Spring 2009 Honors Seminars

Honors Seminar in Fine Arts
IN202, MWF, 11:00 to 11:50, Library 29
Professor Tina Nicholson
Students will be exposed to Music in our Society through readings, attendance at varied live music venues in Decatur (focusing on Kirkland events), recordings, presentations, and discussions. We will gain a better knowledge of many genres of Music; widening our perception and appreciation of music as an Art form and grapple with the question: Why Art? (Can count as the Fine Arts requirement for the MPSL)

Honors Seminar in Humanities
IN203, Section 1, TR 3:30 to 4:45, Lib29
Dr. Anne Matthews
"Out of Africa: Black Literature around the World
This course provides an introduction to comparative black literature. We will read and respond to texts written in a variety of genres by African authors and authors of African descent living all over the globe: the United States, the Caribbean, Africa—even Russia. Literary Spaces: Introduction to Comparative Black Literature, the anthology we will use, covers a variety of themes, such as pan-Africanism, gender, social justice, mythology, folk culture, and spirituality, among others. Genres include poetry, history, fiction, song lyrics, memoir, drama, oral history, and more. The anthology also contains introductory chapters that place the works in their social, cultural, and historical contexts, as well as provide a critical lens through which we can view the texts. Students will write weekly response papers, a critical/interpretive essay, and a research/interpretive essay; they will also present research on the biography of an author of their own choosing, including an examination of that author’s cultural and ethnic heritage. (Can later count as College of Arts and Sciences literature requirement or IN350 Global Studies requirement)

Honors Seminar in Humanities
IN203, Section 2, TR 2:00 to 3:15, Lib29
Dr. Eric Roark
"Anarchism"
In this course, our readings and discussions will focus on the topic of anarchism. Anarchism is a notion that many are familiar with but few have systematically and rigorously explored. This course will provide an opportunity to systematically and rigorously consider the central claims advanced by various types of anarchists. In particular we will be concerned with some of the following questions:
(1) What is anarchism?
(2) What are the central claims of those that defend anarchism?
(3) What are the different varieties or types of anarchism?
(4) How could a state be morally justified or have political authority?
(5) Is the existence of a state consistent with the rights of people?
(6) By what right does the government demand my obedience? Why should I obey the state?
(Can later count as an IN250 US Studies requirement)

Honors Seminar in Natural Sciences - two sections available
IN204, Section 1, MWF, 9:00 - 9:50, LTSC221
IN204, Section 2, MWF, 10:00 - 10:50, LTSC221
Dr. Marianne Robertson
"The Biology of Spiders"
The goal of this course is to develop an appreciation of Biology in general, using spiders as a learning tool. As we go, we will be examining structure and function as a background to understanding the ecology and behavior of these animals. Hands-on work will emphasize an understanding of spider natural history and identification. Topics covered with spiders will be applied to the “broader picture”, with topics such as natural selection, coevolution, ecology, behavior, taxonomy, and structure/function playing a major role in overall synthesis. Class participation is HIGHLY encouraged at all “lectures.” (Can later count as the MPSL Natural Science with lab requirement)

Honors Seminar in Social Sciences
IN206, Section 1, TR, 12:30 - 1:45, Lib29
Dr. Curtin-Alwardt
"Public Speaking"
This public speaking course is designed to integrate theory and practice in preparing and delivering different types of speeches, both individually and in groups. A significant project of the course will combine a service-learning component and presentation. Students will be responsible for identifying an organization and then creating and presenting to that group. The focus of the presentation could include, but not limited to, any of the following: creating an idea to “sell” to an organization; conducting a seminar on a component of communication (i.e., leadership, effective small groups, importance of nonverbal communication, listening techniques, among many other choices). In short, students will have a choice in the focus of and audience for their presentation. (Can later count as the MPSL Oral Communication requirement)

Honors Seminar in Mathematics
IN207, Section 1, TR, 11:00 - 12:15, Lib29
Dr. Jim Rauff
"Infinity"
In this seminar we undertake an exploration of the mathematics of infinity. Along the way we will encounter the infinity of infinities, android epistemology, shamanistic transcendence, parallel universes, eleven dimensions, mysticism, time travel, and truth. Our main guide to the infinite will be mathematics, but we will also be assisted by anthropology, art, linguistics, literature, philosophy, mythology and physics. (Can later count as the MPSL Quantitative Reasoning requirement)

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May/June Immersion/International Travel Options:

Amsterdam (Holland), Hanover (Germany), Krakow (Poland), and Prague (The Czech Republic) late May - early June 2009
+ the week before the trip, 36 hours of class on MU campus.
Faculty: Deborah Slayton, Stephen Frech & Perry Rask - Can count as Honors Seminars in Nursing, Fine Arts or the Humanities

Click on last year's link for details: http://www.millikin.edu/international/immersions/imm_07/amsterdam2007.html

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Fall 2009 Seminars: on the planning board

Trying to plan out more of your Honors Seminars (the three 200-level seminars must be from three different content areas)? Here's what we are planning for Fall 2009.