Sam Houston State University Undergraduate Catalog 2006-2008
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HONORS PROGRAM

Director: Gene Young, Ph.D. honors@shsu.edu

Information: Academic Building IV, corner of Avenue I and Bowers Boulevard

Mailing Address: Box 2479, Huntsville, TX 77341-2479

Telephone: (936) 294-1477; Fax: (936) 294-1090

Website: http://honors.shsu.edu

A special program exists at Sam Houston State University for highly motivated and academically talented students. The Honors Program provides these achievement-oriented individuals with some financial support, an opportunity to interact with other similarly motivated students, special course offerings leading to a broad educational experience, limited-enrollment classes, closer contact with the faculty, the opportunity to participate in advanced registration, and access to distinctively designed facilities, including Spivey House — the Honors residence hall — on campus.

The honors student earns honors credit in a variety of specially designated classes, and works toward the distinction of graduating “With Honors” or “With Highest Honors.” To qualify for graduation “With Honors,” a student must have been a participant in the Honors Program and have completed 24 hours of honors credit, including participation in two interdisciplinary honors seminars. To qualify for graduation “With Highest Honors” a student must, in addition, complete a six-hour senior thesis in an approved discipline under the direction of a faculty member of his/her choice.

To be considered for admission to the Honors Program, either when first entering SHSU or as a continuing SHSU student, a student must make special application to the Honors Program Office. Incoming freshmen are eligible for consideration if they have a composite SAT I score (Critical Reading + Math) of 1200 or above, or a composite ACT score of 27 or above, or have graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class. For transfer or continuing SHSU students, eligibility is based upon a college cumulative GPA of 3.4 or better. Admission is competitive. Selections are determined via a comprehensive review of each completed application. Once accepted into the Honors Program, a student must maintain a 3.25 SHSU grade point average in order to continue participation in the Honors Program.

In an attempt to provide unique, broadly integrative, interdisciplinary educational experiences to students, the Honors Seminar series of classes has been established. These courses are expected to be highly interactive between professors and students and will generally involve student paper presentations. The courses are designed specifically for the Honors curriculum, but are open to enrollment by any member of the SHSU student body if space is available and with the consent of the Honors Program Director.

Honors Course Descriptions

HON 131 Honors Seminar I. This course will explore (a) the scientific facts and theories related to the origin of the universe, life and intelligence; (b) the variety of possible implications of those facts and theories for humankind and human values. Credit 3.

HON 161 Integrated Science I: Physics, Geology and Geography. This course is designed to provide non-science major honor students with a multi-disciplinary science experience that meets the baccalaureate lab-science requirements. Specifically, this course will introduce students to basic concepts in the fields of physics, geology and geography. This course must be taken concurrently with GEL 113H. Credit 3.

HON 162 Integrated Science II: Chemistry and Biology. This course is designed to provide non-science major honor students with a multi-disciplinary science experience that meets the baccalaureate lab-science requirements. Specifically, this course will introduce students to basic concepts in the fields of chemistry and biology. This course must be taken concurrently with CHM 115H. Credit 3.

HON 231 Honors Seminar II. This course will include (a) an analysis and description of the development of humankind’s moral and social consciousness; (b) a description of the political, economic and religious responses to humankind’s physical and social environment; and (c) an emphasis, with discussion and analysis, on the future prospects of humankind. Credit 3.

HON 275 Honors Seminar in the Fine Arts. An investigation into the theories, meanings, purposes and practical experiences of the fine arts: dance, music, the visual arts, and theatre. It will include attendance at dance and music concerts, theatre productions, and art exhibits. This course will be team taught by professors from each of the four disciplines named. Spring semester only. Credit 3.

HON 331 Honors Seminar III. This course is designed to deal with contemporary social, economic, political and international issues. The course content will by necessity change every semester that it is offered, but will provide important background information and perspective on current debates and events. Credit 3.

HON 475 Special Topics in Honors. This course is designed to allow study by Honors students in specific areas not covered by organized undergraduate courses. Instruction may be on a group or individual basis; students will be supervised in their studies by an appropriate faculty member(s). Credit 3.