Honors College 391AH - Honors Discovery Seminars

This seminar is a required course for Commonwealth Honors College students where students participate in a topical seminar-style course designed by its instructor. While the subject matter of each section is different, advanced knowledge of the topic is not required. While the subject matter of each section is different, the requirements for each section are the same. Individual titles and descriptions of HONORS 391AH sections can be found on the Commonwealth Honors College website.

Open to Senior, Junior, and Sophomore Commonwealth College students only. This course will examine the STEM disciplines through the lens of social justice. Through readings from the literature we will define STEM diversity through social identities such as race, class, gender, culture, and ability. We will also challenge who gets to participate in the construction of scientific knowledge, who has access to scientific knowledge, and how efforts to change the STEM status quo can lead to a more just STEM world. Students will gain skills in locating, evaluating, and comprehending primary and secondary literature. We will spend time deconstructing the genre of the research article so that students can explain the purpose of each section, identify research questions/hypotheses, and use critical thinking skills to evaluate the paper. Students will also learn and practice skills for collaborative and equitable small group work.