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Honors Courses Offered Spring 2008

HONR 1330 Breadth Creative Arts, Section 001, Civ: Creative Arts (3 cr, CRN 12369)

Mary Heers, MWF 110:30-11:20

This class is an immersion into the creative arts available on the USU campus and in the local area. The class revolves around attending evening performances and writing response papers. Class time allows further exploration through guest speakers and selected films. This class is intended to encourage a thoughtful discussion of the arts and to improve your powers of observation and judgment.

 

 FCHD 1500H Breadth Social Science, Human Development Across the Lifespan (3 cr, CRN 14123)

Dr. Ann Austin, TR 1:30-2:45

In Honors 1500 we will consider the following questions: What is human competency and how does competency develop and change throughout the life cycle?  In what ways does public policy shape notions of competency and the conditions for competency?  What are some of the international issues relative to the development of human competency?  We will take several field trips during class time, and students will design and conduct their own study relative to lifespan human development.  We will read Grapes of Wrath and will link the stories of several characters therein to our discussion of lifespan development to give us a common point of reference. Additional common reference points will be developed through references to the Connections book  "Complications" by Atul Gawande.

What students have said about my classes:  "Dr. Austin loves students and loves her subject matter.  The intersection of the two make for an unforgettable class."

 

HONR 2100, Honors Inquiry (1 cr)

This course is required of all second-semester, first-year Honors students. Honors offers several different major-specific sections of Honors 2100, Inquiry, each tailored to the needs of high-ability students in various disciplines across the university. The goal of Honors 2100, Inquiry, is to integrate the Honors Pathway (e.g., undergraduate research, preparing for graduate studies, applying for scholarships, grants, and fellowships, conducting scholarly work) with various fields of study.

HONR 2200, Honors Enrichment (.5 cr, CRN 10388)

Mary Heers

Something to shout about! You can continue to take in cultural events and earn credits throughout your student years. Honors Enrichment is an opportunity for Honors students to enhance their academic experience by attending five cultural and arts events and reflecting on them in small group setting. Class will meet directly after the performances. Instructor will initially contact class by e-mail.

Grading will be based on attendance, participation, and written work.

Quote from a former student:
"What a great opportunity to see professional and superior art and entertainment! Mary Heers shared her enthusiasm and insight for enhanced enjoyment and comprehension . . . It is definitely worth the cost of foregoing a night at home studying. The performances were a bright spot throughout the semester."

HONR 3020 Depth Humanities & Creative Arts, British and Commonwealth Cultures (3 cr, CRN 14047)

Dr. Shane Graham, MWF 12:30-1:20

Additional meetings M 1:30-2:20 during weeks 2-9

*Please note that this course is cross-listed with ENGL 3060.

If you ever wondered how English became the international language of business and cross-cultural exchange, this course will provide some answers. Beginning in the sixteenth century, England ruled over a vast empire that at various times included all of the British Isles, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the Indian subcontinent, and large parts of Africa and the Caribbean. England exported elements of its culture to these far-flung colonies—for example, its literature, its sports, its architecture, and especially its language. But the exchange was never purely passive or one-directional. Inhabitants of the colonies adopted some aspects of British culture, rejected others, and transformed the parts they retained often beyond recognition. Moreover, especially in the six decades since World War II ended, a flood of emigrants from the now-independent former colonies have radically altered the social landscape in England, creating a vibrant but sometimes strained multicultural society. In this class we will learn how English culture influenced life in the colonies, as well as how the cultures of the colonized peoples transformed England in turn. Literature will be the primary vehicle through which we conduct this study, but we will also consider film, music, and a variety of sociological and anthropological studies. Readings will include Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, Levy’s Small Island, Walcott’s Pantomime, and various poems, short stories, and essays. The course is open to students in any major, and fulfills the Depth Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA) requirement.

Quotes from former students:
“Dr. Graham was especially well educated in this particular subject, and that came across in his teaching. It was refreshing to have a professor that knew what they were talking about and cared about whether or not the student understood.”

“I liked how the class was more of a discussion than a lecture. It was fun to get into debates and topics and try to reason out my own thoughts. Dr. Graham’s enthusiasm was outstanding and you could really feel he was passionate about his work.”

“I really liked the professor’s examples over PowerPoint. The timeline, the Tempest pictures, the calypso music—I loved all of that. And I loved that the topic of this class was very focused.”

“The course was excellent in helping me to begin thinking outside of my cultural context, to try and understand and empathize with other country’s people and their plights.”

HONR 3030 Depth Social Sciences, Food and Cultures (3 cr, CRN 14124)

Dr. Sarah Gordon, TR 12:00-1:15

This course has been adapted from Dr. Gordon's popular course, Food and Culture.  It willl not be open to students who have taken HONR 1340:  Food and Culture. 

This in-depth interdisciplinary course is an exploration of past and current world events and issues related to food and hunger, health and disease.  We investigate specific foods as commodities and forces of social change in different cultures around the world, with the perspectives of the social sciences. The course emphasizes critical thinking about social issues. (Students who have taken 1340 with Dr. Gordon may also take 3030).

Quotes from former students:
"Dr. Gordon is an incredible teacher. She is very expressive and interesting, as well as knowledgeable. The classroom is relaxed and interactive."

"Sarah is an EXCELLENT teacher. She has the knowledge, preparation, and personal skills to teach in the most effective way. The content of this course is very interesting and complete. The examples used helped a lot to give us a more clear idea of the topics. Prof. Gordon's experience in the field has helped to make the class very dynamic and interesting. She is one of the best teachers I've had."

"The teacher is energetic and inventive. She really made us learn the material and is easy to approach with a problem or question."

"The teacher was great! She was very enthusiastic about the subject, always gave opportunities to express opinions and participate in class. There were a lot of things to help you learn."

"Instructor's attitude and enthusiasm makes the course enjoyable." 

MHR 3110H Depth Social Sciences, Managing Organizations and People (3 cr, CRN 11460)

David Herrmann, MWF 1:30-2:20

An overview of the role of management, and an introduction to leadership theory and practice. Includes defining of mission and goals, organizing work, and managing human performance.

Prerequisites: Admittance to a USU major; cumulative GPA of 2.67 or higher; and completion of at least 40 credits

MATH 1220H, Calculus II for Honors (4 cr, CRN 41693)

Dr. David Brown, MTWRF 12:30-1:20

Integration, infinite series, introduction to vectors, and applications. Topics from second semester calculus will be covered, including advanced integration theory, Taylor's theorem, and the calculus of parametric curves.

Prerequisite: MATH 1210 or AP score of at least 4 on calculus AB exam or at least 3 on BC exam.

ENGL 2010H, Intermediate Writing for Honors (3 credits)

This class will focus on research writing within the student's major, using library and internet research, and appropriate documentation. Students will evaluate sources, collaborate with classmates, and participate in peer review of each other's writing. Writing assignments will be augmented by topical and provocative readings. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and to think carefully about the reading and writing assignments.

This is not a passive class! Students may complete an oral presentation and may have an opportunity to publish their work on a website. Students will write several papers, including a research proposal, an annotated bibliography, a persuasion essay, and a final research essay. Through this class, students should develop their own writing style and voice, and learn to integrate that voice with what others (often authorities) have to say about the subject. It is hoped that students will leave the class stronger readers, writers, and thinkers, with a good idea of the areas on which they can build in the future.

Prerequisite: 30 completed* credits AND Engl 1010 or AP score of 3 or ACT score of 29. (*That is, 30 credits with the grades posted on your transcript; the courses in which you are currently enrolled do not count toward the 30 credits.) As this class centers around writing in the major, students are strongly encouraged to take this class only AFTER beginning upper-division classes in their majors. That is, sophomore standing is preferred, but not required.

ENGL 2010H, Intermediate Writing for Honors (3 credits)

Section 27, Susan Anderson, CRN 10127

*Please note this is a service learning course.

This class will focus on persuasive writing, using library and internet research and appropriate documentation. Students will evaluate sources, collaborate with classmates, and participate in peer review of each other's writing. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and to think carefully about the reading and writing assignments.

This semester the class is a special topics section that coincides with the Tanner Symposium: Latino Contributions to U.S. Culture. Though students will choose their topics for their essay writing, several writing assignments will revolve around the theme of the class.  Writing assignments will be augmented by provocative readings on Latino issues and by Latino/a authors.  The class also has a service learning component, where students will complete approximately four hours of service, write a reflective paper about the experience, and present information to the class using various forms of media. 

This is not a passive class. Students will write several papers, including a personal essay, a research proposal, a literature review, a persuasive-researched essay, and a reflective essay on the service learning experience. Students will choose their best essay to submit to the Voices contest, with the opportunity to win prize money, recognition, and a possible publication.  Through this class, students should develop their own writing style and voice, and learn to integrate that voice with what others (often authorities) have to say about the subject. It is hoped that students will leave the class stronger readers, writers, and thinkers, with a good idea of the areas on which they can build in the future.

Prerequisite: 30 completed* credits AND Engl 1010 or AP score of 3 or ACT score of 29. (*That is, 30 credits with the grades posted on your transcript; the courses in which you are currently enrolled do not count toward the 30 credits.)

Honors Courses Offered Fall 2007

HONR 1300 BAI, Cultural Policy (3 cr, CRN 42032)

Dr. Victoria Grieve, MWF 10:30-11:20

What is cultural policy? Who gets to make it? What is the role of the government in the arts? These questions have become increasingly politicized since the "culture wars" of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

We will investigate the complicated political, economic, and historical relationships between government and culture (broadly speaking) in the United States. We will consider the history of federal involvement in the arts as well as current federal, state, and local arts agencies through case studies of the Utah Arts Council, the Cache Valley Center for the Arts, and the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art. We will discuss the economic impact of the "creative class" and of the arts in modern society, and we will engage in the debates and controversies surrounding the First Amendment rights, the content and funding of public art, the responsibilities of the arts and artists during wartime, and cultural preservation.

This class emphasizes active learning; much of the course learning will take place during in-class discussions of assigned readings. Additional assignments include a group project and presentation, an individual paper, and two exams.

Quote from a former student:
"This professor is a very talented teacher who is excited and enthusiastic about what she is teaching. She knows the material extremely well, is careful to answer any questions, and always makes a point of being available to students."

HONR 1320 BHU, Conflict and Coexistence: Jews, Christians and Moors in Medieval Spain (3 cr, CRN 42033)

Dr. Javier Dominguez-Garcia, MWF 12:30-1:20

In an age of increasing international "tensions", the emblematic case of medieval and early modern Spain remains relevant in today's politics and cultural interactions. To some, it represents a legacy of Crusade and Counter-Reformation; to others, it is a melting-pot of cultures, beliefs and intellectual traditions. Both Al-Qaeda and the Spanish troops stationed in Iraq before March 11, 2001, invoked "Al-Andalus" in their respective ideological discourses. And Sefarad, especially since the quincentennial marking of the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1992, has brought a flurry of studies on medieval Jewish traditions, letters and thoughts.

This interdisciplinary course studies the culture and social politics of Medieval Spain in the light of Christian, Moorish, and Jewish interactions. Iberia, during the Middle Ages, was a land of shifting frontiers and intense intercultural contacts that ranged throughout centuries from peaceful coexistence and tolerance to long standing open conflicts. This course, rather than being a narrow literature survey, will focus and expand specifically on two interconnected themes: Spain as a feudal shifting frontier and as a society where coexistence and tolerance was negotiated in a multi-religious context. Avoiding a narrow focus upon "literary" texts, we will analyze legal and historical documents, as well as epic, romance, and satire. If time allows, later in the semester, we will also attempt ideological readings of medieval architecture. We will examine all these in a land known as Hispania to Christians, al-Andalus to Muslims, and Sefarad to Jews.

Quotes from former students:
"I can honestly say that I have never had a teacher like Javier. His ability to shock and stimulate students into thought made the class very interesting. Overall, it was a great course..."

"A fun and educational class taught by an intelligent and interesting teacher."

"I loved this class!  It was a great class because it gave me something to think about that I didn't already know.  Dr. Dominguez tied everyting we learned into modern day and our life here at USU."

HONR 1330 BCA, Section 001, Civ: Creative Arts (3 cr, CRN 42034)

Mary Heers, MWF 11:30-12:20

This class is an immersion into the creative arts available on the USU campus and in the local area. The class revolves around attending evening performances and writing response papers. Class time allows further exploration through guest speakers and selected films. This class is intended to encourage a thoughtful discussion of the arts and to improve your powers of observation and judgment.

 

 

HONR 1330 BCA, Section 002, Music, the Arts, and Modern Culture (3 cr, CRN 42197)

Dr. Eric Smigel, MWF 11:30-12:20

This class will be devoted to a close study of major works of art music composed from the late 19th century to the present. We will discuss how music has reflected important characteristics of modern culture, including social movements, technological innovations, political ideologies, and ideas arising in other fine arts and letters. To achieve this objective, we will examine critical essays, aesthetic treatises, works of literature and the visual arts, and assess their relationship to selected musical compositions.

Quotes from former students:
"Everything about the course was great--it was my favorite class this semester. The exposure to all the different art movements really made me feel well-rounded, and helped understanding in my other classes."

"If you can take a person like me to appreciate modern art, that really is saying something. There was never a dull moment, and Prof. Smigel loves the subject so much, and was so enthusiastic about it, that I came to appreciate it as well."

HONR 1330 BCA, Section 003, Civ: Creative Arts (3 cr, CRN 43278)

Dr. Tom Peterson, MWF 12:30-1:20

What is art? What elements are common to the arts that cause us to classify them as art? How are these elements similar and different in the various art forms, and in other disciplines? What are the characteristics of good art? Are there objective criteria, and who decides? What are the differences between arts and crafts? Why do the arts exist, and what functions do they serve? Should the arts receive government support?

These are difficult questions with extremely debatable answers, if indeed there are answers at all. This course has been developed from the conviction that an educated person must be exposed to the arts at many levels. You will be faced with these questions as you develop your own set of standards or values for evaluating the role of the arts in our society and in your own life.

Quote from a former student:
"The entire course was wonderful. I especially enjoyed the enthusiasm my professor had in his lectures. The lectures were clear and very informative. I will walk away from this course feeling enlightened, smarter, and eager to learn more about the arts."

HONR 1340 BSS, Food and Culture (3 cr, CRN 42035)

Dr. Sarah Gordon, TR 1:30-2:45

This interdisciplinary course explores the complex roles of food and consumption in western and non-western cultures from pre-history to the present day, using socio-historical, anthropological, developmental, and comparative approaches. Food and foodways are universal aspects of the human experience, across time and geographical boundaries. Class investigates the relation of food to changing and static cultural values, beliefs, attitudes, rituals, and practices. We also discuss important current world events and issues related to food and hunger, health and disease. We eat in class and consider how foods such as chocolate, sugar, potatoes, corn, and even insects have had an impact on different societies and cultures.

Quote from a former student:
"Dr. Gordon is an EXCELLENT teacher! She has the knowledge, preparation, and personal skills to teach in the most effective way. The content of this course is very interesting and complete. The examples used helped a lot to give us a more clear idea of the topics. Prof. Gordon's experience in the field has helped to make the class very dynamic and interesting. She is one of the best teachers I've had."

HONR 1350 BLS, Blood on the Pavement: Medicine as Applied Science (3 cr, CRN 42036)

Dr. John Barrett, TR 9:00-10:15

Health care professionals apply the science and art of medicine to real life situations on a daily basis. From life-threatening emergencies to itchy rashes, a brief interaction contains a fascinating glimpse into the scientific method and its practicality, or lack thereof.

We will explore the process of science by examining the history of germ theory and the development of modern medicine. Through problem solving, based on actual medical cases, we will see how anatomy, physiology, and pathology are used to find solutions.

The course will cover the difficulty of introducing new developments into medical practice. This includes the technical concerns of research and expense, the introduction of the "gray science" of epidemiology, and the ethical concerns regarding human research and clinical trials.

We will examine the global medical industry-pharmaceutical corporations, private and governmental models, and worldwide health organizations-and their impact on society and culture.

Finally, through in-class activities, we'll look at how health care professionals think and make decisions based on knowledge and experience.

HONR 1360 BPS, Breadth Physical Science (3 cr, CRN 42037)

Dr. Tony Lowry, MWF 1:30-2:20

Global warming. Hurricane. Earthquake. Tsunami. Volcanic eruption. Energy crisis. Environmental damage. Water wars. These topics show up in the headlines on any given day, and not surprisingly: In the 21st century, as global population grows and the global economy becomes ever more interdependent, natural disasters, resource limitations and processes of global change will pose some of our greatest challenges.

Many of these issues are tough nuts to crack, not only from a policy standpoint (where conflicting pressures from special interests often hold more sway than scientific findings) but also from the perspective of science itself. The processes underlying these problems are complicated interactions between realms that, traditionally, have been studied piecemeal in separate disciplines of physics, biology, geology, hydrology, meteorology and social science. There is growing recognition however that to inform policy-makers requires both community consensus and a more wholistic treatment of problems.

This class will introduce the multidisciplinary study of "Earth System Science", which seeks to put these puzzle pieces together and arrive at a better understanding of our planet. In this class, we will explore what the physical sciences do (and don't) tell us about these and other pressing problems, and how science does (or does not) inform policy.

Quote from a former student:
"His enthusiasm was apparent and his understanding of course content superb. I knew what was expected, and I LOVE that, and he was good at explaining when he knew we were confused. I expected to hate this class and it was my favorite this semester."

HONR 2000, Scholars Forum (1 cr, CRN 42038)

Dr. Joyce Kinkead, Associate Vice President for Research, online course

As the gateway for official entry into the Honors Program, this course seeks to de-mystify the university experience and give stellar first-year scholars the cultural, political, and social capital necessary not only to navigate the system successfully but also to excel. It is designed to illuminate opportunities for students to undertake hands-on learning, such as undergraduate research, and eventually compete for nationally and internationally prestigious scholarships.

Scholars Forum is a one-credit, completely online course, which won't conflict with other class schedules. Students will complete a total of ten assignments and will be finished with the course by mid-November.

Quotes from former students:
"Scholars Forum made it easier to learn the stuff you need to learn about the university; it really cleared up any questions I had about campus. It also helped me get started on my Honors degree and let me know about what opportunities are available on campus for me."

"Scholars Forum, even though it was online, introduced me to others with similar interests so we could meet face to face. And, I got to know Dr. Kinkead, so I know who I can call on for help if I have problems. Scholars Forum made me feel connected to campus."

HONR 2200, Honors Enrichment (.5 cr, CRN 42039)

Mary Heers

Something to shout about! You can continue to take in cultural events and earn credits throughout your student years. Honors Enrichment is an opportunity for Honors students to enhance their academic experience by attending five cultural and arts events and reflecting on them in small group setting. Class will meet directly after the performances. Instructor will initially contact class by e-mail.

Grading will be based on attendance, participation, and written work.

Quote from a former student:
"What a great opportunity to see professional and superior art and entertainment! Mary Heers shared her enthusiasm and insight for enhanced enjoyment and comprehension . . . It is definitely worth the cost of foregoing a night at home studying. The performances were a bright spot throughout the semester."

HONR 3900, Preparation for Scholarships and Graduate School (1-2 cr, CRN 42179)

Jennifer Bowman, M 4:30-6:30

Winning grants or being admitted to graduate school does not happen by chance. In this course students will research graduate schools and funding opportunities consistent with their personal, academic, and career goals; identify the criteria for evaluation or acceptance; assess their own strengths and weaknesses; and develop a strategy for preparing a compelling application or proposal. Students will write personal statements and resumes, participate in peer workshops, practice key interviewing techniques, and produce professional-quality application materials and proposals. Students will also discuss common characteristics of highly successful individuals, learn and practice techniques for shining in social settings, and discover ways the vital skills presented in this course can benefit them in pursuing other career opportunities.

Quote from a former student:
I really liked the way Jennifer aimed the course at helping me achieve my goals. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for our individual success greatly helped my motivation. I appreciated the "forum" type setting in class, which promoted valuable discussion. Peer reviews were especially helpful.

 

MATH 1220H, Calculus II for Honors (4 cr, CRN 41693)

Dr. David Brown, MTWRF 12:30-1:20

Integration, infinite series, introduction to vectors, and applications. Topics from second semester calculus will be covered, including advanced integration theory, Taylor's theorem, and the calculus of parametric curves.

Prerequisite: MATH 1210 or AP score of at least 4 on calculus AB exam or at least 3 on BC exam.

MATH 2250H, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations for Honors (4 cr, CRN 41704)

Dr. Joe Koebbe, MTWRF 8:30-9:20

Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. Linear systems, abstract vector spaces, matrices through eigenvalues and eigenvectors, solution of ode's, Laplace transforms, first order systems.

Prerequisite: MATH 1220 or AP calculus core of 5 on BC exam.

ACCT 2010H, Survey of Accounting I for Honors (3 cr, CRN 40014)

Dr. Garth Novack, TR 3:00-4:15

This course will provide a survey of the operation and use of the accounting information system. Our emphasis will be on the basic accounting principles used to prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements. Participants will use a computerized practice set to achieve a full understanding of the accounting cycle that produces the financial statements of business entities. We will then use the Wharton Research Data Services database and apply what we've learned in order to create comparisons of the financial statements of different companies.

Prerequisites: STAT 1040 or MATH 1030 or 1050 (MATH 1050 or equivalent is required for College of Business majors); and GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Quote from a former student:
"ACCT 2010 Honors from Dr. Garth Novack was one of the best classes I have ever taken. From the very beginning Dr. Novack made the classroom a place where the students could come and benefit greatly from his teaching. I never felt dumb asking questions, and believe me, I ask A LOT of questions. Dr. Novack always answered them and kept answering them until I understood the answer. His teaching was amazing; I learned more in that class than I have learned in any other class throughout my college experience. Dr. Novack's instruction also prepared me very well for the next class I was required to take in accounting and actually put me ahead of a lot of the other students in the class."

ECON 1500H, Econ Institutions for Honors (3 cr, CRN 41344)

Dr. L. Dwight Israelsen, TR 1:30-2:45

Designed to build an understanding of economic institutions, history, and principles. Relationship between private and public sectors of US economy. Analysis of major economic institutions, such as property rights, markets, business organizations, labor unions, money and banking, trade, and taxation.

 

ENGL 2010H, Intermediate Writing for Honors (3 credits)

Section 41, CRN 43118, Susan Nyikos, TR 9:00-10:15
Section 42, CRN 43119, Shanan Ballam, TR 10:30-11:45
Section 44, CRN 48489, John Engler, TR 12:00-1:15 (Service-learning section)

This class will focus on research writing within the student's major, using library and internet research, and appropriate documentation. Students will evaluate sources, collaborate with classmates, and participate in peer review of each other's writing. Writing assignments will be augmented by topical and provocative readings. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and to think carefully about the reading and writing assignments.

This is not a passive class! Students may complete an oral presentation and may have an opportunity to publish their work on a website. Students will write several papers, including a research proposal, an annotated bibliography, a persuasion essay, and a final research essay. Through this class, students should develop their own writing style and voice, and learn to integrate that voice with what others (often authorities) have to say about the subject. It is hoped that students will leave the class stronger readers, writers, and thinkers, with a good idea of the areas on which they can build in the future.

Prerequisite: 30 completed* credits AND Engl 1010 or AP score of 3 or ACT score of 29. (*That is, 30 credits with the grades posted on your transcript; the courses in which you are currently enrolled do not count toward the 30 credits.) As this class centers around writing in the major, students are strongly encouraged to take this class only AFTER beginning upper-division classes in their majors. That is, sophomore standing is preferred, but not required.

PE 1520H, Hiking for Honors (1 cr, CRN)

Dallas Torgersen, Saturdays, approx 8:30-12:00

Honors hiking offers an opportunity to enjoy some exercise while getting to know your fellow Honors students. We will appreciate the beauty of the local mountains on such hikes as the Wind Cave, Richards Hollow, Crimson Trail, Naomi Peak, and the Wellsvilles. This course will offer very little instruction, but a lot of hiking!

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