 |
University Scholars Course Descriptions
US118-128 Seminar (1,1). Discussion-oriented seminars on interdisciplinary topics in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Regular features include study of U.S. and world cultures, debates on current social/political issues, and implications of scientific and technological advances for the 21st century. Faculty, staff, and community experts in various disciplines are frequent guest discussants.
US218-228 Reading-Discussion Groups (1,1). Small groups of students study throughout the semester with one or two professors. Each group pursues a different course of study determined by the students and faculty together. Recent topics have included Conspiracy Theories in History, Harry Potter, Romanticism in British Literature, and History in Film.
US318-328-418 Specialized Studies (1,1,1). Students study in areas of personal interest with individual guidance by faculty mentors. Weekly meetings between student and mentor are expected. Readings begin with a broad scope, then become more concentrated as the year progresses. This study leads to a senior project.
US428 Senior Project (3). The senior project must be approved in advance by the Honors Programs Director. Students do individual creative work under faculty direction. The outcome is a significant product appropriate to the field of study (e.g., scientific research paper, major library research paper, creative writing collection, musical composition or performance, or computer program). The student makes a written and oral presentation to a faculty committee, and undergoes an oral examination on the project.
All University Scholars courses are graded on a pass/fail basis.
Program Requirements and Policies
Class Attendance and Participation All University Scholars students are expected to be in attendance at the scheduled times for their Seminar, Reading-Discussion, and Specialized Studies Courses. Honors Faculty will be asked to comment on the quality and quantity of each student's participation in the various courses each term.
Academic Programs Scholars must attend one of the Academic Speaker Program public presentations each semester. (See Academic Speaker Program information.)
Community Service and Cultural Program In light of the University Scholars Program goals, all Scholars students are also required to attend two cultural events of their choosing each year, one per semester. One of these may be on the University campus, e.g. Music Department recitals, Vanguard Theater performances, Arts Council presentations, etc. (see calendar or individual department schedules for more specific information). The other cultural event attended must be off-campus. The University Scholars will provide transportation to several such events throughout the year.
All Scholars are also expected to perform at least one act of community service each semester. Individual service projects are accepted and encouraged; the University Scholars Organization also provides several service opportunities to the Scholars. Documented proof of service must be turned into the Honors Director by the end of each semester.
The University Scholars Organization (USO) All Scholars must be members of the University Scholars Organization and pay yearly dues of $10 to the treasurer at the beginning of each academic year (fall semester). See additional information on the University Scholars Organization page .
Additional Requirements Every year, each scholar is required to submit one article or piece of creative writing to The Scholar (the University Scholars Program publication) or to another publication.
All Scholars must also attend the University Scholars Forum each semester; see the calendar or Honors Director for scheduled forum dates. These forums provide an opportunity for Scholars to present senior projects, music recitals, poetry readings, or items for general discussion.
|