HON 291:
SOPHOMORE SEMINAR
Honors Sophomore Seminars are courses specially created by Manoa faculty for sophomores, though second semester first-year Honors students may be ready to enroll as well. These are inquiry-based courses, and at present there are two principal offerings:
"Reacting to the Past," which involves historical research using primary sources and role playing of historical characters and situations; and
"Place as Text" which involves team-based research on a local neighborhood or ecosystem, combining various methodologies such as cartographic, fieldwork, archival research and interviews.
Proposals for other inquiry-based offerings are strongly encouraged. Honors Sophomore Seminars also fulfill General Education diversification requirements for freshmen and sophomores. Each Sophomore Seminar fulfills a particular general education diversification requirement and is designated by an alpha (e.g. HON 291S for DS, Social Science; HON 291H, for DH, Humanities; and HON 291P for DP, Physical Sciences).
Enrollment is limited to 15 students so that the course can be structured as a true seminar, with maximum student participation. This low enrollment also encourages faculty to add a Writing (W) focus designation to meet General Education requirements.
Honors Sophomore Seminars provide a bridge between the inquiry-based HON 101 course and the more formal research that students learn as juniors and seniors by taking HON 495, “Introduction to Research,” and HON 496, “Senior Honors Project.”
Student Learning Outcomes
By taking HON 291, "Place as Text," students will:
- learn principles of field-based inquiry into social or environmental problems;
- develop an appreciation of natural and cultural environments;
- learn how to participate effectively in a seminar class;
- gain a measure of proficiency reading scholarly/research publications.
By taking HON 291, "Reacting to the Past," students will:
- learn principles of historical inquiry and use of primary sources;
- develop historical empathy and an appreciation for past decision-making contexts;
- learn how to participate effectively in a seminar class;
- gain a measure of proficiency reading scholarly/research publications.
Guidelines for
Junior Honors Seminar proposals (HON 291)
(MSWord Doc)
