Four-year Program Pathway

Dr. 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.

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?

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.

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.

IDH 3055 Honors Thesis Research Methods is a one-credit hour course available every spring semester. This essential course serves as a pivotal stepping stone in your journey toward crafting an exceptional thesis.

Course Highlights

• Comprehensive Thesis-writing Process: Delve into the intricacies of the thesis-writing process, gaining valuable insights into each stage of development.
• Exploration of Primary Research Methodologies: Familiarize yourself with the essential research methodologies crucial for commencing your thesis project.
• Collaborative and Hands-on Workshop: Engage in a dynamic learning environment where collaboration and hands-on activities play a central role.

Topics Covered

• Topic Selection: Learn effective strategies for choosing a compelling and suitable thesis topic that aligns with your interests and academic goals.
• Approaching an Advisor: Discover the best approaches to interact with and seek guidance from your faculty thesis advisor, ensuring a fruitful working relationship.
• Scholarly Research Methods: Master the art of conducting rigorous scholarly research, setting the foundation for a well-structured and impactful thesis.
• Time Management: Acquire time management techniques that empower you to balance your academic responsibilities and thesis work efficiently.
• Thesis Presentation Requirements: Explore the essentials of effectively presenting your thesis work and showcasing your thesis work with confidence.

Honors students have the opportunity to take up to three semester hours of thesis credits while working on their Honors thesis, guided by a dedicated faculty thesis advisor. The Honors thesis is a pinnacle achievement, serving as a transformative culminating project. The form it takes depends on each student's major.

For students pursuing majors that already necessitate capstone projects as part of their degree program, the Honors Director will consider the integration of the honors thesis. Enhancements to existing capstone requirements are possible, preventing honors students from having to complete two culminating projects. Instead, you might enrich and expand upon the capstone work in your major or critically reflect on the process in order to further elevate your academic experience.

As the final requirement of the Honors Thesis experience, students will formally present their thesis research or creative activity. We encourage you to seize this moment to shine by applying to present at prestigious Honors conferences. The Kugelman Honors Program attends two renowned events annually, including the Southern Regional Honors Council and the National Collegiate Honors Council. Additionally, you can showcase your work at the UWF Student Scholars Symposium held each spring.

Before graduating as a Kugelman Honors Scholar, Honors requires students to complete focused community service. Students can complete community service at their own pace and are encouraged to participate consistently in service activities throughout their time as undergraduates.

Honors students are responsible for documenting their completed service hours. They must include locations, dates, the amount of time they volunteered/served, and brief descriptions of their service activities. Once they reach the required hours threshold—40 for two-year pathway and 80 for four-year pathway students—they can submit their log to the Honors Advisor, who will mark the requirement as complete on their degree audit.

To maintain active standing within the Kugelman Honors Program, all students must uphold a minimum 3.0 GPA at UWF. Falling below this threshold will result in being placed on probation in the Honors Program. If an honors student fails to achieve a 3.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters, they will be deemed academically ineligible to continue as a member of the Honors Program. Similarly, failure to complete an Honors course for two consecutive semesters (excluding summer semesters) will result in termination for non-participation.

Students who find themselves academically ineligible can seek reinstatement to the Honors Program. Once their GPA exceeds 3.0, they may submit a petition for reinstatement to the Honors Director. We encourage students to take this opportunity to re-engage with the Honors community and resume their academic journey with renewed enthusiasm.