• Monday and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Instructor: Dr. Matthew Vorell 

This course aims to analyze the issues of race, identity, and culture through a collaborative learning environment in which students build and explore their own family trees. I became interested in genealogy (the study of family history) and DNA research from watching shows like “Finding Your Roots”. In these shows, researchers combine physical and social science methods to help individuals answer the fundamental questions of “Who am I?” and “What influences from my past helped me get here?” I want to replicate this powerful experience together. This course is designed to help guide you through the negotiation of your own self- identity through the lens of your own family history using both historical records and/or DNA science. 

• Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-10:45 a.m.
• Instructor: Dr. Robert Galler

This survey course will cover U.S. history from 1865 to the present. The broad chronological and geographical scope requires that we focus on major events, individuals, social and cultural groups, and themes during this time period. Particular attention will be paid to intercultural relations, regional diversity, social and political reform movements, American involvement in global affairs, and the contributions of varied individuals and communities to American society. 

• Monday and Wednesday 9:30-10:45 a.m.
• Instructor: Dr. Michael Gorman

This course will examine and evaluate critical reasoning in academic discourse and discussions, the construction of arguments, and the management of academic research. Required for all Honors College students. 

• Monday 5:30-8:20 p.m. or Asynchronous online (Transfer Students) 
• Instructors: Dr. Kelly Branum Macauley and Dr. Mary Clifford 
  

This course serves as an introduction to the interdisciplinary approach to foundational inquiry and integrative learning skills of the Honors College, while also examining pressing issues in higher education. Students will discuss topics and experience events of broad intellectual and practical importance as they explore the many opportunities and resources available to them at the St. Cloud State University. Required in student's first semester in Honors. 

• Friday 11-11:50 a.m.
• Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Cavalli

In this course, students engage in meaningful experiential opportunities outside of the classroom addressing critical issues as identified by affected communities in the local community and beyond, uniting action and academic exploration. Students develop a proposal for sustained engagement with a community organization to directly contribute to the organization’s mission and goals through hands-on work. Required for all Honors College students. Required for all Honors College students. 

• Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-1:45 p.m.
• Instructor: Dr. Emil Towner

This course explores how powerful cultural myths—especially those involving money, media influence, and social control—have shaped public perceptions of Jewish communities in the United States. Students will examine texts, images, and films throughout American history as well as modern examples from celebrities, influencers, and memes. By collecting and analyzing those examples, students will gain tools to critically assess how stereotypes function in society, how counter-voices respond, and how these dynamics affect all Americans—regardless of background—through media, politics, and cultural life. 

• Tuesday and Thursday 2-3:15 p.m.
• Instructor: Dr. Dave Switzer

Ever wondered why egg prices rose so dramatically in 2024, just to fall back to their original level only a few months later? What’s the best way to make housing more affordable for today’s young workers? How can we get more people to go to college without borrowing money? In this course, we examine firms and markets to help you understand how markets work, how governments can intervene when necessities are unaffordable, and how private-market solutions can also address economic problems in the U.S. and around the world.