Courses

HONS 112 Honors Research and Composition

Core Course

3

Introduction to the study of literacies, that is, how reading, writing, listening, and meaning-making arise out of specific cultural, political, and historical contexts and, in turn, engender particular discourses. Students explore the rhetorical aspects of writing while honing research skills. Includes the application of MLA, APA, and Chicago documentation styles. 

     
     

HONS 125 Western Cultures I

 Core Course

3

Prerequisite: Union Scholars. A Western Culture course is required the first year in Scholars
Significant issues in Western civilization approached through reading major works, considering artistic creations, and disciplined reflection in discussion and writing. Explores cultural and reflects artistic and literary themes against the historical background of the ancient, classical medieval and Renaissance eras. Small group projects and discussions, field trips and cultural events enrich the lectures.
Disciplines: Primarily history and literature. Offered alternate years.


HONS 126 Western Cultures II

 Core Course

3

Prerequisite: Union Scholars. A Western Culture course is required the first year in Scholars
Continuation of HONS 125. Covers the Enlightenment to the modern world.
Disciplines: Primarily history and literature. Offered alternate years.


HONS 215 Self and Society

 Core Course

3

Explores the answer to the question, "Who am I" from the viewpoint of the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and religion. It looks at the self and how the individual is shaped by and related to society at large in various cultures around the globe. The course contains a component of public speaking.


HONS 245 Authority and Responsibility  

3

Explores the issue of authority in political life from the viewpoint of the disciplines of political science, history, psychology and communications. It examines the respective roles of the individual and the state in historical settings around the globe. The course contains a component of public speaking.

HONS 261 Romans in Context  

3

An intensive study of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans within its socio-cultural context that includes interpretation by the initial readers, and theological interpretation of Romans in relation to the contemporary world. Students make presentations and write research papers on issues related to the Pauline Epistles and Romans. Satisfies the Scholars requirement for one RELB course. Spring semester.


HONS 265 Conflict and Peacemaking  

3

Explores conflict resolution from the viewpoint of the disciplines of communications, history, political science, and religion. Its focus is on the practice of non-violence and peacemaking in personal and global situations.


HONS 287 Topics  

3

Various interdisciplinary topic have been taught including the following: The Epistle of Paul to the Romans, The US Presidency, A Literary Walk in Tuscany, The Holocaust, and Critiquing Film. These courses or other selected topics may be taught as needed.


HONS 325 Science and Religion Core Course

3

Explores the nature of scientific inquiry, the history of scientific thought around the globe, and the relationship between science and religion in various cultures. The course contains a component of public speaking.


HONS 335 Wealth and Poverty  

3

Explores the causes and result of wealth and poverty on a global scale from the viewpoint of the disciplines of economics, sociology and religion. It then explores possible responses to the disparities of wealth and poverty.


HONS 345 The Global Environment    

3

Explores issues related to the ecology of the globe from the viewpoint of the disciplines of biology, environmental science and religion. It explores the causes of, results of, and possible solutions to the environmental impact of human beings.


HONS 398 Research Methods  

2

Preparation of the Honors Independent Study project. Expectations for the Independent Study project are addressed, including the choice of a topic, refining the proposal, the role of literature review, formal public speaking, presentation software, and evaluation. The letter grade assigned reflects the presentation of the project to the Scholars Advisory Committee. Fall Semester.
Continued and completed in Spring Semester.

 

HONS 498 Honors Thesis (152 KB PDF)  

2

Students conduct independent research or create a work of art typically within their major field under the primary supervision of a professor in that discipline and additional support from two other advisors. Culminates in a public presentation, with the research paper filed in the Scholars Office and in the Ella Johnson Crandall Memorial Library.