Spring 2022
Spring 2022 Honors Seminars
Seminar registration for the spring semester will open on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 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 322A After the Journey: Refugee Resettlement in the United States (Time Change)
HON 322B Research Ethics: Laying the Foundation for a Productive Career
HON 322C Using Mathematics in Data Science (CANCELED)
HON 322D The Arts, Leadership, and Social Change (CANCELED)
HON 322E Infectious Diseases (FULL)
HON 322F ISU History Through a Diverse Lens (CANCELED)
HON 322G Cross-Cultural Narratives and Emotions in U.S. Film
HON 322J The Prescient Butler: A Survey of the Works of Octavia E. Butler (CANCELED)
HON 322K Where No One Has Gone Before: Feminism, Race, and Disability in the Star Trek Franchise
HON 322L Pop Culture, Russia! (FULL)
HON 322M Here, There and Everywhere: A Retrospective of the Beatles (r)evolution (FULL)
HON 322N Storytelling with Data
HON 322P It Says What in the U.S. Constitution?!
HON 322Q From Hollywood to Broadway: How Films Become Musicals (FULL)
HON 322R Becoming Digital, Becoming Animal: Animality in Video Games and Critical Theory
HON 322T Money Management (FULL)
HON 322U How Does That Work and Why Should I Care? - Engineering and Design in YOUR Life
HON 322V Religion and Popular Music (CANCELED)
HON 322W Breast Cancer, Women, and Society
HON 322Y Comedy College (FULL)
HON 322Z Christianity and Science (FULL)
HON 324A Music, Acoustics, and Architecture
HON 324B Human Trafficking 101 (FULL)
HON 324C Conflicts in the Middle East
HON 324D Understanding War
HON 324E Performing Arts Exploration– LIVE!
HON 324G Moving Past Bodice Ripping to Shredding the Patriarchy: Romance Novels as Tools for Justice
Full Semester HON 322A, After the Journey: Refugee Resettlement in the United States, F 12:05-12:55am, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 4651010
About the Course: Afghanistan. Syria. Myanmar. We hear a lot in the news about refugees: people who flee persecution in their homelands to start life in a safer place. We may see heartwarming stories about refugees being welcomed at the airport. But what actually happens after a refugee arrives in the US? With no familiar faces around, who welcomes them? In this seminar, you will learn the ins and outs of the United States refugee resettlement program, from its origin in the 1970's to its politically controversial status today. You will discover how someone becomes a refugee, how the US determines which city they settle in, and what benefits and services are available to them once they arrive. You will learn about the challenges of resettlement and compare the US resettlement model to that of other countries. You will hear stories from virtual guest speakers, dive into medical, legal, educational, and social challenges for refugees; and learn about career opportunities in refugee-serving organizations.
About the Instructor: Summer Awad is a first-year MFA student in Creative Writing and Environment. Summer spent the past four years working as a case manager at Bridge Refugee Services, a refugee resettlement affiliate in Knoxville, Tennessee. During these four years, Summer worked primarily with refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially those with particular barriers to self-sufficiency such as chronic medical conditions. Through her work, Summer acquired a working proficiency in Congolese Swahili and gained a deep understanding of the federal, state, and local challenges to refugee resettlement and integration. Summer has a B.A. in Literary Activism from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is a spoken word poet and a playwright whose play Walls: A Play for Palestine was performed at The New York International Fringe Festival in 2016. In addition to this seminar, she teaches Speech Comm 212: Foundations of Public Speaking.
Full Semester HON 322B, Research Ethics: Laying the Foundation for a Productive Career, M 11:00-11:50am, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 4652005
About the Course: Who holds the credibility of STEM research in their hands? The answer: all of us. The ethical decisions that scientists and engineers make every day are the bedrock supporting scientific progress and public belief in science. This seminar will prepare you to navigate the rules guiding research. But the main focus will be on the power of personal decision-making. Throughout the semester, we'll keep coming back to the critical importance of soft skills like mentoring, networking, and collaboration for avoiding problems and advancing your career.
This seminar is totally discussion-based. It's about sharing what you think about each aspect of research ethics, listening to other opinions, and coming to your own conclusions.
It's sort of like vaccinating yourself against misconduct. But it also helps you to focus on what it takes to succeed in a research career.
About the Instructor: Mark Gleason has been on the faculty of the ISU Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology for 36 years. He does research and teaching on management of diseases of specialty crops, especially fruits and vegetables. He has led sections of GR ST 565, Responsible Conduct of Research, for the past 26 semesters, totaling more than 500 ISU graduate students in STEM fields. He has also led research ethics training courses online for his professional society, and in person in China, Serbia,Thailand, and Costa Rica.
(CANCELED) Full Semester HON 322C, Using Mathematics in Data Science, MW 12:05-12:55pm, Carver 0074, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 4653005
About the Course: Nowadays, the buzzword in the news, job boards, and science magazines are Data Science, AI, Machine Learning. What are these, and why are these terms appearing everywhere nowadays? We will discuss these terms in this class and find out why these terms are prevalent nowadays. We will discuss why we learn these topics and how to use them. We will also discuss how a simple idea of functions in Mathematics helps us learn about Data Science and Machine learning. After this course, students will be able to see what kinds of Mathematics they will have to learn to be successful and competitive in today's job market.
About the Instructor: Dr. Man Basnet is an associate teaching professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University. He teaches Differential and Partial Differential Equations and Data Science courses at ISU. Dr. Basnet is also involved in designing Data Science courses and guiding students with various data science projects. Dr. Basnet graduated from Iowa State with a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics and a Master's Degree in Computational Data Analytics from Georgia Institute of Technology. He works on Applied Mathematics and Data Science projects that use big data.
(CANCELED) Full Semester HON 322D, The Arts, Leadership, and Social Change, W 9:55-10:45am, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 4654005
About the Course: “Isn’t art about breaking rules, about challenging existing systems; isn’t it about discovering meaning in things or situations before others see anything in them?” • Peter Lindbergh.
Do you consider yourself to be artistic, creative, and or a leader? Don’t yet consider yourself to be these things? Either way, this seminar is for you! Regardless of your major/minor, and with no previous artistic or leadership knowledge and experience required, you are invited to join this seminar. You will have the opportunity to discover your creative side, tap into your leadership potential, and plan for change around issues you care about.
With a focus on the role of the arts in leadership development and social change, you will learn about, and engage in creative workshops, focused on the following major art genres: (1) narrative inquiry and fiction; (2) poetry; (3) music; (4) dance and movement; (5) theatre, drama, and film; and (6) the visual arts. You will have the opportunity to work with artists and experts from around campus and the Ames community to apply, create, and develop a plan to lead change.
While research considerations will be covered, you are not expected to conduct research this semester, given our limited time together. You will leave the seminar with a basic understanding of how arts-based approaches can be applied across disciplines and during any or all phases of research, including data generation, analysis, interpretation, and representation. Through readings, guided discussions and creative application workshops, you will acquire the knowledge and skills that will prepare you for using arts-based methods for future projects such as a major capstone project or your Honors project.
About the Instructor: KP joined the LD ST program faculty in the Fall of 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, respectively. 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 University of California, Irvine. Ph.D., Education (Leadership Studies) (2019) M.A., Leadership, Public Policy, & Social Issues (2012) B.S., Community & Leadership Development (2010)
Full Semester HON 322E, Infectious Diseases, T 4:10-5:00pm, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 4655005
About the Course: Learn about multiple types of infectious diseases, what causes them, how to recognize them and various forms of treatments. We will discuss an overview of many kinds of infectious agents, such as: viruses, bacteria, protozoans, parasites, plants and prions. The goal of this course is for you to learn about the various ways you interact with pathogens in your everyday life.
About the Instructor: Savanna Judson is a second year graduate student majoring in education while doing coursework in microbiology. Savanna would like to teach biology/microbiology/infectious disease at the community college level. Savanna is a teacher's assistant for MICRO 201, and has taught a previous honors seminar course over vaccines.
(CANCELED) Full Semester HON 322F, ISU History Through a Diverse Lens T 12:40-2:30pm, 405 Parks Library, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 10, U.S. Diversity, Reference # 4661005
About the Course: You can become a bona fide researcher and published author -- before you graduate! In this course you will get an accelerated introduction to archival research and open access digital publishing. By the end of this course, you will submit a publication-ready chapter to the book ISU History through a Diverse Lens, published by the ISU Digital Press.
About the Instructor: Rachel Seale (she/her/hers) is the outreach archivist at Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA). Rachel coordinates exhibitions, events, programming, instruction, and oversees the reading room and social media for SCUA. She has taught 2 semesters of the Archives Investigations Honors seminar in 2019 and 2020.
Full Semester HON 322G, Cross-Cultural Narratives and Emotions in U.S. Film, M 4:25-5:15pm, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 4664005
About the Course: The landscape of cinema has long existed as a canvas that depicts the social unrest, trauma, and resulting complex emotions of people living in the U.S. In this course, we will apply theories of psychology, sociology, intersectionality, and critical race theory to understand the cultural representations of characters, dialogue, and thematic elements in modern U.S. film. This course will incorporate a plethora of introductory writing to familiarize us with basic critical theory concepts. A significant part of this class will be applying the literature we read and using our emotional reactions to analyze the cross-cultural messages in assigned films.
About the Instructor: Carlos Vidales is a doctoral candidate in the Ph.D. in Psychology program at Iowa State University. He earned his Master’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles prior to coming to Iowa State, and currently holds a certificate in Quantitative Psychology and is a Preparing Future Faculty Fellow. Carlos’ research and clinical interest include understanding alcohol misuse among Latinx populations, and developing culturally- relevant interventions to promote healthy behavior.
(CANCELED) Full Semester HON 322J, The Prescient Butler: A Survey of the Works of Octavia E. Butler, M 3:20-4:10pm, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 4678005
About the Course: Not only does Octavia E. Butler's work exemplify Black Speculative Fiction, many of her texts prove prescient of today's state of affairs. In this seminar, we will read three of Butler's novels (Kindred, Clay's Ark, and Parable of the Sower) from various stages of Butler's memorable and tragically short life. Along the way, we will explore what it means to write Black Speculative Fiction, as well as topics including neoslavery, racism, sexism, disease, disability, and climate change. The semester will culminate in a final project that carries forward Butler's speculative visions of an imagined future.
About the Instructor: Dr. Brenda Tyrrell received her Ph.D. in English Literature at Miami University (OH). She researches the intersection of speculative fiction and disability, as well as Black Speculative Fiction, medical humanities (with a focus on HIV and AIDS), and H. G. Wells. She also confesses to being a huge Trekkie and the proud pet parent of a cat named Beans.
Full Semester HON 322K, Where No One Has Gone Before: Feminism, Race, and Disability in the Star Trek Franchise, W 2:15-3:05pm, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 4679005
About the Course: In this seminar, we will examine the immense cultural influence the Star Trek franchise that still resounds in our culture today. In the first part of the semester, we will examine the television versions of the franchise including The Original Series, The Next Generation, and Voyager and analyze topics such the racism, sexism, and ableism of certain characters, as well as consider how these experiences flowed into and influenced change for the massive Trekkie fanbase. We will then turn to the the film franchise with the intent of measuring any changes we see or any new issues emerging from Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) through Star Trek: Beyond (2016). The culminating project of the semester will be a scholarly article or a creative project.
About the Instructor: Dr. Brenda Tyrrell received her Ph.D. in English Literature at Miami University (OH). She researches the intersection of speculative fiction and disability, as well as Black Speculative Fiction, medical humanities (with a focus on HIV and AIDS), and H. G. Wells. She also confesses to being a huge Trekkie and the proud pet parent of a cat named Beans.
Second Half Semester HON 322L, Pop Culture, Russia!, Online, 1 Credit, Second Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspecitves, Reference # 4680005
About the Course: What early Soviet poets are considered to be precursors to today's punk artists? What comes to mind when you think of fashion trends in the Soviet Union? Were there stand-up comedians in the USSR? How can artists possibly "engineer" "human souls"? In this course you will take a look at some of the most fascinating aspects of Russian cultural landscape during the 20th and 21st centuries: from the early experiments of avant-garde writers and filmmakers, to "feel-good" Stalinist ideological texts, to recent post-Soviet interpretations of the traumatic Soviet past. You will read poetry and fairy-tales, watch acclaimed feature films and documentaries, look at what Soviet citizens wore and what music they listened to, see for yourselves what Soviet apartments looked like, find out what jokes Russians enjoyed, and so much more! You should come away from the course with an understanding of the extraordinary shifts that have taken place in Russian society, culture, and life in general during the 20th century and beyond.
About the Instructor: Dr. Olga Mesropova, a native of St.Petersburg, Russia, is an Associate Professor of Russian and the Director of the ISU Russian Studies program. Dr. Mesropova teaches a broad range of undergraduate courses in Russian language, literature, film, and culture from first-year “frontier” courses, to advanced seminars, and to comparative, cross-cultural courses in English. Her research includes a range of cultural developments in the late Soviet and post-Soviet Russia, including cinema, television, performance, and popular literature. She has published numerous articles and reviews in such venues as Slavic and East European Journal, The Russian Review, Canadian Slavonic Papers, Routledge Encyclopedia of Contemporary Russian Culture, kultura, and Kinokultura. She is also the author of several books, including an advanced Russian language textbook Faces of Contemporary Russia (Georgetown, 2019), Kinotalk. 21 Century (Routledge, 2020), and a co-editor of Uncensored? Reinventing Humor and Satire in Post-Soviet Russia (with Seth Graham, Slavica Publishers, Indiana University, 2009).
First Half Semester HON 322M, Here, There and Everywhere: A Retrospective of the Beatles (r)evolution, T 6:00-8:00pm, 2015 Morrill, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 4681005
About the Course: The Beatles have influenced generations of musicians and music fans since their first album release in 1963. This seminar will explore the compiled works of The Beatles albums, TV appearances, and movies. We will survey 1960's culture through the lens of a Beatles album and explore how The Beatles music and band personalities helped shape a generation's understanding of Eastern religion, recreational drug use, and the 60's counter-culture.
About the Instructor: Jason Chrystal has a Ph.D. in History. He serves as the undergraduate academic advisor for the Department of Political Science at Iowa State University. Dr. Chrystal has taught courses on American history, intellectual history, and the history of technology and science. Jennifer Leptien has a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies. She is the Director of Learning Communities at Iowa State University. An avid music fan, Dr. Leptien 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.
Full Semester HON 322N, Storytelling with Data, W 11:00-11:50am, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 4687005
About the Course: We are inundated with data every day; in 2020, individuals created 1.7 megabytes of data every second, and as a global population, we created 2.5 quadrillion (2,500,000,000,000,000) megabytes daily. But unless we can take all those data, transform them into information – something our human brains can understand – they’re meaningless.
The need for public understanding of data (and what they’re associated with) is massive, but raw data doesn’t make a good story… which is where this course comes in. In this course, we will discuss what data are, what makes a good story and how to tell one, and how to transform data into something that is both relevant and accessible to audiences.
This is not a data science course, nor is it a data visualization course (though we will discuss both and do some visualization). It is a course that about taking information and putting it together in a way that helps an audience understand or do something. It is about telling stories.
About the Instructor: Matthew D. Pistilli, PhD, joined Iowa State in 2016 as the founding Director of Student Affairs Assessment and Research in the Division of Student Affairs. For over 20 years, Matt has focused on creating and assessing conditions and environments that positively affect college student success. A recognized expert in learning analytics, Dr. Pistilli has published and presented internationally on the implementation of analytics in higher education and the ethics of data use. He grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish and psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University, a master's degree in college student affairs and counseling from Purdue University, and a doctorate in higher education administration, also from Purdue.
First Half Semester HON 322P, It Says What in the U.S. Constitution?!, W 3:20-5:10 pm, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 5111005
About the Course: Let’s take a deep dive into the Bill of Rights and the Civil War Amendments: what they are, how they work, and their effects on the rights of individuals during the past 231 years. This seminar will explore the Amendments that have particularly affected how individual liberties have been held back or aided by various actions and interpretations. We’ll examine U.S. Supreme Court cases, federal laws, and societal impacts. Each week will include required readings and a quiz about those readings. Classes will be mainly discussion and the Socratic Method may be utilized. This seminar will include discussions of slavery, discrimination, inequality, and other topics that may be upsetting.
About the Instructor: Amanda Knief is the director of Iowa State University's Lectures Program. She received her B.S. in Journalism and Mass 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.
Full Semester HON 322Q, From Hollywood to Broadway: How Films Become Musicals, R 6:00-6:50pm, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 5113005
About the Course: Mean Girls, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Beetlejuice, and The Lion King all have one thing in common. They were all transformed from the big screen to appear onstage as musicals. In this course we will be exploring the process of adapting a show for Broadway and, once it gets there, learning about what makes it a hit. Do you enjoy show tunes? Maybe you’ve got an old pair of tap shoes at the back of your closet? Ever dreamed of writing for the stage? If you answered yes to any of those questions, this class might be a good place to meet your people and have some fun. We’ll be watching and listening to sections of a variety of different movies-turned-musicals as well as breaking down the classic Broadway formula, learning about how to adapt stories between forms, and even proposing new ideas for movies that deserve musical adaptations. Whether you dream of writing the next big Broadway hit, starring in it, or you just love humming along in the audience, all are welcome. Come and explore your dramatic side!
About the Instructor: Emily Golden is a third year MFA candidate in the Creative Writing and Environment program. She has a BA in Theatre and English from Willamette University and prior to coming to Iowa State was pursuing a career as a playwright and dramaturge. She has had plays produced all over the country and for the past several years has worked writing movies for Lifetime. Her writing passions are truly multi-genre and she enjoys nothing more than exploring the places where forms of writing meet, interact, and cross over one another.
Full Semester HON 322R, Becoming Digital, Becoming Animal: Animality in Video Games and Critical Theory, TR 11:00-11:50am, 1113 Jischke, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 5117005
About the Course: Are animals machines? If not, how might machines help us understand what it is to be an animal? In this seminar we will discuss how video games represent what it is to be a dog, badger, bat, or beast in order to think through artificial intelligence, evolution, environmental dangers, and extinction. From Pokemon Go and The Last Guardian to Octodad, we’ll discuss what it means to hunt, collect, train, and play as animals, and what video games suggest about the role of animals in natural and digital worlds. This project-based course will involve the regular play and discussion of video games alongside critical texts in animal studies as well as workshopping creative projects across the semester. No prior gaming experience necessary!
About the Instructor: Dr. Natalie Deam is an MFA candidate in the Creative Writing and the Environment program at ISU and holds a PhD from Stanford University. She was the founder and director of Stanford University’s Critical Gaming Workshop from 2015-2018, as well as a founder and co-director of the Stanford Humanity Center’s Digital Aesthetics Workshop from 2017-2018. With a background in environmental humanities and queer ecology, she has written articles on Victor Hugo’s vampiric octopus, digital ecologies, The Last Guardian, and Pokemon Go.
First Half Semester HON 322T, Money Management, R 4:10-6:00pm, Location TBD, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 24, Reference # 2968005
About the Course: This course is designed to help students acquire sound money management skills. It will include a series of seminars featuring experts in the field of finance. Students will have an opportunity to directly interact with the finance professionals and also learn from their lectures. The objective of this course is help students learn to effectively manage student loans, credit card debt, create balanced budgets, develop good saving habit, identify profitable investment options, and follow proper risk management strategies. The last 30 minutes of each session would be open to discussions and questions.
About the Instructor: I am a Professor of Teaching from Finance department- Ivy College of Business.
Full Semester HON 322U, How Does That Work and Why Should I Care? - Engineering and Design in YOUR Life, R 9:30-10:20am, 1155 Jischke, 1 credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 2977005
About the Course: How does a TV take electricity and create a picture? Why does a red plate often make us eat more? What are the environmental impacts of using a plastic straw vs. a metal one? This course is designed to investigate the amazing inventions that surround us every day and the engineering and design considerations that go into them. This course is for anyone interested in learning how everyday items work and how they affect our lives and the lives of others (not just engineers and designers). Each week, we will focus on a different item from around the home, learn how they are designed and created, and then explore how each of our unique areas of expertise affects or is affected by the item. Through the lenses of our different majors, this course will help us expand our perspective on how these items impact us and our environment in addition to learning how they work and are designed. Class sessions will typically include a mini-lecture, detailing how the item of the week is designed and functions, followed by a class discussion of how each device is connected to our various areas of study.
About the Instructor: Adam Lawrence is a 3rd year PhD student in Mechanical Engineering, with a B.S. minor in Psychology, who studies how to light things on fire with microwaves and take cool videos. Specifically, he focuses on microwave ignition and control of solid rocket propellant, explosives, and pyrotechnics in Dr. Travis Sippel’s Nano-Energetic Materials Lab. He has earned a Teaching Excellence award while teaching freshmen, junior, and senior-level engineering courses and loves teaching in any form. To that end, he also works as a research writing consultant, a Crossfit coach, and an enlisted aviator in the Air National Guard.
Full Semester HON 322V, Religion and Popular Music, F 1:10-2:00pm, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective, Reference # 3552005
About the Course: Religion and Music are two 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 and folk music in Pagan traditions. 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.
First Half Semester HON 322W, Breast Cancer, Women, and Society, T 9:30-11:20am, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspectives, Reference # 3675005
About the Course: This course will trace the history of social history of women's experiences with breast cancer from ancient Egypt to the present. The course will cover women's experiences with their doctors, treatments and medical theories, political organizing, the evolution of the pink ribbon and its use in marketing and other current issues. Are you interested in a health career, sociology, the history of medicine or science, or women's studies? If so, this course is for you!
About the Instructor: Karen M. Kedrowski is Director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics and Professor of Political Science. Her research area iswomen and politics and she is coauthor of "Cancer Activism: Gender, Media, and Public Policy" with Marilyn Stine Sarow (2008, University of IllinoisPress), and several other articles on breast cancer activism.
Full Semester HON 322Y, Comedy College, M 6:10-8:00pm, SICTR 2206, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 3725005
About the Course: In this seminar, you will learn to be funnier. Humor is not a mystical process of divine intervention granted by the Comedy Gods to just a chosen few. There are tricks, techniques and theories that, when studied, can make a person funnier. When put into practice, these skills can help with self-confidence, public speaking and communication skills. While some reading and watching of stand-up routines is required, the majority of the class focus will be on creating and sharing original humor with your classmates. The seminar culminates in a live comedy showcase where you will share your newfound humor skills with the world.
About the Instructor: Gavin Jerome has been a professional entertainer for well over 20 years. He has worked with the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Paul Reiser and Steve Harvey. For the past decade, Gavin has been providing humor workshops for companies and associations nationwide. His extensive standup comedy experience plus many years of leading workshops on humor in the workplace makes him most qualified on creating and sharing comedy. Peter Orazem, University Professor of Economics, has been a student of Gavin’s, and has served as the Teaching Assistant for all ISU Comedy College classes. He performed at the first American Economics Association standup comedy session in San Francisco.
First Half Semester HON 322Z, Christianity and Science, R 11:00-1:00pm, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspectives, Reference # 8334005
About the Course: Religion and science are two of the greatest cultural and intellectual forces that influence mankind. They are generally interested in different aspects of reality. Science addresses “how” questions while religion answers “why” questions. However, an area of common interest is the origin and history of life. This seminar will explore the interaction and boundaries between science and theology in this area of common interest. Topics and questions addressed include: • Are Christianity and science friends or foes? • The nature and limitations of science. • The history of life on earth: The views from science and the Bible • What about human origins? • Does science and/or evolution rule out God? • Can something about God be known from nature? We will explore these topics through the writings of well-known scientists and theologians with expertise in these areas. Class time will generally be spent discussing weekly reading assignments.
About the Instructor: Ann L. Smiley is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and is also on faculty in Neuroscience. She directs the Neuromotor Control and Learning Research Laboratory studying how the brain controls movement, specifically in Parkinson’s disease and, currently, in Developmental Dyslexia. As a teacher, she has a passion to engage her students to think, integrate, and question. One question worth examining is one’s personal worldview. This course provides input for this process. In her personal examination and questioning, she has found science and the Christian faith to be compatible.
Full Semester HON 324A, Music, Acoustics, and Architecture, R 11:00am-11:50am, Music Building, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 12, International Perspective, Reference # 3112005
About the Course: How does sound and/or music create structure? How and why are sound-absorbing or reflective materials chosen? How do structural and architectural details affect the creation of music, shape, volume (size and loudness), quality, clarity, augmentation, or absorption of reverberant sound and vibrations? How do we measure the flow of energy in sound fields? We will explore the interrelationship of sound and space via field experiences, discussions, readings, recordings, and research presentations by guests and class members. We will ask many questions, and investigate international theory, history, and practice including case studies of concert halls, opera houses, places of worship, health care centers, university environments, and musical instruments.
About the Instructor: Dr. Miriam Zach, Ph.D. is a musicologist, organist, harpsichordist, pianist, author, and professor. She is the inaugural Charles and Mary Sukup Artist in Organ teaching organ, harpsichord, and music history courses at Iowa State. She is also Director of Music-Organist at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Founding Director of international festivals of women composers (iwclib.org), and enjoys playing chamber music as a member of the Alachua Consort. From 1996-2016 at the University of Florida she taught interdisciplinary Honors Music and Health, undergraduate and graduate Music History, organ, and harpsichord, and was Professor of the Year 2000-01. She co-edited the book Resonance: Essays on the Intersection of Music and Architecture (2007), recorded the CD Hidden Treasures: 300 Years of Organ Music by Women Composers (1998) in Princeton University Chapel, and can be heard on Pipedreams National Public Radio (2007, 2010, 2013), and Organ Historical Society Kaleidoscope of Colors (August 8, 2021).
Full Semester HON 324B, Human Trafficking 101, T 2:10-4:00pm, Carver 0274, 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, U.S. Diversity, Reference # 3098005
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.
Full Semester HON 324C, Conflicts in the Middle East, W 1:10-2:00pm, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective, Reference # 3301005
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.
Full Semester HON 324D, Understanding War, M 1:10-2:00pm, Location TBD, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, International Perspective, Reference # 3304005
About the Course: “What is it like to be in a war zone?”
“What challenges civilians face when they are trapped in a war”
The seminar will examine the daily life in wartime and the social effects of war. How do people live in extreme conditions? Through study cases and living experiences students will be able to better understand the “chaos of war”. We will examine the Geneva Convention and other Human Rights documents to raise awareness about war crimes against civilians. We will also explore the role of the media in conflicts. Student will be able to better understand the sided, biased or impartial role of the media. They will learn to read behind the superficial or general information presented in some media. At the end of the seminar students should be able to understand the reality of war and its effect on society. War is not just a video game between the good and the bad.
About the Instructor: Jean-Pierre Taoutel, 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.
First Half Semester HON 324E, Performing Arts Exploration– LIVE!, MW 5:30-7:30pm, 1155 Jischke, 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, Reference # 3285005
About the Course: In this seminar, you will learn about and experience music, dance, and other live performance at Stephens Auditorium. You will be able to go behind the scenes and talk with professionals who make the performances happen. Our goal is to help you interpret, and realize, connections between the arts, technology, and your chosen field of study. You will be introduced to resources on campus to help you expand your knowledge of the arts. Assignments will include readings on various performances and interpreting aesthetic art forms, reaction papers, and a final presentation linking your own studies or interests to the performances we will attend. This seminar will run for a half-term, beginning Monday Jan 24 and ending Wednesday March 9. Students must be available to attend live performance events on the evenings of 2/17, 2/18, and 2/22, times TBA.
About the Instructor: Dr. Montana Smith received her doctoral degree from Louisiana State University where she specialized in Performance and Communication Studies. She has instructed at LSU, UNI and Drake University teaching Public Speaking, Introduction to Performance Studies and other Communication courses. Dr. Smith is the Marketing Manager of Stephens Auditorium, where she works closely with the media to advertise events happening at Stephens Auditorium in order to enhance the awareness, recognition and support of Stephens Auditorium in the community, regionally and nationally. Stephens Auditorium is a 2,602-seat hall, on ISU's campus, hosting a dazzling array of international performances of music, theater and dance, as well as world-class orchestras, popular Broadway musicals, and explosive concerts.
Full Semester HON 324G, Moving Past Bodice Ripping to Shredding the Patriarchy: Romance Novels as Tools for Justice, T 5:10-6:00pm, SICTR 4202, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17, US Diversity, Reference # 3199005
About the Course: The romance genre is a billion dollar industry that outperforms all other book genres. It’s also a genre that centers the experiences, interests, and pleasure of women and people from marginalized spaces. How does a book with a guaranteed happily ever after serve as a tool for justice? This discussion-based seminar will dive into where romance novels hit the mark, where they fail, and how one of the largest segments of publishing industry has the power to change minds, hearts, and structures.
About the Instructor: Dr. Denise Williams-Klotz is the assistant director in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, has worked in higher education doing social justice education for over a decade, and is a romance novelist with her second novel, The Fastest Way to Fall, published by Berkley Romance on November 2, 2021. She’s been interested in romantic and social justice happily ever afters since she wrote her first story in the 2nd grade. Emily Wilcox is the assistant director for First-Year Programs in the University Honors Program and has been enthusiastically reading romance novels for several years. She is looking forward to working with Dr. Williams-Klotz for the third time since they were Undergraduate Assistants for ISU's Honors Program in 2003.