Sample Honors Colloquia
History of Rock n Roll
This course is a combination of music appreciation and music history class. We’ll begin with pre-World War II blues and country and work our way through the many varied eras of rock n’ roll up through the early ’90s. The course instructor is the author of London, Reign Over Me: How England’s Capital Built Classic Rock and The Strangest Tribe: How a Group of Seattle Rock Bands Invented Grunge.
Adaptive Vertebrate Reproductive Morphology
This course covers a wide range of reproductive organ structures found in the animal world, including claspers, the gonopodium, intromittent organs, the uterus, etc. Students will independently focus on specific taxa and species-specific forms in order to demonstrate the ecological significance of these adaptations. The course will utilize presentations and peer learning to assess overall anatomical knowledge acquisition.
Ecobotany
This course explores the ecological and economic aspects of botany. Students will learn about unusual ways in which plants are grown/used in different cultures, with hands-on activities based on topics they wish to explore. Example topics include: 1) What kind of wood is used to build an African Djembe Drum? 2) How might seaweed be used in preparing food? 3) How is coffee grown sustainably and is there a difference in the taste of sustainable vs. non-sustainably grown coffee? 4) What are some examples of medicinal uses of plants in primitive cultures and/or how are plants used in developing pharmaceutical products?
From Wolves to Man's Best Friend: Introduction to Dogs
This course focuses on the evolution of wolves (Canis lupus) to dogs (Canis familiarise) and how man played GOD in creating a new species of animal. The professor will discuss the nuances of different AKC breeds, along with the historical perspective on culling breeds, proper training, husbandry needs, and basic canine first aid. A key topic discussed by the professor will be the human care of dogs.
A Critical View of the Science of Science Fiction Cinema
This course is a critical view of the science behind science fiction films that are presented to the public for entertainment. Each period we will watch two excerpts from science fiction films, some from current films, and some from old black and white films. We will spend the time after each excerpt dismantling the accuracy of the science, and why it is or is not correct. Homework assignments are to pick one of the scenes and rewrite the scene as it should look if only valid science were used.
Positive Psychology
This course encompasses the study of positive experiences, positive character strengths, positive relationships, and the institutions and practices that facilitate their development. This course also reviews the history of positive psychology and the contributions this new field has made to several traditional research areas in psychology. Consideration will be given to conflicting viewpoints, and their respective empirical support, including the benefits of balancing positive with negative emotions, the measurement and development of happiness, and the attempting to increase it. Throughout the course we will also engage in experiential learning and practical exercises to increase wellbeing, which will inform our theoretical and empirical understanding of important questions in positive psychology.
Paleoecology of Mammals
This course explores the ancient world through relationships between prehistoric mammals and their environment. The course combines modern research, interdisciplinary approaches, and critical thinking to unravel the ecological dynamics of past mammalian communities. Students will analyze fossil evidence, examine adaptation strategies, and investigate the influence of climate, geography, and biotic interactions on mammalian evolution. Students will deepen their understanding of paleoecology and its relevance to modern ecological and conservation challenges.