Welcome to the Honors Interdisciplinary First Year Seminar!
Course Description:
Please note- There are seven sections of HON 110. All meet at the same class time, and all have
a common set of objectives and student learning outcomes (see below). However, each section
has a different theme to explore. Your instructor will have a thematic syllabus description and
a set of evaluation/grading policies for you.
In this class, you will have the chance to discuss the nature of knowledge, the life of the mind,
the concept of a university, and how a university education changes individuals and affects the
future. The class is designed to introduce honors students to the college experience by direct
involvement in scholarship, service and leadership activities. This class will include guest
speakers, workshops/ field experiences, collaborative learning and independent scholarship.
There will be an emphasis on discussion and there are required student projects.
You will be spending about four years (or more if you decide to go to graduate school here) in
this particular institutional setting. Like any other aspect of the social world, it is to your
advantage to understand the institutional settings you are in and how they work. College is a
major part of your life history and this course will help you get the most out that experience. In
addition, an important component of the Honors experience is the development of community
through academic, cultural, and service events. Thus, as part of this seminar, you are expected
to participate in on- or off-campus experiences related to this.
Catalog Description:
HON 110. Honors First Year Interdisciplinary Seminar (3). Introduces the honors
student to the college experience by direct involvement in research, service and
leadership activities. The nature of knowledge; the concept of a university; how a
university education changes individuals and affects the future. Includes field
experiences, collaborative learning and independent scholarship. Emphasis on
discussion; required student projects.
The objectives of all HON 110 sections are:
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To examine the concept of the university, including your goals and expectations.
To learn more about UNCW- its organization, mission, and traditions.
To examine the impact of modern higher education on students in the U.S.
To explore the meaning of being an educated person and an honors student.
To foster involvement in UNCW and the local community by exploring service and
cultural opportunities.
To experience and discuss a variety of learning methods, including discussion,
demonstrations, field experience, research and writing.
To explore meanings of community as it relates to the university, to academic
disciplines, and to the larger community (city, state, nation, and world).
To develop the ability to critically analyze information sources and to communicate
clearly, both orally and in writing.
To learn to lead a seminar discussion.
To demonstrate the ability to work with a group- as well as individually.
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To prepare and present individual and group oral presentations.
To demonstrate knowledge of UNCW resources and develop skills for their use.
To foster a sense of community among honors scholars at UNCW.
Student Learning Outcomes*
By the end of this class, you should be able to…
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Locate library resources on topics related to the seminar theme (FS1)
Research topics related to the seminar theme using a variety of sources, such as
internet, scholarly publications, current periodicals (IL2)
Cite information in appropriate style (IL5; IL2)
Be able to identify examples of plagiarism (IL5)
Prepare for and lead an effective discussion about a topic related to the seminar theme
(IL1, IL4)
Defend your opinions in well-organized short reflective essays and in class discussion
(FS2)
Critically evaluate the validity of source materials (IL3)
Prepare and present effective class presentations (FS3)
Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing (FS3, FS4)
Interview faculty or students about careers and internships and report on findings
Summarize and evaluate information about possible majors
Create a professional resume
Evaluate and recommend different cultural and service experiences on campus or in the
community
Describe resources on campus related to career planning, leadership, time
management, stress management
Prepare short reflective essays on transitional issues such as goals in college, living
environment (FS4)
*This course meets your University Studies First Year Seminar (FS) and one of the Information
Literacy (IL) requirements. The numbers after each abbreviation above indicate the universitywide student learning outcomes expected for this class.