HON - HONORS

Entering freshmen must have a minimum ACT composite of 26 to qualify for enrollment in the following courses. Other students need a 3.5 GPA to enroll in honors courses.

HON 110. Window on the World 1 cr.

Informal, weekly meetings to discuss works relating to contemporary politics, culture, and the arts. Designed to help students applying for major scholarships and fellowships. Prerequisite: honors eligibility.

HON 111G. Computers and the Information Society 3 cr.

Evolution and applications of computers; functional overview of hard ware and software; concepts of management information systems; economic, ethical, and social implications; programming concepts and introduction to programming on microcomputers; use of microcomputer productivity tools, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and data management software.

HON 200G. Cognitive Science 3 cr.

An interdisciplinary investigation of intelligence. Core disciplines include cognitive psychology, computer science (artificial intelligence), philosophy, and linguistics. Examination of perception, memory, language, reasoning, problem solving, and consciousness from the varying perspectives of the core disciplines.

HON 203G. Understanding the Science of Human Behavior 3 cr.

Methods and principles of human behavior are studied within the context of scientific inquiry. Psychology is compared to and contrasted with other sciences, noting commonalities and differences. Recent advances in neuroscience and cognitive science have led to a more interdisciplinary approach to the study of human thought and behavior.

HON 205G. Life, Energy, and Evolution 4 cr. (3+3P)

Principles of modern biological science with discussion on the impact of this science in today s world. Selected topics include principles of metabolism, genetics, physiology, evolution, and ecology. Students who pass HON 205G will fulfill the same requirements fulfilled by BIOL 111G and BIOL 111L.

HON 208G. Music in Time and Space 3 cr.

Survey of music as it interacts with art, mathematics, science (acous-tics), and ideas from exotic cultures through the history of Western civilization.

HON 210G. The Accidental Mathematician 3 cr.

The relation between mathematics and our cultural heritage, the role of mathematics in history and the role of history in mathematics, the nature and power of contemporary mathematics, the need of doing mathe-matics to learn mathematics, the verbalization and reasoning necessary to understand symbolism, and the existence of a large body of interesting writing about mathematics.

HON 214. Successful Fellowship Writing 1 cr.

Same as HON 314, for freshmen and sophomores.

HON 216G. Encounters with Art 3 cr.

A multicultural examination of the principles and philosophies of the visual arts and the ideas expressed through them.

HON 219G. Earth, Time, and Life 4 cr. (3+3P)

Covers how the earth's materials form, processes involved in changing the earth's configuration, and extent of people's dependence upon the earth's resources. Includes mineral and energy resources, development of landscapes, environmental problems, evolution of the earth and life forms. May be taken in place of GEOL 111G.

HON 220G. The World of the Renaissance: Discovering the Modern 3 cr.

An introduction to the literature and thought of Renaissance Europe. Humanism and the Reformation will be approached through the intensive study of major writers such as Petrarch, Machiavelli, Luther, Erasmus, Montaigne, and Shakespeare.

HON 221G. Seeking the Way: Spirit and Intellect in Premodern China 3 cr.

Survey of religious and cultural history of china from earliest times through the eighteenth century. Emphasis on how the Chinese have sought to understand the world around them and their role in it.

HON 222G. Foundations of Western Culture 3 cr.

Critical reading of seminal texts relating to the foundations of culture and values in Western civilization, from ancient Greece to about 1700. Focus on the development of concepts of nature, human nature, and the state.

HON 223G. Evolution of Human Sexuality 3 cr.

Placed in the context of human evolution, sexuality is evaluated from evolutionary and ecological perspectives, and examined in terms of cultural influences on its expression.

HON 224G. God and Nature 3 cr.

Historical relationship between science and religion (chiefly Christianity) in Western Civilization. The rise of Christianity and its confrontation with pagan philosophy, science and medieval theology, the Reformation and the Scientific Revolution, Darwinism v. Creationism, psychoanalysis and religion.

HON 225G. History of Ethics 3 cr.

A critical examination of questions with respect to the meaning and justification of moral judgments and principles. Provides a basic preparation for serious study of contemporary moral problems.

HON 226G. Puzzles, Paradoxes, and Truth 3 cr.

Discusses famous paradoxes which lead to philosophical questions about the idea of truth. Considers questions of the nature of mathematics, the nature of knowledge and reasoning, the possibility of omniscience and free will, and the nature of time.

HON 227G. Plato and the Discovery of Philosophy 3 cr.

Examines arguments and theories found in the Platonic dialogues with a view to determining the nature and value of philosophy both from Plato s point of view and absolutely.

HON 228G. Religion and the State 3 cr.

Moral and political questions that arise in connection with church-state relations, including religious toleration, separation of church and state, the individual s moral duty to ignore religious convictions when performing functions of democratic citizenship, and the extent to which these ideas are embodied in our nation s traditions.

HON 229G. The New Testament as Literature 3 cr.

Literature of the New Testament examined from a literary perspective. Emphasis on translation history of the New Testament, generic features of gospel, epistle and apocalypse, precedent literary models, problems of authorship, classification of New Testament texts.

HON 230G. Bamboo and Silk: The Fabric of Chinese Literature 3 cr.

Introductory survey of traditional and modern Chinese prose and poetry in translation with emphasis on genre, theme, and social/historical context.

HON 232G. The Human Mind 3 cr.

Examination of the current understanding of the intricate relationship between mind and matter, with particular emphasis on the functional organization of the human brain. Evolutionary origins of this functional design and its implications for understanding human emotional and cognitive processes.

HON 233G. Social Problems 3 cr.

Introduction to contemporary social problems from multiple perspectives. Discussions of definition, impact, and prospective solutions to major social issues, such as crime, drug abuse, social inequality, family, population, environment, and social change.

HON 234G. The Worlds of Arthur 3 cr.

Arthurian texts and traditions from medieval chronicle histories to modern novels. Emphasis on both the continuities of the Arthurian tradition and the diversity of genres, media, and cultures that have given expression to the legend.

HON 235G. The World of Anthropology 3 cr.

Physical and cultural exploration of humankind as seen through anthropology, human paleontology, and ethnology. Requires excellence in reading, report writing and active class discussion.

HON 237G. Archaeology: Search for the Past 3 cr.

A critical evaluation of various approaches to understanding prehistory and history. The methods and theories of legitimate archaeology are contrasted with fantastic claims that invoke extraterrestrials, global catastrophes, transoceanic voyages, and extra-sensory perception.

HON 239G. Medieval Understandings: Literature and Culture in the Middle Ages 3 cr.

Intensive, interdisciplinary introduction to the thought and culture of medieval Europe. Core texts will include works by St. Augustine, Marie de France, and Dante, as well as anonymous works such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, all supplemented by study of medieval art, architecture, philosophy, and social history.

HON 240G. The Essentials of Relativity 4 cr. (3+3P)

Essentials of Einstein s theory of relativity and the description of our physical world in four-dimensional space-time.

HON 241G. Telling American Stories: Society and Culture in Early America 3 cr.

Survey of social, political and cultural history of British North America and the United States from the colonial period to the Civil War, with an emphasis on the construction of historical narratives. Emphasis on the experiences of men and women of various classes and ethnic backgrounds, and on the way in which historians have interpreted those experiences.

HON 242G. Claiming an American Past 3 cr.

Survey of history of the United States in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with an emphasis on multicultural social and cultural history. Focus on understanding American history from the point of view of dispossessed, impoverished, and disenfranchised Americans who have fought to claim both their rights as Americans and American past.

HON 244G. Masterpieces of World Literature 3 cr.

Introduction to literature through intensive study of masterpieces from a range of cultures. Includes classical and modern works as well as non-Western literature. Genres include poetry, fiction and drama.

HON 245G. Chemistry: Experiments, Laws, and Theories 4 cr. (3+3P)

Examination of the experimental methods and results, and mental processes used by chemists in our modern understanding of chemistry.

HON 248G. The Citizen and the State: Great Political Issues 3 cr.

The fundamental questions of politics: why and how political societies are organized, what values they express, and how well they satisfy those normative goals and the differing conceptions of citizenship, representation, and freedom.

HON 249G. American Politics in a Changing World 3 cr.

American politics and policies examined from a historical and global perspective. Philosophical underpinnings of American national government, the structure of government based on that philosophy, and the practical implications of both the philosophical and structural base. How American government influences and is influenced by the world community.

HON 265G. Principles of Human Communication Honors 3 cr.

Study and practice of interpersonal, small group, and presentational skills essential to effective social, business, and professional interaction.

HON 270G. The World of Theatre 3 cr.

Intercultural and historical overview of all facets of live theatre production and performance, with reference to some aspects of motion pictures and television; focus on development of capacity for critical analysis.

HON 275G. Spirit and Evolution of Mathematics 3 cr.

Spirit and development of major branches of mathematics over two millennia through original mathematical sources. Supplemented with related cultural, biographical, and mathematical history, placing mathematics in a broad human context. Prerequisite: Math ACT score of 25 or better, or meet placement for entry into MATH 190, or consent of instructor. Same as MATH 275G.

HON 283G. From Counting to Coding 3 cr.

Covers important ideas in elementary number theory and applications. Historical development of number theory emphasized, from the ancient Greeks to the present day. Exciting recent applications, such as the secure transmission of data over the Internet also explored. HON Honors Certificate Program Students with at least a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average are eligible to enroll in the following honors courses: HON 301G. Mass Media and Society 3 cr. Introduction to the characteristics of mass media and their integration and impact on a global society.

HON 301G. Mass Media and Society 3 cr.

Introduction to the characteristics of mass media and their integration and impact on a global society.

HON 304G. Dilemmas of War and Peace 3 cr.

A multi-disciplinary introduction to war, peace, and world order studies. The origins of war and the foundations of peace are explored in the context of a rapidly changing world order.

HON 305G. Global Environment 3 cr.

Covers global environmental problems with focus on causes and pos-sible solutions.

HON 306G. Science, Ethics and Society 3 cr.

Investigation of the ethical issues related to scientific investigation and the ethical implications of scientific discoveries for society. Emphasis on discussion of case studies about specific ethical issues in science, and readings by both scientists and non-scientists.

HON 307G. The Political World of Women 3 cr.

Covers the historical experiences, issues of concern, and political accomplishments of women in various cultures around the world. Study of the political socialization of children, women s past and present participation in the public sphere, and gender-related policy issues from a cross-cultural perspective. Application of feminist theory to a variety of topics.

HON 308G. Into the Final Frontier 3 cr.

Exploration of space; a brief review of the history of space flight, the Apollo program, joint U.S.-Soviet space missions, and unstaffed exploration of the planets. Emphasis on knowledge gained through these efforts. Includes new space initiatives.

HON 311G. Intercultural Communication 3 cr.

Exploration of cultural differences from social science perspectives. Topics include the cultural systems of selected societies, as well as ethnocentrism, prejudice, stereotyping, intercultural communication, intercultural relations, and culture shock.

HON 313. Research and Writing 3 cr.

Workshop format designed to prepare students for research and writing associated with production of an honors thesis or a major research assignment. Does not count for general education or honors certification credit.

HON 314. Successful Fellowship Writing 1 cr.

Provides scholars with hands-on skills to complete proposals for scholarships and fellowships, such as the Truman, Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, Udall, and others. Other skills include how to write resumes, develop general research skills, and find grant and foundation sources.

HON 317G. Cultural Lessons of Nazism 3 cr.

Examination of the values and cultural manifestations of fascism in the period 1918-45 with multidisciplinary emphasis on European forms of fascism, particularly German Nazism. Course features a survey of literary, dramatic, poetic, cinematic, and artistic treatments of human behavior leading up to fascism, living under fascist rule, and coming to grips with the consequences of war and genocide.

HON 318G. The World of Cinema 3 cr.

Appreciation of the art of motion pictures as world-wide medium specific to national cultures. Refinement of cinematic literacy and critical viewing skills. Historical and thematic overview emphasizes collaborative nature of medium in various genres from 1895 to present. Selected films from different periods and different countries. Substantial library research projects.

HON 319G. The Natural World of Thomas Jefferson 3 cr.

Thomas Jefferson s impact on agriculture, food, and the ecology both during his lifetime and today.

HON 320G. Food and Humanity: World in Crisis 3 cr.

In spite of great advances in food production technology, famines affecting millions continue to occur in the world. Focus on the interrelationship between food production, hunger, and population growth. Covers brief introduction to the culture, history and geography of food production; the dynamics of population growth and the prospects of control; the evolution and structure of the American food system, the politics of food, the development of technology, and the impacts of natural resource and environmental issues.

HON 321G. Agriculture in an Urban World 3 cr.

Study of the impact of agriculture on cultural and social systems, with special emphasis on twentieth century urban development.

HON 322G. Science and Public Policy 3 cr.

Explores the interaction between science and public policy. Introduces process of science with explicit development of its power and limitations. Statistical inference, cause and effect, and chaotic processes. Economic impacts of public policies and current issues of agricultural and environmental policies.

HON 323G. Cultural Perspectives on Dress 3 cr.

Interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives on dress. Focus on diversity and social change, the influence of cultural ideals and standards of appearance, and the evolution of dress in response to society s needs, values, and technology. Cultural perspectives of European, African, North and South American, Pacific, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries.

HON 325G. Contemporary International Literature 3 cr.

Introduction to contemporary literature through intensive study of works from a range of cultures around the world.

HON 326G. Art and Mythology 3 cr.

Mythological figures, past and present, in the visual arts. Through iconographical studies (attributes and symbols), trace the development of visual traditions that evolved from the literary sources of classical Mediterranean mythology.

HON 327G. The Novel 3 cr.

Intensive reading of, as well as discussion and writing about, selected major novels from around the world. Emphasizes the history of the novel in order to help students understand the nature and cultural role of the genre.

HON 330G. Planetary Exploration 3 cr.

Study of basic scientific goals and engineering constraints associated with planetary exploration missions with consideration of historical context as well as political, economic factors.

HON 331G. Using a Telescope: Observation, Technology, and Analysis in Astronomical Research 3 cr.

Through the use of a telescope, students learn how basic research in astronomy combines observation and analysis. Emphasis on the interplay of technology with research and the limitations that observational errors place on interpretation. Includes fundamentals of stellar astronomy.

HON 335G. Legal Issues in Modern Society 3 cr.

Case study approach to contemporary legal problems involving environment, consumer protection, international law, corporate responsibility.

HON 346G. Perspectives on Violence 3 cr.

Social construction of violence, its impact on especially urban communities, and strategies to disarm it.

HON 347G. World Dance 3 cr.

Examination of dance forms from a cross-cultural perspective, focusing on the role of dance in different cultures around the globe. Same as DANC 451G with differential assignments for Honors students.

HON 348G. Comparative Mythology: Myth, Ritual, and the Life Cycle 3 cr.

Exploration of the central myths of several religious traditions and investigation of how each, through ritual, has given meaning to key moments in the journey of the individual through life.

HON 349G. Islam and the West: Cultural Contacts, Conflicts, and Exchanges 3 cr.

This course examines interactions, encounters and cross-fertilization between the Islamic world and the West from the 7th -21st century. It begins with the origins of Islam and its relationship to Judaism and Christianity and ends in the post 9/11 present, an era some characterize as dominated by a "clash of civilizations."

HON 350G. Law, Culture, and Conflict 3 cr.

Introduction to the ways law is used to order human relationships, as well as ways cultural subgroups seek freedom from law. Course seeks to expose many of the underlying value conflicts which give rise to law and which are reflected in the use of law, and how we might begin to differentiate between valid and invalid laws.

HON 351G. Interpersonal Relations and the Self 3 cr.

Course explores the ways in which culture influences interpersonal relations and conceptions of the self. The course considers a variety of issues such as: interpersonal communications, self-awareness, self-disclosure, non-verbal behavior, intimacy, love, trust, jealousy, conflict management, self-management, culturally determined views of the self, self-presentation, and self-identity. Differences between the way the issues are viewed by different groups within our society, as well as between societies, will be considered.

HON 352G. Crime, Justice, and Society 3 cr.

An overview of crime as a problem across a variety of contemporary societies. History of the criminal justice system; treatment of crime as a public policy issue; political forces impacting the administration of justice in the United States and other nations.

HON 353G. Justice without Prejudice 3 cr.

Exploration of central questions about race, ethnicity, and justice. Students will learn to argue persuasively from different perspectives, both orally and in writing.

HON 355G. Sexuality in Christianity and Islam 3 cr.

Analyzes and compares Christian and Muslim views on appropriate sexual behavior, the meaning of sin, and the role of the body in spiritual transformation.

HON 360G. Working in Teams 3 cr.

How to productively work in teams. Emphasizes skills of effective team members: problem solving and decision making, communicating, managing conflict, developing appropriate norms, leading and influencing others, understanding group roles, etc.

HON 364G. Jewish Literature and Culture 3 cr.

Prominent works of Jewish literature from Biblical through contemporary periods. Individual research into works of interest to students for presentation to class. Problems of language and culture translation.

HON 365G. Contemporary African and Caribbean Fiction 3 cr.

Selected works shaped by colonial and post-colonial experiences in twentieth-century Africa and the Caribbean. Focus on the ongoing search for alternative identities in the form of a decolonized literature and culture.

HON 366G. The Gothic Imagination 3 cr.

Introduction to Gothic literature from its beginnings in the late eighteenth century that focuses on the political, psychological, religious, social, and familial values this literary genre explores and questions.

HON 370G. Design: The Creative Act 3 cr.

Explores the nature of design and what it means to design in various diverse media. Included are creative efforts in writing, art, music, and technology. Commonalities and differences are considered.

HON 374G. The European City: History and Culture 3 cr.

Historical overview of development, growth, and culture of European cities.

HON 376G. Latin American Women Writers 3 cr.

Introduction to modern Latin American women writers through intensive study of works from various countries.

HON 377G. Freedom of Speech and the Law 3 cr.

Examination of freedom of speech and of press both in the United States and in other societies. Examines a wide range of laws, court rulings and regulatory schemes covering areas such as defamation, sedition, and regulation of broadcasting and advertising.

HON 378G. Technology and Policy 3 cr.

Study of the processes through which society sets goals for science and technology, of the allocation of resources needed to achieve these goals, and of the obligations and conflicts that develop as the goals are realized. International comparisons of public policies.

HON 379G. Literature as Film 3 cr.

Considers the various results of literary adaptations to the screen. Participants will read literary texts written or translated into English and watch films from various countries as illustrations of this process.

HON 380G. Comparative Economic Systems 3 cr.

A global comparison of economic institutions and problems.

HON 382G. Contemporary Multicultural Women s Literature 3 cr.

Introduction to contemporary multicultural women s literature through intensive study of works that explore the impact of ethnic or cultural heritage in American society.

HON 383G. The Sixties: Society, Culture, and Change 3 cr.

An examination of social, political, and cultural change in the 1960s in the United States and around the world. Topics include the New Left, the Black Panthers, the Civil Rights Movement, the Women s Liberation Movement, as well as major cultural changes in music, drugs, and interpersonal behavior.

HON 385G. Consumers and the Law 3 cr.

A study of the multidisciplinary synergism of law, societal concerns, business, and ethics of consumer issues and attendant liability and remedies for the domestic and international markets.

HON 386G. Women in the Economy 3 cr.

Overview of women s participation in the U.S. and other economies. Main economic problems, including role and wage differences between men and women and why those differences exist. Economic theory, empirical studies, and the government s economic policies as they relate to gender.

HON 387G. Comparative Perspectives on Women 3 cr.

The history, antecedents, and consequences of sex and gender systems around the world from the perspective of sociology, anthropology, and psychology.

HON 388G. Leadership and Society 3 cr.

Exploration of the multifaceted nature of leadership in modern society through readings and seminar discussion.

HON 392G. Vietnam: America s Longest War 3 cr.

Discussions of causes and effects of the Vietnam conflict on the Vietnamese people, American society, and international affairs, with special emphasis on the diplomatic and military role of the United States.

HON 393G. Community and Public Service 3 cr.

Same as NURS 383G.

HON 394G. Southwestern and Border Literature 3 cr.

Introduction to the culturally diverse literature of the American Southwest and borderlands region. Class analyzes evolution of the Southwest concept and considers degree to which the existence of a borderlands culture is manifest in literature. Prerequisite: honors eligibility.

HON 400. Honors Thesis 3 cr.

Independent-study research and writing project to be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

HON 410. Honors Internship 3-6 cr.

Assignments in departments to be supervised by faculty in the area. A cumulative 3.5 GPA is required. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Graded S/U.

HON 411G. Great Theorems: The Art of Mathematics 3 cr.

Same as Math 411G.

HON 420. Independent Studies 1-3 cr.

Directed, individual studies and projects. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and honors eligibility.

HON 421. Special Topics 1-3 cr.

Special course offerings, with specific titles listed in Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

HON 430G. OASIS: Managing a Community Supported Farm 3 cr.

The OASIS class is an experiential education class in organic production using the Community Supported Agriculture model. Students gain practical experience in planning, planting, caring for, and harvesting organic vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Students will explore food system issues through an individual project, field trips, guest lectures, class discussions, fieldwork, and videos. Same as AGE/HORT 330G (fall) and AGE/HORT 331G (spring) with additional assignment for Honors students.