Fall 2023

Fall 2023 Honors Seminars

Seminar registration for the spring semester will open on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 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: Are you what you eat?
HON 321B: Our American Crime Problem
HON 321C: Environmental Justice at the Movies: Climate Change and Capitalism in Philosophy and Cinema
HON 321D: Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A History of Hip-Hop
HON 321E: Star Trek and A.I. Ethics (Full)
HON 321F: Everyday Leadership
~~HON 321G: Deep Mapping: Multimedia Storytelling About Places in the Midwest and Beyond~~ (Canceled)
HON 321H: Science at the Cinema
HON 321J: Is That Legal? An Introduction to U.S. Law
HON 321K: The Undead in Contemporary Society (Full)
HON 321L: Jack the Ripper - 135 year history
HON 321M: CSI: Barnyard (Full)
HON 321N: Going Bananas: Food Cultures, Cooking, and Consumption in the Americas (Full)
HON 321P: Atoms for Peace: Demystifying the Term “Nuclear” (Full)
HON 321Q: Tolkien's Mythology (Full)
HON 321R: Blue Science: Impact Your World
HON 321T: Entrepreneurship (Full)
HON 321U: Compete to Solve Real-World Case Studies in Business and Entrepreneurship
HON 321V: Exploring Environmental Issues through Documentaries (Full)
HON 321W: Feminism and Media
HON 321Y: Human Trafficking 101
HON 321Z: Conflicts in the Middle East
HON 323A: Understanding War
HON 323B: Creative Writing Worldbuilding: Fantastic Places and How to Make Them
HON 323C: Chinese Script: From Oracle Bone Inscriptions to the Modern Characters
~~HON 323D: Art and Science of PEACE~~ (Canceled)

HON 321A, Are you what you eat?, T 12:40-1:30, 0305 Kildee, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0620005

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 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 321B, Our American Crime Problem, T 9:30-10:20, 311 East Hall, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0621005

About the Course: What do you know about crime and the criminal justice system? And where does that knowledge come from? TV shows, movies, and social media tell us a lot, but how much of that is true to real life and how much is criminal justice myth? In this class, we will spend some time doing crime and criminal justice myth-busting. We will talk about the current issues in crime and the criminal justice system that you find most pressing. What would criminal justice reform look like? What is the relationship between immigration and crime? How do crime victims feel about the popularity of true-crime shoes and podcasts (Dahmer? Serial?)? Can internet sleuths help solve crime, or do they just make it harder?

About the Instructor: Dr. Leana Bouffard is Professor and Chair in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Iowa State University. She was previously on the faculty at Sam Houston State University, Washington State University, North Dakota State University, and Indiana University. In her most recent position at Sam Houston State University, Dr. Bouffard also served as the Director of the Crime Victims’ Institute. Her research and teaching interests include crime victims and victimization, violence against women, especially the criminal justice response to domestic violence and sexual assault, and life course and developmental approaches to understanding offending, including the impact of various life events (e.g., military service and parenting/parenthood) on offending patterns. She has been interested in trying to understand why people do horrible things and what we can do about it since the sixth grade.

HON 321C, Environmental Justice at the Movies: Climate Change and Capitalism in Philosophy and Cinema, M 5:30-7:20, 1151 Jischke, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0622005

About the Course: More than a hundred years after Karl Marx criticized industrial capitalism's destruction of nature, critiques of capitalism and colonialism remain central to environmental philosophers, environmental artists, and environmental justice movements. No medium is better at exploring these connections than the movies. In this seminar, we will explore the history of environmental political philosophy, examining films and essays that interpret environmental inequalities as extensions of social inequalities. We will gather to watch Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) and discuss its depiction of intersectional environmental justice. We will watch an animated Japanese adventure film called Princess Mononoke (1997), a Korean monster movie called The Host (2006), and an American film called Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012), which all explore links between climate change, capitalism, colonialism, and social justice. We will also read essays by Indigenous activist groups like The Red Nation, listen to podcasts, and study the history and philosophy of fossil capitalism and colonialism. Other films we may watch potentially include There Will Be Blood (2007), The Revenant (2015), Okja (2017), Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), and Spirited Away (2001). For your seminar projects, you may turn in video essays or creative writing of your own.

About the Instructor: Zachary Calhoun is a Lecturer in the English Department. He holds a PhD in Philosophy from Tulane University and an MFA in Creative Writing and Environment from Iowa State University. He has taught courses in existentialism, fiction writing, creative nonfiction writing, public speaking, and the history of philosophy. He worked in a professional hydrogeology laboratory, he served as the Assistant Director of an environmental nonprofit in New Mexico, and he has published research articles on environmental ethics and the history of philosophy, as well as short stories and poems in literary journals. Originally from New Mexico, his fiction is set in the American Southwest.

HON 321D, Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A History of Hip-Hop, R 9:30-10:20, 0308 Curtiss, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0623005

About the Course: This Honors Seminar course will take us through the History of Hip-Hop as we celebrate its 50th Anniversary. From Grand Master Flash and Run-D.M.C. to all the Lils (i.e. Lil Wayne, Lil Uzi Vert, and Lil Nas X), together, we will explore how this music genre has evolved over half a century. Moreover, we will investigate how and where Hip-Hop began as a music genre and what role it served to lift up voices in communities that fell on the margins of society. Through our exploration, we will unravel who was and was not included as Hip-Hop became more dominant culture. In order to strengthen our understanding of this genre, we will read supporting texts, watch documentaries, analyze music videos and invite experts on this subject matter to offer their perspectives. In the end, we will leave with a better understanding of music as a form of resistance and the diverse POVS which are amplified through Hip-Hop.

About the Instructor: Born and raised in Venezuela, Seemi is the youngest child of Pakistani immigrants who moved her family of six to Chicago at the turn of the century. In 2010, she graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish.

After graduating, Seemi became a public servant fighting the good fight in true Chicago-Community Organizer fashion. In 2016, Seemi joined the Chicago’s Mayor’s Office where she worked on public policy and programs affecting immigrant and refugee populations as the Director of the Office of New Americans. After that, she moved to Berlin, Germany to further research the New Comer Community as a Robert Bosch Fellow.

Over the past year, she has been working on the manuscript for her first novel which is a creative non-fiction piece inspired by her life.

HON 321E, Star Trek and A.I. Ethics, T 11:00-11:50, 0129 Ross Hall, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0624005

About the Course: What responsibility do creators of powerful technology have to future generations? Should artificial intelligences be held accountable for their actions? Whose worldview gets coded into machine learning programs and why does that matter? In this class, we will explore the ethics of artificial intelligence through the lens of the Star Trek universe, a famous sci-fi show known for its optimistic vision of humanity’s future. You will get to learn about philosophical and practical considerations in A.I. ethics, watch and discuss episodes of Star Trek, hear from guest speakers who are A.I. scholars and Star Trek writers, try your hand at writing A.I.-themed fiction, and research related topics you are interested in. The goal is for you to leave the class better prepared to engage with issues of A.I. ethics in both fiction and the real world. No previous experience with Star Trek or A.I. needed.

About the Instructor: Kelli Fitzpatrick is second-year graduate student in Creative Writing and Environment with a minor in Philosophy. She has been a professional Star Trek writer for seven years, writing licensed Star Trek stories for publishers like Simon and Schuster and Modiphius Entertainment. Last summer she completed an internship in Philosophy of Mind, much of which was focused on A.I. minds. Her scholarly article "Unsecreting Machine Minds: Moral Considerations in A.I. Narratives" is forthcoming from Trace Journal. She taught high school English for eight years where her curriculum focused on human rights, research skills, and critical thinking. She currently teaches English at ISU and writes science articles for NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Project.

HON 321F, Everyday Leadership, M 9:55-11:45, 3219 Sukup Hall, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0625005

About the Course: What is leadership? How do you identify your leadership potential? How do we lead every day? This seminar will emphasize the servant leadership model and strengths-based leadership principles. The seminar will explore servant leadership and formal versus informal leadership roles and opportunities. Then the role of how our individual strengths impact our leadership style and how we can use those strengths to make a positive difference in our personal and professional responsibilities. We will discuss formal and informal leadership examples from history and current affairs. By the end of the semester, you will be in a stronger position to recognize and then act on leadership opportunities to put into practice everyday leadership.

About the Instructor: Steven A. Freeman, University Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, is a past president of the ISU faculty senate and worked in the President’s Office for a decade as the Faculty Advisor to the President. He also spent a decade in the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, serving as the associate director for the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) and faculty mentoring. Dr. Freeman’s teaching and research areas include occupational safety, SoTL, and professional development.

Jennifer Leptein, Director of Learning Communities, has decades of experience in student development and leadership. Dr. Leptein is also a certified Gallup Strengths trainer and leads workshops across campus for faculty, staff, and students on understanding and implementing strengths-based professional development.

Canceled ~~HON 321G~~, Deep Mapping: Multimedia Storytelling About Places in the Midwest and Beyond, R 2:10-4:00, 2221 SICTR, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0626005

About the Course: Deep mapping! What is it, you ask? Situated at the intersection of environmental history, narrative theory, geography, and science, deep maps are finely detailed, multimedia narratives of a place that consider the people, animals, and objects through transdisciplinary sources and deep time. When European settlers arrived in the American Midwest, the land seemed ‘empty of everything but space.’ What makes seemingly empty space, a place? What the European settlers did not fully realize was that ‘the land was not empty, but emptied.’ The land held a history, a sense of place. A wise historian once wrote, “Place is an inescapable product of change over time. Place is history.” While the past was not immediately knowable to the new inhabitants, it was knowable. A virtually untapped archive exists under our feet. What does this archive contain and how do we access the contents? In this seminar, learn about the process of deep mapping–what it is and how it can tell us about places–large and small; special and ordinary; overlooked and misunderstood; ignored and forgotten–in Iowa, the Midwest, and beyond.

About the Instructor: Originally trained as an architect and planner, Kristen Greteman has been working towards a PhD in environmental history at Iowa State University. She focuses on the environmental and agricultural history in the rural spaces of north central Iowa. Currently, she is researching the long history of the North American Prairie Pothole Region. She tells the stories of small, rural places with complex histories using interdisciplinary methods. Her work helps people to better understand, and ultimately, care about the places they live.

HON 321H, Science at the Cinema, W 4:10-5:00, 1220 Howe, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0627005

About the Course: Jurassic Park. The Martian. The Day After Tomorrow. Many of our favorite blockbusters spark our imaginations and push the limits of what’s scientifically possible. But how does this fictionalized science match-up to reality? What do these films have to say about society? In this seminar, you will discover what happens at the intersection of science, pop culture, and society. You will study films dealing with genetic engineering, climate change, artificial intelligence, and other exciting scientific fields. You will learn about the real science inspiring these movies and discuss how that science is portrayed, from its accuracy to its use of common tropes. You will learn to think critically about how these films relate to current events, ethics, philosophy, and science communication; and work on developing your own communication skills.

About the Instructor: Stephanie Klein has been a postdoc in the Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology since 2021 researching how we can fortify our global food supply by generating crops more resilient to climate change and declining soil health. She grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and earned a bachelor’s in integrative biology from the University of Illinois and a doctorate in plant biology from Penn State.

HON 321J, Is That Legal? An Introduction to U.S. Law, W 3:20-5:10, 0098 Carver, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0628005

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. law, 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 digital privacy, police-civilian interactions, 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 321K, The Undead in Contemporary Society, R 3:40-4:30, Heady 0272, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0629005

About the Course: Those who live in contemporary society are increasingly sharing cultural space with zombies, vampires, werewolfs, and other armies of darkness. In this course, we will read one book (Bram Stoker's Dracula), view a number of classic horror films, and explore the ideas of foundational sociological thinkers, especially Marx, Durkheim, and Freud, to answer the question: Why do the dead walk among us? We will learn how societies have traditionally transformed the dead into values and how contemporary capitalism has deranged this process, unleashing an undead horde upon our collective imagination.

About the Instructor: Dan Krier (PhD University of Kansas) specializes in social theory and political economy. Dan writes in the traditions of critical and continental social theory with an emphasis upon Weber’s historical/comparative methodology. Dan has received numerous teaching awards including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Shakeshaft Master Teacher in Humanities and Social Sciences (2015) and the Department of Sociology's Bogardus Award in 2021.

HON 321L, Jack the Ripper - 135 year history, T 5:30-6:20, 1151 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0630005

About the Course: For over 135 years we have been intrigued by the puzzle of the 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 a 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.

HON 321M, CSI: Barnyard, R 5:30-6:20, Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0631005

About the Course: Not all is well in the barn: the pigs are coughing, several calves have been found dead, and Hubert the hound just isn't acting like himself. What could be harrying the herd? A virus? A bacterium? Or is there sabotage afoot? You and your veterinarian need answers, stat. Never fear, your friendly neighborhood diagnostic pathologist is here! Come learn about veterinary pathology and how examination of bodies and the application of laboratory techniques can be used to diagnose the cause of death and disease. This seminar will introduce the basics of diagnostic pathology through a series of lectures, case-based discussions, and wet labs, including handling and examination of both normal and diseased animal organs. Welcome to CSI:Barnyard. Prior coursework in basic anatomy, physiology or biology will help you make the most of this offering, but all are welcome!

About the Instructor: Dr. Alyona Michael is a veterinarian and boarded veterinary pathologist working as a diagnostician at the ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Her caseload centers on diagnostic investigation of disease in domestic animal species, with an emphasis on infectious disease of production animals.

HON 321N, Going Bananas: Food Cultures, Cooking, and Consumption in the Americas, M 9:55-10:45, 0074 Carver, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0632005

About the Course: A plate of food can evoke strong emotions. The satisfying aroma and familiar taste of a homemade dish enlivens the senses and may even conjure up a pleasant memory. Food writers, travel hosts, and chefs understand this appeal as many have made fortunes publishing, televising, and recreating regional cuisine from Latin America. Critics charge that this is exploitative and often amounts to cultural appropriation. Regardless of one’s position, the culture of food and cuisine can be incredibly profitable. In fact, food culture can be so lucrative that it begs the following questions: How did humans transform ordinary ingredients into international commodities, and how did the recipes assembled from these products come to represent so much to so many people? We will weigh these questions by analyzing the history of Latin American food commodities. Our analysis will tie the farm and the supermarket together by linking producers to consumers. We will study the process by which an agricultural product once seen as exotic in a particular setting morphed into a culinary staple. It will be a delicious journey.

About the Instructor: Dr. John Milstead received a Ph.D. in Latin American and Caribbean History from Michigan State University. His research analyzes the intersection of race, citizenship, and gender in nineteenth century Mexico, and he advises scholarship applicants as the Coordinator of Nationally Competitive Awards here at Iowa State. In his free time, he enjoys exploring regional cuisine and testing delicious recipes.

HON 321P, Atoms for Peace: Demystifying the Term “Nuclear”, T 3:40-4:30, 1220 Howe, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0633005

About the Course: Why does nuclear energy get a bad rap? From weapons of war to agents of prosperity, the mighty atom has undoubtedly significantly impacted human existence—influencing matters spanning national security, agriculture, medicine, and power production. As we enter an era marked by a need for alternative energy systems, let’s examine the role of nuclear engineering in this changing energy landscape by delving into its past. We’ll cover the scientific principles behind and applications of nuclear engineering all within a historical context, noting Iowa State University’s deep ties to the Manhattan Project. We’ll explore how these atomic processes affect us all—regardless of major or background.

About the Instructor: John Mobley IV is a dual master’s student in the Higher Education Administration and Business Administration programs. He holds two bachelor’s degrees in Physics with a Nuclear Engineering minor and Mathematics with Applications from ISU. He enjoys conducting research concerning curriculum development within U.S. nuclear engineering (NE) programs, working as a graduate assistant for the Ivy Writing and Speaking Center, and supporting conferences by the American Nuclear Society (ANS). As an undergraduate, John was extensively involved within the University Honors Program and incorporated his passion for NE into his capstone Honors Project entitled “On the Development, Applicability, and Design Considerations of Generation IV Small Modular Reactors”. In his extracurricular time, he is an active member of ANS—serving as a member within several committees (i.e., SSC, DIA, and ETWDD) and as the Webmaster for the Young Members Group (YMG). This seminar is, therefore, his opportunity to engage non-nuclear individuals in a multifaceted discussion of the past, present, and future of NE.

HON 321Q, Tolkien's Mythology, F 2:15-3:05, 1424 Molecular Biology, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0634005

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 many times previously in the ISU Honors program.

HON 321R, Blue Science: Impact Your World, TR 9:30-11:00. 4202 SICTR, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 15, International Perspectives, Reference #: 0635005

About the Course: Virtual Exchange Course with Hochschule Ruhr West, Germany COURSE DESCRIPTION In this Honors Seminar course, students will take a deep dive into Blue Science (also known as Blue Engineering) and chart the path, by taking a "view beyond one's own horizon" through "an (inter-) active examination of one's social and ecological responsibility." As a group students will identify problems, research different viewpoints, and create an open and informed forum for discussion and respectful exchange of thoughts and ideas by applying the Blue Science framework of shared Building Blocks. At the semester's end, students will acquire skills in design thinking, team building and creativity, while also emerging as a more thoughtful global citizen. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Students engage in a collaborative interdisciplinary learning environment with peers through inquiry-based learning in this course. Students will research and analyze a challenging (wicked) problem, plan, document and facilitate respectful group conversations with different viewpoints. This course may be taken for an additional one credit, which includes a Thanksgiving trip to Germany and the Ruhr West campus (trip fee estimated $2500).

HON 321T, Entrepreneurship, R 4:10-6:00, 3164 Gerdin, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 24, Reference #: 0636005

About the Course: This course is designed to help you acquire sound business acumen. The class would include a series of lectures on business models for different types of business. You will have an opportunity to directly interact with the business professionals and learn from their expertise in this field. The goal of the class is to help you become familiar with the overall business environment, brainstorm start up ideas, understand legal and capital needs for different types of business organizations. The class may include a field trip to Ames Ford Lincoln.

About the Instructor: Shoba Premkumar is a Teaching Professor at the Ivy College of Business, finance department. The tentative list of speakers are as follows:

Eugene T. Hibbs Owner-Little Caesars of Ames

Nick Johnson- Owner/Manager

Ames Ford Lincoln

Chris Seymour- CEO of Seymour Screen Excellence

Dave Tucker- Partner- Next Level Ventures

Abir Qamhiyah- CEO- ISeek Corporation

HON 321U, Compete to solve real-world case studies in business and entrepreneurship, T 11:00-12:50, 3164 Gerdin, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0637010

About the Course: "Compete with your peers to offer your solution and insight to a real work business problem. You will learn how to approach real-world case studies in marketing, information systems, finance, strategy, ethics, etc. with a specific focus on the start-up/entrepreneurial ecosystem. You will immediately grow your professional network by interacting with local entrepreneurs and business professionals, and develop both knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary for anyone wanting to start their own business, invest in a startup company, or work for a larger organization. This hands-on seminar is great to boost your resume in preparation for the Career Fair. No prior business knowledge is required."

About the Instructor: Valentina Salotti is an associate professor of finance and the current associate dean of academic affairs for the college of business. Valentina oversees undergraduate and graduate education at the Ivy College of Business. Her research interests are in banking and corporate finance.

Kate Lyon is a General Counsel who works with startups and innovative companies to integrate legal thinking into corporate culture. She focuses on how company operations manage risks to maximize profit through a legal framework taken from a business perspective. She has extensive investing and capital-raising experience with venture firms across the country.

Doug Moore serves as President of Ames Seed Capital, Iowa’s oldest community-based venture fund. Doug is a serial entrepreneur, having founded several businesses, as well as mentoring startups. He is a frequent guest lecturer at Iowa State’s College of Business on distressed assets and liquidation.

HON 321V, Exploring Environmental Issues through Documentaries, Online, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0638005

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 lectures, readings, online discussions, essays and final group projects. 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 documentary critiques.

About the Instructor: Lidia R. Skrynnikova is an Associate 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.

HON 321W, Feminism and Media, T 11:00-12:50, 0032 Carver, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0639005

About the Course: Feminism is a misunderstood topic in today’s society. By viewing and discussing different types of media with feminist themes, you will investigate the history of feminism and the different issues surrounding this concept. You will also be able to reflect on your own definition of feminism. The media vary in time periods, emphasis on specific identities (gender, race, etc.), and genre. We will watch a form of media one week, and discuss it the following week in small groups. You will also read articles about feminism in order to supplement content in discussion groups.

About the Instructor: Dr. Alissa Stoehr is an Associate 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 321Y, Human Trafficking 101, R 11:00-12:50, 0032 Carver, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0640005

About the Course: “What is it like to be in a war zone?” “What challenges civilians face when they are trapped in a war”

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.

HON 321Z, Conflicts in the Middle East, W 2:15-3:05, 2125 Pearson, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspectives, Reference #: 0641005

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, 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 48 countries.

HON 323A, Understanding War, T 2:10-3:00, 2137 Pearson, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspectives, Reference #: 0642005

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.

HON 323B, Creative Writing Worldbuilding: Fantastic Places and How to Make Them, F 11:00-11:50, 1151 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference #: 0643005

About the Course: Have you ever wanted to create worlds that are striking, compelling, or just plain weird? Are you interested in writing fantasy, science-fiction, or any other kind of genre? In this seminar, you will craft, and breathe life into, a fictional world of your own design. You will also read, and watch, works of fiction rich in worldbuilding and world-centric storytelling to enhance your understanding of this vital element of creative writing. Additionally, you will have a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, many of the interesting complexities which compose the world(s) that we live in every day. This seminar is for fiction writers both new and veteran, in any genre.

About the Instructor: Michael Wettengel is a Lecturer in English at Iowa State University. He received his MA in Literature in Fall 2018 at Iowa State and his MFA in Creative Writing & Environment, also at Iowa State, in Spring 2021. He's taught Honors Seminars in the past and loved every one of them. As a writer, he specializes in crafting textured, complex fictional worlds and the characters who, often messily, navigate them.

HON 323C: Chinese Script: From Oracle Bone Inscriptions to the Modern Characters, F 12:05-1:55, 2125 Pearson, 1 Credit, Second Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspectives, Reference #: 0864005

About the Course: Do you know how the oracle bones were discovered? Do you know why 春(sound: chūn, meaning: spring) consisted of a few 木s, a 屯, and a 日in its oracle bone form? Chinese script as a non-alphabetic, ideographic or morpho-syllabic written form, has survived over at least 4000 years. By tracing back to the oracle bone script, we will have a glimpse of the ancient Chinese society and culture, as well as learn the formation of modern characters and understand their meaning. In this seminar, we will explore the principles of character creation, the social and cultural dimensions of the script, the artistic dimensions, the challenges the Chinese writing system faced in modern times (such as simplification, abortion and romanization, the creation of pinyin and so on), the religious and the technological dimensions of the script.

About the Instructor: Shenglan Zhang, Associate Professor of Chinese Studies. She has taught Chinese for over 12 years at ISU. She is a Fulbright Scholarship (Taiwan) recipient from September 2022 to June 2023. She was awarded the ISU J. H. Ellis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Introductory Teaching in 2021.

Canceled~~HON 323D, Art and Science of PEACE, MW 9:55-1-:45, 1104 Lagomarcino Hall, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective Reference #: 5569005~~

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 a CHS Equity Advisor and 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 Associate 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 Department of History. His teaching covers the modern world, with an emphasis on transatlantic social history; Rameshwar 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.