Course Descriptions
University Honors Program
Course Descriptions
HNRS 100
Writing Tutorial
1 Semester Hour
An individual tutorial which guides students in the writing of clear, logical, and cogent essays, with an emphasis on close and accurate readings of the texts from HNRS 115.
Concurrent enrollment in HNRS 115.
HNRS 101
American Persona
3 Semester Hours
A writing intensive course based on readings reflecting the political, social, and literary diversity of the cultures in which we live.
HNRS 105
Wealth of Nations
3 Semester Hours
An in-depth treatment of social science theory and policy, including analysis of individual decision making, markets, the national economy, and the government.
HRNS 115
On the Sublime
3 Semester Hours
A "Great Ideas" series that establishes the overarching themes of the intellectual tradition commonly called the humanities: literature, philosophy history, theology, political science, psychology, and economics. The Course also serves as the foundation of Honors interdisciplinary studies.
HNRS 120
On Human Dignity
3 Semester Hours
An examination of what it means to be human as reflected in and fashioned by significant philosophical works, both classical and contemporary.
HNRS 130
Society and Its Discontents
3 Semester Hours
A discussion of culture and ideology from the perspective of various 19th and 20th century critical thinkers and political theorists.
HNRS 140
On Motion and Mechanics
3 Semester Hours
An experiential course employing the use of scientific and engineering methods to study the environment around us and solve technical problems.
HNRS 215
Imago Dei
3 Semester Hours
An exploration of the historical, social, and theological images of creation and the divine.
HNRS 220
Republic to Prince
3 Semester Hours
A study of history and the construction of civilizations from the ancient to early modern periods.
HNRS 230
Age of Leviathan
3 Semester Hours
An historical presentation of the major concepts, ideologies, and movements which have dominated the path to contemporary globalization.
HNRS 240
On the Nature of Things
3 Semester Hours
An examination of the history, philosophy, and nature of scientific discovery, theory, and practice.
HNRS 330
Beyond Good and Evil
3 Semester Hours
A critique of moral problems through the study of ethics, considering select issues in social justice, science and technology, business and society, medicine and bioethics, or media and responsibility.
HNRS 398
Special Studies: Interdisciplinary Seminar
1-3 Semester Hours
An in-depth, interdisciplinary analysis of a particular theme, problem, or period. Coursework often involves the student with faculty writing and research, resulting in coauthoring and publication opportunities.
HNRS 490
Honors Teaching Assistant
1-2 Semester Hours
Guided teaching of HNRS 100 where the TA leads individual writing tutorials, peer-editing groups, discussions of “The Book,” and the step-by-step process for the HNRS 115 research paper.
May be repeated for credit.
Requires Junior- or Senior-level Honors status and consent of Honors Director and HNRS 115 professor.
HNRS 495
Thesis Seminar I
1-2 Semester Hours
The proposal and preliminaries of the Honors Thesis.
HNRS 496
Thesis Seminar II
1-2 Semester Hours
The research, draft, and oral presentation of Thesis progress.
HNRS 497
Honors Thesis
1-2 Semester Hours
The publication and submission of the Honors Thesis.
HNRS 498
Special Studies: Directed Research
1-3 Semester Hours
HNRS 499
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
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