participate actively in the challenging series of educational enrichment activities described below.
  • Be in good standing in the Clemson University Honors College.
  • Comply with expectations of participation and behavior as described by the Dixon GPS Code of Conduct.
Four students posing together in front of the Versailles Palace

Dixon GPS Program Curriculum (For First-year Students)
Year and Semester Requirements
First Year: Spring
  • Participation in a series of not-for-credit pre-trip orientation and information sessions to prepare for the Maymester Study Travel to Europe.
First Year: Maymester
  • Enrollment in the one-credit Maymester Study Travel to Europe.
  • Students will spend 10 days studying the history, politics, economics and culture of France and Germany, as well as the EU.
First Year: Summer
  • Students are encouraged to seek individualized educational experiences such as internships, foreign study, public service projects, or other significant undertakings that are consistent with the student’s educational and scholarship goals.
  • Individualized educational experiences such as internships, foreign study, public service projects, or other significant undertakings that are consistent with the student’s educational and scholarship goals.

Sophomore Year: Fall
  • Enrollment in a 3-credit, tutorial-style seminar on politics, philosophy, and economics with Dr. William Lasser.
Sophomore Year: Spring
  • Enrollment in a 3-credit seminar on public policy with Dr. Jeff Fine.
  • Students will write a 2,000 word public policy proposal consistent with the guidelines of the Truman Scholarship application.
Sophomore Year: Fall & Spring
  • Participation in a non-credit discussion group that meets every other week. This student-led discussion group will explore current issues in politics, economics, history, law, culture, science and technology, culture, and the arts.
  • Students preparing scholarship applications are encouraged to meet with the Office of Major Fellowship and Dixon GPS faculty to help strengthen their application materials.
  • On occasion, a guest speaker may join the group.
Sophomore Year: Summer
  • Students are encouraged to seek individualized educational experiences such as internships, foreign study, public service projects, or other significant undertakings that are consistent with the student’s educational and scholarship goals.
Junior Year: Fall & Spring
  • Participation in a non-credit discussion group that meets every other week. This student-led discussion group will explore current issues in politics, economics, history, law, culture, science and technology, culture, and the arts.
  • Students preparing scholarship applications are encouraged to meet with the Office of Major Fellowship and Dixon GPS faculty to help strengthen their application materials.
  • On occasion, a guest speaker may join the group.
Junior Year: Summer
  • Students are encouraged to seek individualized educational experiences such as internships, foreign study, public service projects, or other significant undertakings that are consistent with the student’s educational and scholarship goals.
Senior Year
  • Students will work closely with faculty mentors and Clemson University Honors College staff to complete scholarship, fellowship, and/or graduate school applications.