Honors Courses and Seminars

W 5—7:20 p.m.

Dr. David Stender

This integrative course in the social sciences examines national issues and the role that the media, lobbyists, interest groups, and citizens play in shaping public opinion, as well as notions about government involvement in these areas. The course examines large and complex topics in areas including, but not limited to, education, public health, public policy, and the environment. Through analysis of sources, synthesis of information, and formulation of opinions, students will explore and evaluate the varying solutions offered by these different constituencies.

TR 11:20 a.m.—12:35 p.m.

Dr. Paola Sacchetti

This class aims to integrate the two fields of biology and psychology in understanding how trauma is experienced, the impact trauma has on brain functioning, and how changes in brain functioning contribute to the development and continuation of post-traumatic symptomatology. Specifically, the fields of biology and neuroscience will be used to explain how the brain processes traumatic experiences. Topics of discussion will include physiological responses to stress and trauma, structure of the brain, brain circuitry activation, and the formation of memories. How these biological functions translate into the experience of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions will incorporate psychological perspectives including learning theory and cognitive behavioral theory. In essence, the class will examine how the body and the mind simultaneously experience trauma. Exploring why some individuals develop long-lasting difficulties as a result of trauma will also take memory formation, attachment theory, relationship formation, and self-efficacy into consideration. The concepts of resiliency and post-traumatic growth will be discussed, as well as the role of self-care in building resiliency and coping with trauma.

MW 2:10—3:25 p.m.

Dr. Laura Pence

In this course we will bridge the gap between policymaking and scientific research to explore such pressing issues as climate, water resources, natural disasters, as well as hot topics like gene editing and genetic databases. Research case studies and current events will be combined with an inside look at how the government conducts business, particularly from the perspective of the U.S. Congress. No background in science or politics is required. Open to juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.00 or higher, or by permission of the instructor. This course may be counted for elective credit by majors in Politics and Government or by minors in Environmental Studies. Also, for purposes of general education, HON students may count this course as equal to a social science general education course, a UISS, or as a citizenship course (for A&S students). This course counts as an HON 300 seminar for A&S, CETA, and ENHP students; honors students in other colleges should consult with their honors coordinator before enrollment.

T/TR 9:55—11:10 a.m.

Dr. Jane Horvath

Complexity theory investigates “complex systems,” which can be characterized as open systems of diverse interacting agents whose behavior is affected by memory or feedback, so that adaptive strategies are developed, and emergent phenomena can be generated without any agent controlling the process. Among scientists the term “complexity science” is becoming familiar, and one can find exciting work taking place in mathematics and the sciences on such topics as fractals, chaos, butterfly effects, evolution and emergence, organizational management and strategy, and the like. In the arts, humanities, and social sciences complexity theory is being used to better understand such phenomena as ethnic conflict, development and environmental policies, new genres of music or visual art and literature, economic crises, and current developments in the study of networks and their applications. This course will afford students the opportunity to study the roots of complexity and its development as a body of inquiry and analysis and investigate the current state of complexity writings across a variety of disciplines. Students will have the opportunity to investigate applications in their chosen field. This course counts as an HON 300 seminar for A&S, CETA, and ENHP students; honors students in other colleges should consult with their honors coordinator before enrollment.

Wednesdays 5—7:20 p.m.

Dr. Ayelet Brinn

This seminar explores the history and politics of banning, censoring, and burning books, in both the US and abroad. Reflected most recently in the rise in book banning in schools and libraries, censorship tends to focus on texts that stretch social boundaries in their depictions of race, sexuality, politics, gender, religion, and science. Students will study banned books and censored materials within their historical context, compare and contrast the treatment of different texts across time and space, and examine the relationship between power, culture, and literacy in society. Students will also engage with banned books and the history of censorship while developing strategies for critically analyzing the arguments made for and against such censoring. This course is only open to students who apply for it through the Humanities Center. Applications are closed.