Fall 2022 Honors Discovery Courses

For more information and registration details for each course, click on course titles to be taken directly to the class's Timeroom page.

 

Discovery Categories

 

 

Biological Science

 

ANTH 415 (H01) - THE HUMAN STORY: EVOLUTION, FOSSILS AND DNA

This course uses an evolutionary approach to investigate human biological and bio-cultural variation in time and space. Through a study of the basics of population genetics, an evaluation of our closest living relatives, nonhuman primates, and an exploration of the biological and cultural pathways traversed by our ancestors to become modern Homo sapiens, students learn the depth and complexity of the human story. Laboratory exercises dealing with human genetics, hominin fossils, and evolution are integrated with lectures to give students hands-on learning experience. No credit earned if credit received for ANTH 413.

Attributes: Honors course, Biological Science(Discovery)

MW       5:10pm - 6:30pm        

 

BIOL 411 (H01) - INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY: MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR

Introduction to structure and function of cells; tissues and organs; physiological processes; genes and heredity. Required for majors in the biological sciences. Special fee. Lab. Students not permitted to enroll in BIOL 411 and BIOL 412 in the same semester.

Only listed colleges in section: Life Sciences & Agriculture

Attributes: Inquiry (Discovery), Honors course, Discovery Lab Course, Biological Science(Discovery)

MWF       12:10pm - 1pm

 

BIOL 412H (01) - HONORS/INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY: EVOLUTION, BIODIVERSITY, AND ECOLOGY LABORATORY

Evolution is the paradigm through which we understand Biology. This course will introduce students to evolutionary concepts that underlie the tremendous biodiversity present on Earth, and explore the ecological interactions that occur among individuals and species. Indoor and outdoor lab activities. Required for majors in the biological sciences. Students are not permitted to enroll in BIOL 411 and BIOL 412 in the same semester. Special Fee. Lab.

Section Comments: Open only to new FRESHMEN in June; continuing students may register starting July 8th if open seats are available. Section above not available for web registration. Check with Honors Program Office for details.

Only listed colleges in section: Life Sciences & Agriculture

Attributes: Inquiry (Discovery), Honors course, Discovery Lab Course, Biological Science(Discovery)

MWF       12:10pm - 1pm
F               1:10pm - 4:30pm

 

BIOL 412H (02) - HONORS/INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY: EVOLUTION, BIODIVERSITY, AND ECOLOGY LABORATORY

Evolution is the paradigm through which we understand Biology. This course will introduce students to evolutionary concepts that underlie the tremendous biodiversity present on Earth, and explore the ecological interactions that occur among individuals and species. Indoor and outdoor lab activities. Required for majors in the biological sciences. Students are not permitted to enroll in BIOL 411 and BIOL 412 in the same semester. Special Fee. Lab.

Section Comments: Open only to new FRESHMEN in June; continuing students may register starting July 8th if open seats are available. Section above not available for web registration. Check with Honors Program Office for more details.

Only listed colleges in section: Life Sciences & Agriculture

Attributes: Inquiry (Discovery), Honors course, Discovery Lab Course, Biological Science(Discovery)

TR       11:10pm - 12:30pm
F           1:10pm - 4:30pm


EXSC 527 (01) - SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS OF HEALTH AND FITNESS

Provides students with practical, scientific, entry-level information relative to physical conditioning, health, and wellness from childhood through adulthood. Students are given theoretical information that will be followed by practical, hands-on experiences offered through laboratories experiences.

 

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course, Discovery Lab Course, Biological Science (Discovery)

TR       5:10pm - 6:30pm
 

 

 

Fine & Performing Arts

 

ARTH 444 (H01) - MONA LISA TO MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: AN INTRODUCTION TO RENAISSANCE CULTURE

What did Michelangelo and Shakespeare have in common? This course will read primary sources about the period called the Renaissance, which looked back to Greek and Roman paganism but which also launched Europe toward modernity due to its new emphasis on individual ambition and civic pride.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course, Inquiry (Discovery), Honors course, Fine&PerformingArts(Discovery)

MW       3:40pm - 5:00pm        

 

ARTS 532H (01) - HONORS/INTRODUCTORY DRAWING

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of studio drawing. Students work towards mastering the technical skills to produce drawings from observation, a working knowledge of the historical time line in drawing, and insight into the complexities of the creative process. A variety of materials are explored, pencil, charcoal, ink and collage. Art historical and contemporary drawing practices are shown in lectures and books to amplify the concepts introduced in the daily studio work. Special fee.

Attributes: Honors course, Fine&PerformingArts(Discovery)

TR       9:40am - 12:30pm

 

MUSI 444 (H01) - MUSIC AND SOCIAL CHANGE

The connections between music and social change with a twofold goal: 1) to heighten critical listening skills so as to become more aware of ways in which music can express social attitudes; and 2) to introduce the social, cultural, and political issues surrounding the music being studied. Course work consists of listening to selected repertoires, reading scholarly and popular essays about those repertories, and extensive in-class (and on-line) discussion about issues raised by the listening and reading. This course does not fulfill a music major program requirement nor does it satisfy the Fine and Performing Arts Discovery requirement for any music major program. Writing intensive.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course, Inquiry (Discovery), Honors course, Fine&PerformingArts(Discovery)

TR       3:40pm - 5:00pm


 

Historical Perspective

 

HIST 444J (H01) - HONORS/GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP: IN PURSUIT OF LIBERTY

What does it mean to be a global citizen? Are we? What are human rights? Are they universal? This honors discovery course will explore with the men and women who traveled and thought beyond the borders of their locality and their moment of time and who imagined themselves citizens of the world. We will start with early revolutions that traversed oceans and national borders. We'll read utopias that saw their world differently. In the end, we will investigate major global challenges of our own world. We will move backwards, but also forwards in history. We will read novels, and perform plays. We will listen to Beethoven and Berlioz, in class and discuss larger questions of our international community, from sustainability to diversity, as they echo through different disciplines. Course meets History major requirement for Group I or II.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course, Inquiry (Discovery), Historical Perspectives(Disc), Honors course

TR       2:10pm - 3:30pm

 

HIST 532 (H01) - MODERN LATIN AMERICA

Provides a broad overview of Latin America from the 18th century to the present. It examines the breakdown of colonial rules, the establishment of independent countries, the formation of viable nation states, the importance of geography, the roles of the different elements of society. Social, political, and economic changes and continuities emphasized to give a sense of the ambiguities of the historical process. Cultural differences illustrated with slides and music. The effects of elite rule and of United States interventions studied. Writing intensive. Course meets the History major requirements for Group III.

In this honors seminar, we will explore together some of the most consequential and controversial topics in Latin American and Caribbean history, including colonialism and decolonization; economy and environment; gender roles and racial schema; inequality and social movements; and the region’s relationship to the United States. After an overview of the region’s geography, demography, key themes and questions, and an introduction to historical perspectives, the class will collectively choose a number of topics to study.

The course is anchored by a selection of readings, including three book-length scholarly works of Latin American history: Born in Blood and Fire by John Chasteen; The Tupac Amaru Rebellion by Charles Walker; and Adiós Niño by Deborah Levenson. In addition to these two books, students will analyze material drawn from primary sources; first-hand accounts; fiction and art; and film. There will be ample opportunities for students to choose additional topics for discussion and further research.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course, Historical Perspectives(Disc), Honors course

TR     2:10pm - 3:30pm

 

WS 444A (H01) - RACE MATTERS

Class examines race categories in the United States and how these historically changing categories shape our diverse realities across racial, ethnic, gendered, classed, and national identities. Students examine race as a category of difference and explore the multiple ways that individuals claim racial identities. Specific attention focuses on how diverse women have made history in their own lives and in the lives of others by resisting the interlocking systems of oppression.

Attributes: Inquiry (Discovery), Historical Perspectives(Disc), Honors course

MW     12:40pm - 2:00pm    


 

Environment, Technology, and Society

 

CLAS 540A (H01) - ENVIRONMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND ANCIENT SOCIETY: SUSTAINING ANCIENT ROME ECOLOGY AND EMPIRE

This course examines the interplay between the ancient Roman environment, Roman technological innovations, and the values of Roman imperial society. Examining Roman innovations in water supply, building technology, mining, and more, this course explores the ethical questions that arise through the use of ancient Roman technology, evaluates the effects of these technologies on the environment and Roman society, and determines whether Roman values encouraged or discouraged a responsible approach to technology and the environment.

Attributes: Honors course, Environment,Tech&Society(Disc)

MW       1:10pm - 2:30pm

 

DS 444 (H01) - MEANING OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

This course explores the idea and ideals of entrepreneurship, the creating of value through individual initiative, creativity and innovation. The idea of entrepreneurship is of significant relevance in the highly dynamic and competitive 21st century global economy. It is an idea that is important for students to understand and to critically consider and apply. Encourages the development of multiple views of entrepreneurship, and uses a broad, not just business, approach to the study as it engages students in the subject matter. Open to all majors.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course, Inquiry (Discovery), Honors course, Environment,Tech&Society(Disc)

TR       9:40am - 11:00am

 

NR 435H (01) - HONORS/CONTEMPORARY CONSERVATION ISSUES AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Explores the impacts of technology and human activity on our environment and natural resources. Key conservation issues are used as examples of past and present biological, social, and environmental conflicts.

Attributes: Honors course, Environment,Tech&Society(Disc)

TR       11:10am - 12:30pm      
W         9:10am - 10:00am        

 

SOC 444A (H01) - HONORS/SOCIETY IN THE ARCTIC

Introduction to societies of the far North today, from Alaska and Canada through Greenland, Iceland, northern Scandinavia and Russia. Reviews interconnected issues of social change, environment, sustainable development, local control, and modernization vs. traditions. Arctic dilemmas highlight some basic questions facing all societies in the 21st century. Writing intensive.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course, Inquiry (Discovery), Honors course, Environment,Tech&Society(Disc)

TR       2:10pm - 3:30pm         


 

Humanities

 

AMST 444D (H01) - LONG-AGO STORIES BEHIND EVERYDAY LIFE

This interdisciplinary course focuses on the culture of the United States during a specific and short periods of time (1885-1915; 1915-1940; etc). Emphasis is as much on methods of interdisciplinary studies as on the material itself: we'll approach culture through primary sources from a variety of different disciplines: history, sociology, literature, art, architecture, music, film.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course, Inquiry (Discovery), Humanities(Disc), Honors course

TR     8:10am- 9:30am 

 

HUMA 440A (H01) - HONORS/HOOKED: NARRATIVES OF ADDICTION, RECOVERY, AND REDEMPTION

This course explores literature about addiction through both literary an psychological lenses. It focuses on the redemption narrative that structures the understanding of addiction for writers and readers alike. Readings include stories of religious redemption, short fiction, memoirs, self-help texts, and narrative and psychological theory. This course is part of the Honors Symposium "Engaging Addiction". The courses in the Symposium join several times during the semester for common meetings where perspectives can be compared and explored.

Attributes: Humanities(Disc), Honors course

MWF      12:10pm - 1:00pm 

 

HUMA 444E (H01) - WHAT IS A CRIMINAL?

Criminals are people who break the law -- In theory. How do people become criminals (with regard to biological, cultural, and economic influences)? What happens to them in the criminal justice system, and how does the system shape the definition of "criminal"? We will also discuss "criminals of conscience" from Thoreau and Gandhi to Edward Snowden. The course will emphasize reading but will also engage with other media, including films, podcasts, and visual art.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course, Inquiry (Discovery), Humanities(Disc), Honors course

MWF      11:10am - 12:00pm

 

PHIL 436H (01) - HONORS/SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

Examines social and political thought that may include texts from ancient through contemporary times, addressing topics such as natural rights, revolution, law, freedom, justice, power. Questions may include: What is a community, and how are individuals related to communities? Can any particular form of government be morally justified, and if so, what kind of government? Can anarchism work? Is there something wrong with a society in which there is private ownership of property? What is oppressive? What is freedom, and are we free? What roles should different forms of power play in a society? Could and should there be a genderless society? Is ethnic diversity valuable? Writing intensive.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course, Inquiry (Discovery), Humanities(Disc), Honors course

MWF   1:10pm - 2:00pm         


 

Physical Sciences

 

MS 401 (H01) - SCIENCE OF STUFF

Materials Science is a relatively new and fast growing field that studies all types of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, and composites. Material Science explores how stuff is put together, how to change stuff and make it better, the properties and applications of stuff, and even how to make totally brand new stuff. This course explores materials from various topic areas, including sports, forensics, medicine and health, fashion, architecture and construction, music and art, food and transportation from the perspective of materials science. Students explore additional materials independently as well as practice the process of science through simple experimentation and data analysis. Special fee.

Attributes: Physical Science(Discovery), Honors course

TR      11:10am - 12:30pm

 

PHYS 407H (01) - HONORS/GENERAL PHYSICS I

Introductory course emphasizing motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, and oscillations. Recommended for the student specializing in science and engineering. The honors version covers the same material as the traditional lecture course, but with three two-hour classes per week,most of which is spent working on activities in groups (rather than lecture). Students in the Honors section must be co-enrolled in MATH 425H so that strong connections can be made between math and physics. 407H students work in groups in every class meeting. Students in this version do not register for a recitation or lab, since these activities are integrated into the regular class meetings. Prereq: thorough knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Pre- or Coreq: MATH 425. Special fee. Lab.

Co-Requisite: MATH 425H

Only listed colleges in section: Engineering&Physical Sciences

Attributes: Physical Science(Discovery), Honors course, Discovery Lab Course

TR       3:40pm - 5:30pm           


 

Quantitative Reasoning

 

MATH 425H (S01) - HONORS/CALCULUS I

Calculus of one variable covering limits, derivatives of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions; applications include curve sketching, max-min problems, related rates, and volume and area problems. Prereq: completing MATH 418 with a grade of C or better or qualifying with the placement evaluation. (Not offered for credit if credit is received for MATH 424.) Enrollment in MATH 425H requires concurrent enrollment in PHYS 407H.

Section Comments: For permission contact the Office of Academic Affairs in the CEPS Dean's office.

Attributes: Quantitative Reasoning(Disc), Honors course

MWF       9:10am - 11:00am 


 

Social Science

 

CMN 440A (H01) - HONORS/COMMUNICATION, IDENTITY AND ADDICTION

Exploration of how diverse ways of talking about addiction contribute to our understanding -- and ultimate approach toward -- addictive behaviors. Focus will be on a relational approach to understanding the complex lives of human in their social contexts; it is an approach that challenges the dominant individualistic and scientific models of a person. Examination of the ways in which the moral, disease, and psychosocial models of addiction invite us to ignore larger social, cultural, and global issues that contribute to addiction.

Section Comments: Topic Title: The Language of Addiction, Stigma, Communication, and Drug Use

Attributes: Social Science (Discovery), Honors course

MWF       12:10pm - 1:00pm

 

ECON 402 (H01) - PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS (MICRO)

Functions of component units of the economy and their interrelations. Units of analysis are the individual consumer, the firm, and the industry. Theory of consumer demand and elasticity, supply and costs of production, theory of the firm under conditions of perfect and imperfect competition, demand for and allocation of economic resources, general equilibrium, and basic principles and institutions of international trade. ECON 402A emphasizes applications to the international economy. ECON 402H is open to students in the Honors Program.

You must sign up in the Dept Office before registering through WEBCAT.

Attributes: Social Science (Discovery), Honors course

TR       2:10pm - 3:30pm      


 

World Cultures

 

EREC 444 (H01) - THE NEW PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

Inquiry into many facets of tourism from the standpoint of tourists and tour destination. Economic and institutional factors affecting human well-being from the use of land and water resources; discussions of distributional aspects of benefits from tourism activities.; environmental impacts; ownership patterns and uses; cultural attributes; and local economies in small Caribbean island nations. Cruise ships, time-shares, all-inclusive resorts, hurricanes, casinos, bars, rum, sex, and drugs are investigated through extensive readings and web surfing.

Section Comments: Open only to new freshmen in June. Continuing students who will be freshmen or sophomores in the fall may register when WEBCAT registration re-opens in mid-July.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course, World Cultures(Discovery), Inquiry (Discovery), Honors course

 

HIST 440E (H01) - HONORS/DRUGS AND ADDICTION IN WORLD HISTORY

As drug addiction rates in the US are reaching epidemic proportions, new solutions and perspectives are becoming increasingly important. This course teaches students how a variety of cultures, including the Aztecs, Maya, Vedic India, China, and Greco-Roman antiquity, confronted the problems of drug use and addiction in their own societies. By examining these phenomena through the lens of other culture's values, students will gain a valuable perspective by which to address these problems today.

Attributes: World Cultures(Discovery), Honors course

MWF      12:10pm - 1:00pm 


 

Writing Skills

 

ENGL 401H (01) - HONORS/FIRST-YEAR WRITING

Training to write more skillfully and to read with more appreciation and discernment. Frequent individual conferences for every student.

Attributes: Writing Skills(Discovery), Writing Intensive Course, Honors course

MWF   1:10pm - 2:00pm         

 

ENGL 401H (02) - HONORS/FIRST-YEAR WRITING

Training to write more skillfully and to read with more appreciation and discernment. Frequent individual conferences for every student.

Attributes: Writing Skills(Discovery), Writing Intensive Course, Honors course

TR       8:10am - 9:30am