How do Honors courses differ from regular general education courses?
Pedagogy
- Courses emphasize discussion and active learning over lectures and information-delivery. They are run as seminars, when/where appropriate.
- Courses are more intensive learning experiences and study subject matter in greater depth than a regular General Education section
- Students assume leadership roles in the classroom.
- Where appropriate, interdisciplinary connections are emphasized.
Course requirements
- Textbooks are supplemented and/or replaced with other course materials, including primary sources and interpretive secondary sources.
- Campus and community resources are utilized to broaden the classroom experience and bring in interdisciplinary perspectives.
Course materials
- Assignments are rigorous and foster stronger critical reading and thinking skills,
- Assignments require students to synthesize sources and ideas both in writing and in oral presentation.
- Many Honors courses include a capstone-eligible research paper or project. These are student-conceived and require the integration of multiple sources and/or perspectives.
Assessment
- Student work is evaluated with higher standards of performance expectation and the weight of course assignments reflects rigorous Honors course requirements.
- Assessment focuses on synthesis of ideas, critical thinking, and innovation over test-taking or mastery of facts.