Honors (Hon)

Don Beitz, Chair, University Honors Program Committee

The Honors Program provides a vehicle for highly motivated and able students to pursue an innovative and challenging undergraduate education. Oversight of students’ progress toward this goal is primarily the responsibility of the undergraduate colleges, each of which operates its own Honors Program. The college Honors Program committees admit students into the Program, approve programs of study, and are responsible for the administration of their college Honors Program. The University Honors Program Committee, which includes the chairs of the college Programs, is responsible for the general coordination of the college Honors Programs and the Freshman Honors Program.

Students in the Honors Program are offered a variety of academic opportunities designed to help them derive the fullest benefit from their undergraduate education. To enhance their individualized programs of study, students are offered numerous Honors courses, seminars, and independent research opportunities. (For other benefits, see Index, Honors Program.)

Honors courses and Honors sections of regular courses are offered by several departments and programs. These courses, open only to Honors Program members, have limited enrollment and are taught by specially selected instructors. Most of these courses are listed by department or program. (See Classical Studies, Economics, Engineering, English, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Speech Communication.)

In addition to established Honors courses, Honors students may designate any course as an Honors course by making appropriate arrangements with the course instructor and obtaining approval of the Honors Program Director. Most departments offer opportunities for independent study and research under 290 and 490; when designated by an H, these courses also carry Honors credit.

Research grants are available to support Honors research.

Listed below are those courses that are offered directly by the University Honors Program. Specific information about the full range of Honors courses and seminars for the current academic year, including the Honors courses offered by individual departments and programs, may be obtained from the Honors Program Office in Osborn Cottage.

Hon 121. Freshman Honors Seminar
(0-2) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Membership in the Freshman Honors Program. Orientation to Iowa State University and to the University Honors Program. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Hon 290. Special Problems
Cr. var. Prereq: Permission of the vice provost for undergraduate programs. Independent study on topics of an interdisciplinary nature. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only. Intended primarily for freshmen and sophomores.

                H. Honors.

                U. Undergraduate Research

Hon 302. Honors Leadership Seminar
(1-2) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: Selection as a leader of a Freshman Honors Seminar. For students serving as leaders of Freshman Honors Seminars, under faculty supervision. Development of teaching and leadership skills within the context of an Honors education experience. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Hon 321, 322, 323, 324. University Honors Seminars
(1-0) Cr. 1 or (2-0) Cr. 2. F.S.SS. Prereq: Membership in the University Honors Program. Interdisciplinary seminars on topics to be announced in advance. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.