An interdisciplinary humanities course that examines a given topic or problem from a variety of approaches.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
A primary objective of the course is to encourage a sense of community among honors students and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas among them. In addition, the course attempts to encourage students to develop an appreciation of the relationships among several academic disciplines and to broaden and intensify students' intellectual interests.
- Topic listed below.
Colloquium themes (chosen by an instructor appointed by the Honors Council) have included, for example, "American Foreign Policy," "Immigration," "Work Ethics," "The Culture of Consumerism."
- Describe a particular social, scientific, or artistic problem within a variety of contexts.
- Evaluate the commentary of classmates, as well as the remarks of not only the assigned instructor but also visiting lecturers within a seminar context.
- Analyze the organizing principle of the Colloquium within both historical and contemporary frameworks.*
- Compose an essay that includes a detailed summary, explicit interpretation, and rigorous evaluation of at least one of the seminar's principal texts.
Assessment and Requirements
- 1,500 word (minimum) seminar essay
- A minimum of four in-class essays and/or journal commentaries
- Final exam
The Honors Colloquium is organized by a member of the Honors faculty around a humanities theme. Typically, the convener enlists participation of other faculty from across the College to present guest lectures on an overarching theme. Students are exposed to a wide variety of faculty and diverse topics, as well as teaching styles, through:
- Lectures on the context and themes given by various HFC faculty speaking in their areas of expertise and special interest
- Classroom discussion
- Reading assignments
- Site visits to area exhibititions, performances, etc.
Outcomes
- Category 5: Humanities and Fine Arts