Students in the spring 2026 Honors colloquium are discovering the role of mathematics in democracy.
Professor of Political Science Dr. David McLennan and Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Phillip Andreae collaborated to develop this interdisciplinary course, drawing on their respective areas of expertise. The pair taught this course for the first time in 2021 when North Carolina was undergoing redistricting. Because of the success of the first class, McLennan and Andreae decided to offer it again in spring 2026 as North Carolina was again redrawing its congressional maps.
In the course, McLennan and Andreae aim to provide students with real-world experience. For one assignment, students work in teams to build a detailed congressional district plan that closely mirrors the actual redistricting process. They then evaluate their plans using mathematical tools to assess criteria such as partisan fairness.
To further connect coursework with real-world applications, students are challenged to identify a professional in the political field who uses math in their work and invite them to speak to the class. Andreae said this assignment “shows students that what they learn in class is actually used in practice by professionals,” and he hopes “it exposes them to role models and career paths that they might not have known existed.”
As an Honors colloquium, the course is open to students from all academic backgrounds. McLennan and Andreae said they hope students develop a stronger sense of civic awareness after completing the course.
“We recognize that most students in the class will not go into politics or a profession that combines politics and math. However, they will be citizens for the rest of their lives,” said McLennan.
Ericka Hewitt, ’26, who is studying communications, said the course helps students better understand how our nation’s political system functions, which can aid in making politically informed choices.
“This class has helped me realize that even small differences in the way numbers are counted can greatly influence the outcome of our election. Just a few votes can completely change an election,” said Hewitt. “That is why I now believe even more in the importance of voting. ”
Mathematics and classical studies major Holden McLennan, ’26, agreed. “This course will change the way I follow elections because I understand more about what is happening behind the scenes. Having this background makes it easier to think more critically about what I am seeing instead of just taking it at face value.”
Melyssa Allen – News Director
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