The Honors Curriculum

Please read carefully...
The following Honors courses are being offered during the spring 2010 semester. Enrollment is by permit only. Permits will be available on or after Monday, October 19, 2009 on a first-come, first-served basis. To obtain a permit for an Honors course, please send an email to honors@wpunj.edu, and include your name, 855 number, and the name of the Honors class(es) you would like to enroll in for the spring. If you have questions or concerns, please call Jan at 973.720.3657.

COMM 101 - Introduction to Theatre – J. Beal – F, 11:00 - 1:40
A wide-ranging and free-wheeling look at theatre in all its aspects from all sides- script, staging, performing, watching, directing, technical work, historical, contemporary, dramatic, comedic, musical.
In short, we try to answer these questions: what is theatre, and why should we care?

ARTH 101- Approaches to Western Art – M. Williams – TR, 3:30-4:45
A study of the major movements, individuals and issues in visual art, from its origins in the cave paintings of Altamira and Lascaux through its continuation into the present. The course emphasizes the acquisition of visual literacy in “reading,” analyzing and understanding art. Opportunities to view and interact with original art are emphasized, along with the development of student writing skills.

ENG 150 – Introduction to Literature – S. Fisher – MW, 3:30 – 4:45
This course gives students a sense of a literary tradition unfolding across time in the genres of poetry, drama, essay and fiction.

ENG 150 – Introduction to Literature – B. O’Broin – MW, 11:00 – 12:15
This course gives students a sense of a literary tradition unfolding across time in the genres of poetry, drama, essay and fiction.

HIST 102 – The West and the World: The Age of Discovery to Decolonization – S. Dinan, TR, 8:00 – 9:15
This class begins with the question, what is the modern world? To answer it we will examine political, social, cultural, intellectual and economic developments from the sixteenth century to the present. By reading and analyzing a variety of primary sources we will grapple with the issues considered paramount by people at different moments in European history.

SPAN 106 – Basic Intensive Spanish I and II – O. DelaSuaree, MTWR, 2:00 – 3:15
This course offers students the opportunity of completing the university language requirement (6 credits) in one semester by covering the entire first year curriculum in an intensive setting. Cultural activities supplement this unique experience for the exceptionally motivated student.

ENV 110 – Environmental Foundations – K. Swanson – MW, 9:30 – 10:45, Lab: W, 2:00 – 4:45
This course will stress a holistic view of the environment from the viewpoints of several disciplines of the sciences, the social sciences and the humanities.

ENV 115-53 – General Geology – K. Swanson TR 11:00 – 12:15, Lab: R 2:00 – 4:45
An introduction to geological concepts, principles, and processes as they relate to the origin and evolution of the earth. Topics include: minerals, rocks and fossils, topographic and geologic maps, glaciers, rivers, groundwater, deserts and wind, shorelines and ocean basins, earthquakes and earth’s interior, mountain building, evolution of continents, plate tectonics, structural geology, and geologic time. The companion laboratory includes field trips and hands-on experiences that complement lecture materials.

WS 150 – Racism and Sexism – S. Bedell, TR, 2:00 – 3:15
In common with standard sections, this course will examine racism, sexism, heterosexism, and classism looking at current laws, historical documents, academic articles, films, and hearing the personal experiences of other students. Engaging the topics, students will read critically, write on complex topics and work at concept development. Such skill development assignments will prepare students for an intensive undergraduate program regardless of major.

GE Health and Movement Sciences

PEGE 200 – Active Lifestyles for Health – J. Vickers, WF, 11:00 – 12:15
Physical Education for aerobic conditioning and life-long good health!

PSY 110 General Psychology (ONLINE) – J. Austin
This course provides a broad overview of the field of psychology and the study of the human mind and behavior. This online format promotes involvement through an active discussion board and interactive learning modules. A variety of assignments encourage students to translate theories and concepts into a meaningful context related to their own lives and experiences.

PSY 210 – Developmental Psychology – N. Pakizegi, TR, 2:00 – 3:15
This course is about how we come to be who we are through the course of our development. It will cover physical, social, emotional and intellectual development in each of the main periods of life from infancy through emerging adulthood. Issues of class, race, gender and culture will be interwoven throughout the topics.

ANTH 202 -- Anthropology of Education: Foundations for Teaching – M. Villar, W, 9:30am-12:10pm
This course explores the relationship between learning, teaching, schooling, society and culture. It examines biological, social and cultural aspects of the acquisition, transmission and production of knowledge, analyzes the connection between educational systems and socio-cultural contexts, and looks at the roles schools play as agents of continuity, conflict and change in the new global order. Students will use ethnographic methods to gain a first-hand understanding of the challenges and rewards of teaching in contemporary schools.

The University Honors College at William Paterson promotes academic excellence at both the General Education and advanced levels. Honors Sections of General Education courses are specifically designed for high achieving students by selected faculty. These courses offer a smaller class size (20 or fewer students), more individualized instruction and attention, and more interesting and challenging coursework than regular General Education courses.

Students who wish to pursue advanced opportunities in Honors may select an Honors Track. Tracks function similarly to a minor, and are a distinctive set of courses that enhance a student’s academic career. Students select one of the tracks based on their major, academic goals, and personal interests. Some of the benefits of the program include smaller class sizes, more individualized instruction and attention, increased opportunities for faculty-student research, interaction with other honors students, and the “Honors” designation on diplomas and transcripts.