Course Descriptions
Courses Offered
Honors course curriculum remains the same from year to year but the topics change each semester. We invite you to browse through past course offerings to get an idea of what the various course topics have been. Check out the offerings for each semester by clicking on the semester of choice.
Spring 2008 Semester Seminar Series Schedule
Wednesday, January 30th
MN Caucuses (how to participate in caucuses and how they work)
7pm
Atwood Memorial Center, Cascade Room
Sponsored by Student Government
Wednesday, February 6th
Julie Chavez Rodríguez
6pm, Ritsche Auditorium
Chavez Rodriguez will share her personal perspective about her grandfather’s
mission and success in establishing an organization that protects and services
farm workers. She goes beyond Cesar the activist and leader, and addresses
topics that were central to his life’s work, such as civil rights, environmental
issues, healthcare, farm work/agricultural labor, poverty, and non-violence.
Julie Chavez Rodriguez inspires her audience to seek justice, equality, and
dignity for all individuals.
Honors discussion immediately after (this is the part that will count for the course)
Atwood Voyageurs North (Food Provided)
Wednesday, February 13th
Dr. Zoa Rockenstein, Honors and Psychology Professor
5pm, Atwood Voyageurs North
"Wearing the White Belt: Honoring the Creative Process".
Readings in Zen Guitar include pages 13-41; 168-183.
The last time we met, we talked about what it means to be intellectually gifted and how to identify the pitfalls of perfectionism on the way to developing our potential. In this meeting, we will discuss the difference between focusing on creativity as a process or a product. You will have the opportunity to participate in some individual and group activities that will stretch your mind to think more creatively
Tuesday February 26th
Judy Sheppard – Prevention of Hate Crimes, Sponsored by the University Programming Board
7:30 pm, Stewart Hall, Ritsche Auditorium Tickets are available at the Atwood Info Desk
Speaking from a mother's perspective, Judy has made the prevention of hate crimes the focus of her efforts, and urges her audience to make their school and communities safer for everyone, regardless of their race, sex, religion, or gender identity and/or expression.
Honors discussion immediately after (this is the part that will count for the course)
Atwood Voyageurs North (Food Provided)
Monday March 24th
Loren Boone, Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications
6pm, Atwood Glacier Room
What is SCSU doing to counteract the recent negativity, a narrative and discussion on the positive stories. We will reveal how and why decisions are made regarding communication with campus and the public. We will also discuss the fact that the Twin Cities media right now is getting minimal “good news” from St. Cloud and is, instead, getting the negative police reports almost exclusively. Small group discussions that include: what methods of communication would you use in this situation; what does an institution do when students no longer read their e-mail—do we go on Facebook or other social networking sites?; what forms of communication are most effective with students (besides text messaging
Thursday March 27th
Jane Olsen, Director, SCSU Women’s Center and Honors Faculty
5pm, Atwood Granite Room
The Millennial Generation (or Generation “Y”) has been the most studied generation to date, partially due to the proliferation of internet tracking of children’s interests and the spending decisions of millions of parents. The demographics of this generation, born between 1982 and 2000, have changed drastically from the previous two generations, and shifts in family and social structures, the economy, and technology have transformed the lives of children and youth. This interactive presentation will offer a snapshot of this current research and involve Millennials in a discussion of the realities, dreams and hopes of this generation.
Sunday March 30th
“Disagreeing in a University”
Dr. Jack Hibbard and Dr. David Boyer, University Honors Program Professors
5pm Atwood Theatre
A intimate discussion lead by Dr.’s Boyer and Hibbard on how they have taught together in the past, modeling the values of civil disagreement by actually disagreeing about important issues in class and by inviting students into the process. Looking at how should professors handle “disagreement” in the classroom. This will be a very stimulating and charged discussion. If you have ever found yourself in disagreement with a professor or student and didn’t know how to or if you could share that, this is the event for you.
Friday, April 4th
Honors Leadership Institute, co-sponsored by CSOLD.
6pm, Location TBA
A unique and personal look at leadership and your own style. Join us for an exciting outdoor campfire where you will examine your leadership by looking examining your self- management, how you lead others, task management, innovation and social responsibility. This will be an interactive and reflective experience where you will be a part of discussion and learning - No lectures at this event. S’mores and other camp food included.
Sundays in April, Exact dates are still being confirmed.
Cost of $25 for Studnets not enrolled in Honors 106
The Husky Challenge Course Ropes Course
The purpose of games and initiatives is to take the group from a simple warm-up to more complex problems requiring the group to plan and implement strategies to successfully complete a task. This time is necessary for the group to stretch, get to know one another, and to take small risks. Games and initiatives set a team building tone for the day. Low Elements The purpose of low elements is to move participants through a series of activities that are anywhere from ground level to three feet off the ground. Each element presents a unique degree of difficulty and must be accomplished as a group. High Elements Imagine scaling our 38 foot climbing wall or stepping off the 32 foot high platform and sliding down the zip line at 20mph for 175 feet! These elements involve one or two person events, 5-30 feet above the ground. Each participant is safely harnessed and belayed by a trained professional. These elements develop and enhance trust, accomplishment and feelings of self-worth.

