Spring 2017 | University Honors Program

Spring 2017 Honors Seminars

Seminar Registration for Fall Semester begins: November 16th at NOON

WARNING!

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

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

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

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

Check back regularly for updates.

HON 322A: Upstanders, Allies and Advocates: In History and Today
HON 322B: GMOs and Society
HON 322C: Jack the Ripper – A 125-Year History
HON 322D: Apocalypse and Posthumanism in Octavia Butler’s Dawn
HON 322E: Bacteriophage: Tiny Microbes with World-Changing Powers
HON 322F: Super? Hero? How Society Shapes the Cape
HON 322G: Can You Walk to the End of the World?
HON 322H: From Buffy to Wonder Woman: Exploring the Heroic Women of Pop Culture
HON 322 BZ: Service-Learning in Punta Gorda, Belize
HON 322K: Here, There and Everywhere: A Beatles Retrospective
HON 322 UK: Here, There and Everywhere: A Beatles Retrospective with London
HON 322L: Sampling World Music – LIVE!
HON 322M: Knock It Off! A History of Design Piracy in the US
HON 322N: Sudden Fiction: The Art of the Micro-Story
HON 322P: Feminism and Film
HON 322Q: Human Trafficking in the United States
HON 322R: Why Organizations Become Corrupt
HON 322S: Money Management
HON 322T: Thinking About Critical Thinking
HON 322U: Conflicts in the Middle East
HON 322V: That's Me in The Corner
HON 322W: From School to Work: Surviving Your First Job
HON 322Y: Looking Back: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
HON 322Z: Unplugged
HON 324A: Lessons from Positive Psychology on Happiness and Success

1st Half HON 322A, Upstanders, Allies and Advocates: In History and Today, T/R 10:00 - 10:50 am, 1151 Jischke, 1 credit, US Diversity Credit, 1st Half, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No.4651005

Description: The terms upstander, ally and advocate refer to people who seek justice by leveraging their own power to help others. Such individuals have existed throughout history, and today. But who are upstanders? What do they do? Can we become upstanders as well? History offers us a few examples of "upstanding" — some of which seem impossible for the average person to emulate. In this seminar, we will use the tools of historical inquiry to identify and assess upstanding behavior and apply our learning to today. The result will be the identification of actions everyone can take to advocate for their vision of justice.

About the Instructor: Jennifer Gallagher is a doctoral candidate in the School of Education. Her research focuses on how social studies teachers use disciplinary research practices to support social justice goals. She has taught Social Foundations of Education and Elementary Social Studies Methods. Jennifer Farley, also a doctoral candidate in the School of Education, has research interests in school bullying and upstanding behavior. Jennifer has taught Social Foundations of Education and Multicultural Education. Both Jennifer Gallagher and Jennifer Farley received Teaching Excellence awards in 2015.

Full Semester HON 322B, GMOs and Society, R 4:10-5:00, 1155 Jischke, 1 credit, Full Semester, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4652005

Description: The debate about labeling products using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has seen increasing media coverage in recent years. This past July, President Obama signed into effect a GMO labeling law. This debate brings a great opportunity to discuss biotechnology, how it works, and how we view it. In this seminar we will discuss the science behind genetically modified organisms and their development, along with ethical and social concerns involved in their use in agricultural and medical applications. We will focus each week on a different GMO example and discuss the benefits and risks involved with different types of GMOs, such as crop plants, non-food plants, animals, and medical applications. Our overall goal will be to help you become an informed citizen taking part in the discussion of the roles and importance of science.

About the Instructor: Jordan Baumbach, an advanced Ph.D. candidate in the Interdepartmental Genetics and Genomics Program, works in the Agronomy Department. Her research focuses on understanding the plant pathogen interaction between soybeans and F. virguliforme, which causes sudden death syndrome in soybeans. A portion of her research involves creating and studying transgenic soybeans for their ability to provide resistance to disease.

Full Semester HON 322C, Jack the Ripper – A 125-Year History, W 6:10-7:00pm, 1151 Jischke, 1 credit, Full Semester, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4653005

Description: For more than 125 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 Jack the Ripper and the victims. You’ll be assigned a book covering the four major areas of the Ripper murders – the victims, evidence/letters, suspects, and investigators – and will write a weekly synopsis on each week’s topic. Using these synopses and class debates, we’ll discuss various theories, suspects, or critical pieces of evidence, focusing on the who and why of the mystery.

About the Instructor: Laurie Law, Administrative Director of the University Honors Program, has worked with high ability students for many years and has taught several Honors seminars. She has offered seminars on culture through celebrations, urban language, and social discussion. With a background in student affairs and learning communities, Ms. Law has also traveled with ISU students on alternative spring break programs in Mexico and Belize.

2nd Half HON 322D, Apocalypse and Posthumanism in Octavia Butler’s Dawn, R 1:10-3:00, 1151 Jischke, 1 credit, 2nd Half, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4654005

Description: In this seminar, we will explore the question of what would happen if humans could no longer exist in the world we currently inhabit. Using post-apocalyptic science fiction, specifically, Octavia E. Butler’s novel Dawn, we will delve into contentious issues such as ecological collapse, eugenics, and re-adaptation (or resistance) to a post-climate change world. Throughout the course, we will also entertain guest lecturers who are active in scholarship in these areas. Students can expect to challenge preconceptions through active, student-centered discussion and activities.

About the Instructor: Brenda Tyrrell is a Master’s student in English Literature, currently teaching English 250 and writing her thesis, on disability in the work of H. G. Wells. She is also an avid science fiction reader and particularly enjoys science fiction that addresses the environmental crisis and disability studies. She loves bicycling and creating new vegan recipes for her friends and family. She has never experienced a zombie apocalypse but feels well-prepared should that event ever come to fruition.

2nd Half HON 322E, Bacteriophage: Tiny Microbes with World-Changing Powers, M/W 1:10-2:00pm, 1155 Jischke, 1 credit, 2nd Half, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4655005

Description: While they sound like something from a bad science fiction movie, researchers have been learning about and using bacteriophage, viruses that target bacteria, for more than a hundred years. In this seminar we’ll look at how phage have been used to: determine DNA as genetic material; keep food safe; refute the idea of Lamarckian Evolution; shuttle genes from one species to the next; tackle the problem of antibiotic resistance; treat cancer. We’ll also look at cutting-edge research showing how these mighty unsung heroes may be the solution to Alzheimer’s and other chronic illnesses. In this active learning environment, you’ll learn by doing: asking questions, searching the literature, and discussing both “what’s next” and “what if” in bacteriophage biology and research. By the end of the semester you will be able to interpret data from experiments and discuss the usefulness and limitations of these fascinating viruses with a variety of audiences.

About the Instructor: Dr. Nancy Boury, who received her Ph.D. from Iowa State, is an Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. Much of her research focuses on how students learn, especially about science, and how they communicate what they learn. She teaches both majors and non-majors with the goal of helping students (and the public) make informed decisions about such topics as vaccinations, GMO food labeling and universal vaccinations. Nicholas Lambrecht is a doctoral student in the Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences. With interests in geology, chemistry, and microbiology, he is studying the role of iron-oxydizing bacteria in iron-containing lakes.

Full Semester HON 322F, Super? Hero? How Society Shapes the Cape, T 2:10-3:00pm, 1151 Jischke, 1 credit, Full Semester, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4661005

Description: Superhero figures fascinate popular audiences with their exaggerated characteristics and representations of ultimate power and success. But what is a superhero? What do these figures really represent? How do social constructions such as gender affect their power and ability to succeed? Along with exploring these types of questions, in this seminar we will analyze the impact of hypermasculinity, issues with bringing female characters to life, and how a recent fascination with amorality is changing the face of who can be seen as a hero/heroine. Using engaging readings, podcasts, TED talks, activities, and discussion, we will analyze how popular superhero figures and our own ideas about heroism are shaped by the world around us.

About the Instructor: Sarah Chase Crosby is a lecturer in the English Department and a self-professed nerd. Her thesis research analyzed Disney’s Frozen and Maleficent from an ecofeminist, gendered-spaces perspective. Recent interests and projects include analyzing third-wave feminist activism and gendered representations in popular culture, including Netflix’s Daredevil. She currently enjoys teaching SpCm 212, Foundation of Public Speaking, and SpCm/WS 323: Gender and Communication.

1st Half HON 322G, Can You Walk to the End of the World?, M/W 12:10-1:00, 3158 Pearson Hall, 1 credit, 1st Half, Enrollment limit: 17, International Perspective Credit, Ref. No. 4664005

Description: In this seminar, we will explore the history, traditions, and geography of the Camino de Santiago, or "the road to Saint James." Since medieval times, the Camino de Santiago has been a major route for pilgrims and seekers. Popularized in books by such writers as Paulo Coelho, Alejo Carpentier and Shirley MacLaine, and in films such as The Way, the Camino now draws more 150,000 travelers per year to experience a five-week journey of spiritual exploration and outdoor adventure across the north of Spain. We will find out how, why, and to what end pilgrims travel to the city of Santiago de Compostela, and beyond to Finesterre, that is, to the “end of the Earth.” You'll participate by reading, discussion, and brief responses and Blackboard posts.

About the Instructor: Erik Ladner, a Lecturer in Spanish at Iowa State, received a BA in Spanish and French and MA in Spanish from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Ph.D. in Hispanic Literature from the University of Texas. He has studied and researched abroad in several locations in Spain and has also traveled extensively in France, Mexico and Brazil. Dr. Ladner has taught all levels of undergraduate courses in Spanish, including Spanish Composition and Conversation, Spanish for the Professions, Spain Today, Modern Spanish Theater, and seminars in Spanish literature and culture. In May 2016 he traveled the length of the Camino de Santiago, walking the last 300 kilometers from León to Santiago de Compostela.

Full HON 322H, From Buffy to Wonder Woman: Exploring the Heroic Women of Pop Culture, R 4:10-6:00pm, 255 Bessey Hall, 2 credit, Full Semester, Enrollment limit: 17, US Diversity Credit Ref. No. 4668005

Description: From Wonder Woman to Katniss, images and representations of the female hero of pop culture have evolved over the last seven decades. Women in heroic roles are now found in comic books and graphic novels, video games, television shows, and films. Using the book Ink-stained Amazons and Cinematic Warriors: Superwomen in Modern Mythology by Jennifer K. Stuller as our backdrop, we will explore and critique the representation of the female hero in modern myth. We will cover topics like the birth of modern mythology, spy girls and B-movie vixens, the feminism of Joss Whedon, and the lack of diversity in our super-powered female heroes. This class will also use film, television, and graphic novels as background references to class discussions.

About the Instructor: Jacki Hayes received her M.S. in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies from Iowa State in 2012. Her post-graduate program focused on Religious Studies, Women’s Studies, and Psychology, and concluded with an examination of the female comic book super heroes as goddesses of a modern mythology. She has since taught Goddess Spirituality and Women and Religion for the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies.

Full Semester HON 322 BZ, Service-Learning in Punta Gorda, Belize, R 4:10-6:00 pm, 1151 Jischke, 2 credit, Full Semester, International Perspective Credit, Enrollment limit: , Ref. No. 2982800

Description: You may have come to the university with some language skills and/or trips to international destinations in high school. In this seminar, you’ll be able to gain or build on such experiences by learning about and traveling to Punta Gorda, Belize, for a service-learning experience. Through this semester-long course, you’ll explore learning about and doing service in Belize. You’ll apply new understanding and reflect on how these experiences affect the five dimensions of culture (products, practices, persons, perspectives, and communities). We will use Linda Chisholm’s Charting a Hero’s Journey. Other readings will be provided.

About the Instructor: Laurie Smith Law, Administrative Director of the University Honors Program, has been working with high-ability students for several years and has taught Honors seminars on culture through celebrations, urban language, and social discussion. With a background in student affairs, she has worked with several learning community programs. She is familiar with service-learning programs and has previously supervised students on alternative spring break programs.

1st Half HON 322K, Here, There and Everywhere: A Beatles Retrospective, T 6:10-8:00pm, 2030 Morrill, 1 credit, 1st Half, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4679005

1st Half HON 322 EN, Here, There and Everywhere: A Beatles Retrospective with London, T 6:10-8:00pm, 2030 Morrill, 2 credit, 1st Half, International Perspective Credit, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 2982805

Description: The Beatles have influenced generations of musicians and music fans since their first album was released in 1963. This seminar will explore the compiled works of The Beatles’ albums, TV appearances, and movies. You will survey 1960’s culture through the lens of a Beatles album and explore how Beatles music and the band’s personalities helped shape a generation’s understanding of Eastern religion, recreational drug use, and the 60’s counter-culture. This course may be taken for one credit, or as a two-credit course that includes a Spring Break trip to London and Liverpool.

About the Instructor: Jennifer Leptien has a Ph. D in Human Development and Family Studies. She currently serves as Interim Director of Learning Communities at Iowa State. An avid music fan, she has a particular affinity for the Beatles and is excited to share her passion for “the greatest band of all time” through this Honors seminar.

1st Half HON 322L, Sampling World Music – LIVE!, T 4:10-6:00, 1151 Jischke, 1 credit, 1st Half, International Perspective Credit, Enrollment limit: 20, Ref. No. 4680005

Description: 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 concert attendance, discussion, tours and readings, you’ll have an opportunity to experience international music, understand its importance, and explore the connections between Ames, Iowa, and many places around the world. And we bet that having had a taste of events at Stephens, you’ll be on the lookout for more! Please note: This seminar will have eight meetings in all, from January 30 through March 28; it may also have a fee associated with attending the performances.

About the Instructor: Laurie Law and Susan Yager, co-directors of Honors, will facilitate this seminar, including in-class discussions. They have led or co-led Honors seminars on a wide variety of topics. Guest speakers will appear in the classroom or via Skype, and ISC staff will offer one or two backstage tours.

2nd Half HON 322M, Knock It Off! A History of Design Piracy in the US, M 2:10-4:00 pm, (Location TBA), 1 credit, 2nd Half, Enrollment limit: , Ref. No. 4681005

Description: Currently, no intellectual property protection exists for apparel design in the United States. This “wild, wild west” state of copying in the apparel industry has existed for more than 100 years. In this seminar, we will explore the history of design piracy from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Through book chapter readings and in-class discussions, we will explore the societal, ethical, and institutional practices that have allowed design piracy or “knock offs” to exist in many fields, and, arguably, to form the basis of the apparel industry. You will participate in the seminar through readings and discussion, and write a reflection paper that ties your area of study to the issues raised in the seminar.

About the Instructor: Dr. Sara B. Marcketti is a professor in the Apparel, Merchandising, and Design Program and associate director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. She is the co-author of two textbooks, Survey of Historic Costume and Textiles. Her research interests include dress history and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Full Semester HON 322N, Sudden Fiction: The Art of the Micro-Story, M 5:10-6:00 pm, Location TBA, 1 credit, Full semester, Enrollment limit: , Ref. No. 4687005

Description: The story goes, “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” How did Hemingway pack so much into just six words? Microfiction – short stories up to 500 words – challenges you to condense plot, character, setting and theme into a microcapsule-sized story. Microfiction is currently in high demand in the fiction market, and opportunities for publication are numerous and varied. In this course we will read microfiction works from both American and international writers, discuss them from a craft perspective, and apply the techniques to our own fiction. Classroom time will combine critical discussion of published works with workshop-style critiques of students’ own writing. By the end of the course you’ll have produced a portfolio of original microfiction and discussed opportunities for its publication.

About the Instructor: Karen Bovenmyer has an MFA in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine. She teaches and mentors students at Iowa State and is Assistant Nonfiction Editor of Escape Artists’ Mothership Zeta magazine. Her works has appeared in more than 20 publications and her first novel will be out in Spring 2017. Audrey McCombs holds an MFA in creative writing and environment from Iowa State. Her short fiction “Fady” won The Missing Slate’s New Voices contest, and her creative work has been published in The Mountain, Sequestrum, Pithead Chapel, Earthspeak Magazine and others.

Full Semester HON 322P, Feminism and Film, T 4:10-6pm, Location TBA, US Diversity Credit, 2 credit, Full Semester, Enrollment limit:17, Ref. No. 5111005

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

About the Instructor: Dr. Alissa Stoehr is a Lecturer in the Women's and Gender Studies Program. She has taught WS 201: Introduction to Women’s Studies, WS 203: Introduction to Lesbian Studies, WS 205: Introduction to Queer Studies, and WS 160: Gender Justice; JLMC 477: Ethnicity, Gender, Class, and the Media; SOC 219: Sociology of Intimate Relationships: H SCI 150: Dialogues on Diversity; and LAS 103E: The Malala Effect, in addition to various Honors seminars. Her research interests include human trafficking, child support and welfare policies in the state of Iowa, racism within intercollegiate athletics, work-life balance of female Ph.D. students at Iowa State, and women’s and gender studies programs at community colleges.

Full Semester HON 322Q, Human Trafficking in the United States, W 1:10-2:00 pm, 1151 Jischke, US Diversity Credit, 1 credit, Full Semester, Enrollment limit: 20, Ref. No. 5113005

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

2nd Half HON 322R, Why Organizations Become Corrupt, W 10:00-11:50 am, 1151 Jishcke, 1 credit, 2nd Half, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 5117005

Description: Have you ever wondered why humans engage so easily in unethical behavior? Why is corruption apparently everywhere? What makes perfectly normal people engage in acts that are clearly unethical? In this seminar, we will use a cognitive/evolutionary approach to explore this issue. We will first learn about the cognitive/evolutionary framework with regard to human behavior. From there, we will discuss concepts of morality. Then, we will apply these concepts to the study of unethical behavior in organizations. You will read selected material to get acquainted with the subject and participate in guided discussions in class, which will begin with a short presentation on the week’s topic. By the end of the seminar, you will be familiar with the cognitive/evolutionary framework for the study of unethical behavior, get first-hand experience with some morality experiments, and have a better understanding of why corruption exists and persists.

About the Instructor: Miguel Velasco is a Lecturer in Supply Chain and Information Systems at ISU. He received a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration in Spain, followed by a 10-year career in Finance. Later he received an M.S. in Information Systems Management at Loyola University, Chicago, and is currently finishing his Ph.D. in Information Systems and Decision Sciences at the University of Minnesota. He has presented his research on corruption several conferences on business ethics.

1st Half HON 322S, Money Management, T 3:30-5:30pm, 3164 Gerdin, 1 credit, 1st Half, Enrollment limit: 24, Ref. No. 5947005

Description: This course is designed to help you acquire sound money management skills. It will include a series of seminars featuring experts in the field of finance. You will have an opportunity to directly interact with these finance professionals and to learn from their lectures. Our objective is help you learn to effectively manage student loans and credit card debt, create balanced budgets, develop good saving habits, identify profitable investment options, and follow proper risk management strategies. The last 30 minutes of each session are open for discussion and questions.

About the Instructor: Shoba Premkumar, a Senior Lecturer in the College of Business, will coordinate this seminar. Guest speakers include Tom Coates, CEO, Consumer Credit of Des Moines; Chad Olson, Assistant Director, Office of Student Financial Aid, Iowa State; Rick Reger, agent for American National Insurance Co.; Mitch Peterson, Branch Manager, Stifel Nicholas & Co.; and Jake Zehr, Wealth Management Advisor, TIAA-CREF.

Full Semester HON 322T, Thinking About Critical Thinking, F 1:10-2:00pm, 1151 Jishcke, 1 credit, Full Semester, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 2968005

Description: Do you really know what critical thinking is? Critical thinking is not only an essential goal for your education but also important in every aspect of your personal and civic life. In this seminar, you will learn what critical thinking is, what it does, and how it helps us function. By the end of the semester you will understand the stages of your own intellectual development and how you can continue to become a good critical thinker. This seminar will focus on practice, not on lecture.

About the Instructor: Lu (Wendy) Yan is a Ph.D. candidate in Higher Education. Her research interests include: critical thinking and the experience of international college students in American higher education.

Full Semester HON 322U, Conflicts in the Middle East, M 1:10-2:00pm, 3158 Pearson, 1 credit, Full Semester, International Perspective Credit, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 2977005

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

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

Full Semester HON 322V, That's Me in The Corner, T 1:10-2:00pm, 3158 Pearson, 1 credit, Full Semester, International Perspective Credit, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 3552005

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

2nd Half HON 322W, From School to Work: Surviving Your First Job, W 5:00-7:00pm, TBA, 1 credit, 2nd Half, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 3675005

Description: Your school life will end eventually. Soon you may be working for an employer in the public or private sector. Are you ready for the real world? How do you start to make the difficult but exciting transition from school to work? This highly interactive seminar will help you identify your strengths, polish the materials you need for interviews, improve your interview skills, and learn the nuts and bolts of surviving your first job and beyond.

About the Instructor: Sherry Xie is an MBA and has worked in the private sector for more than a decade, in companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small businesses. She is currently a Program Coordinator in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, where she works to facilitate research efforts. She advocates soft skills and mindset building for students transitioning to the post-college world.

1st Half HON 322Y, Looking Back: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, W 4:10-6:00pm, 1151 Jischke, 1 credit, 1st Half, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 3725005

Description: In this seminar, we will read the newest book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and use it as a way to think back over the whole narrative, with attention to character development and theme. We will think about these books as literature and as myth, read with careful attention to detail, and place these books in the context of other literature. Class will be discussion-based with supplemental readings providing further basis for discussion. You should have already read the Potter books, except for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

About the Instructor: Susan Yager, Professor of English and Faculty Director of the Honors Program, studies medieval English literature, primarily Chaucer, and is also interested in children’s literature. Susan has taught past seminars on various aspects of the Harry Potter phenomenon as well as on banned and challenged books, autism in literature and culture, learning with lectures, and other topics.

2nd Half HON 322Z, Unplugged, W 4:10-6:00 pm, 1151 Jischke, 1 credit, 2nd Half, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 8334005

Description: Do you feel that you are connected – or have to be connected – to the Internet every hour of your waking day? Do you wonder whether you might be addicted to your cell phone, or about how life might have been different in the not-long-ago era before Snapchat and Twitter? In this seminar we will read about, think about, discuss, and practice the art of being unplugged. That is, we’ll read and learn about hand-made tools, low-tech farming, and the art of snail mail. We’ll decide whether unplugging, even occasionally, can improve the quality of our daily lives and relationships. Requirements: Readings and/or journal entries, occasional field trips or speakers, student-led discussions, and a creative final piece on getting or being “unplugged.” You must be willing to spend one Saturday late in the semester on a class field trip.

About the Instructor: Susan Yager, Professor of English and Faculty Director of Honors, has taught many Honors Seminars on such topics as banned books, autism in literature and culture, and Harry Potter. She checks email frequently and occasionally posts on Facebook, but is (mainly) content to let the plugged-in world pass her by. So far, she has succeeded in not owning a cell phone.

Full semester HON 324A, Lessons from Positive Psychology on Happiness and Success, T 12:10-1:00, 1151 Jischke, 1 credit, Full Semester, Enrollment limit: 17, Ref. No. 4713005

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

About the Instructor: Sam von Gillern is a doctoral student studying Literacy Education and Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language. He is interested in issues related to language learning and literacy development. He has taught Curriculum and Instruction 204, Social Foundations of Education in the United States; Curriculum and Instruction 377, The Teaching of Language Arts in the Primary Grades (K-3); and Human Sciences 150, Dialogues on Diversity at Iowa State.