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SearchCourse Descriptions Spring 2009
Core Courses
Honors 162: The Great Political and Social Thinkers (Schneider)
Western Civilization will be examined through the lens of the “great men and some women” who wrote political and/or social commentary documents that highlight various eras in history. This will include authors such as Plato, Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, Wollstonecraft, Mill, Marx, Freud and Sartre, whose famous works will be read in their entirety or in part. These readings will be done in conjunction with a text book that takes primarily an intellectual history approach to covering Western Civilization.
Honors 162: Seminar in Western History (Dufour)
In addition to providing an overview of critical themes and events in Western History, this section will emphasize the cultural history of Western Europe. Many of our readings and class discussions will focus on the literary, artistic, and particularly the musical expressions of western culture—both on their own terms, and as a way of understanding how we can learn about history from non-traditional, creative sources.
Honors 162: Science and Technology (Hughes)
From the construction of the great pyramids of Egypt to the recent unraveling of the mysteries of the human genetic code, science and technology has been intricately intertwined with other major areas of the human experience, including religion, culture and politics. Using the lens of science, technology and medicine, participants in this discussion-based course will investigate the major themes in Western History. Questions to be addressed could include: How does technology impact the expansion and decline of western societies? Did the West's science, technology and medicine determine the patterns of western contact with other peoples and the rise of imperialism? Can science and religion co-exist, and have they done so in the past? Has science and technology been more significant as a catalyst for war and destruction, or for positive human growth? Our vigorous discussions will be based upon careful analysis of historical readings, films and fiction selected to illuminate the themes of science and technology.
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Honors 264: Great Ethical Traditions (Rawson)
First we survey major themes and theories throughout the Western ethical tradition, from Socrates to recent times. Then we turn to an extended study of virtue ethics, focusing on the fundamental and half-forgotten, cross-cultural virtue of reverence. This includes comparison of classical Greek, classical Chinese, and modern American traditions. Graded assignments include in-class essay exams, a series of short papers, and a final exam or term paper.
Honors 264: The State of the World’s Children (Smith)
This course will survey the impact of cultural identity and heritage upon the health and well-being of children around the world. The impact of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 and the United Nations World Summit for children in 1990 will serve as the basis for examining the history of child exploitation and the necessary global effort to halt that exploitation. Specific attention will center on legislative landmarks dealing with the rights of the child and the associated universal responsibility to respect and protect those rights. The course will survey global issues of child labor, children in war, uprooted children, sexual exploitation of children, homelessness of children, and child abuse. Conversely, positive issues will center on basic educational needs, educating children for peace, and specific concerns related to health, safety and nutrition of children and adolescents.
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Honors 365: Junior Honors Seminar (Hughes)
This course focuses on the development of the Department Honors Project Proposal. Students identify a research topic in class and narrow the focus of their research through meetings with a departmental honors advisor. The class offers intensive seminars on research strategies, study skills, and proposal writing. Across the semester, students present different sections of their proposals to class participants for criticism and discussion. Students develop a peer and faculty support network in readiness for their senior year. The course goal is for each student to complete a draft Honors Project Proposal ready for submission to their respective Departmental Honors Committees before the end of the spring semester. Students work sequentially on identifying a topic and key research question(s), finding relevant literature and preparing a review, locating key data sources and/or materials, developing data collection instruments, selecting appropriate methods/approaches, and preparing a projected timeline for successful project completion.Spring, 2 Credits; credit / no credit
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Area Distribution Requirements:
Mathematics 139H: Contemporary Topics (Sparks)
This course introduces assorted topics in contemporary “real world” mathematics, with the idea of improving mathematical literacy and appreciation along with teaching certain specific areas of mathematical knowledge. Topics to be covered include election theory, distribution of power in the house of representatives, the traveling salesman problem, networks, and some home finance (which includes a way to show how we should all quite easily be able to retire as millionaires).Political Science 202H: American Government (Schmeling)
January, 2009, will bring dramatic changes to American politics and government. We will certainly have a new president and senior administration, but we will also see shifts in makeup of the Congress and, quite possibly, the resignation of at least one Supreme Court justice. POL202 will help you understand how and why these changes occur, and what they mean for you as a citizen. We will explore the institutions, principles, and practices of our American Democracy, focusing on issues such as the Constitution, Congress, the Presidency, the Supreme Court, elections, political parties and civil rights. The class will be discussion-based.
Sociology 202H: The Family (Roche)
American family life is studied from a sociological perspective including coverage of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships. The course explores vital issues affecting today's marriages and families. Topics include:
- making family choices in a changing society
- our gender identities
- choosing a marriage partner
- alternatives to marriage
- to parent or not to parent
- raising children in a diverse and multicultural society
- work and family
- aging families
- communication and managing conflict in marriages and families
- family stress, crises, and resilience
- divorce, remarriages and stepfamilies.
3 credit hours. Gen. Ed. Category SB. Offered fall, spring, summer.
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Honors 351 and 365 may be taken separately, and students may do a senior honors project in their departments (Departmental Honors) without taking either course. Both courses are required, however, in addition to General Education Honors and Departmental Honors, for students to receive College Honors on the transcript.