INFORMATION FOR
Honors Sections of University Core Curriculum Courses
Each semester, the Honors College offers Honors sections of several University Core Curriculum (UCC) courses. Honors sections are more intense than traditional sections, they rely more upon discussion, and they are capped at 20 students. Before priority registration begins in the fall and spring semester, the Honors College Office produces a list of all Honors sections of UCC courses and shares it with students via e-mail.
Registration Process: All incoming first year students (current high school seniors) are registered by the registrar. Current students: See your advisor as soon as possible (before March 14th) to discuss your Fall 2025 courses and obtain your alternate pin. For a course registration video, please click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzBYVn7qpuU&t=7s
Click here for a helpful schedule planner.
Click here for a blank 8-semester planning sheet.
Courses are available only by permit. To obtain a permit, please email honors@wpunj.edu with your name, 855 number and the course information.
Spring 2027 Honors Courses
AREA E: COMMUNICATION - UCC Area 2A- Expression-Arts & Communication
Communication In Action- Honors
COM 1100-006 CRN: 12009 Staff A T: 2:00pm-4:40pm
Communication in Action explores verbal and nonverbal communication as dynamic and evolving processes. Through interactive assignments and exercises, students will enhance their understanding and proficiency in public speaking and interpersonal communication. The course emphasizes the role of communication in shaping relationships across diverse cultures, both face-to-face and through various technological platforms. UCC Area E (Communication) Course Objectives: Explore fundamental principles and strategies of communication expression and reception across different contexts and modes.
AREA F: CT/PS Arts & Hum FAH - UCC Area 2C- Expression Literature
Literature and Life - Honors
ENG 1500-002 CRN: 10466 Rajender Kaur TR: 11:00am- 12:15pm
Join us to discover how literature inspires empathy and offers deeper insights into the world around us. In this course, we’ll explore how literature reflects and shapes the human experience through a variety of texts, including poetry, drama, and fiction. Thematic discussions that highlight social, cultural, and historical contexts will help you to develop your close reading, problem-solving, and analytical writing skills.
AREA G: CT/PS Behavioral Soc Sc - UCC Area 3C- Ways of Know Social & Behavioral Science
General Psychology - Honors
PSY 1100-002 CRN: 10629 Chris Holle TR: 3:30pm-4:45pm
This course engages students with the basic concepts in psychology and introduces students to the exploration of theoretical movements and empirical data of the discipline. Topics include scientific thinking, the use of social science methods, and a survey of important theoretical approaches and movements as they bear on critical thinking and problem solving. Students will explore these topics through their biological foundations, sensation and perception, consciousness, lifespan development, learning, memory, emotion, personality, social, mental health and psychopathology, cross-cultural, and individual differences. Current research findings and methodologies are included wherever applicable.
AREA K: Identities & Inequality – UCC-4 Diversity & Justice
Social, Cultural & Behavioral Determinants of Health
PBHL 3800-080 CRN: 10994 Jocelyn Apicello Asynchronous
This honors course covers the many ways in which human behavior interacts with social and cultural environments to influence population health and produce health disparities. The course will consider key interpersonal and intrapersonal factors, and how they intersect with social, political, economic and cultural factors to influence and determine health. The ways in which public health intervenes with these factors in order to improve the health of populations will also be considered.
Area L: Global Connectivities
Global Stories
ENG/LANG 2130 - CRN coming soon. Barbara Suess TR 11:00AM-12:15PM
This course explores how creative works critically represent and evaluate distinct and sometimes problematic articulations of globalization, inequality, and the systems reshaping our planet. We will consider stories from across the globe that strive for a fuller picture of local and global issues such as migration and displacement, climate emergency, colonialism, technological change, inequality, poverty, human rights, war and peace, neoliberalism and racism, among others. Particular attention will be given to the task of storytelling as a representation of how society could or should function, and how it encourages changes in perceptions that help advocate for a sustainable future. The course focuses on prose, drama and cinematic representations.
AREA N: Civic Engagement
Liberal Studies and Community EngagementLBST 3010-050 CRN: 12373 Molly O’Donnell W: 11:00am-1:40pm
Does our society claim to uphold certain values? Do we actually uphold those values? Every thoughtful person must struggle with balancing our own rights and freedoms with our responsibilities toward others. Liberal Studies and Community Engagement examines examples and avenues for community life and collaborative action. The course considers individuals' relationships with our communities, including our responsibilities to ourselves and others, our capacity to make reflective choices with integrity and care, and the conditions for dialogue, connection, and reciprocity. This course considers specific issues in applied ethics and provides students with tools to engage with difficult issues in their own lives and their communities. The purpose of the course is for students to reflect on meaning, value, and responsibility in their own lives.
Short-Term Study Abroad
Selected Topic: Greece: Ancient Roots: 21st Century Citizens
HON 3990-001 CRN: 12029 Elizabeth Harkins & Wendy Wright F: 10:00am-10:50am
Embark on an intellectual odyssey through the heart of Greece, where the foundations of modern thought meet the origins of inclusive environments. This unique travel-based course centers on Athens, with excursions to the surrounding Greek landscape, to explore the intersection of Ancient Philosophy and Universal Design. We will trace the legacy of the thinkers who shaped our understanding of logic, ethics, and the human experience, while simultaneously analyzing how physical and social spaces can be designed to be accessible to everyone.
Selected Topic: Writing Brazil: A Creative Nonfiction Journey
HON 3990-070 CRN: 12413 Martha Witt T: 11:00am-12:15pm
Students enrolled in this Spring 2025 3-credit Honors Creative Nonfiction course will supplement their studies with a three-week trip to Ilhéus, in northeastern Brazil. Alongside their English-speaking Brazilian counterparts, they will participate in writing workshops at the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), one of the country’s premier public universities. While exploring their own experiences, cultures, and backgrounds through reading and writing personal essays and memoirs, students from both countries will share their stories, fostering an understanding that goes beyond cultural clichés and stereotypes.
Nursing Course open only to Sophomore Honors Nursing students intending to apply for the Honors Nursing Track
Nursing Research – Honors
NUR 3500-002 CRN: 10394 Staff A R: 2:00pm-4:40pm
Permit requests should be submitted to nocellaj1@wpunj.edu and sirh@wpunj.edu
The concepts and processes related to critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and clinical judgement provide the framework for this course. Knowledge and skills required for critical analysis relevant to professional nursing practices are developed. The impact of information systems on quality, safety, ethics, and evidence-based practice is examined through the introduction of nursing informatics.
Track Courses- Open to Honors students enrolled in the Honors Track, with the exception of courses that are also UCC courses.
Biology Track
Discuss your Honors track course with Dr. Monroe. Email her at MONROEE@wpunj.edu
Business Track
Students in the Business Track should complete FIN 3200, MGT 3550, and MGT 4600, and complete the Honors component requirement for those courses. See the Honors College Student Handbook for more information.
Business Case Writing
ACCT 4860-070 CRN: 12004 John Malindretos & Ashley Lee R: 2:00pm- 4:40pm
FIN 4860-001 CRN: 11076
MGT 4860-001 CRN: 11087
MKT 4860-001 CRN: 11088
This is a cross-disciplinary course that represents the second part of the 6-credit practicum Honors option, which must be conducted over two semesters and undertaken in the junior or senior year. It will be a core component of the Practicum Honors option. Honors Practicum credits will be applied towards major concentration requirements. The course involves writing an effective business case based on the consulting report or business plan completed in the practicum course.
Prerequisite: ACCT 4850 or FIN 4850 or MGT 4850 or MKT 4850
Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology Track
Psych Testing- Honors
PSY 3100-001 CRN: 10562 Alexandra Bonagura MW: 2:00pm – 3:15pm
This course examines the nature and functions of psychological testing, the interpretation of test scores, and related clinical and research issues. Intelligence, aptitude, and personality tests are covered with particular emphasis on interpretation. Theoretical and empirical aspects of test development are also emphasized. Students will learn how to build batteries of tests for use in various settings and with different populations, and the complexities of integrating test data with other forms of data (e.g., brain scans). Prerequisite: PSY 1100.
Honors Neuropsychology & Cognitive Neurology
CLSI 4950-001 CRN: 10628 Bruce Diamond W: 9:30am- 12:10pm
The purpose of this course is to develop a thorough understanding of the relationship between brain and behavior in healthy and clinical populations with the goal of integrating theory and applied clinical work. The course provides a solid foundation in neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience, and the tools, techniques and methodologies used in these contemporary fields of work. Throughout the course, contemporary and seminal research will be discussed with opportunities for lab-based demonstrations of physiological recording techniques and neuropsychological testing instruments. Finally, the course will also address the many challenges faced by people with disabilities, available state-of-the-art interventions, and corresponding ethical issues.
Clinical Science Thesis II
CLSI 4701-880 CRN: 10329 Robin Nemeroff T: 9:30am- 12:10pm
The central goal of this course is to provide feedback, guidance and oversight during the final stages of the honors research experience and the process of writing a thesis. The course will monitor progress and help the student solve conceptual, methodological or logistical issues and to do so in a constructive and supportive environment. Integral to this course is building on the Thesis I course and providing oversight of thesis writing with particular emphasis on the results and discussion stages. As such, the writing component represents the culmination of the research process and continues to serve in the role of facilitating learning, critical thinking and collaborative discussion as well as provide an evaluation tool. Prerequisite: CLSI 4700
Cognitive Science Track
Select Topics in Cognitive Science
CGSI: 3000-001 CRN: 10289 Peter Mandik MW: 2:00pm- 3:15pm
Examines basic concepts and problems found in several of the disciplines that make up cognitive science. Begin with an historical overview and a review of brain anatomy and physiology, and explore the impact of the computer metaphor in cognitive. Explore some of the issues within cognitive science in depth. Topics range from theories on how we construct our visual world to the representation of the self. Prerequisite: CGSI 2000
Cognitive Science Honors Thesis II
CGSI: 4020-001 CRN: 10113 Amy Learmonth F: 2:00pm-4:40pm
This is the second component to the Cognitive Science Honors Thesis. Students will have already selected a research topic for their thesis, and the literature review will have been completed. The focus of this component of the thesis will be on data collection, analysis and interpretation of their work. Students will present their research in both oral and written forms. At the end of this course students will have completed a final draft of a thesis (approximately 50 pages) for submission to the honors college. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: CGSI 4010
Global Public Health Track
Social Cultural & Behavioral Determinants Health-Honors
See description under UCC.
Public Health Honors Thesis II
PBHL 4850-001 CRN: 10785 Staff A. TBA
In this course students conduct research for and write their senior honors thesis in public health. A written thesis and public presentation of results is required. Students will use computer software to analyze the data on which their thesis is based. Computer software will also be used to develop tables, charts and graphs appropriate for graphically displaying the concepts and data in their thesis. COURSE PREREQUISITES: PBHL 4800
Humanities Track
See description above in UCCs.
ENG/LANG 2130 CRN: TBA Barbara Suess TR: 11:00am-12:15pm
Humanities Honors Thesis Seminar I
HUMH 4010-001 CRN: 11541 Molly O’Donnell TR: 8:00am-9:15am
The first of two capstone courses in the Humanities honors track, designed to engage students in identifying, researching, and organizing an appropriate topic for their honor’s thesis. The course will include extensive individual work with a thesis supervisor. Course culminates in the completion and submission of a research proposal to University Honors College. Designated as UCC-Writing Intensive. Fulfills Humanities Honors Track thesis seminar requirement. PREREQUISITE: By permission of the track director.
Humanities Honors Thesis Seminar II
HUMH 4020-001 CRN: 11542 Molly O’Donnell TR: 8:00am-9:15am
The second, culminating capstone course in the Humanities honors track, in which students produce and present their individual senior research publicly in fulfilment of the thesis requirements for an honors degree from the University Honors College. Designated as UCC-Writing Intensive. PREREQUISITE: HUMH 4010.
Music Track
Music Honors Research Methods
MUSI 4960-001 CRN: 11629 Carol Frierson-Campbell M: 2:00pm-3:50pm
This two-credit course will instruct students in the nature, purposes, and types of entry-level research for music; the basics of music bibliography and webliography; and academic writing about music-related topics.
Music Honors Seminar
MUSI 4970-060 CRN: 10175 Christopher Herbert T: 2:00pm-2:50pm
This one-credit course in a two -semester sequence is the forum for basic orientation, communication, group collaboration, analysis, assessment, and mentoring for students in the Music Honors Track of the University Honors College. Through readings, discussions, small projects, and guest artist presentations, students will combine and synthesize all previous knowledge from Music and Honors curriculum courses in various course topics chosen by students.
Music Honors Project
MUSI 4980-001 CRN: 11672 Christopher Herbert TBD
This course is designed to assist students in the preparation and completion of their capstone Music Honors Project. The Music Honors Project includes the following elements: (1) a written document, consisting of an artist statement, a creative and/or academic project, and self-evaluation, and (2) a presentation of the project. Employing independent research, methods, and skills, students will complete the Music Honors sequence with an artist statement, along with a document, recording, presentation, and/or performance, covering a vast array of topics, which may include, but not be limited to: analysis, composition, pedagogy, music education, musicology, recording, performance, or interdisciplinary art forms with music.
Nursing Track
Research Proposal Development- Honors
NUR 3330-001 CRN: 10690 Staff A R: 9:30am-12:10pm
This course introduces the process of identifying and conceptualizing a current nursing problem and formulating a research hypothesis. Emphasis is placed on gathering and synthesizing existing research literature related to the chosen problem. Students explore theories relevant to nursing practice and select an appropriate conceptual or theoretical framework to guide their research study. The course also covers research design, data collection methods, sampling, and data analysis planning. Students develop their role as nurse researchers by producing a written and oral research proposal, which serves as the foundation for subsequent semesters focused on their thesis or research implementation, analysis, and evaluation of outcomes.
Prerequisite: NUR3500H and NUR3260H.
Honors Research Seminar-Honors
NUR 4530-001 CRN: 10689 Staff A M: 2:00pm-4:40pm
This course requires students to finalize the research proposal written in NUR3330H and research implemented in NUR4526H. Nursing honors students complete the final chapters of their research report and present their results in class and at the Honors Research Day. Students also conduct peer reviews of classmates’ oral and written work. The role of the nurse as a novice researcher is reinforced through dissemination of findings, with consideration given to presenting at local, regional, and national conferences.
Prerequisite: NUR3500H, NUR 3260H, NUR3330H, NUR4526H
Performing & Literary Arts
Performing & Literary Arts Thesis II
PLA 4020-070 CRN: 10807 Martha Witt W: 3:30pm- 4:45pm
The primary goal of this course is to enable students to complete and successfully present a significant creative honors project begun in PLA 4010. Students are expected to produce chapters, sections, or other components of their thesis and creative work on a regular schedule and to submit a final honors project suitable for publication, public performance, exhibition, or another appropriate form of presentation. Meetings with the track director and fellow student artists provide opportunities to discuss progress, receive feedback, and address problems or other obstacles that may arise as students work toward the successful completion and presentation of their honors projects. Prerequisite: PLA 4010.
Social Sciences Track
Social Sciences Honors Seminar I
SSH 2010-001 CRN: 12671 Danielle Wallace T: 2:00pm-4:40pm
As social scientists attempt to decipher human social behavior, they make various moral, theoretical, political, and methodological choices. This seminar, recommended as the first in the honors sequence, makes a special effort to identify where the various social science disciplines differ and where possibilities exist for interdisciplinary cooperation. The course also offers a historical perspective on the development of the social sciences.
Social Sciences Honors Thesis II
SSH 4020-001 CRN: 10482 Danielle Wallace W: 11:00am-1:40pm
The primary goal of this course is to enable students to complete and successfully defend a significant honors research project (started in SSH 4010). Students are required to produce chapters or thesis segments on schedule and to submit a final honors thesis that should (in most cases) be suitable for publication or presentation at a social scientific conference. Class meetings involve group discussions of the research process and collective efforts to solve problems and facilitate successful completion of the projects. Prerequisite: SSH 4010
