HONORS PROGRAM SPRING 2013 COURSES

The following Honors Courses are scheduled for the Spring 2013 semester:

HONORS GENERAL STUDIES COURSES:

ENGL 209H -- Survey of World Literature II
ENGL 209H treats important works of world literature from the early 18th century to the late 20th century, including prose fiction, poetry, and drama from across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. By studying a diverse array of authors and texts, we will come to understand how each of the different works we read provides insight into specific social and cultural concerns of its author's time and place. We will also discuss how these works present themes that transcend temporal and geographical differences. Furthermore, we will attend closely to literary texts' formal features, which shape their presentation of any themes and ideas they might convey. Also, your work in this course will continue to develop vital skills in critical thinking, active reading, writing, and classroom discussion and presentation.
Offered: TR 11:00 -- 12:15
Instructor: Dr. Mark Cantrell

PSCI 101H -- American Federal Government
To provide students with a solid understanding of the U.S. government, this course will focus on the underlying foundations of the American government, how it works, and identify the primary components of this system.

This course starts out by examining basic political philosophies and the role key philosophers have played in shaping our style of governance. We then underscore a number of historical developments and events that influence our founding fathers and their attempts to construct the United States of America. Once we have discussed these topics, we then turn our attention to the political process starting from how we collect political information and what influences how we vote. Afterward, we will discuss the primary governing institutions in the American government.
Offered: MWF 10:10 -- 11:00
Instructor: Dr. Robbins

SOC 203H -- General Sociology
A second tier social science option, this course introduces the student to the concepts and theories that pertain to social relationships, social organization, and human cultures. The course covers topics that range from micro interpersonal relationships to macro social structures. The course is a prerequisite for all other courses in sociology and/or social welfare.
Offered: TR 12:25 -- 1:40
Instructor: Dr. Steven Patterson

HONORS SEMINARS AND UPPER-DIVISION COURSES:

HNRS 389H -- Seminar: Costa Rica
This course explores Costa Rican culture through intensive study on campus and field experience in Costa Rica for 10 days over spring recess. Classroom topics include an overview of linguistic, historical, geographical, sociopolitical, economic, and/or artistic concerns of the areas visited. During the semester we will meet as a seminar class where students will develop a topic based on their area of interest within the context of Costa Rica. Topics may include, political and economic development issues, eco-tourism, sustainable development, biodiversity, language studies, cultural transmission.
Offered: TR 6:05 -- 7:30
Instructor: Dr. Sally Brasher

HNRS 499A -- Seminar: Women's Studies
A study of performance--drama, modern dance, film, and television--that focuses on lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender issues.
Offered: TR 1:50 -- 3:05
Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Ellzey

HNRS 499B -- Seminar: Holocaust: Moral Choice
This course centers on the Holocaust. The emphasis is on the moral choices made by individuals and governments within the context of the historical time and cultures in which the Holocaust occurred.
Offered: W 5:00 -- 7:40 PM
Instructor: Dr. Mark Stern

HONORS CAPSTONE PROJECT COURSES:

HNRS 488 - Honors Directed Readings
In this course, Honors students begin research towards a major project to be completed as a graduation requirement. Each student will choose a mentor from the faculty. In collaboration with the faculty mentor, the student will develop an original idea about the chosen topic and will formulate a reading list that will contribute to a project proposal. The proposal, which is the final product of this class, should be a plan for a substantial piece of work in the student's chosen field and should contribute substantially to the student's professional development.
Offered: TBA
Instructor: Dr. Sally Brasher

HNRS 489 - Honors Capstone Project
After completing a proposal in the Directed Readings course, a candidate in Honors shall have one semester to complete the Honors Capstone Project, the final requirement for graduation from the Honors Program. The project's topic should be chosen within the candidate's major or minor field of study. The document must include a carefully prepared argument in support of a thesis statement. Rather than a thesis, certain students in certain fields of study (e.g. graphic design) may choose to design a project. Such a project must also include an initial proposal that will support the design of that project. The thesis or project shall culminate in a formal presentation to an audience consisting of faculty, students, friends, and family. Prerequisite: HNRS 488.
Offered: TBA
Instructor: Dr. Sally Brasher

SAMPLER OF HONORS COURSES