Fall 2022

Fall 2022 Honors Seminars

Seminar registration for the spring semester will open on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at noon. Please contact Honors staff at honors@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 a few days before registration opens. You will need to copy/paste the reference number to enroll through AccessPlus. 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. You cannot enroll in more than 2 seminars in a single semester.

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: Art and Science of PEACE
  • HON 321B: Are You What You Eat? (FULL)
  • HON 321C: Pollination Ecology (FULL)
  • HON 321D: The Science of Happiness (FULL)
  • HON 321E: Religion and Spirituality in Popular Music
  • HON 321F: Journalism for Non-Journalists (CANCELLED)
  • HON 321G: Topics on Islam: Conversations with a Muslim (CANCELLED)
  • HON 321H: Medicines and You: Making Sense of Vaccines, Drug Commercials, and the Diet & Supplement Industry (FULL)
  • HON 321J: Judgment and Decision Making (FULL)
  • HON 321K: Is That Legal? An Introduction to U.S. Law (FULL)
  • HON 321L: Spaces for Creative Behaviors (FULL)
  • HON 321M: Punching Up: Writing (and Publishing) Short Humor
  • HON 321N: Geoengineering
  • HON 321P: Gut Microbiota: The Forgotten Organ (FULL)
  • HON 321Q: Floods: History, Challenge, and Opportunity (CANCELLED)
  • HON 321R: Tolkien's Mythology (FULL)
  • HON 321T: Mil to Civ: The Experience of Post-9/11 Veterans Returning to Civilian Life
  • HON 321U: You Are Your Own First Responder (FULL)
  • HON 321V: Comedy College (FULL)
  • HON 321W: Impact Your World: Teaming Together to Research Global Challenges
  • HON 321Z: Fashion Museums and Social Justice
  • HON 323A: Archives Investigations: Examining Race and Ethnicity (CANCELLED)
  • HON 323B: Jack the Ripper - 130 Year History (FULL)
  • HON 323C: Improving Writing Processes with Biometric Technology (CANCELLED)
  • HON 323D: Introduction to Human Trafficking
  • HON 323E: Conflicts in the Middle East (FULL)
  • HON 323F: Everything You Want to Learn about the Arab World without Studying Arabic! (CANCELLED)
  • HON 323G: The Arts, Leadership, and Social Change (CANCELLED)

 

HON 321AArt and Science of PEACE, T 2:10-3:00, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective, Reference # 0620005

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 peace-builder 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: J. Arbuckle is Professor of rural sociology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His research and education efforts focus on improving the environmental and social sustainability of agriculture. E.J. Bahng is an Associate Professor of science education in the School of Education. She teaches a science methods course and Nature of Science for future science teachers; Erin Bergquist is a Clinical Professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition; Mark Bryden is the founding director of the Simulation, Modeling and Decision Science program at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory and is a professor of mechanical engineering; 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; Ramesh Kanwar is the Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of Water Resources Engineering in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; 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; Kurt A Rosentrater is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. He teaches and conducts research in the areas of food systems, food processing, cost assessment, and environmental impact assessment; Kristin Yvonne Rozier Kristin Yvonne Rozier heads the Laboratory for Temporal Logic in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University; previously she spent 14 years as a Research Scientist at NASA; and, Andrea Wheeler is an Associate Professor of Architecture. She teaches classes on Green and Sustainable Design.

 

HON 321BAre You What You Eat?, T 12:40-1:30, 305 Kildee, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, U.S. Diversity, Reference # 0621005

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 plus decades at Iowa State University. 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., Freshman Mentor, Honor research projects, Honors seminar teacher, and advisor) throughout his tenure at Iowa State University.

 

HON 321CPollination Ecology, W 9:55-10:45. 433 Science II, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0622005

About the Course: Pollinators have become an increasingly popular topic in ecology, agriculture, and conservation biology. This course is to provide a broad overview of pollination ecology including integration of many scientific topics such as botany, insect ecology, foraging theory, community context, interaction network analysis, and global climate change as well as applications through research methods and conservation practices. Lectures will promote discussion of pollination from the organisms’ “umwelt” or perception of its circumstances and values.

About the Instructor: Kate Borchardt is a 4th-year PhD Candidate in Dr. Amy Toth’s lab in the EEOB department. Toth has been involved in pollination ecology research for about 8 years starting in Dr. Neal William’s lab at University of California Davis as an undergraduate student in 2015 and has extensive topic area knowledge. Currently she is part of the interdisciplinary Science-Based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips (STRIPS) project at Iowa State, studying how to integrate wild bee and wasp conservation within agricultural landscapes and how different environments affect foraging behavior and plant pollination.

 

HON 321D, The Science of Happiness, R 12:40-1:30, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0623005

About the Course: The Science of Happiness investigates the state of mental health and wellness on personal and systems levels from a college student perspective. The course will journey through evaluations of our personal beliefs, values, and assumptions. We will examine how to build leadership capacity and create positive change in ourselves, our relationships, and our communities by analyzing how we interpret our goals, examine ways to cultivate fulfilling and productive lives, learn to understand and develop our own high potential, and design a personal leadership development journey. Well-being will be explored using key findings from the field of positive psychology, and the biopsychosocial underpinnings of well-being will inform our understanding of happiness from a leadership capacity perspective. The course will have a positive and hopeful focus with the intent of supporting students in the creation of their own personal leadership development journey that will support them in building meaningful personal lives, attaining professional accomplishments, and developing habits of responsible global citizens. 

About the Instructor: Dr. Cardani-Trollinger earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Speech at Buena Vista University (1996), a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Iowa State University (2000) and a Ph.D. in Education at Drake University (2020). His dissertation, Preserving the Academy: Staff and Faculty Outlooks on the Future of Higher reflects his interest in and commitment to higher education. Chad currently serves in the Leadership Studies Program, leveraging 25 years of professional experience in Training and Development, Real Estate, Entrepreneurship, K-12, and Higher Education Administration. As a leadership educator, Chad is passionate about helping others develop their own leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities so that they have the ability to positively influence themselves and others. He leads with thoughtful and purposeful reflection, intentional inclusion of the widest variety of voices possible, and by doing what he says he will do. Chad’s research interests include higher education, faculty development, cultural development, and brain-based learning. He is an award-winning instructor, an ethical, just and inclusive servant leader.

 

HON 321E, Religion and Spirituality in Popular Music, R 3:40-4:30, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, U.S. Diversity. Reference # 0624005

About the Course: Spirituality, Religion and Music are areas that draw out a lot of emotion in human beings. This seminar will explore the ways that religiosity finds expression through popular music. We'll look at well-known and not so well-known examples of devotionalism and spirituality in rock, country, hip-hop, reggae and other kinds of music, both historical and contemporary. Along the way you'll learn a little bit about Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Rastafarian, Pagan and Vodou traditions. Students will be expected to spend time in class discussing these songs and weekly reading assignments, as well as outside class listening to songs and writing a few short reaction papers (1-2 pages) based on songs and class discussion. 

About the Instructor: Christopher W. Chase is Associate Teaching Professor in Philosophy and Religious Studies. He has published research on the role of Islam in jazz, folk music in Pagan traditions, and the role of counterculture spirituality in American religion. In addition, students regularly examine music in his classes on Religion in America, African-American Religious Experience and Goddess Religions courses. He earned his Ph.D from Michigan State University and has been teaching at Iowa State since 2008.

 

HON 321F, Journalism for Non-Journalists  W 12:05-12:55, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0625005

About the Course: In this seminar, we will explore journalism on a wide variety of topics, from politics to crime to human interest to terrorism. You will gain a better understanding of journalistic practice and storytelling through articles, discussions, and presentations from journalists. On one day, you will co-lead a presentation and discussion on an article of your choice. You will also write an end-of-term reflection on what you learned.

About the Instructor: Chelsea Davis received both a master’s and bachelor’s from the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State. She is a communications specialist for ISU News Service, and was previously a reporter for newspapers in Iowa, Oregon and Montana. As a journalist, she covered everything from protests to breaking news to school board meetings to a “free the nipple” debacle (seriously).

 

HON 321G, Topics on Islam: Conversations with a Muslim, M 3:20-4:10, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective, Reference # 0626005

About the Course: The view of many non-Muslims about Islam is very myopic. For many, the word "Islam" conjures images of terrorists, veiled women, and intolerance. Media and film do not help. What is Islam, really? What are the teachings of the religion? How do Muslims around the world practice Islam? What is their view of so-called "Islamic terrorism"? In this seminar, we will explore these and other topics related to Islam and delve deeper into what Islam is from the perspectives of different Muslims. We will have conversations with invited guest speakers who will share their experiences and their points of view. By the end of the seminar, we will gain a better understanding of Islam, the challenges faced by Muslim, and the complexities of the nexus between religion and culture in different Muslim countries.

About the Instructor: Dr. Amani Elobeid is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Economics and a faculty member in the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) at ISU. She first came to ISU as a Fulbright Scholar. Elobeid received a BS in Economics from the University of Khartoum, Sudan, and her Masters and Ph.D. in Economics from ISU. Since Fall 2017, she has been exposing students to Arab and Middle Eastern cultures through a study abroad program to the United Arab Emirates where she lived as a child.

 

HON 321H, Medicines and You: Making Sense of Vaccines, Drug Commercials, and the Diet & Supplement Industry, T 4:10-5:00, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0627005

About the Course: Are you curious exactly how the COVID vaccines work? Have you ever wondered how Viagra was developed? What happens when gym enthusiasts use steroids? Why is the supplement industry not regulated by the FDA and what does this mean for the consumer? Join us to explore how the products of the pharmaceutical and supplement industries work in the human body. If you are medical school bound or just curious about the products of the pharmaceutical industry, this seminar will provide an understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind how prescription drugs work. You will learn how to evaluate the drugs advertised on TV and social media platforms, learn the history behind how the multi-billion-dollar supplement industry came to be, and learn about the molecular level interactions between drugs and your body.

About the Instructor: Amy Andreotti and Mark Hargrove are Professors in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. They both have long research careers devoted to understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive biological processes. Amy and Mark have a keen interest in bringing an understanding of the chemistry and biology behind vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and the ubiquitous supplements industry to all students; from those interested in learning more about how drugs/supplements affect our lives to those contemplating medical school.

 

HON 321J, Judgment and Decision Making, M 8:50-9:40, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0628005

About the Course: The aim of this course is to acquaint you with current topics in the area of Judgment and Decision Making – a sub-area of social psychology. During this course, we will cover topics such as intuitive thinking or heuristics (i.e., “rules of thumb”), biases, and how people deal with uncertainty and randomness. Along with thoughtful discussions and critical thinking, we will consider how/why people make certain decisions and how we can improve our decision making skills. Real world examples of the consequences of these processes will be used, and you are encouraged to come up with and bring your own examples for discussions.

About the Instructor: Tyler Knaplund is a graduate student in Social Psychology at ISU, with his research interests focused primarily on attitude formation, attitude change, and attitude structure. He earned his Master’s degree in Psychology from Iowa State in 2020. He plans to graduate with his PhD in 2023, and is interested in continuing to work in academia, as he is passionate about teaching undergraduate students and social psychological research.

 

HON 321K, Is That Legal? An Introduction to U.S. Law, W 3:20-5:10, Location TBD, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 0629005

About the Course: Have you thought about going to law school? Are you sure you do not want to be a lawyer? Either way, this seminar is for you! We will do a general exploration of the U.S. legal system, including such areas as criminal law, torts, contracts, family law, estate planning, constitutional law, and civil liberties, as well as taking a closer look at specific topics such as racial justice, digital privacy and censorship, and free speech. We will discuss how the law affects every aspect of our lives, and this seminar will give you a good foundation for understanding how the U.S. legal system functions.

About the Instructor: Amanda Knief is the director of Iowa State University's Lectures Program and the university's parliamentarian. She received her B.S. in Journalism and Communication from Iowa State and her J.D. from Drake University Law School. She worked as legislative counsel for the Iowa Legislature before working in Washington, D.C. as a nonprofit lobbyist, nonprofit legal director, and analyst for the Library of Congress' Congressional Research Service.

 

HON 321L, Spaces for Creative Behaviors, F 8:50-10:40, Location TBD, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0630005

About the Course: We all need encouraging environments to support our creative potential. Creative spaces not just indicate the physical realities but also the social surroundings. This seminar introduces the theoretical foundation of creativity by exploring traits, characteristics, and dimensions of the creative person, process, product, and environment. The question of what constitutes the environment for creative behaviors will be explored in depth by studying diverse case studies and empirical literature.

Throughout the semester, we will also explore our cognitive and emotional responses to the surroundings in which everyone can engage own unique dimensions of creative processes.

About the Instructor: Jae-Hwa Lee, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of interior design. Her primary research engages in providing creative learning environments with pedagogical recommendations for building creative confidence across disciplines. She also addresses the physical and social dimensions to support creative behaviors in the learning environments.

 

HON 321M, Punching Up: Writing (and Publishing) Short Humor, T/R 11:00-11:50, Location TBD, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0631005

About the Course: Have you ever read a piece in McSweeney’s or The Onion and thought, “I wish I could do that”? This course is your chance! In this course, you’ll read a variety of modern pieces from places like The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, and others to figure out what makes them tick. You’ll learn about the building blocks of humor, as well as how to build humor in the most common forms like lists, mock newspaper headlines, and others. Each class will include brief writing exercises to strengthen your funny bone, and you’ll create two polished humor pieces by the end of the course. By the time the class is finished, you’ll have the opportunity to get feedback from classmates and submit your satire to publications!

About the Instructor: Rachel (Mans) McKenny is a writer and humorist, as well as the Assistant Director of the Writing and Media Center on campus. Her short humor has been published in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, The Belladonna, Points in Case, Slackjaw, and other outlets, and her humorous essays have been published in The Washington Post. Her debut novel, The Butterfly Effect, is the 2022 All-Iowa Reads Selection for Adults.

 

HON 321N, Geoengineering, R 1:10-3:00, Location TBD, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective, Reference # 0632005

About the Course: As the impacts of climate change become more apparent, discussions about the use of geoengineering are becoming more common. Would you like to be able to contribute to those discussions in a meaningful way? In this seminar, we will explore the two approaches of geoengineering – carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation management – and the various strategies and techniques of each approach. Furthermore, we will consider the strengths and weaknesses, the financial demands, the ethical concerns, and the global perspectives of each strategy and technique. All of this information will help you form an educated opinion on the implementation of geoengineering as a response to climate change. 

About the Instructor: Dr. Lindsay Maudlin is an atmospheric scientist with training in atmospheric chemistry and atmospheric science education research. She joined Iowa State University in Fall 2021 and is focused on educating students about global climate change and its impacts.

 

HON 321P, Gut microbiota: The Forgotten Organ, F 12:05-12:55, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0633005

About the Course: In this seminar, we will discuss how gut microbiota affects the overall health of humans and other animals. We will learn about the different diseases and other conditions associated with the gut and will discuss improving gut health through diet/healthy lifestyles. Furthermore, we will discuss the role of the gut microbiota on the gut-brain axis, and how our microbes can regulate how we perceive and respond to the world around us. The goal of this seminar is to discuss, in common language and terms, how the gut microbiota functions and affects the whole body, and leads to either host health, disease, and altered brain function.

About the Instructor: Dr. Melha Mellata, an associate professor in molecular microbiology, teaches microbiology/immunology-related courses, mentors students in her lab, and conducts research related to bacterial diseases, and prophylactic treatments such as vaccines and probiotics. Every fall at ISU, she teaches a graduate course that is cross-listed between 4 departments (FSHN, Micro, animal science, and Vet Med). Logan Ott is a 4th-year graduate student in the Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program and a USDA-NIFA Predoctoral Research Fellow. Logan has expertise in bacterial host interactions and bacterial plasmid transfer in the gut of animals. Logan previously taught BIOL 211L for five semesters and intends to become a Professor of Microbiology at a Research University.

 

(CANCELLED) HON 321Q, Floods: History, Challenge, and Opportunity, M 2:10-4:00, Location TBD, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 0634005

About the Course: Floods are among the most destructive natural disasters impacting modern human societies, but they are also essential components in the healthy functioning of river ecosystems. In this seminar, we will examine the tensions between the need to protect property and infrastructure from damage and the often-competing desire to reap the environmental benefits of flooding. Along the way, we will explore the science of floods and flooding, the (sometimes disparate) impacts on human communities and livelihoods, and the technical, legal, political, and environmental issues that influence our approach to flood mitigation.

About the Instructor: Dr. Pete Moore is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management. Trained in geology, he spent 15 years studying glaciers in the Arctic. Pete and the members of his Applied Geomorphology Lab study the ecology and restoration of rivers and floodplains. He teaches a variety of courses in natural resources, environmental science, and forestry.

 

HON 321RTolkien's Mythology, F 2:15-3:05, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0635005

About the Course: This seminar offers a thorough exploration of the mythology developed in the imagination of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien.  Like all mythologies, Tolkien’s is a collection of stories in which you may find explanations of concepts difficult to understand in a scientific, rational, or empirical manner.  Major themes include the nature of good and evil, and the meaning and nature of human mortality.  Tolkien is best known for his epic romance “The Lord of the Rings”, widely recognized as one of the greatest works of fiction written in English.  This novel describes the conclusion of a 10,000-year history that constitutes Tolkien’s Mythology, offering a transition from the imaginary world into the reality of our present day.  The seminar will concentrate mostly on Tolkien’s other writings including “The Silmarillion”, “Unfinished Tales”, and some of background writings presented to the public after the author’s death.  Outside of the conceptual theme of the seminar, you will be guided through an entertaining body of literature that casual readers often find challenging owing to its great complexity.

About the Instructor: Alan Myers has long experience in undergraduate teaching in genetics and biochemistry in over 35 years as an ISU faculty member. He has a personal interest in the study of Tolkien's published work since his first exposure during the early 1970's. He has taught a seminar in the subject six times previously in the ISU Honors program.

 

HON 321T, Mil to Civ: The Experience of Post-9/11 Veterans Returning to Civilian Life, M 4:25-5:15, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 0636005

About the Course: Making the decision to join the military is significant, especially when you don't know what to expect or what you will do after the service. Veterans are an underrepresented group and a protected class under U.S. law. They have gained a lot of experience that can be useful in the civilian workforce, but there are barriers such as culture and language. Responsibility for removing the barriers is on both sides. Step into the boots of a U.S. Post-9/11 Veteran to learn about the skills, experiences, and struggles.

About the Instructor: Robert G. Olinger is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Management at the Ivy College of Business. Prior to ISU, Robert taught business and management courses at Drake University and Grand View University in Des Moines. Robert is a 21-year Veteran of the Iowa Army National Guard, with two deployments to the Middle East. His experience included a long list of military occupational specialties, and full-time roles in HR, logistics, and operations.

 

HON 321U, You Are Your Own First Responder, R 6:00-7:50, 1151 Jischke, 2 credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 20, Reference # 0637005

About the Course: Until help arrives, you are the help.  In this seminar, you'll learn how to take care of yourself and the people around you in a disaster.  You'll learn to assess, stabilize, and move injured victims, conduct light search and rescue operations, extinguish fires, recognize and avoid hazardous materials, and work as part of an incident response team.  Then you'll put those skills to the test in a hands-on disaster simulation in which you will be the first responders.  You'll also have the opportunity for dialogue with public safety professionals who have responded to recent disasters in Iowa.  Throughout the semester, we'll relate our lessons to other disasters from history or in recent headlines.

About the Instructor: Clayton Oliver is ISU's Emergency Manager. He is a recovering technical writer, having spent twelve years writing documentation no one read for software no one installed. In 2012, he decided to pursue a more frustrating career and entered the emergency management field. Since then, his disaster response experience has included power outages, severe winter weather, derechos, home football games, hazardous materials spills, overly-enthusiastic student celebrations, that one time someone accidentally drilled into a natural gas pocket, and a pandemic that no one wants to hear about any more. He holds a B.A. in English, an M.S. in Emergency Management, and the Certified Emergency Manager credential from the International Association of Emergency Managers. He maintains proficiency in his former craft through freelancing in the roleplaying game industry, posting on the ISU subreddit as /u/Emergen_Cy, and writing about himself in the third person.

 

HON 321VComedy College, M 6:00-7:50, Location TBD, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0638005

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 new-found 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 make 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.

 

HON 321W, Impact Your World: Teaming Together to Research Global Challenges, TR 11:00-12:15, Jischke 1117, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspectives, Reference # 0639010

About the Course: Are you passionate about grand challenges, like climate change or social justice? Are you curious how teams with complementary expertise form to address these issues? And do you want to connect with other students around the globe to brainstorm shared solutions? In this seminar course, you and your classmates will chart the path -- identifying the problem, presenting your ideas and communicating your solutions. We anticipate that this class will involve rich collaborations with German students and faculty from Hochschule Ruhr West, including a potential travel component for interested students. At the semester’s end, you will acquire skills in design thinking, team-building and creativity, while also emerging as a more thoughtful global citizen.

About the Instructor: Verena Paepcke-Hjeltness, IDSA is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Design at Iowa State University and Education Director and Board Member at the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). Paepcke-Hjeltness has worked both in Germany and the U.S. as an industrial designer with a focus on aviation and transportation design. She has been an educator for more than 15 years, teaching in Germany and the U.S. at The Ohio State University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Drexel University, University of Texas at Austin and Iowa State University. She received her B.A. (Design Diploma) in industrial and environmental design from University of Applied Sciences, Potsdam, Germany and her M.F.A. in industrial design from The Ohio State University. Her research focuses on the diffusion of design thinking and doing practices in design and non-design-oriented disciplines, with a focus on exploring visualization as a gateway to learning, comprehension and creative confidence. She frequently facilitates workshops on sketchnoting, design thinking and strategic planning in both academia and industry. Since 2015 she has introduced sketchnoting to approximately 1,500 students, faculty and staff at Iowa State University and beyond.

 

HON 321Z, Fashion Museums and Social Justice, R 11:00-11:50, 0017 Morrill, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 12, US Diversity, Reference # 0641005

About the Course: In this seminar, you will explore the intersections of fashion museums and social justice by engaging with historic objects in ISU's Textiles and Clothing Museum. You will learn about the oppressive history of fashion museums, decolonization, social justice issues, and how to study and interpret objects through a social justice lens. We will have curators, fashion museum directors, and/or fashion history scholars from across the globe as guest speakers who will discuss how they have challenged the status quo in their work through exhibitions, research, and other outputs. Through this seminar, you will be exposed to material culture methods through a hands-on approach using objects of your choice from our 8,500 object collection. You will also have an opportunity to mount your object in one of our museum galleries (Mary Alice Gallery; LeBaron Gallery; Donna Gallery) or in a digital exhibition, create an interpretive label, and participate in an exhibition opening that is open to the public.

About the Instructor: Kelly L. Reddy-Best is an associate professor in Apparel, Merchandising at Iowa State University and the curator and director of ISU’s Textiles and Clothing Museum. In her research she examines the interrelationships of dress, identity, consumption, regulation, and the fashion system. All of her work is rooted in a social justice lens. She has taught courses across the apparel curriculum in design, product development, merchandising, culture, and history. She and her students have co-curated numerous exhibitions such as Queer Fashion and Style: Stories from the Heartland; Collegiate Fashion and Activism: Black Women's Styles on the College Campus; and Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus, Queer Spaces, Collective Styles, and Activist Dress, 1984 to the Present. Her goal as the director of the TCM is to provide exceptional learning opportunities for students and that the work intersecting with the museum will center social justice philosophies. She plans to ensure that the histories of historically marginalized communities are collected, told, and prioritized in this important institutional space.

 

(CANCELLED) Full Semester HON 323A, Archives Investigations: Examining Race and Ethnicity, W 2:10-4:00, 405 Parks Library, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 0642005

About the Course: Polish your presentation skills and become history detectives! In this course you will learn how to do archival research and share the stories that unfold from your work at ISCORE 2023. Your research focus will be race and ethnicity at Iowa State University and beyond. Utilizing archival materials, you will fill in gaps and erasures in collections and engage in reparative justice to center the stories of those who have been marginalized. At the end of the course, you will understand the function of archives, be able to contextualize historical documents, and communicate your research through a poster or presentation.

About the Instructor: Rachel Seale is the outreach archivist at Iowa State University Library Special Collections & University Archives (SCUA) and coordinates instruction and programming for the department. Rachel applies active learning principles and collaborative learning techniques while teaching students about primary source research. Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Arizona State University and a Master of Library Science from Simmons University.

 

HON 323B, Jack the Ripper - 130 Year History, W 5:30-6:20, 1151 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0643005

About the Course: For over 125 years we have been intrigued by the puzzle of 1888 Whitechapel murders.   What is it about this specific crime that continues to captivate the world?  Who did it? During this seminar we will take an historical look at the mysterious Jake the Ripper and the victims.  Students will be encouraged to develop their own views by posing questions, being open to challenges and considering alternative answers.  Through a series of weekly reports and readings students will engage in an exchange of ideas and critical thinking focusing on the who and why of the mystery.

About the Instructor: Laurie Smith Law is the Administrative Director of the University Honors Program. Ms. Law has been working with high ability students for the past 20 years and has taught several honors seminars. She has offered seminars on culture through celebrations, urban language and social discussion. She has a background in student affairs and has worked with several learning communities programs. Ms. Law is familiar with service learning programs and has supervised students on alternative spring break program in different areas of the country.

 

(CANCELLED) HON 323C, Improving Writing Processes with Biometric Technology, F 9:55-11:45, 312 Ross, 1 Credit, First half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 0864005

About the Course: Love it or hate it, writing is a big part of our lives in academia and beyond. Have you ever wished that your computer would tell you what you could do to write better? Tools like Grammarly are a good place to start, but what if we could go beyond feedback on grammar and spelling? In this seminar, we’ll explore how we can use biometric technology to provide individualized, automated feedback about the writing process. You will learn how to use advanced eye-tracking and keystroke-logging technology, and you will have the opportunity to try out this technology on yourself and your classmates. We’ll then put this technology to use to help us learn more about our own writing processes and how we can improve them. Watch a 3-minute video about the topic at https://lab.chukharev.com/prowrite.

About the Instructor: Emily Dux Speltz is a Ph.D. student in the Applied Linguistics and Technology program. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in TESL/Applied Linguistics from ISU. She enjoys teaching English 150 and 250 and researching how to effectively utilize biometric technology to provide individualized feedback about writers’ processes. In Spring 2021, Emily taught an Honors seminar about NBC’s The Good Place, and in Fall 2017, Emily enjoyed co-teaching an FHP seminar titled "Joe Biden: More Than Just a Meme." Dr. Evgeny Chukharev-Hudilainen is an Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics and Technology. Evgeny holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Herzen State University in Russia and an M.S. in Computer Science from Arkhangelsk State Technical University. He is interested in language processing, language acquisition, and language change.

 

HON 323D, Introduction to Human Trafficking, M 12:05-1:55, Location TBD, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 0862010

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 survivors as well as representatives from law enforcement, The Set Me Free Project, 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. She teaches a variety of courses, including Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies, Gender and Sexuality in American Popular Culture, and Human Trafficking.

 

HON 323E, Conflicts in the Middle East, W 2:15-3:05, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspectives, Reference # 2012005

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, Afghanistan, etc).

Students will understand the “complicated Middle East” and how these conflicts are impacting the war on terrorism.

About the Instructor: Jean-Pierre Taoutel, Associate Teaching Professor of French and Arabic, 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 47 countries.

 

(CANCELLED) HON 323F, Everything You Want to Learn about the Arab World without Studying Arabic!, M 2:15-3:05, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspectives, Reference # 2019005

About the Course: How much do you know about the Arab World? Why are there so many misrepresentations of Arabs? What are the Arab contributions to Civilization?

The seminar will explore several topics in Arab history, politics, cultures, and religions. Students will gain a better understanding of the Arab world and an appreciation of the Arabic culture while taking into consideration recent political issues and the misrepresentation of Arabs.  

Hopefully, the seminar will inspire students to study Arabic and/or to travel with confidence to the Arab world.

About the Instructor: Jean-Pierre Taoutel, Associate Teaching Professor of French and Arabic, 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 47 countries. Amani Elobeid, Teaching Professor of Economics, has been teaching at ISU since 2014. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Iowa State University. Since Fall 2017, she has been exposing students to Arab and Middle Eastern cultures through a study abroad program to the United Arab Emirates where she lived as a child.

 

(CANCELLED) HON 323G, The Arts, Leadership, and Social Change, M 11:00-11:50, 331 Carver, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 2068005

About the Course: This seminar will provide you with an introductory holistic approach to arts-based research (ABR) and practice at the intersection of leadership development. This seminar invites those from all majors/minors and those with all art and leadership knowledge and experience levels. The arts teach us connection, empathy, feeling, information, resonance, and self-awareness - all of which are connected to our leadership and growth. The arts also prompt conversation, reflection, cultivation of empathy, and, at times, increased self- and social awareness. The arts can uniquely educate, inspire, illuminate, resist, heal, and persuade. Finally, the arts can connect us with those who are similar and dissimilar, open up new ways of seeing and experiencing, and illuminate that which otherwise remains in darkness. This seminar will examine the following major art genres: narrative inquiry & fiction; poetry; music; dance & movement; theatre, drama, & film; and the visual arts. While research considerations will be covered, you are not expected to conduct research this semester. Still, you will gain knowledge and skills to apply ABR to future projects (e.g., Capstone or Honors Project).

About the Instructor: KP joined the LD ST program faculty in 2018. KP's courses include LD ST 122, 270, 291, 301, 322, 333 and 370, 490, and LAS 151 (LAS Dean’s Leadership Seminar). KP's dissertation research was an arts-based study that used narrative and poetry to story the authentic leadership development of millennial gay men. KP’s research interests include advancing an ABR agenda addressing community leadership, inter- & intragenerational leadership, and LGBTQIA+ leadership. KP served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member and Leader with Campus Compact in SC and KY. After graduate school and national service, KP served as a Visiting Service-Learning Tutor at Lingnan University in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong; Senior Program Coordinator for Academic Community Engagement at Tulane University’s Center for Public Service; Graduate Assistant for Civic Engagement Initiatives at Chapman University; and instructor in the Anteater Leadership Academy at the University of California, Irvine. Ph.D., Education (Leadership Studies) (2019) M.A., Leadership, Public Policy, & Social Issues (2012) B.S., Community & Leadership Development (2010)