Honors Courses Spring 2006
HN111-01: Inquiries into the Human Condition II
Watts, William
MWF 10-10:50
The second semester of a year-long sequence, this course examines the treatment of the human condition in significant texts of the Western tradition from the Renaissance to the modern periods. Texts for the course will come from the disciplines of literature, philosophy, and history, and will include works by Montaigne, Thomas Hobbes, Karl Marx, Gustave Flaubert, T. S. Eliot, and Virginia Woolf. The course will emphasize questions about the nature of the individual soul, as well as the relationship of the individual to family, friends, community and state. Completion of this course will fulfill the requirements for ID103. Completion of HN110 and HN111 together will satisfy the requirements to EN102, ID103, and HN100. Worth 4 credit hours.
HN200 01: Space Odyssey - Fiction into Fact
Guerriero, Sam
M 3-4:40
Arthur C. Clarks has a reputation that spans both the worlds of science fiction and science fact. The purpose of the course is to analyze four of Mr. Clark’s sequential masterpieces in relationship to the humanness of man and his/her relationship to the universe. The books are: 2001: A Space Odyssey; 2010: Odyssey Two; 2061: Odyssey Three; and 3001: The Final Odyssey. What is the dividing between intelligence and artificial intelligence? How is life defined? Are we alone in the universe and do we want to be? For those with a love of reading and a love of science fiction/fact.
HN200 02: James Joyce
Filice, Fred
W 2-3:40
James Joyce was as big a character as any of his characters, which is saying quite a bit. He once said of Ulysses "I want to give a picture of Dublin so complete that if the city one day suddenly disappeared from the earth it could be reconstructed out of my book." Ironically, he hated living in Dublin and moved to France . Ulysses is probably the most important novel of the 20th century and is celebrated as “Bloomsday” on June 16th in Dublin and around the world. It is a frustrating masterpiece. We will be reading A Portrait of the Artist As a Young Man, Ulysses and some of Joyce's poetry.
HN200 03: Greek Tragedy
Flood, Royce
R 3-4:40
Theatre originated in Classical Athens during the sixth and fifth centuries BCE. In this course, we will examine the political and cultural milieu which produced tragedy; we will read and discuss numerous of the extant plays of the three great tragedians, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides; we will observe film versions of several of these plays; and we will have the opportunity to perform scenes from these works.
HN200 04: Beethoven and His Psychoses
Briscoe, James
M 4:15-6:00
The personality disorders and near-complete withdrawal of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) revolved around family dysfunction, deafness, an abortive trust of Beethoven and Enlightenment values, and intentionally failed relationships with women. And yet, these psychoses figured in a music compositional idiom that changed the world. This course will include critical listening and discussion centered on some of Beethoven’s famous works; selected readings from texts written about him; a critique of the film Immortal Beloved; midterm and final essays; and a seminar presentation.
HN200 50: Lewis and Clark in Jefferson ’s West
Geib , George
T 7-8:40pm
The Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the Burr conspiracy are three of the most famous events in Thomas Jefferson’s lifelong involvement with the American west. He and his contemporaries saw the vast region as a source and an embodiment of fundamental human values, filled with evidence of the scientific and cultural proofs and evidence of the American Enlightenment. This course will look at Jefferson ’s own writings, at the journals of the explorers, at the transcripts of Burr’s treason trial, and at the words and images of contemporary observers, to explore the appeal of the “west” in Jefferson ’s era and our own.
HN 200 51: 150 Years of Butler
Wilson, Anne
W 4-6 pm
This course, planned by honors students for honors students, will focus on the Sesquicentennial celebration of Butler University by exploring a diversity “things Butler ” that have shaped our university. Topics include: sports, women, the community, the history of religious study, the formation and incorporation of our colleges, Butler authors, the Holcomb gardens, Clowes Hal l and the performing arts, famous graduates, construction and naming of our buildings, and more. Expect guest speakers and significant student participation, culminating in final projects.
HN300 01: Egypt through Egyptian Eyes
Mashhour, Amira
M 1-2:40
Besides the Pyramids, Egypt has a rich legacy in the history of the world, a leading role in the Middle East today, and a distinctive place on the international arena. This course will aim at introducing students to the historical Egypt , as well as the contemporary one with all its diversity.
HN300 03: The Way, Like H 20? Tao and Chemistry
Su, Meng-Chi
T 2:30-4:10
Bridging classical oriental philosophy and modern science, this course challenges students to think about science (for example, chemistry) through the understanding of humanity, and vice versa. It explores the implication of Chinese Taoism on the development of some western science. The students will be guided to build connections between humanity and science subjects and thereby develop critical thinking in both areas. Some science background is preferred but not required.
HN300 04: Native American Cultures of the Southwest
Karn, Robert
T 3-4:40
This course will examine the histories and cultures of two major Native American cultures of the southwestern United States : the Pueblos and the Navajo. We will spend the first part of the course considering what is known of Chacoan and cliff-dwelling cultures and then consider the impact of the Spanish occupation and the later occupation by the United States . One of the major features of the course is to consider how these Native American cultures differ from each other as well as from the cultures of the occupying peoples.
HN300 50: Hands-On Spirituality
Saffire, Paula
M 6-8:30
A hands-on exploration of spiritual practices that involve the body. Practices will include: dervish whirling, tai chi, hatha yoga, walking mediation, foot washing, Thai medicinal massage, and mandala drawing. This is a spiritual lab course. Experience comes first; readings are for the sake of enhancing experience.
Requirements:
- open-mindedness, respect for others,
- a desire for experience,
- some self-discipline, and
- some courage.
Consult your instructor if you have (a) and (b) and want to ask about (c) and (d). Some information about the course will be posted on the door of JD374D. Please read before your sign up.
HN300 52: Using Conflict Creatively
Valencic, Karen
R 6-8
“Conflict is the spark that lights the fire of invention and creativity,” is the essence of this program. The curriculum is practical and experiential. Concepts from eastern martial arts are combined with traditional western methods and science to create a high impact course. The curriculum incorporates the participants’ challenges for examples. The teaching style includes visual demonstrations, interactive exercises, light physical movement, and lecture. All learning styles are addressed in the program, making it ideal for retention for all types of learners. Enhanced leadership skills and the ability to cope with change are natural by-products of this program.