USI Honors
Program
Course Component Ideas
Honors components
have been added to courses in the following areas. Click on any
given subject area to view the courses and components which have been
completed for Honors credit.
Accounting
Art
Biology
Communication
Criminology
Economics
Education
English
French
Geology
German
History
Humanities
Liberal Arts Capstone
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Technology
Military Science
Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Philosophy
Physical Education
Political Science
Psychology
Radiologic and Imaging
Sciences
Social Work
Sociology
Spanish
Theatre
University Division
Accounting:
- Acct 202
Accounting Principles
II
- Calculate financial ratios for a local firm
and interpret how well the company is doing based on financial
analysis. Provide recommendations for the future success of this
company. Maintain a portfolio of all information gathered during
company visits, compile the financial statement analysis and
interpretation into a report, and give a short presentation of the
outcome to the class.
- Evaluate the development of the International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) enacted by the International
Accounting Standards Board, the impact of European Union Regulation
on companies, countries, and capital markets, and the process of
convergence of IFRS with U.S. GAAP. Present the findings.
Art:
- Art 361
Printmaking I
- Create a series of prints to be donated to the
USI permanent collection. Maintain a common theme for the prints,
inspired from a life occurrence. Include an essay explanation of
the prints as part of the project.
Biology:
- Biol 221
Introduction to
Etymology
- Develop a laboratory exercise for the course
based on one or more previously published experiments. The exercise
should focus on the growth and/or communication of insects. After
the exercise is drafted, conduct the experiment and create a lab
report for the results.
- Biol 251
Environmental
Conservation
- First, report on an article in a scientific
journal that provides a study into the effect of chemicals on
humans. Complete a two-page paper summarizing the study, giving
perspective on how the findings are applicable to human and
environmental health, and describing realistic actions which could
be taken to reduce this threat. Second, read “Ishmael” by Daniel
Quinn. Write a two-page paper on how the story may have provoked
you to analyze the ways and beliefs of man. Last, under the
instructor’s approval, volunteer for a community environmental
service for two hours or more.
- Write a four-page paper discussing the history
of Earth Day. Describe how the event is planned and executed.
Attend Earth Day services on April 22nd and participate in
activities deemed necessary by the instructor.
- Biol 282
Heredity and Society
- Research various topics relating to Human
Genetics and Heredity, such as the Human Genome Project,
contemporary genetic counseling, and "Genetic Genealogy." Produce a
portfolio of the research and a summary of the findings.
- Biol 492
Special Problems
- Write a successful RISC grant and present your
research at the USI RISC Showcase Poster Session.
Communication:
- Cmst 101
Introduction to
Public Speaking
- Create a presentation documenting the progress
and goals of a community foundation. Interview a minimum of three
persons involved with or affected by the foundation. Film each
interview. Gather other information about the foundation, and
include this information in the presentation. Edit and publish the
end result as a news report.
- Complete two extra 10-15 minute speeches in
addition to regular speeches assigned in class. One of the two will
be a persuasion speech in which you take the opposite view of your
own, and the other will be a speech to inform the audience of recent
news in the world.
- Engage in a student-directed, faculty guided
research project to be place on display in a local venue. This
project, an example of visual rhetoric, will provide a designated
audience with more in-depth information regarding a topic of
interest to the student. The display will be accompanied by an
oral presentation.
- Cmst 107
Introduction to
Interpersonal Communication
- In a group, select a behavior to study
observationally. Create and publish, as a group, an analysis of
your findings in the form of a paper (approximately 20 pages). The
analysis should include a cover page, the hypothesis, the research
method, data analysis, discussion of the results, a bibliography
page, and a description of individual contributions to the group.
- Conduct outside-of-class interviews and share
the experiences with the class. Write a paper/report for each
interview conducted. Second, volunteer in the community for a set
number of hours per week throughout the semester, forming a
friendship with at least one individual. Complete a journal
tracking the progress.
Criminology:
- Crim 141
Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Visit a correctional facility for a 2-3 hour
tour. Write an 8-page reflective essay on the experience.
The paper will be evaluated based on mechanics (MLA format) as well
as coverage of the following topics: relation of the experience to
the classroom and text; description of "characters" involved
(corrections officers, administration, prisoners, support staff,
visitors); and personal opinion of how productive the system is.
Discuss with instructor how your opinions and and experience compare
and contrast to those of the instructor.
Economics:
- Econ 208
Microeconomic
Principles
- Select two different mutual funds and obtain a
prospectus for each. Create an Excel spreadsheet, enter the rate
each of your mutual funds has earned for the past 30 years, and then
select three different dollar amounts to be saved each year.
Calculate the accumulated financial assets over a thirty-year
period, and then over a fifteen-year period. Analyze the results,
and then draft advice you would give to a young college graduate who
wishes to save the same amount over fifteen years instead of thirty.
- Investigate the economic implications, for the
music industry, after the development of media-sharing systems.
Produce a paper reporting the technological advancements which made
the sharing possible and analyze the economic consequences of the
development.
- Choose a dividend-paying publicly traded
company. Complete a research paper and presentation to the
class. Paper may include topics such as how supply of and
demand for the company's products or services correlates with
earnings and/or stock price and the steps the company has taken to
improve its business. Suggest ways the company might further improve
its business.
- Econ 241
Global Economic
Issues
- Complete a formal research paper on a broad
number of aspects on a single global economics issue. For example,
expand on the global economics issues involved with HIV by including
the aspects relating to biology and medicine. Include various
approaches to the background of the issue, current issues
surrounding the topic, and proposals to ease the problem.
- Complete a paper that examines the recent
history of trade between U.S. and South Korea and attempts to
explain the 'structural break' in the trade pattern that emerges
around the year 2000.
Education:
- Educ 201
Educational
Psychology
- Participate in a philanthropic activity to
gain interaction with children and adolescents outside the
classroom. Select a community-based organization, such as Big
Brothers/Big Sisters, United Way, etc. Relate in a two-page paper
how working with that organization will assist them professionally,
contact the organization and schedule an interview, and provide at
least 18 hours of community service to that organization over the
course of the semester. Throughout the course, submit five two-page
reflection papers to review and apply relevant learning theories to
volunteering experiences.
- Educ 242
Growth and
Development of the Young Child
- Conduct a research project that would be
beneficial to the parents at the USI Childcare Center. This project
should attempt to answer concerns or questions parents might have
concerning the development of their children, aged 2-5. The
information should be presented in a notebook fashion including
websites, books, or pamphlets parents could consult to find answers
to their concerns.
- Educ 243
Children’s Literature
- Work with an ESVC elementary school to help
coordinate activities for March 2, Dr. Seuss Day, a national reading
day. Create a brochure about Dr. Seuss’s books and the activities
planned for the day. The brochure should be geared toward parents
and teachers as an informational tool.
- Educ 294
Foundations of
Education
- Read an approved book (for example, Images
of Schoolteachers in Twentieth-Century America by P. Joseph and
G. Burnaford, eds.), and prepare a 75-minute presentation about how
teachers are portrayed in popular culture.
- Educ 302
Multicultural Education
- Actively participate in the Student Education
Association (SEA), and research and stay updated on the ISEA
Outreach to Teach project. Inform SEA members about and seek
volunteers for Outreach.
- Educ 304
Introduction to
Middle Level Teaching
- Research the effects of poverty in the
classroom, develop a lesson plan based on the findings, and give a
30-minute presentation to the class on the topic.
- Develop a lesson relating to creative
learning, teach the lesson to two grade levels, and compare the
grade levels in a teaching reflection. In making the comparisons,
record ideas for how to improve the lesson in the future.
- Educ 306
Introduction
to Exceptional Needs
- Research fifteen exceptional needs in
education topics. Find two sources for each topic. Organize the
list of topics, key research findings from each topic, and sources
on a paper to be handed in.
- Educ 343
Children's Literature
- Assist in the planning and facilitation of a
program performed by an elementary school class.
- Educ 378
Reading and Language Arts in Elementary School
- Test the level of proficiency of students'
reading by using the Rigby PM Leveling System.
- Educ 397
Developmental
Literacy
- Be an adult chaperone for an overnight camping
trip with a local school. Create a photojournal of the trip, with
captions, to describe the experiences. Donate the photojournal,
after presenting it to the class, to the elementary school.
- Educ 398
Balanced Reading
Strategies and Practices
- Observe a variety of classrooms of different
grade levels to monitor how Literacy Across the Curriculum is
implemented in all subject area. Interview teachers on their
feelings of the program and its success, and interview students on
their feelings about reading and writing in every subject.
Implement the findings into a lesson plan, and complete a summary of
the observations and interviews.
- Educ 448
Synthesis Seminar in Secondary Teaching
- Complete a professional website with a resume
and other important information.
English:
- Eng 101
Introduction to
Rhetoric and Composition
- Choose a field of research based on the
subject matter in chapter 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 in Searching for
Great Ideas. Decide on three broad questions regarding the
topic to answer. Write a five-page position paper on the topic, and
give a five-to-ten minute oral presentation defending your
conclusions.
- Design a fun and stimulating activity for
children. Volunteer at a day care to gather information about what
children would want or need. Complete the project, and offer the
activity to the place the volunteer work was completed.
- Volunteer at a shelter for physical or
emotional abuse. Help to promote the shelter, or help with any
activities the shelter is sponsoring. Record the experiences in a
journal, including activities as well as time spent volunteering.
- Organize a letter-writing service which allows
children here to become pen pals with children in another area of
the country or world. Keep a journal of the progress, and write a
reaction paper to the experience, outlining the steps in the project
and any elements you would change.
- Eng 105
Introduction to
Literature
- Read a literary work of fiction suggested by
the instructor (for example, The Awakening by Kate Chopin.
Write an analysis of the work, discussing the various aspects of
literature including theme, plot, symbolism, setting, and
characters. Also, create a presentation based off the paper using
visual aids.
- Volunteer at a local library, and do
activities with the children who attend. Keep a record of hours
spent, and activities completed. Activity examples include reading
to the children, teaching them about sites they can use on the
internet, and helping the children with homework.
- Read the play “Othello.” Then watch a
production of Shakespeare’s “Othello” and the recently released film
“O.” Complete a paper with a minimum of three pages comparing both
the drama and the two videos. After the paper is complete, present
your findings orally to the class.
- Research a poet discussed in class and give an
oral report on his/her life and work.
- Eng 201
Rhetoric and
Composition II: Argumentation
- Create a project highlighting a persuasive
tactic used in the real world. For example, research subliminal
messages in advertising, study its effects on daily routines, and
present your findings in both written and presentation form.
- Work in a group to prepare an “issues”
booklet, showcasing different viewpoints on a single topic of your
choice. The booklet should resemble those used in Honors 101.
- Research the area of “nonacademic” writing in
the workplace. Complete a research proposal to the instructor, do
primary and statistical research gathering, conduct interviews,
gather all your results together for a final product to be turned
in.
- Volunteer at a local children’s organization,
such as the Hillcrest Home. Choose a topic to teach to the
children, and design activities to further understanding. Engage
the children in activities, and keep track of the time spent and
activities completed.
- Work in a team to produce a persuasive
research paper that represents two approaches and/or solutions to a
controversial local or campus issue.
- Expand on the research paper assigned to the
class, extending it to 8-10 pages rather than 5 pages.
- Eng 255
British
Literary History
- Write an expanded version of the final
research paper (minimum 9-pages) and give a short (5-10 minute) but
detailed presentation to the class on the scholarship found and how
it contributes to the readers' understanding or appreciation of the
text.
- In addition to the final paper assigned to the
class, choose one of the following options: write a 4-5 page
argument on poetry, literature, art or criticism/scholarship, using
Wordsworth, Shelley, Ruskin, or Wilde as your models; write a
collection of poetry including 4-7 poems imitating, parodying, or
modeling different poetic styles you've studied during the semester;
collect 6-8 scholarly articles and write 2-3 sentence annotations
for each that summarize and evaluate the article's main argument;
prepare a 15-20 minute lesson and present it to the class; or write
a quiz of 10 or 11 questions and explain in a short paragraph why
you've chosen each question.
- Eng 265
Survey of
American Lit History
- Design a pamphlet or manual for use in the
University's Career Services Office. Shadow both an academic and a
public librarian to find out more about library science and outline
your observations in a document that will enable future students to
make career decisions more easily.
- Eng 285
Introduction to Film
- Interview a person who was of movie-going age
during the period of World War II to 1952. Record the interview,
either audibly or visually. The topics to include in the interview
should center on personal recollections of attending the movies in
that time. Then type up a personal response to the interview,
summarizing history learned from the interview as well as personal
reactions to the interview itself.
- Research and assemble a mailing list of
distributors that are potential sources for 35mm film rentals, as
35mm prints of older films are increasingly hard to find. Write and
mail off letters of inquiry asking for more information, titles
available, prices, rental policies, and any further potential
sources for 35mm film rentals. Collect and collate the results in
notebook form to present to the instructor for use in planning
future classes and the “Friday Night in the Forum” film series.
- Eng 302
Introduction to
Creative Writing
- Write a five-page paper on the life and
selected works of a contemporary American poet or fiction writer.
- Give an oral report on the life and selected
works of a contemporary American poet or fiction writer.
- Work with the instructor in the hopes of
publishing your own creative work. Write your own short story,
poetry, novel, etc., and then allow the instructor to give
constructive criticism on various points which need development.
- Research and give two short presentations
(5-10 minutes long) to the class about authors whose work you read
about during the semester. The presentations should
include biographical information about the author and may include
short samples of other writings by the author the student finds
particularly relevant. Additionally the student will choose to
either complete a short story, poem revisions, or a dated journal
with a least one page of creative writing work per week of the
course.
- Eng 313
Introduction to Linguistics
- Conduct a study based loosely on the work of
Eleanor Rosh and S. L. Armstrong to determine whether and how
prototypes are similar or different across languages. Complete
an additional 5-page research paper over the results of the study
comparing the applications of prototype theory in English and
Spanish. Report the results and speculate on their meaning,
and present the findings in class.
- Eng 330
Ethnic Literature in
America
- Using the true background of a historical
ethnic figure in the United States, create a project about this
figure and two generations afterward. Consider producing
“artifacts” from the person’s life. These “artifacts” may include
diaries, marriage contracts, letters, photos, etc.
- Eng 402
Advanced Creative
Writing
- Edit and reproduce a collection of all the
creative writing exercises generated by the class. Distribute the
collection to class members by the last week of class.
French:
- Fren 203
Intermediate French I
- Study five French poems and five song lyrics
from different historical periods that reflect changing cultural
patterns. Compare and contrast these works by examining the effects
of the era and various historical events on the lyrics, style, etc.
Write a one-page commentary on each work and a paper that reflects
the cultural implications of the works studied, which is four-to
five-page is length. Present these findings.
- Study Eugene Ionesco's one-act play Le
Maitre. Memorize at least one scene and present it to an
audience of French students.
- Fren 204
Intermediate French II
- Read and watch a video of an approved French
play, such as Huis clos by Jean-Paul Sartre. Write a paper
over the play and discuss the play with the class in French.
- Fren 303
Contemporary French
Culture
- Become an expert on the main issues in French
social life and politics. Read the newspaper Le Monde (or another
French news outlet), and select articles that pertain to issues of
interest. Develop a list of these issues and keep track of their
development. Keep a journal of the progress, and turn in a
portfolio of the articles. Give an oral presentation of the issues
upon completion of the project.
Geology:
- Geol 115
Landscapes
and Geology of North America
- Research one of the many popular national
parks of the United States and present your information in a
research paper including geological concepts from class material.
- Geol 161
Physical Geology
- Create a series of artwork using minerals.
Explore area nature preserves until you find something interesting
to photograph. Draw the image, research which minerals known to be
in the Evansville area, collect or order the minerals, powder the
minerals for use as pigments, and use the pigments to color the
drawing.
German:
- Germ 203
Intermediate
German 1
- Complete a final project on Erica Kastner, a
German author who lived and tried to publish during the Nazi era.
History:
- Hist111
World
Civilizations to 1500
- Complete a research paper no less than eight
pages that compares and contrasts one cultural element from two
different civilizations. These civilizations must be separated
by chronology and geography.
- Hist112
World
Civilizations II
- Read two approved historical books pertaining
to a topic discussed in class. Prove comprehension of the books by
completing two book reviews.
- Hist308
US History
since 1945
- Write an 8-10 page paper concerning the
effects and history of the Marshall Plan within the confines of the
history of the United States.
- Hist311
History of
Women and Gender in America
- In addition to other course requirements,
complete a 10-page minimum term paper on a topic of your choice
approved by the instructor.
- Hist341
Ancient
Greece to Alexander
- Determine the direction(s) in which scholars
currently approach the study of Classical Athens by analyzing R.
Mieggs' The Athenian Empire (Oxford 1972). Following
this phase of the project, focus on one scholar in order to
ascertain the current state of scholarship within this field.
Submit a ten-page paper at the end of the semester in which you
assess the current trends and approaches toward Athenian history of
the 5th century B.C.
- Hist 342
The Hellenistic Age
- Read two books of the age under the suggestion
of the instructor. Write an analytical paper over one of the books
or contrasting the two. Also, a discussion of the books with the
instructor will be expected.
- Read Ferguson's Hellenistic Athens and
Habicht's Athens from Alexander to Antony. Write a
paper (minimum ten pages) in which you describe some of the sources
unavailable to Ferguson and how Habicht has utilized them to reshape
historians' understanding of the subject.
- Hist 343
Roman Republic
- Read a number of political speeches from this
time period (for example-those by Cicero). Analyze the speeches
from a political and legal perspective. Compare and contrast the
content and ideas from that time period with America’s government
today.
- Read works two works by Erich Gruen, one
discussing the acquisition of the Roman Empire and the other its
ultimate fall. Write a four-page analysis on each book, explaining
Gruen's thesis concerning each question. Cite and discuss examples
the author uses to support his conclusions, and evaluate his use of
that evidence.
- Hist 344
Roman Empire
- Gain an appreciation of modern historiography
by reading R. Syme's Roman Revolution (Oxford 1939) and place
the work into the modern historiographical tradition. Write a paper
of ten pages minimum explaining Syme's thesis and its significance.
Discuss the influence his work has had on subsequent scholarship.
- Hist 392
History of Japan
- Prepare an additional 10-15 page paper and
presentation to he class on the topic of "Vilification and
Glorification of Japan in Hollywood", detailing the circumstances
surrounding the vilification of Japan during WWII and the 1950s, to
the glorification of the country now seen today in films such as
Memoirs of a Geisha and The Last Samurai.
Humanities:
- Hum 211
The Western Tradition
in the Humanities I
- Read one extra book not assigned in the class
and approved by the instructor. Write six commentaries over the
book throughout various stages of reading.
- Read six different letters written by Abelard
and Heloise. Write commentaries over each letter, and write one
final commentary summarizing your final impressions.
- Read The Iliad, The Odyssey, and
The Aeneid. Submit a ten-page essay addressing the
similarities and differences in characters, in style, in
methodology, and rhetorical devices employed between each epic.
- Hum 221
The Western Tradition
in Art History I
- Research funerary art and architecture in
Southern Indiana, concentrating on Evansville. Compare this
region’s funerary art and architecture with that of other cultures
covered in Hum 221.
- Go to a historical architectural site in
Evansville or surrounding areas, such as Angel Mounds. Gather
information about the site and its history. Make sketches of the
site, collect literature, take notes, and ask questions of
caretakers, etc. Collect and research books which have to do with
the history of the people who created the site. Finally, compare
the historical and artistic significance with architectural sites
formed today.
- Investigate the issues surrounding an issue
such as Native American artifact reburial. Record, in both written
and electronic form, the findings. Submit abstracts of the papers
for the USI Honors Conference, held in April, and then present the
papers at the conference.
- Locate and document by video architectural
monuments in Evansville. Record the exact locations of each
monument, and document the monument completely, with shots of the
surrounding area, the entire monument, and details. Cite if the
monument is an example of any structural systems discussed in
class. State both the historical and local purpose of the
monument. Finally, submit both visual and written documentation of
the research, and present the material to the class.
- Hum 222
The Western Tradition
in Art History II
- Complete a research project on the mural
stylings of a specific ethnic group. Trace the content and social
role of the changing murals through recent history. Contact a
contemporary muralist in the area being studied. Finally, gather
all research into a report or project.
- Analyze the old courthouse in Evansville in
terms of its aesthetic characteristics and principles. Discuss how
the monument derives from historical models discussed in class in
terms of purpose, style, composition, or decoration. Give examples
of the details of the monument to support your discussion. Finally,
obtain/make slides to present the results of the research to the
class.
- Locate, discuss, and document significant
examples of stained glass in ecclesiastical and secular
architectural monuments in Evansville. Write an essay explaining
the cultural values and stylistic characteristics of the different
geographic regions of the Baroque period. Last, select works of art
from the Evansville Museum and identify how they relate to concepts
covered in class. Consolidate all works and projects into a
portfolio.
- Complete a critical comparison of two artists
of Western influence. Examine the methods and subject of the
artists, explaining the differences and similarities in the works of
the two artists. Organize a presentation on the material, using
visual aides such as slides.
- Hum 242
The Western Tradition
in Literature II
- Meet with your group once a month (four
times), and attend an event related to humanities. For example,
watch and discuss a movie relating to class topics, visit a museum,
attend a USI theatre presentation, etc. Write a reaction paper to
each outing outlining the activity and the discussion which
followed. Also, complete a project over one course component of
interest. Research and study one aspect of the component, and
develop an instructional unit that would benefit your classmates or
a high school classroom. Hand in a portfolio of all works at the
end of the semester.
Liberal Arts Capstone
- Liba 497
Mass Media & Society
- Complete an 8-10 page paper on The Twilight
of the American Culture by Morris Berman. Offer a summary of
Berman’s main points and a thoughtful critique of the same points
with particular emphasis on the role of mass media in creating the
“twilight” and what the mass media could do to prevent the
“twilight” from turning into darkness.
- Give an informative presentation on
controversial topics in film media and how the MPAA, film industry,
and directors are attempting to appease complaints and clarify
content ratings.
- Liba 497
Psyche in Literature
- Research Lolita and present five different
ways that the text can be viewed. The presentation should be at
least 30 minutes long. In addition, any assigned papers should be
more extensive in length (two extra pages per paper).
- Liba 497
Women, Art, and
Society
- Examine three standard art history textbooks
and analyze how often and to what extent the authors consider issues
of gender in the visual arts. Study and compare the total number of
women artists versus men artists appearing with works in the books.
Also look at the extent the authors address the institutional
limitations cultures have placed on the creativity of women or the
contributions by women to culture at all. Submit a paper reporting
the findings, making sure to concentrate on certain areas of
interest and on how women are depicted in the artwork itself.
- Liba 497
Literary Perceptions in America
- Locate newspaper articles (especially from the
New York Times) reporting significant events in Latin America
occurring throughout the current semester. The articles will
be compiled and organized as a digital file so that professors may
easily find and print information relating to their classes.
- Liba 497
Perspectives on Humor
- Create ten to twelve statements that capture
some of the material related to humor and laughter (theories of
humor, biological basis of humor, frequency of laughter, health
benefits of laughter and humor.) Such statements are often
found in the popular literature and in presentations intended for
general audiences; however, the basis for such statements are not
often identified. This project will focus on supplying the
data to support or refute such popular statements.
Consequently, it involves an examination of the literature in a
number of fields, including biology, psychology, education, and
health.
- Develop a collection of cartoons on a specific
topic (e.g., gender differences, mental health, political humor) or
several related topics from a single source (e.g., the New Yorker)
or a collection of sources. Categorize the cartoons based on
their characteristics, and include a commentary on the trends across
time and an analysis of the cartoons for several relevant
perspectives (e.g., theoretical basis of humor, target humor vs.
non-targeted humor).
- Liba 497
Alchemy, Magic
- Complete a minimum 10-page additional research
paper that is based upon subject matter within the class.
Preliminary interests include quantitative and qualitative research
on the effects of prayer and other spiritual practices on the health
of ill persons.
Mathematics:
- Math 215
Survey of
Calculus
- Assist fellow Math 215 students by offering a
minimum of 10 hours of help sessions. Provide a brief critique of
each session, including both the positive and negative aspects of
the sessions and how the sessions can be improved.
- Math 492
History of
Mathematics
- Coordinate a WebQuest, which engages 6th, 7th,
and 8th grade students in challenging mathematics and in the
understanding of the history of mathematics. After completing a
template for the WebQuest, use Microsoft FrontPage to transform the
template into html format. This WebQuest will be made available to
current middle school teachers. Write a one to two page reflection
on this project.
Mechanical Engineering
Technology:
- Met 321
Engines in Everyday
Life
- Prepare a term paper dealing with the pros and
cons of an approved relevant issue. Definition of issue for
investigation should be accomplished by mid-October. A presentation
dealing with this material is to be completed in front of the
class. Also, prepare and officially document additions and/or
expansions to the text content in at least two areas of interest.
Military
Science:
- MS 242
U.S. Military History
II
- Submit a written proposal that provides a list
of materials which would support both MS 241 and MS 242 classes,
given a budget of $1500. Analyze and evaluate material in order to
ensure relevance to subjects and topics outlined in each course’s
syllabi. The materials must sum to under budget and support a broad
range of subjects within the course material.
Nursing:
- Nurs 231
Foundations of Nursing
for Children and Adults
- Observe endoscopy procedures at a local
hospital for four hours. Conduct a personal interview with one or
more endoscopy nurses to gain insight into their field of nursing.
Research the endoscopy procedure and its use and write a five to
seven page paper over the findings. Present what has been learned
about endoscopy through this observation/interview/research process.
Occupational Therapy:
- OT 498
Professional
Fieldwork B
- Under Janet Kilbane, complete a number of
self-assessments and projects. These projects include the Initial
Reflective Self-Evaluation and the Professional Development Plan,
ten acceptable Professional Growth Reflective Journal entries, as
well as the Reflective Self-Reevaluation and the Professional
Developmental Plan Outcome Summary. Achievement of at least 95% is
required on the three scales of performance, judgment, and attitude
of the Fieldwork Performance Evaluation.
Physical Education:
- PED 281
Personal Health Science
- Select a research topic (Healthy Aging, Organ
Donation, or College Students and Sexually Transmitted Diseases).
Research and present a written report about the topic and select a
service learning experience related to the topic in which to
participate. Conduct group discussion for the class concerning
research, service project and conclusions and observations.
Student will be assessed on the research paper summary, research
paper, service project summary, and class presentation.
Philosophy:
- Phil 200
Introduction to Philosophy
- Work in pairs of teaching teams to plan and
deliver a course topic . Include an explanation of the terms,
issues, and readings and the leading of class discussion through
questions or group exercises. Turn in an outline of your
presentation along with a 1 to 2 page summary of what you will
discuss and your objectives for the class period.
- Read the book Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in A
World of Strangers by Kwame Anthony Appiah (2006), watch the
film Do The Right Thing, and watch an episode of the TV show
30 Days. Discuss the ideas presented in a 5-page paper
and develop a presentation on cosmopolitan ethics.
- Phil 201
Introduction to
Ethics
- This honors component, under Dr. Sullivan’s
direction, has three parts. First, write a 5-6 page critical essay
contrasting and evaluating Immanuel Kant’s position on the treatment
of animals with the position of Peter Singer. Second, draft and
send a letter of two or more paragraphs to the local or campus paper
addressing an ethical issue. Last, participate in a group debate or
presentation on the topic of white privilege (or other approved
topic).
- Research and write a 6-8 page paper about an
ethical issue not covered in class. Review arguments for and
against the issue, and hypothesize the potential outcomes of each
suggested solution. Finally, choose a side and make suggestions
which will improve your side’s chance for success.
- Work in pairs of teaching teams to plan and
deliver a course topic (either racism, abortion, the environment, or
cloning). Include an explanation of the terms, issues, and
readings and the leading of class discussion through questions or
group exercises. Turn in an outline of your presentation along with
a 1 to 2 page summary of what you will discuss and your objectives
for the class period.
Political Science:
- Pols 299
Special Topics in
Political Science: The United Nations
- Read sections of Model U.N. that
explain how to participate in a model United Nations. Discuss your
observations with the instructor, or write a paper outlining your
observations. Second, prepare a delegate portfolio based on the USI
country assignment received from the Model U.N. organization. This
portfolio should include information secured from the Permanent
Mission of the assigned country.
Psychology:
- Psy 201
Introduction to
Psychology
- Complete a journal of reactions to everyday
events and how they relate to psychology. Second, identify a
psychological question or issue of interest, create a hypothesis
about the issue, and then research and prepare a literary review on
the subject either supporting or refuting your hypothesis.
- Visit a psychological institution or museum,
noting principles and concepts you observe. Complete a paper
summarizing your experiences and tying in past research findings.
- Plan and conduct your own APPROVED research
study. If not possible, participate in another student’s research
and write a paper outlining how the experience affected you as well
as noting past research findings on the topic.
- Attend community meetings and find a topic for
research. Make community contacts to aid you in the research,
complete a literary review for background information, help create
survey questions, collect and analyze data, and write a final report
of the findings. Also, be prepared to give a presentation for the
class or for the Honors conference.
- Assist in a psychology lab with an ongoing
research project and write a reaction paper indicating what you
learned from the experience and how it relates to psychology in
general.
Radiologic and
Imaging Sciences:
- RadT 218
Radiographic Procedures
- Conduct a study on trauma radiographic
positioning of the head an neck in emergency situations.
Describe the correct positioning of a patient who is restrained or
who cannot be moved due to traumatic injury. Describe the
correct positioning for a patient who has not sustained a traumatic
injury and the explain the modification required for a patient with
a traumatic injury. Present the study to the class.
- RadT 301
Sectional Anatomy
- Collect computed tomography and magnetic
resonance images from observed cases and discarded images at St.
Mary's Medical Center as well as from the film library in the
Radiologic Technology classroom. Determine the section of the
body that was imaged by studying the anatomy visualized.
Determine if the study was normal or pathological. If the
study contains pathology, determine the type of pathology.
Label each film by anatomy visualized and the presence or absence of
pathology and organize the films into a film library.
- RadT 382
Radiographic Quality Control
- Complete a quality control project for St.
Mary's Medical center. Check PACS (picture archiving and
communication system) to ensure that the emergency room physicians
are utilizing Jot Pad for emergency room patients during hours that
a radiologist is not present. Present the data to the
radiologists, PACS manager, and the head of the emergency room.
Information about future goals and expectations should be included,
as well as an explanation of the importance of quality control in
that situation.
- RadT 425
Radiographic Technique
- After identifying a pathological condition in
a patient, obtain the CT and diagnostic radiographs from that
patient. Present the CT and diagnostic radiographs in a
streamed lecture. Explain the pathology and compare the two
modalities in terms of ability to image the pathology.
Social Work:
- SocW 412
Integrative Seminar
- Complete a paper describing experiences in
field internships and how the experiences impacted personal and
professional growth. Explain how the education received in the
bachelor of social work program and personal values and experiences
were integrated into the field internships. Present an oral
summarization of the paper to the class.
Sociology:
- Soc 121
Principles of Sociology
- Construct and execute a survey concerning the disciplining of
children. Formulate a hypothesis, conduct additional research,
and complete a report of the findings.
- Evaluate a magazine advertisement and discuss it in terms of
different sociological theories learned in class. Write a paper
no less than three pages long discussing the advertisement, what topic
it relates to, and why.
- Soc 370
Social Construction of
Drugs
- Complete a 24-30 page formal essay depicting
an area of interest covered in the course’s content. Expand on the
text material, and form a conviction about the topic, addressing the
views in the paper.
Spanish:
- Span 102
Elementary Spanish II
- Read an article in a Spanish magazine, and
present your findings in speech format to the class. The speech
should cover at least ten minutes.
- Prepare a 20-30 minute group presentation
about a Spanish speaking country covering topics such as language,
culture, traditions, and holidays.
- Span 203
Spanish Review
- Watch a series of Spanish films. These films
could be for educational or entertainment purposes, depending on
what the instructor approves. Analyze the plot, characters, and
main ideas from each film in the light of Spanish culture. Progress
throughout the project is to be documented in a journal, written in
Spanish.
- Read a number of Spanish books, essays, or
news reports. Write, in Spanish, summaries of the material.
Incorporate a theme into the choice of material, and prepare a paper
explaining how the material fits the theme. Progress throughout the
project is to be documented in a journal, written in Spanish.
- Explore Latin American Folk and popular music.
Conduct research in local libraries, internet sites, and local music
stores. Find information about the origins, characteristics,
and outstanding interpreters of the musical traditions of their
choice. In addition, select a listing of possible DVD
purchases to enrich the USI library. Submit a paper in Spanish
on their findings to instructor and present them to the class using
visual elements, music samples, and a handout.
- Write a summary of the Golden Age of Spain in
the 17th century with emphasis on the life and works of one of its
greatest artists, Diego de la Velasquez.
- Conduct an interview in Spanish speakers in
the area about the Hispanic presence in the State of Indiana.
- Span 204
Readings and Discussion
of Contemporary Problems of the Spanish World
- Mentor and tutor a Spanish-speaking child at a
local elementary school. Keep a journal, written in Spanish, of
daily activities and the student’s progress integrating into an
English-speaking community. (This project has also been done for
Spanish 203.)
- Complete a study of Spanish and
Spanish-American short stories. Read six short stories and do a
character analysis for each, also written in Spanish.
- Span 456
Don
Quixote
- Read the original version of the novel Don
Quixote de la Mancha, and discuss the novel with other students
and with the instructor. Complete an essay of at least four
pages explaining why this novel is considered a classic and how it
can be applied to people around the world during any time period.
The paper will also relate how the novel describes the human
experience and how everyone can relate to the principal characters
in the story.
Theatre:
- Thtr 321
Scene Design I
- Choose a play, and analyze the script to
determine ideas for a theme. Write a concept statement, and do
research on the time period, style, and location relative to the
piece. Draw a rough sketch of the set, make a ½” scale ground plan,
make a color prospective drawing of the set, and make detail
drawings. Finally, build a ¼” scale set for the chosen play.
University
Division:
- Univ 102
Learning Communities Seminar II
- Job shadow in chosen field for 5-6 hours.
Describe the project, dates, methods of evaluation, and objectives.
Present your information to the class.
USI Honors Program
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