Honors Courses and Seminars

Dr. Sheila Dunn is the instructor of this first-year course in the Honors Core. Music is a powerful form of communication that allows us to explore the depth of human emotion. It serves as a remarkable expression of selfhood while also creating common ground and unity across diverse groups of people, adding tremendous value to our daily lives. In this course, we will explore music through a kaleidoscope of lenses and disciplines as the art form relates to history, politics, sociology, education, literature, science, economics, health, psychology and other art forms. Students will attend a variety of live performances and interact with guest speakers and experts in the field as we set off on a journey to make meaning of our modern world through music. Please note, Music, Selfhood and Society is not a performance-based music course. Students do not need music training in order to be successful in this course.

Dr. Alexis Janosik is the instructor of this first-year course in the Honors Core. In this course, students will explore what it means to be a human in the biosphere while utilizing a strong emphasis on cultivating new methods of thinking and communicating ideas. This is an interdisciplinary course which involves engaging and enriching class discussions, in-depth thinking, reasoning, and active research to form the foundation of the academic experience unique to the Kugelman Honors Program. This course will focus on human literacy and diversity: awareness and understanding of the fundamental concepts about what it means to be a human and our interaction with the biosphere. We will explore how humans interact with their various environments, from biological and social to economic and physical. Our mission is to demystify and humanize science in an open conversation that instills passion, awe, and responsibility for humans and the Earth.

In this first-year course in the Honors Core, taught by Dr. Jocelyn Evans or Dr. Meredith Marten, students will explore the philosophical and cultural underpinnings of community and investigate the distinctive features of communal life. This foundation will prepare students to address those features of modern society that either support or threaten the community. Specific attention will be given to conceptions of justice and equality, political engagement, social interaction, urban design and city planning, public presence, personal meaning and usefulness, notions of public/private property and collective responsibility, and shared physical and virtual space. Likewise, we will consider threats to the community including: (potentially) social networking and technology, lawlessness and violence, collective efficacy, and problems of collective action. Students then will consider the ways in which citizens can benefit from engaging their respective communities of interest, foster more meaningful civic life, and provide leadership to build a better future. By the end of the semester, you should be thinking about your community and culture and raising the following questions. What is your community and cultural heritage? How do you define it? What does it provide you? How is this community and cultural heritage different than it was for your parents and grandparents? What can you do to make it better?

Every fall and spring semester, the Kugelman Honors Program offers a minimum of two interdisciplinary Honors seminars thoughtfully crafted by extraordinary faculty members from various disciplines across the University. In these seminars, you will find a fusion of knowledge as different ideas and perspectives converge to create new learning about multifaceted subjects.

In our intimate seminar settings, limited to just 15 students, you'll engage in lively discussions, collaborate with fellow brilliant minds, and immerse yourself in a learning environment that embraces innovation and intellectual curiosity. 

Honors seminars vary by semester and will be posted to the Registration Menu in MyUWF.

Service Learning and E-Portfolio development is an enriching experience that paves the way for your future career success. This course focuses on your professional development, equipping you with the essential skills and personal awareness you need for future success.

As part of this course, you'll also learn how to harness the potential of e-portfolios, creating a solid digital presence that showcases your achievements and capabilities. Our guidance in E-portfolio development ensures you present yourself effectively to potential employers as well as graduate and professional schools.

Moreover, we emphasize aligning service activities with your future career goals. Discover how community engagement can contribute to your professional journey, making it even more rewarding and fulfilling.