Fall 2016 | University Honors Program

Fall 2016 Honors Seminars

Seminar Registration for Fall Semester begins: April 13th at NOON

WARNING!

If you try to register for seminars before that day and time, you will be unable to add the class. Also, the system will exclude you from the wait list after the class is full. If openings become available after a seminar is full, Honors staff will contact those on the wait list.

Reference numbers will be posted a couple of days prior to registration.

Make sure you plan ahead and take the number of required Honors courses and seminars as prescribed by your college Honors committee. Don't wait until your last year to meet the requirements because you may find that you will have some scheduling conflicts.

Important: Attendance at Honors seminars is expected. Be sure to read the entire seminar description and requirements. Be courteous and notify your instructor in advance if you are unable to attend class.

Check back regularly for updates.

HON 321A: Are You What You Eat?
HON 321B: Christianity & Science
HON 321C: Socrates Café: The 2016 Presidential Election
HON 321D: Cuisine and Culture: a History of Food and People
HON 321E: Is Science Perfect? Nope. Do We Understand Why? Yup
HON 321F: Ethical Eating
HON 321G: The Parable of Prophecy: Understanding Today's Issues by Examining the Past
HON 321H: The Science of Stress
HON 321J: How Media Influences Perceptions of Crime
HON 321K: The Camino de Santiago – An Odyssey Across Spain
HON 321L: Human Trafficking in the United States and Abroad
HON 321M: +Design
HON 321N: Will You Be Better Off Than Your Parents?
HON 321P: Feminism and Film
HON 321Q: They do what? Examining Stereotypes and Perspectives
HON 321R: Glimpses of Number Theory: Can right-angled triangles make you millionares
HON 321S: An Introduction to Green and Sustainable Design Theory
HON 321T: 10 Ballets to See Before You Die
HON 321U: Conflicts in the Middle East
HON 321V: That's Me in the Corner
HON 321W: Lessons from Positive Psychology on Happiness and Success
HON 321Y: Standing up to Obesity: Lifestyle Nudging 101
HON 321Z: Preserved, but Popular? National Parks and the Dual-Mandate Dilemma
HON 323A: Preparing for Your Honors Project
HON 323B: Entrepreneurship

FULL HON 321A, Are You What You Eat?, T 1:10-2:00pm, 305 Kildee, 1 credit, Full Semester, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4626005

Description: What nutrients are essential for life, and what foods and food supplements will improve quality of life? Why? Why not? This seminar will emphasize the role of nutrition provided by food and food supplements in promoting a healthy life through the prevention of diseases and disorders. The physiological function of nutrients and the provision of those nutrients by common foods will be the topic of the first part of the course. Then, the role of nutraceuticals as food supplements in a healthy life will be emphasized. We will discuss popular topics of nutrition in 15-minute oral presentations. By the end of the semester, you will be in a stronger position to make difficult decisions about your diet composition and supplementation, and to evaluate nutrition information advertised on TV, magazines, and the internet.

About the Instructor: Don Beitz, Distinguished Professor of Agriculture, has taught biochemistry (e.g., BBMB 420 and BBMB 405) for over four decades. In addition, he teaches an Agricultural Biotechnology Colloquium for Scholarship for Excellence students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His research program focuses on the application of molecular biology and biochemistry to animal food production and animal diseases. He has participated actively in Honors programs (e.g., First-Year Mentor, research projects, seminar teacher, and advisor) throughout his tenure at Iowa State.

FULL HON 321B, Christianity & Science, R 11:00 - 1:00, 541 Sci II, 1st Half, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, International Perspectives Credit, Ref. No. 4627005

Description: Religion and science, two of the greatest forces that influence mankind, are generally interested in different aspects of reality. Science addresses “how” questions while religion answers “why” questions. However, an area of common interest is the origin and history of life. In this seminar we will explore the interaction and boundaries between science and theology in this area of common interest through the writings of well-known scientists and theologians with expertise in these areas. We will discuss weekly reading assignments not only to develop critical thinking skills but also to learn more about 1) the nature and practice of science, 2) different views about the interaction of science and theology, and 3) boundaries between science and worldviews with common interests with science.

About the Instructor: Thomas S. Ingebritsen is an Associate Professor Emeritus in the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology. He received a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Indiana University in 1979. He did bench research for more than 20 years, primarily in the area of signal transduction. He also was Director of the LAS Center for On-Line Learning. As a scientist and a Christian, Dr. Ingebritsen has a strong interest in this seminar topic.

FULL HON 321C, The 2016 Presidential Election, M 10:00-10:50am, Curtiss 0108, Full semester, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, , Ref. No. 4628005

Description: This class will be a current events seminar discussing the 2016 presidential election. We will focus on several aspects of the election process, including party platforms, political ads and cartoons, polling, media coverage, and post-election discussion. Through our discussions, you will gain a deeper understanding of the election process and the institutions that shape it.

About the Instructor: Angela J. Caulk is a graduate student in Political Science. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from Dickinson State University in North Dakota. She plans to graduate in 2017 and is considering possibilities regarding a Ph.D. program.

HON 321D, Cuisine and Culture: a History of Food and People, T 11:00-11:50, Carver 0124, 2 credits, Full Semester, Enrollment limit: 17, International Perspectives Credit, Ref. No. 4629005

Description: The course is based on reading and discussing the book Cuisine and Culture: A History of Food and People by Linda Civitello. This well-written book examines the history of food from before the Agricultural Revolution to the present in every part of the world. The book has informative chronology tables, pictures and maps, as well as fascinating sidebars on recipes, menus, ingredients, food fables, culinary confusions, and other interesting facts. Be prepared to be amazed, entertained, and enlightened about food and history! In addition to weekly discussions of the book, chapter by chapter, you will give a presentation at the end of the semester on a relevant topic of your choice.

About the Instructors: Clark Ford is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition in the area of Food Biotechnology. He earned a B.A. in Biology (UCLA), M.S. in Botany (U of Iowa), and Ph.D. in Genetics (U of Iowa). Since 1991, he has taught courses in Genetics, Genetic Engineering, Introduction to Food Science, Contemporary Issues in Food Science and Human Nutrition, and for the past 10 years has taught World Food Issues (FSHN 342). He is a veteran teacher of Honors Seminars.

HON 321E, Is Science Perfect? Nope. Do We Understand Why? Yup, W 1:10 - 3:00, 0004 Carver,1st Half, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17,, Ref. No. 4630005

Description: When was the last time you saw some post about a new scientific finding on the internet and thought “I don’t buy it?” Do you get the impression that not every claim of “Scientifically proven!” is accurate? Statistics, figures, graphs, and quotes of scientific authorities are thrown at us so quickly and frequently, we’re prone to be misled if we’re not aware. In this seminar we’ll go inside the messy side of the scientific process, identify examples of scientific misrepresentation, and talk about why such misrepresentation happens. We’ll contrast extreme examples of scientific misconduct (i.e., data falsification) with more common and damaging examples of science gone wrong (i.e., researcher bias), discuss possible solutions, and build a healthy skepticism for appeals to authority (even scientific authority!) while simultaneously enhancing our respect for the scientific process.

About the Instructors: Tom Schofield is a psychologist who studies family dynamics, with a focus on parent-child relationships and marital relationships. He studies immigrant families and alcohol use and teaches research methods at the graduate level. Lousy science annoys him.

HON 321F, Ethical Eating, W 12:10 - 2:00pm, 1st Half, 0124 Carver, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4631005

Description: “Ethical Eating” explores the ethical implications of the food choices we make. For example, if we choose to eat meat where does that meat come from, under what conditions were the animals raised and what are the environmental consequences of animal production? What are our ethical obligations with regard to the welfare of animals, the workers who process our food and the environment? What are the concerns with industrial agriculture? Do farm subsidy programs create a food system that promotes consumer and environmental health? The objective of the course is to increase awareness of the stories behind the foods that are available. With knowledge of those stories we can begin to apply an ethical framework to the choices of what foods to eat. The seminar will consist of readings for each week followed by a discussion, viewing of several videos, discussion with visiting speakers, a field trips to a farm, and a presentation by each participant on the ethics of a particular food item. The course will end with a potluck meal at the instructors’ home.

About the Instructor: Barbara Pleasants served many years on the ISU Animal Care Committee and teaches courses on Comparative Anatomy, Human Biology, General Biology and the Holocaust. She has also taught an Honors seminar on “Issues in Biology and Medicine.” John Pleasants teaches Environmental Biology, Human Biology and General Biology, and has co-taught the Honors seminar on “Issues in Biology and Medicine.” His research is in the area of the environmental effects of GMO’s.

FULL HON 321G, The Parable of Prophecy: Understanding Today’s Issues by Examining the Past, T 2:10 -3:00, Heady 0160, Full semester, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, US Diversity Credit, Ref. No. 4632005

Description: In this seminar, we will explore current issues troubling our society using Octavia E. Butler’s The Parable of the Sower. We will examine literature that touches on environmental issues such food supply, water shortage debates, and other hotly debated topics including eugenics, population control, and mobility politics. We will also investigate the powers of prophecy noted in not only Butler’s novel but in science fiction as a genre. As an ongoing project through the semester, we will create our own “survival guide” for any potential realizations of science fiction’s prophecy (i.e. zombie apocalypse!). We will also plan to visit local resources like Wheatsfield’s Cooperative or the campus greenhouses.

About the Instructor: Brenda Tyrrell, a Master’s student in English literature, currently teaches English 250. She is working on her thesis involving disability in H.G. Wells. An avid science fiction reader, she particularly enjoys science fiction that involves the environmental crisis and disability studies. She loves bicycling and creating new vegan recipes for her friends and family. She has never experienced a zombie apocalypse but feels well-prepared should that event ever come to pass.

FULL HON 321H, The Science of Stress, F 10:00 - 10:50am, 2015 Morrill, Full Semester, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, , Ref. No. 4633005

Description: In this interactive seminar, we will examine what happens to human beings when they become stressed. Our primary mode of learning will be hands-on: you will design a mild stress task, collect saliva samples to measure stress hormones, and be involved with direct measurement of the stress hormone cortisol in a wet lab. This experiment will be supplemented by short readings on the background and current understanding of stress in human beings, and how stress relates to health in a broader context. The overall goal for this class is to begin to learn what happens, on a physiological level, when humans are stressed. You will also learn how to design a simple experiment. The instructor will lead discussion and provide assay services but you will play a lead role in the design, implementation, and execution of the task.

About the Instructor: Andrew Dismukes is an advanced graduate student who studies the human stress response. With a primary focus is on the longitudinal impact of early life adversity, he is particularly interested in mechanisms that inform individual differences in stress responsivity. He takes a person-first approach in this research and views the stress response as a dynamic interaction of developmental, genetic and environmental effects. An experienced instructor, he encourages students to build ideas based on existing literature, to engage and think critically about the limitations of current science, and most importantly to have fun and enjoy the learning process. His major professor, Dr. Elizabeth Shirtcliff, has approved the use of her laboratory for this seminar.

FULL HON 321J, How Media Influences Perceptions of Crime, M W 3:10-4:00pm, 0006 Hamilton, Full Semester, 2 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, US Diversity Credit, Ref. No. 463 4010

Description: Do the depictions of crime you see on television, in the movies, in magazines or in the news shape your understanding of those crimes? In this seminar you will learn how the media frames crimes in ways that can be problematic and unrealistic. By the end of the semester you will understand how crime is sensationalized, gendered and racialized by the media, and the impact on media consumers’ perceptions of crime.

About the Instructor: Rebecca Haroldson is a Ph.D. student in Sociology with research interests in the media’s role in perception creation, human trafficking, gender and stigma, multiracial identity, international students’ experiences, and the father identity.

HON 321K, The Camino de Santiago – An Odyssey Across Spain, 2nd Half, T R 12:10-1:00pm, Pearson 3131, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, International Perspectives Credit, Ref. No. 4635005

Description: Since medieval times, the Camino de Santiago has been one of the most important pilgrimages in the Catholic faith. Although it lost popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, a renewed interest in the Camino de Santiago developed after World War II, drawing modern travelers to experience this five-week journey of spiritual exploration and outdoor adventure. Popularized in books such as those by Paulo Coehlo, Alejo Carpentier and Shirley MacLaine, and in films such as The Way, the Camino draws over 150,000 people per year to the north of Spain. This course will explore the history, geography, religious traditions and travel of the Camino de Santiago.

About the Instructor: Erik Ladner, a lecturer in Spanish, received his BA in Spanish and French and his MA in Spanish from Northern Iowa. He received his Ph.D. in Hispanic Literature from the University of Texas-Austin in 2006. Dr. Ladner has studied and researched abroad in several locations in Spain and has also traveled extensively in France, Mexico and Brazil. Dr. Ladner has taught all levels of undergraduate courses in Spanish, including Spanish Composition and Conversation, Spanish for the Professions, Spain Today, Modern Spanish Theater, and seminars in Spanish literature and culture. In May, Dr. Ladner will travel the length of the Camino de Santiago, completing the final two weeks from León to Santiago de Compostela on foot.

FULL HON 321L, Human Trafficking in the United States, W 3:10-4:00pm, 1220 Howe, Full Semester, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 20, US Diverity Credit, Ref. No. 4636005

Description: In this seminar we will explore the phenomenon of human trafficking within the United States. You will learn about the history of, and concepts that define, human trafficking; how race, gender, nationality, etc., affect human trafficking; and how you can make a difference in your community by educating peers about this crime against humanity. Possible guest speakers include representatives from the Network Against Human Trafficking, Youth and Shelter Services, and a survivor of human trafficking.

About the Instructor: Alissa Stoehr is a Lecturer in the Women's and Gender Studies Program. Her research interests include human trafficking, child support and welfare policies in the state of Iowa, racism within intercollegiate athletics, work-life balance of female Ph.D. students at Iowa State, and women’s and gender studies programs at community colleges. Alissa has taught Introduction to Women’s Studies and Introduction to Lesbian Studies as well as Women’s Studies courses on Gender Justice and Introduction to Queer Studies; JLMC 477: Ethnicity, Gender, Class, and the Media; and H SCI 150: Dialogues on Diversity, in addition to various Honors seminars on human trafficking and reproductive rights.

HON 321M, +Design, W F 9:00-9:50, 1113 Jischke, 1st Half, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4640005

Description: In this seminar we will explore these questions: What is the value of design in a University of Science and Technology? Why is design thinking essential for businesses and individuals in the 21st century? +Design will survey of design across multiple fields, the socio-cultural factors that give rise to design, and the impact of design upon contemporary life. Our emphasis will be on design as a method of thinking and acting upon contemporary conditions. Featuring invited lecturers, hands-on exercises, and discussions, this seminar will help you learn how design works, how it affects the way one understands the world, and how it may have influenced your own major or discipline.

About the Instructor: Shelby Elizabeth Doyle is an Assistant Professor of Architecture. Her research examines riparian urbanism and design outreach through design/build, digital fabrication, and interdisciplinary design methods. Leslie Forehand, a lecturer in Architecture, is an internationally experienced architect/designer and researcher. Her research seeks to find new solutions in the digital processes, specifically advancing the materiality of additive manufacturing. Her personal and student work has been exhibited and published worldwide. Nick Senske, Assistant Professor of Architecture, studies ways to improve how architecture students learn computational concepts and skills. He is currently completing his PhD in Architecture at the University of Michigan.

HON 321N, Will You Be Better Off Than Your Parents?, R 4:10-5:00, 0360 Heady, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4645005

Description: For the past 200 years economic growth has been the defining feature of the American experience. Every generation of Americans has enjoyed a higher standard of living than earlier generations. Recently, however, growth has slowed and many people wonder if they will in fact live as well as earlier generations. In this seminar we will examine the causes and consequence of economic growth since 1870 and explore different ways of using this experience to make informed predictions about the future. You can expect to learn how economic growth is measured, what factors have contributed to the way we live today, and a bit about how economists approach complicated problems. Our primary text will be the influential new book by Robert J. Gordon, The Rise and Fall of American Economic Growth. In class meetings, we will critically examine selections from this book.

About the Instructor: Joshua L. Rosenbloom, a professor in the Department of Economics, specializes in the economic history of the United States. He received his Ph.D. in Economics from Stanford University in 1988 and taught at the University of Kansas from 1988 through 2015 before moving to Iowa State. From 2012-2014 he worked as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation in Washington, DC.

HON 321P, Feminism and Film, W 5:10-7:00pm, 1151 Jischke, Full Semester, 1 credit, US Diversity, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4647005

Description: Feminism is a misunderstood topic in today’s society. By viewing and discussing films with feminist themes, you will learn to investigate what feminism is and how it can have an impact on our everyday life. You will also be able to create your own definition of feminism. The films vary in time periods, emphasis on specific identities (gender, race, etc.), and genre. We will watch a film one week, and discuss the film the following week in small groups. You will also read articles about feminism in order to supplement content in discussion groups.

About the Instructor: Alissa Stoehr is a Lecturer in the Women's and Gender Studies Program. She has taught Introduction to Women’s Studies, Introduction to Lesbian Studies, Introduction to Queer Studies, and Gender Justice; JLMC 477: Ethnicity, Gender, Class, and the Media; and H SCI 150: Dialogues on Diversity, in addition to various Honors seminars on human trafficking, feminism and film, and reproductive rights. Her research interests include human trafficking, child support and welfare policies in the state of Iowa, racism within intercollegiate athletics, work-life balance of female Ph.D. students at Iowa State, and women’s and gender studies programs at community colleges.

HON 321Q, They Do What? Examining Stereotypes and Perspectives,1st Half, M 3:10-4:50, 1105 Pearson, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 15, US Diverity Credit, Ref. No. 4648005

Description: In this course, we will examine our cultural myths, stereotypes and realities and in turn, compare our views with the way others live in their worlds and how they perceive ours. You will learn to question and compare cultures in a systematic way by examining four perspectives: How we see ourselves, How we see them, How they see themselves, and How they see us.

About the Instructor: Cristina Pardo Ballester, Assistant Professor of Spanish in the World Languages and Cultures Department, received a Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics from University of California, Davis. In addition to teaching many courses at the 100-300 levels, she supervises the Elementary and Intermediate Spanish Program at Iowa State. Cultural understanding and awareness form part of each course she teaches.

HON 321R, Glimpses of Number Theory: Can Right-Angled Triangles Make You a Millionaire?, T R 11:00-11:50am, 2319 Food Sc, Full Semester, 2 credits, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 5145005

Description: The eighteenth century German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss said, “Mathematics is the queen of sciences and number theory is the queen of mathematics.” Instead of giving a rigorous introduction to the subject of number theory, we are going to see glimpses of this vast subject by focusing on some applications.
One of them is as follows: we all know that the sides of a right angled triangle with integer sides form a Pythagorean triplet e.g. 3, 4 and 5. What are the possible areas of such right angled triangles? This seemingly easy-to-state problem turns out to be very difficult to solve and is still open. (It is closely related to an open problem called the Birch-Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture, a problem with a million dollar jackpot for the first person to solve it.) A not-so-easy exercise: Is there a right-angled triangle with fractional (but no square roots) sides such that the area is 1?

About the Instructors: Shuvra Gupta joined the Department of Mathematics as a lecturer in Fall 2015. His research is broadly related to Number Theory – the nice thing about the subject is that many of the problems are easy to explain but not-so-nice thing about the subject is that most of them are very hard to solve.

HON 321S, An Introduction to Green and Sustainable Design Theory, Full semester, T 5:10-6:00pm, 1151 Jischke, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, International Perspectives Credit, Ref. No. 8951010

Description: This seminar will acquaint you with sustainable design, with a focus on architectural design. You’ll learn to think critically about sustainable design through readings, case studies, discussions, and class activity. The class is not simply about sustainable design, but rather about how to engage critically with, and evaluate, sustainable design from a variety of perspectives.

About the Instructor: Andrea Wheeler was trained as an architect and a research engineer at Plymouth University and Oxford Brookes University. She also earned a Ph.D. from the School of Architecture at the University of Nottingham. Her scholarship at Iowa State challenges the “sustainability agenda” and is committed to creating sustainable buildings, the social science of motivating lifestyle change, the educational role of design, and the potential for an ecological aesthetics of architecture.

HON 321T, Ten Ballets to See Before You Die, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, Full Semester, R 2:10-3:00, 1151 Jischke, Ref. No. 5148005

Description: Swans? Sylphs? Why did women begin to dance on the ends of their toes? Are all those men really princes? This seminar will provide you with a crash course in dance literacy. You will read about, view and discuss ten (or so) seminal dance works, exploring the origins and development of ballet, the cultural context in which the selected works were created, and the role of dance in society.

About the Instructor: Dana Schumacher first came to ISU as a member of the dance faculty, but has worked for several years as Assistant Director of the University Honors Program. In this role, she has worked with many students preparing applications for competitive scholarships and awards. Dana holds a BA and MFA from the University of California-Irvine.

FULL HON 321U, Conflicts in the Middle East, W 2:10-3:00pm, 1026 Black, Full Semester, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, International Perspectives Credit, Ref. No. 5149005

Description: What are the current political conflicts in the Middle East? How should we understand the wars in the Middle East? In this seminar, we will examine the current political conflicts and wars in this region. We will examine in depth the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Lebanese War, the Palestinian question and other regional issues (Iraq, the Kurds, Iran, Syria, etc.). You will better understand the “complicated Middle East” and how these conflicts affect the war on terrorism.

About the Instructor: Jean-Pierre Taoutel has been teaching at ISU since 1999 as a Senior Lecturer of French and an Instructor of Arabic. He was born in Syria and grew up in Lebanon before moving to France. He holds an M.A and a D.E.A in French literature from the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris, France. He has taught several Honors seminars. Jean-Pierre enjoys traveling and he has been in over 40 countries.

HON 321V, That's Me in The Corner, Full Semester, M 2:10-3:00pm, 1306 Beyer, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, International Perspectives Credit, Ref. No. 6545005

Description: How much do you know about the problems that many people in the world face today? Are you aware of the plagues (organ traffic, modern slavery, child soldiers, forced prostitution, etc.) that are destroying the lives of millions of people around you? On the first day of this seminar, you will be given a photo that represents a random person suffering from one of today’s plagues. Who is this person? What is his/her problem? How come he/she has ended up in this situation? You will do research about the issue represented in the photo and present it in class. You will learn more in-depth about issues that, even if they don’t make the headlines, affect millions of people in the world. You could have been that person in the corner!

FULL HON 321W, Lessons from Positive Psychology on Happiness and Success, T 12:10- 1:00pm, 0294 Carver, Full Semester, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 6564005

Description: Happiness and success are desired by nearly everyone. What is the relationship of happiness and success? How do they influence each other? This seminar draws from positive psychology and facilitates the exploration of happiness and success. The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor will serve as our primary reading. Additionally, we will experiment with and implement strategies that can promote happiness in our own lives.

About the Instructors: Sam von Gillern is a doctoral student studying Literacy Education and Teaching English as a Second/Foreign language. He is interested in issues related to educational access and literacy development of English language learners. He has taught Curriculum and Instruction 204, Social Foundations of Education in the United States; Psychology 131, Academic Learning Skills; and Human Sciences 150, Dialogues on Diversity at Iowa State.

HON 321Y, Standing up to Obesity: Lifestyle Nudging 101, R 1:10-3:00pm, 2021 HNSB, 1st Half, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, , Ref. No. 7631005

Description: Two-thirds of Americans are overweight or have obesity. Depending on sex, race, and ethnicity, the rates may be even higher. Obesity is a complex problem and likely needs to be addressed on multiple levels. We are immersed in an environment that offers us convenience and leads to energy excess (that is, extra calories). Complex problems may require complex solutions, but maybe not. In this seminar we will explore simple approaches to tackle obesity. The overall goal is to better understand how we can “nudge” people to make daily lifestyle changes that will result in better quality of life.

About the Instructor: Rose Martin, a Senior Lecturer in the Food Science and Human Nutrition, has taught nutrition at the university level for over 30 years and practiced as an outpatient dietitian prior to teaching. As an outpatient dietitian, she counseled individuals with obesity and helped lead an outpatient, behavior modification program on obesity. Lorraine Lanningham-Foster, an Associate Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition, has taught nutrition at the university level for 10 years. Prior to teaching, she performed clinical research related to body weight regulation at the Mayo Clinic. Her research focuses on helping families and children make small changes in their environments to improve life quality.

HON 321Z, Preserved, but Popular? National Parks and the Dual-Mandate Dilemma, T 12:10-1:00pm, 1308 Beyer, Full Semester, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 7634005

Description: The National Parks Organic Act of 1916 charged the National Park Service (NPS) with preserving resources, yet accommodating visitors who now number in the millions. The NPS saw no conflict in fulfilling its mandate from Congress; it reluctantly named wilderness areas and continually expanded visitor facilities. Yet the “crown jewels” and additional park areas still remain a critical home base for many species of endangered wildlife. The park service also administers historical and cultural sites nationwide. In this seminar, we will investigate several major questions. What are the philosophical foundations of our national parks, and how did the system evolve to include historical sites and battlefield parks? What is the “dual mandate,” and how have park administrators addressed it? How have the parks interpreted wildlife to the public over the years? What are some dilemmas for management today?

About the Instructor: Dr. James A. Pritchard is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Natural Resource Ecology and Management, with a shared appointment in Landscape Architecture. He is the author of Preserving Yellowstone’s Natural Conditions: Science and the Perception of Nature (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1999).

HON 323A, Preparing for Your Honors Project, TR 9:00-9:50am, 1155 Jischke, 1st Half, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 8823005

Description: In this half-term seminar, recommended especially for juniors and sophomores, you will learn how to develop an independent research project and become prepared to generate and submit an Honors Project proposal to your college. Through discussions and presentations, you’ll learn more about the nature, various stages, and multiple challenges of research; practice defining an appropriate research question; find out what ethical and technical training your ideas might require; and examine the nuts and bolts of doing an Honors Project proposal.

About the Instructor: Susan Yager, Faculty Director of Honors, will coordinate this seminar. She has taught many popular seminars, including the Harry Potter seminars. Some classes will be held face-to-face; guest speakers from previous terms have been recorded and their talks will be viewed via Blackboard.

HON 323B, Entrepreneurship, 1st Half, T 3:40-5:30pm, 2320 Gerdin, 1 credit, Enrollment limit: 24, Ref. No. 8825005

Description: This seminar is designed to help you acquire sound business acumen. It will include a series of lectures on business models for different types of businesses. You will be able to interact directly with business professionals and learn from their expertise in this field. You’ll become familiar with the overall business environment, brainstorm start-up ideas, and understand legal and capital needs for various kinds of business organizations.

About the Instructor: Shoba Premkumar, a Senior Lecturer in the College of Business, will coordinate this seminar. Guest speakers will include Chris Seymour, CEO/Founder, Seymour AV; Nick Johnson, owner/manager of Ames Ford Lincoln; Dave Tucker, Vice President of Engineering, Workiva; Rick Brimeyer, President, Brimeyer LLC and Eugene T. Hibbs, owner, Little Caesar’s of Ames.