HON 101. HONORS INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR
This interdisciplinary seminar is a writing-intensive course designed to develop exceptional scholars and citizens in the context of the complex issues and challenges involved in applying knowledge and learning to personal and public lives. This broad context includes the meaning of life and personal identity, the place of sports in developing countries, the role of technology and its effect on communication, education systems of various cultures, ways of knowing and belief systems, politics in a global society, ways we relate to each other and the world, and the place of the arts in society. Within this context students explore how knowledge is generated, criticized and verified in the various academic disciplines and paradigms; how knowledge derived from one discipline and paradigm compares and contrasts with knowledge derived from other disciplines and paradigms; how to be critical consumers of research and knowledge. Required of participants in the UVI Honors Program, this course is also open to other students on a space-available and instructor-approved basis.
3 credits
HON 201. HONORS RESEARCH THEORY AND METHODS
This interdisciplinary seminar explores approaches to scholarly investigations. It examines practical methods for finding and using currently available knowledge, and reviews the theoretical basis for research methods that reveal new knowledge. Required of participants in the UVI Honors Program, this course is also open to other students on a space-available and instructor-approved basis.
3 credits
HON 301. DEVELOPMENT, ANALYSIS AND COMMUNICATION OF ETHICAL POSITIONS
A seminar series which introduces students to frameworks of ethical/moral behavior and judgments, provides practice in applying these frameworks to personal choices/decisions and to issues in society, establishes an awareness of ethical issues and implications in a wide variety of personal, professional and social contexts, develops the ability to analyze, articulate and defend ethical arguments, and encourages students to adopt a personal set of ethical guidelines and standards to guide their actions. Case studies analyzing personal and private choices, decisions and directions from an ethical point of view are emphasized and students are encouraged to examine critically the positions taken by public figures and by their student colleagues. Required of participants in the UVI Honors Program, this course is also open to other students on a space-available and instructor-approved basis.
3 credits
HON 401, 402. HONORS THESIS/PROJECT
The Honors Thesis/Project is the capstone experience for all Honors Program students. Students are expected to investigate a significant issue, organization, movement, event or art form and to formally report in written (or via other appropriate modalities) and oral forms on their discoveries/creations. Students will be expected to ground their investigation theoretically and to justify selected methodologies used during their discovery process. The thesis/project will be approved in advance by the Honors Council and will be undertaken under the direction of a UVI faculty member. Students will be expected to display mastery of the content and delivery of the material in an oral defense of the thesis/project in front of the Honors Council and other students in the Honors Program. Required of participants in the UVI Honors Program, normally taken in two consecutive semesters.
3 credits
