Academic Catalog

Honors (HNRS)

HNRS 1110  Journeys of Discovery  1 Credit (1)  
Weekly conversations among students and a faculty member; organized around a particular subject and a small selection of readings.
Prerequisite(s): Honors eligible  

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will comprehend and condense information to contribute to class discussions.
  2. Students will develop public speaking and presentation skills based on research conducted in and outside of class.
  3. Students will expand upon collaborative skills as both group presentations and group written reports.

  
HNRS 1115  Honors First Year Seminar  3 Credits (3)  
Weekly conversations among students and a faculty member; organized around a particular subject and a small selection of readings.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate critical thought about the nature of knowledge, learning, and student development in the contemporary University.
  2. Explain how key concepts and principles serve as the foundation for the Honors College mission and values.
  3. Create a plan for their experiences at university, in and out of the classroom, that will maximize their academic achievement and personal success beyond graduation.

  
HNRS 1135G  Introduction to Biological Anthropology  3 Credits (3)  
This course provides a basic introduction to the broad field of biological anthropology. The research interests of biological anthropologists include the history and development of modern evolutionary biology, molecular and population genetics, modern primates, the primate and human fossil record, and modern human biological diversity.
HNRS 1135L  Introduction to Biological Anthropology Lab  1 Credit (1)  
This laboratory course expands on the topics covered in lecture course and uses scientific methods and principles to examine evidence for the process of evolution, the nature of heredity, human evolutionary history and family tree relationships, primate ecology and behavior, and modern human diversity. Hands-on experience with fossil and skeletal material will be an important part of the learning process.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method.
  2. Employ principles of Mendelian genetics to determine genotype and phenotype probabilities, and calculate gene, genotype, and phenotype frequencies using the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium formula.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of cell structure and functions.
  4. Use common lab and anthropometric equipment such as a compound microscope and calipers.
  5. Discuss primate evolution and compare and contrast members of the Primate order in terms of structure, behavior, and phylogeny.
  6. Classify hominid species based upon selected traits such as anatomical changes associated with bipedalism, changes in the size and structure of the brain, and the development of culture.
  7. Locate and describe the major bones of the human skeleton and identify characteristics of human skeletons or skulls such as gender, age, and ancestry.
  8. Discuss current research in genome analysis of various hominid populations.

  
HNRS 2110G  The Present in the Past: Contemporary Issues and their Historical Roots  3 Credits (3)  
This course will take todays concerns, trends, and customs and contextualize them in the past, explaining their historical origins and development. As an example, we will examine the history of celebrity and how celebrities -- from Lord Byron to the Kardashians made an impact on their contemporaries and the broader society of their time. This reading- and writing-intensive course will help students develop skills related to critical thinking, logical argumentation, and written and oral communication.
HNRS 2111  Successful Fellowship Writing  1 Credit (1)  
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
Crosslist: HON 314, for freshmen and sophomores  

Learning Outcomes
  1. Review of Prestigious International and National scholarships
  2. Best practices in preparing competitive proposals and applications
  3. Effective strategies for writing compelling Executive summaries, Resumes, and Personal Statements

  
HNRS 2114G  Music in Time and Space  3 Credits (3)  
Introduction to all forms of Music. Through our auditory senses and intellectual faculties music is an ideal means for intelligent and humanistic examination of peoples and cultures, and for the enhancement of life. Types of music covered include classical, jazz, rock and roll, and world music. Music videos, live in-class performances, evening concerts, and lectures will be used as a basis for discussions and research.
HNRS 2115G  Encounters with Art  3 Credits (3)  
A multicultural examination of the principles and philosophies of the visual arts and the ideas expressed through them.75
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3  
HNRS 2116G  Earth, Time and Life  4 Credits (4)  
Historical and critical examination of women's contributions worldwide with emphasis on the issues of representation that have contributed to exclusion and marginalization of women and their achievements.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2117G  The World of the Renaissance: Discovering the Modern  3 Credits (3)  
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.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2120G  Foundations of Western Culture  3 Credits (3)  
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.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2130G  Shakespeare on Film  3 Credits (3)  
How do Shakespeare's plays continue to speak to us through the medium of film? Written in a time of rapid social change. Shakespeare's plays invited audiences to think critically about the relationship between the self and others and to question conventions. Performances of Shakespeare have long been used to call out social injustice, from western anti-Semitism prior to World War II (The Merchant of Venice), to civil rights-era white supremacy in the US and apartheid in South African (Othello), and authoritarianism in the Arab Spring (Richard III). This course focuses on post-1980 Hollywood film versions of Shakespeare's plays and a few prior landmark adaptations around the world, examining how they use Shakespeare as a medium for debate and even a catalyst for social change.
HNRS 2140G  Plato and the Discovery of Philosophy  3 Credits (3)  
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.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2141G  Bamboo and Silk: The Fabric of Chinese Literature  3 Credits (3)  
Introductory survey of traditional and modern Chinese prose and poetry in translation with emphasis on genre, theme, and social/historical context.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2145G  Celtic Literature  3 Credits (3)  
This course provides an overview of the most important early literary works of the so-called Celtic nations, principally Ireland and Wales, from a literary and historical approach. This literature stems from the period 600-1200 and ends with the development of the Romances under influence from the French.
HNRS 2160G  New Testament as Literature  3 Credits (3)  
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.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2161G  Window of Humanity  3 Credits (3)  
Anthropology is the most humanistic of the sciences, and the most scientific of the humanities. This course will use anthropological perspectives to examine the human experience from our earliest origins, through the experiences of contemporary societies. We will gain insights into the influence of both culture and biology on shaping our shared human universals, and on the many ways in which human groups are diverse.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2165G  Introduction to Humanities in the 21st Century  3 Credits (3)  
An exploration of the humanities, of their intrinsic and extrinsic values, and of the skills and habits of mind they cultivate.
HNRS 2170G  The Human Mind  3 Credits (3)  
The primary course objective is to develop an appreciation of the variety and complexity of problems that are solved by the human mind. The course explores how problems are solved by a combined computational analysis (computational theory of mind), and evolutionary (evolution by natural selection) perspective. The mind is what the brain does (i.e. information processing) and the brain is a computational device that is a product of evolution by natural selection. Note that this is not a neuroscience course, we will be focusing on the mind (what the brain does) rather than on the brain.
HNRS 2171G  The Worlds of Arthur  3 Credits (3)  
Arthurian texts and traditions from medieval chronicles to contemporary literature. Emphasis on both the continuities of the Arthurian tradition and the diversity of genres, media, and cultures that have given expression to the legend.
HNRS 2172G  Archaeology: Search for the Past  3 Credits (3)  
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. Repeatable: up to 3 credits.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2173G  Medieval Understandings: Literature and Culture in the Middle Ages  3 Credits (3)  
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.
HNRS 2175G  Principles of Human Communication Honors  3 Credits (3)  
Study and practice of interpersonal, small group, and presentational skills essential to effective social, business, and professional interaction.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2176  Acting for Everyone  3 Credits (3)  
To provide fundamental training in acting techniques, including stage voice and movement, improvisation, ensemble building, characterization, emotion exploration and basic performance analysis. The course will provide a correlation between theatre skills and everyday life skills and seek to encourage an appreciation for the art of theatre.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Improve effectiveness of oral communication.
  2. Enhance creativity and appreciation of theatre.
  3. Build confidence and expressiveness.

  
HNRS 2178G  Theatre: Beginnings to Broadway  3 Credits (3)  
Intercultural and historical overview of live theatre production and performance, including history, literature and professionals. Students attend and report on stage productions.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2180G  Citizen and State Great Political Issues  3 Credits (3)  
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.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2185G  Democracies, Despots and Daily Life  3 Credits (3)  
This course will offer students the chance to read firsthand accounts of ordinary citizens' lives under different political systems, from the earliest age to the present day. This reading- and writing-intensive course will help students develop skills related to critical thinking, logical argumentation, and written and oral communication.
HNRS 2190G  Claiming a Multiracial Past  3 Credits (3)  
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.
Prerequisite(s): An ACT score of 26 or higher; or a combination of an ACT score of 24-25 with a High School GPA of 3.75; or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher  
HNRS 2996  Topics in Honors  1-3 Credits  
Special course offerings, with unique titles listed in Schedule of Classes.
Repeatable: up to 6 credits