IHU 282HW - Seminar in Social Issues - Honors

Credits: 3

An integrated study involving exploration and development of critical thinking, analysis and problem- solving skills with an interdisciplinary approach focusing on a selected social issue. Provides opportunities to engage in independent intellectual inquiry to foster deeper learning. Credit may be earned in IHU282HW or SOC 282HW, but not both.

Prerequisite(s): READING LEVEL 4 and WRITING LEVEL 4 or permission of Honors Office
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives

Analyze a specific social issue from both a sociological and an interdisciplinary perspective.
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the major aspects of an important contemporary social issue. (The issue may change with each offering of the course. The specific disciplines represented will vary with the issue.)
2. Apply the sociological perspective to enhance understanding of the issue.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the utility of social scientific theories and methods to the analysis of a social issue.
4. Apply the methods and perspectives of other disciplines, depending upon the issue under consideration.
Increase his or her skills in research and the presentation of findings.
1. Conduct a brief research project (such as a library paper or book report) related to the issue under consideration.
2. Use acceptable form in the written presentation of the project.
3. Engage in appropriate oral discourse concerning the social issue in a seminar environment.
Gain an appreciation for a rational and critical study of the specific issue as well as other such issues.
1. Distinguish between a social scientific analysis of social issues and popular approaches such as those found in the media.
2. Understand the role of empirical evidence in the analysis of social issues.
3. Apply rational and critical thinking to the analysis of social issues and problem solving.
4. Appreciate the utility of studying issues from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
Use writing tasks to promote learning.
1. Practice critical writing skills within the subject.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of subject matter.
Practice intellectual curiosity and apply it in independent ways to deepen their understanding of course material.
1. Complete at least one significant project, either individually or as a group depending on the instructor's discretion, and work with the instructor to assure that the project demonstrates intellectual curiosity and academic rigor.
2. Actively engage with their peers in conversations, seminars, or in other formats at the instructor’s discretion to enhance the depth of knowledge of the relevant material.