Honors Program Spring 2010 Courses

Freshman
1000-Level Colloquium and I-Course
Honors freshmen take one course each semester, along with a discussion section.
 

HP 1000: Intellectual Communities
As an introduction to the academic environment of the university, every UW freshman is required to take one Intellectual Community (I) course in the department of his or her choice. The Honors Program I-Course queries the nature, functions, and benefits of intellectual communities from the ancient world to the present.
 
HP 1000-01:  Intellectual Communities; 1 cr.; I; CRN# 24225; R, 3:10-4:00pm; CR 103; Professor Duncan Harris

HP 1161: Freshman Colloquium II, 3 cr.
The colloquium is a continuation of HP 1020 and HP 1151. This course counts toward the Humanities (CH) requirement.

HP 1161-01: Freshman Colloquium II; 3 cr.; CH; CRN# 21273; MWF, 12:00-12:50pm;   
MH 103; Tyler Fall
HP 1161-02: Freshman Colloquium II; 3 cr.; CH; CRN# 21274; MWF, 1:10-2:00pm;     
MH 103; Paul Bergstraesser
HP 1161-03: Freshman Colloquium II; 3 cr.; CH; CRN# 21276; TR, 9:35-10:50am; MH 103; Diane Panozzo
HP 1161-04: Freshman Colloquium II; 3 cr.; CH; CRN# 21277; TR, 11:00am-12:15pm;
MH 103; Diane Panozzo
HP 1161-05: Freshman Colloquium II; 3 cr.; CH; CRN# 21278; TR, 1:20-2:35pm; MH 103; Diane Panozzo
HP 1161-06: Freshman Colloquium II; 3 cr.; CH; CRN# 21279; MWF, 10:00-10:50am;
MH 103; Robert Torry
HP 1161-07: Freshman Colloquium II; 3 cr.; CH; CRN# 27759; TR, 11:00am-12:15pm;
AS 210; Clifford Marks
HP 1161-08: Freshman Colloquium II; 3 cr.; CH; CRN# 29316; TR, 1:20-2:35pm; HO 121B; Clifford Marks
HP 1161-20: Colloquium Discussion; CRN# 24241; T, 3:10-4:00pm; CR 302
All students in sections 1-8 must also sign up for the discussion section 20. The "discussion" section is actually a lecture for all students in HP 1161. The lecture is videotaped for those who have a time conflict, and copies may be checked out the following day from the Honors Office, 102 Merica Hall.

Spring 2010 Freshman Colloquium II Book List
 

Sophomore
2000-Level Non-Western Perspectives
Honors sophomores take one course each year, either fall or spring

Explores issues central to human experience from perspectives of non-western people. Topics vary from year to year. Prerequisites: sophomore standing and participation in UW Honors Program.

HP 2151-01: Foundations of Chinese Culture; 3 cr.; Humanities (CH), Global Awareness (G), A & S Non-Western; CRN# 21897, TR, 2:45-4:00pm; MH 103; Professor Barbara Logan 

China is both one of the world's oldest civilizations and one of the modern world's greatest economic powers. This single-semester course on the foundations of its culture is meant as a broad, but not comprehensive, introduction to some of the fascinating histories, traditions, and achievements of China from its earliest Neolithic settlements through to the end of its imperial history in the Qing dynasty. By studying examples of the archeology, architecture, science, technology, art, literature, religions, and philosophies of China's past, we will begin to piece together an understanding of the origins of the world view and culture that act to inform modern China. Class topics will include the "oracle bones" and funerary practices of China's earliest rulers; the concept of the "mandate of heaven" in early imperial China; the Great Wall and its role in Chinese history; the influence of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism on family and community life; the imperial exam system and bureaucracy; and the vast array of Chinese inventions that we still use today (paper, gunpowder, compasses, and seismographs to name just a few).
 

HP 2151-02:  Indian Short Story; 3 cr.; Global Awareness (G) (pending approval); CRN# 29396; TR, 11:00am-12:15pm; AS 226; Ms. Nina McConigley
HP 2151-03:  Indian Short Story; 3 cr.; Global Awareness (G) (pending approval); CRN# 29397; TR, 1:20pm-2:35pm; AS 226; Ms. Nina McConigley

In this class, students will focus on the form of the short story by writers of South Asian (Indian) descent. Using the lens of the short story, students will examine how these writers explore gender, class, religious, and other differences in India and beyond. Beginning with folktales and looking at writers from India (including works translated into English), students will examine a rich array of the Indian experience. Moving out from India, the class will look at the experiences of the migr, the Indian writer grappling with immigration and diaspora in countries like England, the United States, Trinidad and Tanzania.
 

HP 2153-01: Bali: Life and Art; 3 cr.; Arts (CA), Global Awareness (G), A & S Non-Western; CRN# 28091; M, 3:10-4:00pm; MH 103; F, 2:10-4:00pm; 1816 Willett Drive; Professor Rod Garnett

This class will offer experiences for learning about life in Bali and the wonderful music, dance, and various artistic forms that are so essential every day. Students will work under the excellent teaching of Balinese gamelan master I Made Lasmawan and dancer Luh Made Dwi Wahyuni in weekly sessions. In addition Professor Rod Garnett will assist the class with individual projects and guided readings. The class will perform Balinese music and dance in a public concert.
 

 Junior
3000-Level Modes of Understanding
Honors juniors take one course each year, either fall or spring

Introduces study of nature and grounds of knowledge, its limits and validity. Examines epistemological basis of selected areas of academic thought.
 

HP 3151-01: Medicine's Moving Pictures; 3 cr.; Humanities (CH) (pending approval); CRN# 24218; TR, 1:20-2:35pm; EN 2105; W, 6:00-9:00pm; CR 129; Professors Susan Aronstein and Donal Skinner

From classical Hollywood melodramas to contemporary thrillers, Dr. Kildare to House, directors and screenwriters have translated medicine to film. These films provide the public with medical "knowledge" and shape its response to diseases and disabilities. Furthermore, their use of Hollywood genres to narrate medical conditions plots these conditions into a larger narrative about Western culture. This class examines cinematic medical (mis)representations from both a scientific and a humanist perspective. Using medical texts and guest lectures by physicians and scientists, we will look at the science behind the "medical condition." Then, drawing on disability theory, film studies, and cultural history, we will analyze how the movie industry translates medicine into narrative. We will also ask if popular culture directs, inspires or undermines scientific inquiry.
 

HP 3152-01: Debating Processes of Globalization; 3 cr.; Global Awareness (G) (pending approval); CRN# 27865; W, 1:10-4:00pm; HI 259; Professor Amy Roberts

Globalization has become a familiar concept that characterizes the 21st century. Despite its familiarity, just what globalization is, and what it does, remains enigmatic. Globalization implies both diversity and unity, as it affects people at every level, from the local to the global. This course explores the growth of linkages across national boundaries, the global expansion of a market economy, and the rise of complex but integrated world societies. It attempts to make sense of the term globalization that has become an all-purpose catchword of contemporary debate. The course is interdisciplinary, combining perspectives from sociology, anthropology, political science, economics and philosophy to explore the meanings of globalization and its central processes and institutional structures. 
 

HP 3152-02: DNA in Society; 3 cr.; Social Sciences (CS); CRN# 29822; T, 6:30-9:15pm; MH 103; Professor Heather Rothfuss

Recommended for juniors or seniors

DNA Forensics, Genetic Sequencing, Genetically Modified Organisms, Stem Cell Research We hear these phrases daily in the news, movies and on television, but few people, including lawmakers, understand the technologies, their implications or applications. This course will discuss these controversial topics involving use of DNA technologies in our societies. The student is not expected to have a background in biology. Each topic and the underlying chemistry and biology will be discussed in depth. In addition, we will compare and contrast the information available about each topic from the standpoint of political, mass media, and scientific journal publications. The student can expect to learn the science behind these issues, and to explore their current and potential applications, good and bad. 
 

HP 3153-01: American Popular Music; 3 cr; Arts (CA) and Diversity (D) (pending approval); CRN # 29922; MWF, 11:00-11:50am; MH 103; Mr. Jeremy Weaver

This course will develop an understanding of how popular music, music artists, and the music industry interact with society. Students will be able to conceptualize this incredibly rich area of culture and social production and consumption. We will outline and explore a variety of topics related to these concepts and popular music: the development of "popular music" globally in its social and historical context; the relationship between music artists and the music industry yesterday and today; the socioeconomic and political statuses of the music artists; censorship; genres of music; the implications of technology and music; and finally, the politics of musical representation. 
 

Senior
4000-Level Senior Seminar
Honors seniors take one course each year, either fall or spring

Asks students to confront a complex social issue, examine it from several perspectives and take a stance on some aspect of the issue. Topics vary year to year.
 

HP 4151-01: There's More to Food Than Eating; 3 cr.; Humanities (CH) and Diversity (D) (pending approval); CRN# 29398; T, 6:10-9:00pm; CR 115; Professor David Romtvedt

This class is an interdisciplinary introduction to the study of food as an expression of values, social relations, and artistic sensibilities in the United States. It is part social science, part humanities, and part art. We'll think about food in broad historical, geographic, and social contexts, as well as in terms of personal experience. For spring 2010, the course will look at five North American communitiesTexas-Mexican, African-American, Cajun/Creole, Italian American, and American Indian. 
 

HP 4152-01: Nanotechnology, 3 cr.; Social Sciences (CS); CRN# 29823; R, 6:30-9:15pm; MH 103; Professor Christopher Rothfuss

Cancer cures, space elevators, quantum computers and stain resistant ties... nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is the control, manipulation and fabrication of matter at the molecular scale about 1 to 100 nanometers to take advantage of unique physical phenomena that will enable many new and exciting applications.   It is estimated that by the year 2015 nanotechnology enabled goods and services will account for over $1 trillion in the global marketplace.  The U.S. Federal Government invests $1 billion per year on nanotechnology research and development through the National Nanotechnology Initiative.  Nanotechnology is seen by many as the next great technological revolution. So what does all that mean?  What will nanotechnology do for me?   How will it influence the world of the future?  What research is being done today? This course will take a broad look at the development of nanotechnology; including the history, the science, the applications, the social and political impacts, and how it will influence our future. All majors and disciplines are welcome!
 

HP 4152-02: Society, Space and the Future, 3 cr.; Social Sciences (CS) (pending approval); CRN# 29950; TR, 4:20-5:35pm; MH 103; Mr. Jeremy Weaver

This course will examine how the current social condition interacts with questions concerning the future of society and the debate over the continuation of space travel. Discussion will involve both real and potentially real issues concerning what society could look like through the lenses of science fiction, critical issues concerning the space program and historical experience. All will contribute to the exploration of the "human social condition" and what this concept potentially means for future generations. We will outline and explore the role of space exploration including the history, social and political impacts and how it will influence the future of society. 
 

Last Updated on 11/16/2009 11:32:30 AM