Problem-Based Curriculum

A Unique Progression of Courses
With their focus on current and emerging problems, Honors courses take professors and students alike into new territory to explore and to gain knowledge. The Honors curriculum comprises an integrated, four-year progression in which students develop the skills needed to tackle emerging problems in science, technology and society. Course content reflects the differing academic and social perspectives of participants and benefits any major. The climax of this sequence is the senior Honors thesis, in which each student defines and explores an unsolved problem in his or her major field.

First Year - "The Ethical Implications of Research and the Tools for Problem Solving "
Fall: The Ethical Implications of Research explores the consequences of new and emerging knowledge in science and technology.

Spring: The Social Problems Course investigates current issues and emphasizes the ability to think, speak and write critically.

Second Year - "The Contemporary World: The Problems and Their Origins"
Fall: Honors Contemporary Problem Course examines issues such as global warming. Students work in teams to analyze problems and propose solutions.

Spring: The Sophomore Problem Seminar examines the intellectual and historical roots of the problem explored in the first semester.

Third Year - "Science: Problems and Possibilities"
Fall: The Science Seminar focuses on topics of future scientific impact.

Spring: Independent Study serves as the problem-development stage for the student's Senior Thesis Project.

Fourth Year - "Research and Modernity"
Fall: The Senior Thesis Project invites the student to explore a topic in depth in consultation with a faculty advisor.

Spring: The Seminar on Modernity explores such questions annually as: Do human happiness and success require engagement with others?

These courses typically replace Common Experience requirements, thereby enhancing Honors students' preparation for and support of their major.