Course Proposal
First call for 2008-2009 Honors Courses
The Clarkson University Honors Program seeks proposals for its courses for the 2008-2009 academic year. As a whole, the Honors curriculum is centered around current and emerging problems in science, technology, and society. Honors courses should challenge students to make full use of their intellectual gifts and to develop their creative, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Typically, Honors sections will have 15 students in them.
The Honors Council invites proposals each year and encourages teams of faculty to submit proposals, since it seeks participation from many faculty. Since the Honors Program is designed to allow students to approach problems from different vantage points, this goal might be achieved by having different faculty from different departments and schools propose linked courses. The Honors Program has become a laboratory within which faculty can try things they have always wanted to try but for which they could find no suitable outlet. For this reason, the council also invites ideas for courses which it can factor into its thinking for the future. The council can provide samples of past proposals.
Deadline: Expressions of intent are due by Monday, November 5, and proposals are due by Monday, December 10. The Honors Council will be glad to talk over proposal possibilities and to read and comment on draft proposals. Submit proposals to David Craig, Box 5755.
Proposal: We invite proposals of approximately two-pages presenting: 1) an overview of the course, 2) a rationale for the course proposed, 3) a preview of course readings or materials, and 4) an explanation for how the course meets the goals of the Honors Program.
First Year — The Ethical Implications of Research and the Tools for Problem Solving
Fall Semester: The Social and Ethical Implications of Research explores the consequences of new and emerging knowledge in science and technology
Spring Semester: The Social Problems investigates current issues and emphasizes the ability to think, speak, and write critically.
Second Year — The Contemporary World: The Problems and Their Origins
Fall Semester: Focusing on a real world problem (examples available upon request). This project-based course will be multidisciplinary (ideally the perspectives of all three schools of the University — Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering — would be represented), and will conclude with both a written report and an oral presentation to faculty and other invited guests. The goals of this course include the appreciation of multidisciplinary perspectives and enhanced creative, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
Spring Semester: The sophomore problem seminar will use classical and contemporary texts to explore the origins and history of the problem investigated in the first semester.
Third Year — Science — Problems and Possibilities
Fall Semester: The science seminar should focus on a topic of future scientific importance (examples available upon request). The seminar might explore the birth of a scientific breakthrough, examine the possible applications of cutting-edge scientific research, or investigate an area of current scientific controversy. The goals of the seminar include critical thinking, especially as it pertains to scientific investigation and discovery, and communication skills as well as exploration of the topic.
Fourth Year — Research and Modernity
Spring Semester: A seminar on modernity will provide the capstone experience for the Honors Program; the seminar will use the perspectives of the social sciences or liberal arts to investigate a contemporary issue, a problem that will likely affect the students' lives.
Roster of Courses and Professors for 2007-2008
First Year
The Social and Ethical Implications of Research - Professor Kelly
The Social Problems Course - Professor Kelly
Second Year
Sustainability of the Biofuel Revolution - Professors Gravander, Pierce, Pratt, and Visser
Sophomore Problem Seminar - Professor Fairbanks
Third Year
Cold Regions - Professor Shen
Fourth Year
Technological Advances and Revolutionary Change - Professor Caldwell