Honors Courses

Honors College

Spring 2026 Courses

HONS 106: Community Connections 1 credit

M 10-10:50 a.m.
Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Cavalli

Description: In this course, students explore critical issues such as literacy, affordable housing, food security, environmental sustainability, and equity identified by affected communities in the local community using an asset-based approach. It seeks to raise awareness of these critical issues through sustained research into community organizations serving the St. Cloud area and beyond, uniting action and academic exploration. Required as part of the Honors first-year experience.

Honors 160: Enlightenments 4 credits, Goal 1

T/TH 2-3:50 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Judith Dorn

Description: Universities—and eventually governments, including our own—were transformed by the seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Enlightenment “Age of Reason.” What is the role of the university now? Do colleges engage us to look for a spark of enlightenment? Readings will explore models of enlightenment and freedom from various times and places, including the 1960s, so in this writing course we can consider the mind’s engagement with the world.

Honors 195: AI Revolution: Who Wins, Who Loses, Who Decides? 3 credits

M/W 3:30-4:45 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Mary Clifford

Description: This course offers a comprehensive introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tailored for students from diverse academic backgrounds. By exploring AI through the lenses of various disciplines, students will gain a holistic understanding of its applications and implications. The course emphasizes practical insights and real-world examples, particularly focusing on how AI platforms are created, advanced, and can be leveraged to problem solve, ideate, create, explore, and so much more. This course is designed for students with no prior experience in AI, making it accessible and engaging for everyone. Join us to discover how AI is transforming our world and how you can be a part of this exciting journey!

Honors 200: Introduction to Community Leadership 1 credit

W 9-9:50 a.m.
Instructor: Dr. Mic Brunner

Description: This course provides the basics of effective leadership including leadership theories and assessment of leadership styles. Lecturer and guest presenters from the local community will provide various viewpoints regarding different leadership styles. Students will identify and describe leadership concepts and styles and apply strategies of leadership to various situations and contexts with a local focus.

Honors 220: Defying Gravity 3 credits, Goals 3, 10

M/W 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Steven Anderson

Description: This course explores the science and technology behind the world of flight and space. The journey will take students from the physics of flight to the science of navigating around the world and beyond. Along the way we will discover everything from how an airplane can fly, the magic of jet propulsion, how various types of technology keeps everyone on course, to the science of airports.

Honors 295/HIST 380: Public Histories 3 credits

T/TH 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Robert Galler

Description: “Public Histories” is a course designed to examine the varied layers of history and the multiple portrayal of historical narratives. Students will consider the significance of local history, learn about professional opportunities in the field of public history, experience work and projects connected to area local history institutions, conduct archival and online research, and create public history projects pertaining to central Minnesota and/or St. Cloud State University.

Honors 395: The Long Civil Rights Movement 3 credits

T/TH 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Christopher Lehman

Description: This course explores the Civil Rights Movement to end segregation against African Americans, starting from before Brown v. Board (1954) and ending after the Voting Rights Act (1965).

Honors 395: Swiftonomics 3 credits

M/W 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Cynthia Fitzthum

Description: This course will focus on an interdisciplinary study of Taylor Swift through the social sciences, with a focus on economics. Students will explore key concepts and questions related to Taylor Swift and her impact on society through a social science approach. While the primary lens is economics, Swiftonomics will also include perspectives related to political science, history, geography and psychology. Students will utilize deliberative dialogue, research projects, reflective writing and presentations to combine these disciplines.

Past Honors Course Offerings

Honors 101: Honors Foundations
Honors 160: Hip Hop Cultural Studies
Honors 195: AI for Everyone: An Interdisciplinary Introduction
Honors 260: Ethics and Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Morality
Honors 206: Approaches to Community-Engaged Learning
Honors 395: Stupidity
Honors 395: Environmental Art Sound

Fall 2025

HONS 395 (3 credits) Who Gets to Live Where? Housing Justice and Inequality in the U.S.

Instructor: Prof. Melissa Prescott

T/TH 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

This course examines the historical and contemporary impacts of housing inequities on economic and social opportunity in the United States. Beginning with the history of redlining and other once-legal practices, we will trace how discriminatory housing policies have shaped wealth accumulation, neighborhood development, and access to resources. Students will engage in participatory research as partners in a local project that identifies and maps racial covenants, or clauses that were added to property deeds to prevent people who were not white from purchasing or occupying homes. We will also work with community groups to increase awareness of the effects of these discriminatory practices and to advance solutions for a more equitable future.

HONS 195 (3 credits) Ballroom Dance Practice and Analysis

Instructor: Prof. Jeff Ringer

MWF 10-10:50 a.m.

Instruction in three partner dances (swing, rumba, and salsa) and introduction to critical analysis of ballroom dance execution, performance, and competition.

HONS 141 (3 credits) United States since 1865 (Goal 5 & 7, Diversity)

Instructor: Prof. Robert Galler

T/TH 9:30-10:50 a.m.

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.

The below courses are restricted to Honors students (registration restricted).

HONS 206 (1 credit): Approaches to Community Learning

Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Cavalli

F 11-11:50 a.m.

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.

HONS 250 (3 credits) Critical Thinking and Academic Research (Goals 2 and 6)

Instructor: Michael Gorman

M/W 9:30-10:45 a.m.

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.

HONS101 (3 credits): Honors Foundations

Instructors: Prof. Steven Anderson and Prof. Mary Clifford

M/W/F 11-11:50 a.m. or Asynchronous online (Transfer Students)

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.