Fall 2020
Fall 2020 Honors Seminars
Seminar Registration for Fall Semester is currently CLOSED. Please contact Katherine Sterk (kasterk@iastate.edu) with inquiries.
The descriptions below indicate whether a seminar counts toward the International Perspective or US Diversity requirements.
Reference numbers for registration can be found below. Should you try to enroll in a course that is full, you will be placed on a waitlist. If openings become available after a seminar is full, Honors staff will contact those on the waitlist.
Make sure you plan ahead and take at least two Honors courses and two Honors seminars or the number required 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: Know Her Name: A Critical Read of Chanel Miller's Memoir - Full
- HON 321B: Art and Science of PEACE (ASOP) - Full
- HON 321C: Are You What You Eat? - Full
- HON 321D: Modern-Day Pilgrimage of the Road to Santiago de Compostela - Full
- HON 321E: Take Action! Strategies for Personal Food Waste Reduction - Full
- HON 321F: Is Psychology Junk Science?: Current Issues in Psychological Research - Full
- HON 321G: Orchid Mania - Full
- HON 321H: Norse Myth: Gods, Heroes, and Monsters - Cancelled
- HON 321J: Documenting the Past: An Introduction to Oral History - Full
- HON 321K: Psychology of Social Media - Full
- HON 321L: How and Why We Count - Full
- HON 321M: Comedy College - Cancelled
- HON 321N: Entrepreneurship - Full
- HON 321P: Ethics and Controversy in Medical Research - Full
- HON 321Q: Archives Investigation - Full
- HON 321R: Exploring Environmental Issues through Documentaries - Full
- HON 321T: Performance Live - Cancelled
- HON 321U: The History of Reproductive Rights - Full
- HON 321V: Human Trafficking 101 - Full
- HON 321W: Conflicts in the Middle East - Full
- HON 321Y: That's Me in the Corner - Full
- HON 321Z: Understanding War - Full
- HON 323A: Self-Promotion is not a Dirty Word! - Cancelled
- HON 323B: Yes We Catan!: Teaching and Learning with Settlers of Catan - Full
Full Semester HON 321A, Know Her Name: A Critical Read of Chanel Miller’s Memoir, F 12:10-1:00pm, Arranged, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0620005 - ONLINE
About the Course: Chanel Miller, also known as Emily Doe, is an activist, artist, and author. Her book, Know My Name, details her assault on Stanford University’s campus, the trial for justice, and the aftermath in her life. In the class we will read Miller’s memoir, along with additional articles, to gain a greater understanding of sexual violence, what the term means, and the theories surrounding it. We will also look at campus and societal response, victim services and support, and perpetrator accountability. *This course deals with important and sensitive topics, please make sure you are mentally prepared to engage in these discussions.
About the Instructor: Jessica Adams is a PhD student in Education, with a concentration in higher education, who’s research interests include sexual violence, critical consciousness, and whiteness, and their impacts and influences in higher education. She has research and teaching experience in higher education and women’s and gender studies, and past professional experience in gender and LGBTQ+ programming and education, interpersonal violence, and campus policy.
Full Semester HON 321B, Art and Science of PEACE (ASOP), F 11:00-11:50am, Jischke 1151/55, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective, Reference # 0621005 - HYBRID
About the Course: Join us to explore the art and science of peace for a lively discussion based on interaction with a variety of medium including film, photography, podcasts, poetry, classic literature, advertisements, and music. Engage in what it means to be a peacebuilder grounded in cultural appreciation and respect for human dignity. A group of ISU Sustainable Peace Faculty Learning Community members will introduce topics of peace, including: 1) human rights, 2) development and social impact, 3) environmental awareness, and 4) conflict transformation. Peace is often defined as the absence of war and conflict. In this course, we will focus on what it means to create a life grounded in peace and a community member striving for peace rather than the avoidance of conflict. We will engage in conversations to inspire critical optimism, compassion, collaboration and a sense of community.
About the Instructor: E.J. Bahng is an associate professor of science education in School of Education. She teaches a science methods course and Nature of Science for future science teachers; Christina Campbell is an Associate Professor of Nutrition and the Uelner Professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition. She studies the intersection of food and peace in the context of promoting healthy lives and sustainable food systems; Simon Cordery is professor in and chair of the ISU Department of History. His teaching covers the modern world, with an emphasis on transatlantic social history; Erin Bergquist is a clinical associate professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition; Frederick L. Kirschenmann is a distinguished fellow at the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and President of the Board at the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture; Frank Montabon is a professor of supply chain management. His current research projects involve the effect of proactive environmental efforts on innovation, social compliance of suppliers, and power in supply chain relationships; and Andrea Wheeler is an Associate Professor of Architecture. She teaches classes on Green and Sustainable Design.
Full Semester HON 321C, Are You What You Eat?, T 1:10-2:00pm, Kildee 1204, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0622005
About the Course 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. Popular topics of nutrition will be discussed via 15-minute oral presentations by the students. By the end of the semester, students will be in a stronger position to make difficult decisions about their diet composition and supplementation and to evaluate nutrition information that is advertised to them from TV, magazines, and the internet. I will lead discussions of subject matter via handouts given to students at the class meetings.
About the Instructor: Don Beitz is a Distinguished Professor of Agriculture who has taught biochemistry (e.g., BBMB 420 and BBMB 405) for five decades at Iowa State University. In addition, he teaches an Agricultural Biotechnology Colloquium for Scholarship for Excellence student 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., Freshman Mentor, Honors research project, Honors seminar teacher and advisor) throughout his tenure at Iowa State University.
First Half Semester HON 321D, Modern-Day Pilgrimage of the Road to Santiago de Compostela, T 3:10-5:00pm, Carver 0294, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective, Reference # 0623005
About the Course The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is a well-known pilgrimage route that leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. In this honors seminar we will explore the origins of the Camino de Santiago in the medieval period and ponder the enduring popularity of this pilgrimage into the 21st century. As we make our way along the Camino de Santiago, we will stop along the way and visit some of its most notable towns to learn about the history, culture, and architecture of the Spanish regions we cross. Weekly readings will be complemented by film and invited presentations by local pilgrims. Our journey will include discussion of the practice of pilgrimage, and why humans throughout history have been drawn to the experience of walking purposefully and in reflection. To connect past and present, each student will select a site for their own pilgrimage and present the imagined journey in class.
About the Instructor: Dawn Bratsch-Prince is professor of Spanish and associate provost at Iowa State University. She received her Ph.D. in Romance Philology—medieval Romance languages and literatures-- from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research interests include the history, languages, and cultures of medieval Spain and women’s history. After teaching a class on the Camino de Santiago in 2008, Dr. Bratsch-Prince was inspired to go experience it firsthand! She took her first pilgrim steps along the Camino de Santiago in 2015, and has returned every year since in search of purposefulness and community.
Full Semester HON 321E, Take Action! Strategies for Personal Food Waste Reduction, W 11:00-11:50am, Arranged, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 20, Reference # 0624005 - ONLINE
About the Course: An estimated 40% of food produced in the United States is wasted. Annually, consumers waste approximately 90 billion pounds of food, equating to roughly one pound per person per day. In fact, wasted food represents the largest component by weight in landfills today. This waste, when working to decompose, releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas contributing to ozone depletion. High levels of food waste increases pressure to produce more food, which stresses both farmers and the planet. Working toward personal food waste reduction is one way we can make a positive contribution to climate action. Join this class to learn more about the economic, environmental, social, and ethical implications of food waste. We will 1) discuss and practice ways to reduce food waste in our personal lives through meal planning, shopping, and storing food; 2) learn how to dispose of waste responsibly through composting and recycling; and 3) advocate for food waste reduction in our local communities!
About the Instructor: Dr. Christina Campbell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. She is the instructor of Medical Nutrition Therapy courses for undergraduate and graduate nutrition and dietetics students. Her research and interests include nutrition and health during pregnancy and exploring the relationship between food, peace and the environment. Gretchen Henningsen is a graduate student studying Nutritional Sciences whose research focuses on identifying effective strategies to cultivate food citizens.
First Half Semester HON 321F, Is Psychology Junk Science?: Current Issues in Psychological Rresearch, R 12:10-2:00pm, Carver 0294, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0625005
About the Course: Did you know that eating chocolate every day can help you lose weight? Or that posing as a superhero can lead to more successful job interviews and an increase in salary? If you think these claims are far-fetched – you’re absolutely right! But how did these studies gain massive media attention, let alone get published? In the course, we will investigate how the decisions scientists make when designing studies and examining data influence the results and interpretations you see on television and social media. As a group, we will examine several methodological issues and research practices in social science research. We will read and discuss various articles that discuss the reproducibility of published work, “researcher degrees of freedom,” null-hypothesis testing, and open science practices. By the end of the course, you will have a better understanding of the current issues in social science research and ways in which social scientists and institutions can improve research practices.
About the Instructor: Lucia Cherep is a doctoral candidate in the Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience program at Iowa State University. Ms. Cherep earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology from Iowa State University, and also holds a certificate in Quantitative Psychology. Ms. Cherep’s teaching philosophy is to create assignments and assessments that support the learning outcomes of her course so that when students leave, they will be self-sufficient scholars ready to apply their knowledge to other domains of their life, be that the workforce or graduate school. Nicole Hayes is a doctoral candidate in the Social Psychology program at Iowa State University. Ms. Hayes earned her Master's Degree in Psychology, Research focused, from the University of Massachusetts. She has a passion for teaching and believes that making connections between the classroom and the real-world helps students understand that what they are learning is useful beyond school.
Full Semester HON 321G, Orchid Mania, W 9:00-9:50am, Horticulture 138, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 15, Reference # 0626005
About the Course: Orchids are among the most fascinating groups of plants on earth. Their beautiful and unique flowers have created an allure that is legendary. Whether it is flower hunters searching tropics around the world for orchids, plant physiologists trying to understand how these unique plants function, or enthusiastic collectors trying to grow these plants, orchid mania is real! This seminar will focus on the world of orchids, introducing you to the physiology, history, lore, and culture of the world of orchids. This seminar is geared toward non-life science majors.
About the Instructor: Christopher Currey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture specializing in greenhouse crop production. He specializes in determining how mineral nutrition, light, and temperature affects the growth of ornamental and edible greenhouse crops. Before he was a faculty member, he was a commercial orchid grower and produced thousands of flowering plants. In addition to growing orchids in a greenhouse, he has pursued orchids in the wild and outdoors, ranging from the bogs of northern Minnesota to Ireland, to the forests of Tennessee to Costa Rica, and the mountains of Montana to Thailand and Australia!
Full Semester HON 321H, Norse Myth: Gods, Heroes, and Monsters, M 9:00-10:50am, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective - This seminar has been cancelled due to the instructor leaving the institution. Sorry folks!
About the Course: In this seminar, we will read early literature from Nordic Europe and surrounding areas, primarily mythology and Viking literature. Some traits are common across the mythological, cultural, and historical stories, such as the values of a heroic world, honor, loyalty, and an ethic of revenge—along with interests in faith, fate, otherworldly journeys, and the monstrous. We will examine these works as reflections of the societies which created them, and consider what functions stories and poetry served within those societies. We’ll explore a number of themes, including the role of women, the role of the poet, the function of humor, and the nature of Norse story-telling. In learning how to read these texts, you will be able to better understand why certain values were held in Norse culture and why such stories continue to fascinate the popular imagination today. Additionally, this course will sharpen your critical thinking and interpretative skills and serve as somewhat of an introduction into the logic of literature and related disciplines.
About the Instructor: Carolyn S. Gonzalez is the Assistant Director of Iowa State University’s Writing and Media Center. Her research in literary studies focuses on Middle-English and Anglo-Saxon literature and has been featured in Anglo Saxonica, Humanities Bulletin, and The Journal of Foreign Languages and Cultures. Her interests in writing center studies focus on the experiences of first-generation students and how they perceive the center. Carolyn teaches speech communication, composition, writing center theory, and medieval literature courses.
Second Half Semester HON 321J, Documenting the Past: An Introduction to Oral History, MW 12:10-1:00pm, 1 Credit, Second Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 10, Reference # 0628005 - ONLINE, Synchronous
About the Course: The course will explore the theory and practice of oral history, a field of study that documents the past through first-person interviews conducted in the present-day. Students will examine how oral history has been effectively used; write appropriate question protocols; identify and contact potential subjects; learn interview etiquette and ethics; create metadata and maintain data security; edit transcriptions; and learn basic techniques of analysis. As part of the course, students will conduct oral history interviews of Iowa State alumni, faculty, researchers, staff, and/or other individuals affiliated with the university. These interviews will be archived in the Iowa State Digital Repository hosted by the University Library. Those who complete the seminar can list the interviews in their Curriculum Vitae (C.V.).
About the Instructor: Daniel Hartwig is the Head of Special Collections and University Archives within the University Library. He has administered multiple oral history projects and conducted more than fifty oral histories with university alumni, faculty, and administrators. Dr. Mark Barron is a public historian with Extension and Outreach and the University Library. Over the past twenty years, he has worked with local, state, and federal agencies on issues relating to historical memory and cultural heritage.
Full Semester HON 321K, Psychology of Social Media, F 2:10-3:00pm, Jischke 1151/55, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0629005
About the Course: Why do you use social media? From Facebook to Tik Tok — nearly half of the world are active social media users, and that includes you! Although people use social networking sites every day, not many know the psychology behind it. For example, why am I constantly checking for status updates? Can I be addicted to social media? Do women and men use social media differently? Does social media change how you view yourself? Can social media be harmful? In this class, we will discuss psychological perspective on social media.
About the Instructor: El-Lim Kim is a graduate student in Social Psychology. She obtained her B.S. from The University of Hong Kong and M.S. from Ewha Woman’s University (South Korea). Her research focuses on the impact of media on everyday human interactions. She is mentored by Dr. Douglas A. Gentile and Dr. Craig A. Anderson, both of whom are acclaimed researchers on psychology of media. Nicholas Boehm is a graduate student in Social Psychology. He obtained his B.S. in Psychology from The University of Alabama. His most recent research focuses on self-presentation and the affective consequences of social media use, and how these differ for those with dark personality traits (e.g., narcissism).
Full Semester HON 321L, How and Why We Count, W 10:00-10:50am, Carver 0294, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 22, Reference # 0630005 - HYBRID
About the Course: Understand the societal impact counting had and learn how many ways to arrange your dinner guest. We will discuss the history and development of counting (or societies with lack there of) as well as some of the more famous counting problems. Get your hands "dirty" with infinitesimals, modular arithmetic, and the Fibonacci sequence in this course.
About the Instructor: Kate Lorenzen in a Ph.D. candidate in mathematics with research focused on combinatorial matrix theory. In particular, she works on problems that associate a network or graph to a matrix and relate matrix properties to the structure of the network. A class on counting problems (combinatorics) while she was a junior in college first interested her in pursuing graduate school and research in math.
Full Semester HON 321M, Comedy College, T 6:10-8:00pm, Jischke 1151, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0631005 - This seminar has been cancelled. Sorry folks!
About the Course: In this seminar, you will learn to be funnier. Humor is not a mystical process of divine intervention granted by the Comedy Gods to just a chosen few. There are tricks, techniques and theories that, when studied, can make a person funnier. When put into practice, these skills can help with self-confidence, public speaking and communication skills. While some reading and watching of stand-up routines is required, the majority of the class focus will be on creating and sharing original humor with your classmates. The seminar culminates in a live comedy showcase where you will share your newfound humor skills with the world.
About the Instructor: Gavin Jerome has been a professional entertainer for well over 20 years. He has worked with the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Paul Reiser and Steve Harvey. For the past decade, Gavin has been providing humor workshops for companies and associations nationwide. His extensive standup comedy experience plus many years of leading workshops on humor in the workplace makes him most qualified on creating and sharing comedy. Peter Orazem, University Professor of Economics, has been a student of Gavin’s, and has served as the Teaching Assistant for all ISU Comedy College classes. He performed at the first American Economics Association standup comedy session in San Francisco.
First Half Semester HON 321N XW, Entrepreneurship, R 10:00-11:50am, Arranged, Enrollment Limit: 30, Reference # 0632005 - ONLINE (synchronous format)
About the Course: This course is designed to help students acquire sound business acumen. The class would include a series of lectures on business models for different types of business. Students will have an opportunity to interact with the business professionals and learn about successfully managing business especially during the current recession caused by the global pandemic. The learning outcomes include helping students to become familiar with the overall business environment, learn about different forms of business organizations and address the impact of economic downturn caused by Covid 19 on business owners. Our speakers include, Nick Johnson- Owner/Manager Ames Ford Lincoln, Eugene T. Hibbs Owner-Little Caesars of Ames, Rick Brimeyer- President Brimeyer LLC, Dave Tucker- Director of Product Development- Workiva, Chris Seymour- CEO of Seymour Screen Excellence and Shoba Premkumar - Professor of Teaching.
About the Instructor: Shoba Premkumar is a Teaching Professor- Finance Department- College of Business.
Full Semester HON 321P, Ethics and Controversy in Medical Research, R 2:10-3:00pm, Jischke 1151/55, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0633005
About the Course: Medical research is at the heart of health care. However, the methods by which we have discovered the benefits of nutrition, drugs, and other treatments has been subject to unethical behavior. Moreover, there are many current topics in health and nutrition that are highly controversial, despite the state of the research. This course will explore the underlying research that has lead to many of our discoveries in medicine - some highly unethical, some questionable, and many that remain under debate. We will spend class time discussing both sides of the argument with respect to the research, ethics, and controversy that plays into our current medical practices and recommendations.
About the Instructor: Drs. Elizabeth McNeill and Kevin Schalinske are faculty in the department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. In addition to teaching in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum, both have active research laboratories that seek to understand the role of nutrition and related compounds in the prevention and treatment of disease. Their combined research portfolio includes chronic, genetic, and age-related diseases.
Full Semester HON 321Q, Archives Investigation, W 3:10-5:00pm, Parks Library 405, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 10, Reference # 0634005
About the Course: The course will turn you into history detectives as you learn how to research in the archives and share the stories that unfold from your work. You will work hands-on in a learning lab setting with rare books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and artifacts that represent a cross-section of our collections. The course will culminate in an outreach event for the ISU community, featuring students presenting research topics of their choosing (e.g., including but not limited to presentations, creative work inspired by archival holdings, papers, mini-exhibitions) and can work alone or in groups. At the end of the course, you will have an introductory understanding of unfamiliar handwriting, will be able to contextualize historical documents, analyze photographs, properly handle fragile and rare materials, and communicate your understanding of this research to your peers. All sessions will draw upon the collections of primary resources in the ISU Special Collections and University Archives.
About the Instructor: Rachel Seale is the outreach archivist at Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA). Rachel coordinates exhibitions, events, programming, instruction, and oversees the reading room and social media for SCUA. In July of 2016, she attended the Librarians Active Learning Institute – Archives Special Collections at Dartmouth College and continues to apply active learning principles and collaborative learning techniques while teaching students about primary source research.
First Half Semester HON 321R XW, Exploring Environmental Issues through Documentaries, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Arranged, Enrollment Limit: 18, Reference # 0635005 - ONLINE
About the Course: In this online seminar we will explore current issues related to overpopulation, overconsumption, industrial livestock production, climate change and species extinction. We will analyze these issues through award-winning documentaries, online lecture slides, readings, online discussions, and final group projects.
Learning objectives: You will gain a better understanding of some global environmental problems, learn how to reduce your ecological footprint, and practice your critical thinking skills via discussions and documentary critiques.
About the Instructor: Lidia R. Skrynnikova is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. She has taught all levels of undergraduate courses including Animal Ecology and Wildlife Management, Introduction to Renewable Resources, Foundations in Natural Resource Policy and History, and Controversial Issues in Natural Resource Management. She also developed new courses for WLC and NREM: Environmental Issues in Modern Russia, Influential Environmental Thinkers in Russia and the U.S., and Seminar on Social Justice and Environmental Sustainability.
Second Half Semester HON 321T, Performance Live, Generally MW 5:10-7:00pm *see below for adjusted schedule, Jischke 1151, 1 Credit, Second Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0636005 - This seminar has been cancelled. Sorry folks!
About the Course: Would you like to attend events at Iowa State Center, but can't find the time? Wondered how the arts intersect with your academic field? Through performance attendance, discussion, tours and readings, you will have an opportunity to experience international music, a musical and modern dance production. You will understand the importance of these art forms and explore the connections between the arts and your chosen curriculum. And we bet that having had a taste of events at Stephens, you will be on the lookout for more! (In this seminar, students will learn about and experience music and dance at the Iowa State Center, go behind the scenes at Stephens Auditorium and talk with professionals who make the performances happen. Our goal is to help students realize connections between the arts and technology of music and their studies and to appreciate the resources on campus that expand their knowledge of the arts.
**This class will have an adjusted meeting schedule; the following is the list of class meeting dates:
Monday, October 5, Jischke 1151
Wednesday, October 7, Stephen Auditorium
Sunday, October 11, Stephens Auditorium
Monday, October 12, Jischke 1151
Wednesday, October 14, Jischke 1151
Friday, October 16, Stephens Auditorium
Sunday, October 18, Stephens Auditorium
Monday, October 19, Stephens Auditorium
Wednesday, October 21, Jischke 1151
Monday, October 26, Jischke 1151
Monday, October 26, Jischke 1151
Monday, November 9, Jischke 1151
Wednesday, November 11, Jischke 1151
About the Instructor: Laurie Law, director of Honors, and Sara Compton, Iowa State Center Outreach Manager, will facilitate this seminar, including in-class discussions. Laurie has led Honors seminars on a wide variety of topics. Guest speakers will appear in the classroom or via Skype, and additional ISC staff will offer a backstage tour.
Full Semester HON 321U, The History of Reproductive Rights, W 1:10-3:00pm, Carver 0294, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 0637005
About the Course: This seminar will examine the history of reproductive rights in America. We will discuss how reproductive rights have impacted different historical periods as well the life experiences of different people with multiple identities (White women, women of color, men, LGBT, etc.).
About the Instructor: Dr. Alissa Stoehr is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. Her research interests include human trafficking, women’s and gender studies programs at community colleges, child support and welfare policies in the state of Iowa, racism within intercollegiate athletics, and work-life balance issues affecting female PhD students at Iowa State.
Full Semester HON 321V, Human Trafficking 101, T 10:00-11:50am, Carver 0294, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 0638005
About the Course: This seminar will explore the phenomenon of human trafficking within the United States and beyond. Students will learn about the history of and concepts that define trafficking; the intersectionalities of race, gender, nationality, etc.; legal and political ramifications of trafficking, and how they can make a difference in their community by educating peers about this crime against humanity. Guest speakers include trafficking and abuse survivors as well as representatives from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa, ISU Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery, etc.
About the Instructor: Dr. Alissa Stoehr is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. Her research interests include human trafficking, women’s and gender studies programs at community colleges, child support and welfare policies in the state of Iowa, racism within intercollegiate athletics, and work-life balance issues affecting female PhD students at Iowa State.
Full Semester HON 321W, Conflicts in the Middle East, W 2:10-3:00pm, Pearson 3125, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective, Reference # 0639005
About the Course: What are the current political conflicts in the Middle East? How to understand the wars in the Middle East? The seminar will examine the current political conflicts and wars in the Middle East. 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). Students will understand the “complicated Middle East” and how these conflicts are impacting 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 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 45 countries.
Full Semester HON 321Y, That’s Me in the Corner, T 2:10-3:00pm, Carver 0294, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective, Reference # 0640005
About the Course: How much do you know about the problems that many people in the world are facing today? Are you enough aware of all the plagues (organ traffic, modern slavery, children soldiers, forced prostitution, etc.) that are destroying the lives of millions of people around you? On the first day of the 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 be asked to do a 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. In fact, with some bad luck, you could have been that person in the corner!
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 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 45 countries.
Full Semester HON 321Z, Understanding War, M 2:10-3:00pm, Carver 0294, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective, Reference # 0641005
About the Course: “What is it like to be in a war zone?” “What challenges civilians face when they are trapped in a war” The seminar will examine the daily life in wartime and the social effects of war. How do people live in extreme conditions? Through study cases and living experiences, students will be able to better understand the “chaos of war”. We will examine the Geneva Convention and other Human Rights documents to raise awareness about war crimes against civilians. We will also explore the role of the media in conflicts. Student will be able to better understand the sided, biased or impartial role of the media. They will learn to read behind the superficial or general information presented in some media. At the end of the seminar, students should be able to understand the reality of war and its effect on society. War is not just a video game between the good and the bad.
About the Instructor: Jean-Pierre Taoutel is an Associate Teaching Professor in French and Arabic. He has been teaching at ISU since 1999. 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 45 countries.
Full Semester HON 323A, Self-Promotion is not a Dirty Word!, M 11:00-11:50am, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0642005 - This seminar has been cancelled due to the instructor leaving the institution. Sorry folks!
About the Course: What would you do if money weren’t an issue? Travel? Meet your hero? Save the world? In this class, you will learn about scholarships and fellowships that fund college expenses, study abroad, and graduate school. You will write the major genres that comprise a scholarship, fellowship, or academic grant application: personal statement, an academic/research statement, and a request for a letter of recommendation. You will learn about the expectations of selection committees, graduate school admissions, and hiring managers. Finally, you will master self-promotion strategies that really work!
About the Instructor: Kristin Terrill is a PhD student in applied linguistics and technology. She works as a graduate peer mentor at the Center for Communication Excellence, specializing in supporting Nationally Competitive Award applicants in preparing materials for their applications. Laura Good is the Assistant Director for Nationally Competitive Awards in the University Honors Program. A former Fulbright scholar and university admissions officer, she joined Iowa State in fall 2017 after over ten years overseas (in Mexico, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates). Laura is passionate about helping connect talented students with educational opportunities, and her role on campus is to identify and guide candidates for national awards.
First Half Semester HON 323B, Yes We Catan!: Teaching and Learning with Settlers of Catan, T 4:10-6:00pm, SICTR 2206, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0643005
About the Course: From its humble origins in Klaus Teuber's German workshop in 1995, Settlers of Catan has become a worldwide sensation. This seminar will analyze the many themes present in the iconic game. From probability and board game mathematics to resource scarcity and the history of early exploration, this seminar will use Catan as a springboard for engaging interdisciplinary learning and discussion. Along with the discussing these topics, you will have the opportunity to learn new strategies to make you the envy of your family and friends. Each meeting will consist of a lecture followed by gameplay.
About the Instructor: Erik Francois is graduating senior in Construction Engineering from Des Moines, IA. He has been playing Settlers of Catan since the early 2010's. He has a second place finish at the Pieces National Qualifying Tournament in St. Louis and fifth place finish at the Bay Arena Qualifying Tournament in San Francisco. Emily Wilcox is the Assistant Director for First-Year Programs in the University Honors Program and has been losing to her brother at Catan digitally (did you know there’s an app?) and in person for many years because she consistently fails to utilize ports. She previously co-taught an Honors seminar about patriarchy and romance novels.