Academics
The core program of the Honors College leads to a university honors designation This is achieved by students who complete 24 honors credits: at least 18 in general education courses and at least 3 in a major or minor field. Most of these credits are earned in special honors sections of general education classes of no more than twenty students. This allows students to cover material in greater depth, more rapidly, and with more classroom interaction. About 50 of these sections are currently offered by the college each semester. Click on the link on the right sidebar for a complete list.
Many of these classes are specially designed and enhanced for an honors focus. Here are some examples of recently offered courses.
Rome and America
A unique course, taught jointly by professors of English literature and classics, that examines common elements, as well as key differences, between the ancient Roman and modern American societies.
Math in a Global Socio-Cultural Context
A highly innovative course that examines global race, class, and gender issues through the lens of the social function of mathematics. Taught jointly by a sociologist and a mathematics educator.
Power, Place and Image: Florence & Rome
Students travel to Florence and Rome to study the medieval and Renaissance histories of these cities. Special attention is paid to the styles of political and social power, the relationships between men and women, and the expression of religious and cultural values in the art and architecture of the time.
Reason and Revolution
An interdisciplinary course, taught by history and art faculty, that focuses on the profound changes in Europe beginning around 1600 and proceeding through the French Revolution and its aftermath.
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
The honors section of this course focuses on studying foreign perceptions of American culture.
Reel Women, Real Women
A unique honors course, taught by professors from the philosophy and anthropology departments, that examines how women in various cultures are represented in film.