Spring 2025 Honors Courses

Class # 11235, Mo/We, 1:30-2:45pm, ILC Rm 204, Matthew Recla

For most of our country’s history, the national motto was E pluribus unum, “From many, one.” Yet today, Americans seem increasingly divided over all sorts of issues, whether political, economic, social, or religious. Is it still possible to sustain unity through diversity? In this UF 200 section, we’ll explore the idea of an American identity and ask whether we have, or could create, a common ethics or set of values out of our diverse perspectives. We’ll discuss important values such as freedom and citizenship, equality and diversity, and “pursuit of happiness.” We’ll also put those values to the test by applying them to some of the most challenging issues of our times (as selected by you!). If you think it’s important (and maybe fun?!) to explore big ideas and engage in constructive dialogue with your classmates across diverse perspectives, this course is for you.

Class # 12315, Tu/Th, 9:00-10:15am, ILC Rm 202, Beret Norman

What aspects of the past are being remembered in the 20th and 21st centuries? How do memorials and museums add to the remembrance culture discourse and how do they reflect attempts to define and redefine the community’s / a nation’s narratives and memories? This course will move from local, state, and national discussions of remembrance and memory culture, to the more specific “culture of remembrance” (“Erinnerungskultur”)–or confronting Nazi-era crimes by acknowledging responsibility for the Holocaust–in Germany.

This course has an *optional* study abroad component where students would have the opportunity to go on a faculty-led trip to Berlin in Summer 2025 (July). Separate study abroad program fees would apply.

Class # 13783, Mo/WE, 12:00-1:15 pm, ILC 204, Erik Hadley

In this course section we will investigate how the concepts of ethics, diversity and human rights apply to the specific issue of food access, quality, safety and production. In short, we will examine how food is produced and distributed in the United States and the ethics behind the American food industry and workforce. Through an analysis of food, we will encounter other major ethical debates in modern American life. In addition, we will analyze the meaning of the term ‘diversity’ as it applies to American food workers and consumers.

Class # 11168, Mo/We, 12:00-1:15pm, ILC 303, Meghant Sudan

An introduction to the thought of some major figures from the history of western philosophy, such as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Anselm, Locke, Hume, Descartes, Berkeley, Kant, and Marx.

Class # 12768, We/Fr, 10:30-11:45am, Education Bldg. 524, TBA

An introduction to the basic language of Visual Art.

All sections of FILM 220 can be turned into Honors credits section if you attend one of two films, and participate in the discussion of those films. The films will be shown in the Honors College Room 166/167. They will be shown in the evenings; the first in January and the second in February

All sections of THEA 101 can be turned into an Honors credits if you attend one of two films, and participate in the discussion of those films. The films will be shown in the Honors College Room 166/167. They will be shown in the evenings; the first in January and the second in February.

Class # 14909, Mo/We, 1:30-2:45pm, Morrison Center C200, Kim Ganong

Survey of the history of rock and popular music from its beginnings in the nineteenth century to the present day.

Class # 11099, MW 12:00-1:15 pm, RFH 301, GerDonna Ellis

A theoretical and contextual overview of the communication discipline, including concepts and models of communication, verbal and nonverbal messages; communication ethics; perception; and listening in public, interpersonal, group/team, and mass communication contexts. Incorporates research, preparation, critique, adaptation, and delivery of informative and persuasive messages in public presentations.

Class # 12073, MW 1:30-2:45 pm, RFH 207, GerDonna Ellis

A theoretical and contextual overview of the communication discipline, including concepts and models of communication, verbal and nonverbal messages; communication ethics; perception; and listening in public, interpersonal, group/team, and mass communication contexts. Incorporates research, preparation, critique, adaptation, and delivery of informative and persuasive messages in public presentations.

Class # 10042, T/TH 12:00 – 1:15 pm, ILC 304, GerDonna Ellis

A theoretical and contextual overview of the communication discipline, including concepts and models of communication, verbal and nonverbal messages; communication ethics; perception; and listening in public, interpersonal, group/team, and mass communication contexts. Incorporates research, preparation, critique, adaptation, and delivery of informative and persuasive messages in public presentations.

Class # 13366, T/TH 1:30-2:45pm, LART 255, GerDonna Ellis

A theoretical and contextual overview of the communication discipline, including concepts and models of communication, verbal and nonverbal messages; communication ethics; perception; and listening in public, interpersonal, group/team, and mass communication contexts. Incorporates research, preparation, critique, adaptation, and delivery of informative and persuasive messages in public presentations.

Class # 10520, Tu/Th, 12:00-1:15 p.m., Education Bldg, Rm 109, Dale Russell

A continuation of CHEM 111 to include intermolecular forces, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium in solution, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, and complex ions.

PREREQ: MATH 143, 144, 170 or successful completion of the CHEM 111 Math exam, CHEM 111 and CHEM 111L. Co-requisite: CHEM 112L-003 or-011.

NOTE: Must also take CHEM 112L Section 003, Section 007, or Section 011. Students who do not attend the first session of their enrolled lab will immediately be dropped from both the lab and lecture.

Class # 10648, Tu, 1:30-4:15pm, Science Bldg. Rm 361, TBD

Lab to accompany CHEM 112.

COREQ: CHEM 112.

Class # 10689, Th, 1:30-4:15pm, Science Bldg. Rm 361, TBD

COREQ: CHEM 112.

Class # 13533, We/Fr, 1:30pm-2:45pm, Multipurpose Bldg, Rm 101, Tiffany Watkins

Lab to accompany PHYS 105.

COREQ: PHYS 105 Lab A.

Class # 10366, Tu, 9:00am-11:00am, Multipurpose Bldg, Rm 301, Brian Jackson

An exploration of star formation and evolution, black holes, galaxies, and cosmology. Explores how the ideas of Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and others form our understanding of the universe. Lab to accompany PHYS 105.

Class # 10740, Mo/We/Fr, 1:30-2:45 pm, Honors College, Rm 166, Jennifer Buchholz

A continuation of MATH 170. Techniques of integration and calculation of antiderivatives. Applications of integration to physical models, including calculation of volume, moment, mass, and centroid. Informal convergence of sequences and series of real numbers. Taylor series, Taylor polynomials, and applications to approximation. Vectors, parametric curves, and polar coordinates. Credit cannot be earned for both MATH 175 and MATH 176. PREREQ: Prerequisite: MATH 143 or MATH 149; MATH 144 and MATH 170 or corresponding satisfactory placement score

Class # 14174, Mo/We, 12:00 – 1:15 p.m., Honors College Rm 166, Heidi Naylor

Athletics are filled with pathos, achievement, risk, pain, humor, celebrity, racism, social justice concerns, drama, and entertainment. What can we learn about life and performance from some of the most memorable sports moments and sports writing of the last century? We’ll explore this question through some of the best reporting and classic sports narratives of that time.

Class # 13192, Tu/Th, 1:30-2:45 p.m., Honors College Rm 167, Andrew Finstuen

In 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding as a democratic-republic. In this course, students will read their way through those 250 years by engaging the nation’s founding documents and subsequent foundational voices who wrote, thought about, and critically examined the nature, values, and expression of the aspiration for a “more perfect union.”

Class # 13918, Mo, 9:00 a.m. – 11:45a.m., Honors College Rm 165, Shelton Woods

How are we to understand the most profound experiences we have as humans? We will provide perspectives on how to answer this question from the works of Sigmund Freud, C.S. Lewis, Dorothy Sayers, and Ernest Becker among others. Following the spring semester, the course will continue for those who wish to study at Oxford University from June 29 to July 20. Permission from the instructor is needed for this course.

Class # 13919, We, 4:30-7:15pm, Honors College Rm 166, Kate Huebschmann

We know good writing when we read it, but what makes it that way? Is there a magic formula to follow? Is it all luck? How, in 2-3 pages, do you encapsulate your life story and convince a stranger you’re the perfect candidate for an award? This intensive writing course will examine these questions by guiding you through the application process for a fully funded year of study, research, or English teaching abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The application you complete during this course will be submitted in Oct. of 2025.

NOTE: You must graduate no later than spring 2026 to meet Fulbright eligibility requirements. Permission of instructor is needed to enroll in this course.

Class # 13195, Tu/Th, 9:00-10:15 am, Honors College Rm 167, Shelton Woods

Alcohol abuse before, during, and after college is part of our nation’s narrative. Yet, in recent film history the stories of alcoholism are one of comedy, adventure, fun, and romance. Almost every American is directly or indirectly affected by alcohol abuse. By watching thirteen films we will unpack their depiction of alcohol consumption that include the themes of: alcohol use in high school and college; the myth of the functioning alcoholic; the hookup culture and alcohol; advertisement’s role in promoting alcohol; and the scars that alcoholism leave on relationships and families. Reading for this course includes Smashed: The Story of a Drunken Girlhood. Whether you never drink or binge drink, this course is for you to understand how to navigate a world fueled by alcohol. Students will be given a choice to meet in class either on Tuesday or Thursday. So, if there is a time conflict with another course and you can only make it to this class on Tuesday or Thursday, a schedule conflict form will allow you to enroll in both courses.

Class # 13196, Tu, 5:00-7:45 p.m., Honors College Rm 166, Chris Driscoll

Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar stands at the forefront of contemporary hip-hop culture. Artistically adventurous, socially conscious, and eager to explore fundamental human experiences, many people find something familiar in Lamar’s lyrical testimony, bridging social and geographical differences and exemplifying the history of cultural meaning-making in America. Beginning with Section.80 and progressing through each of Lamar’s major label albums up to his recent public “beef” with fellow artist Drake, we will engage Lamar’s music alongside readings from classic thinkers, current academics, journalists, and hip-hop practitioners who reflect on Lamar, hip-hop, and religion. The course offers a multifaceted engagement with faith, race, gender, art, and culture, demonstrating how cultural meaning is made and how individuals can grow comfortable in their own skin, no matter their background.

Class # 13196, Tu, 5:00-7:45 p.m., Honors College Rm 166, Chris Driscoll

This course will focus on thirteen popular record albums of the 1960s and 1970s that were commentaries on a shift in American culture. The artists behind these albums include: Joni Mitchell, The Who, Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, Chicago, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Queen, Elton John, Steely Dan and others. Our examination of each album will be helped by documentaries on the making of each album. Music and lyrics are art, and we will listen and watch the unfolding of music that remains with us to this day. The accompanying text with this course is David Frum’s How We Got Here: The 70s: The Decade that Brought You Modern Life (for Better or Worse). This course is taught by someone passionate about classic rock and the 70s. Half the class will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., and the second half from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. So, if there is a time conflict with another course and you can make either the first or second period, a schedule conflict form will allow you to enroll in both courses.

Class # 14583, Mo/We, 1:30 – 2:45 p.m., Honors College Rm 167, Mac Test

In this class we will explore the works of Ernest Hemingway as it relates to his personal life, and the world in the first half of the 20th century. We will consider his novels, short stories, and non-fiction pieces, such as In Our Time (1925), The Sun Also Rises (1926), A Farewell to Arms (1929), and The Old Man in the Sea (1951). We will examine the myth-making elements of his large personality and celebrity, and compare the legend with more intimate views of Hemingway, particularly in his later years when he lived in Ketchum, Idaho.

Class # 14898, Tu/Th, 10:30-11:45 a.m., Honors College Rm 167, Annal Frenz

Why study the concepts of order and chaos? Societies tend to contrast what they see as orderly and controlled with what is disorderly and chaotic. While every culture chooses its own definitions of these constructs, the concepts of order and chaos help people explain a common concern over unexpected and disruptive events that shake our sense of control. Neither the ancient Greeks nor modern Americans are exempt from grappling with this lack of control, so we can use their thoughts to examine our own. We’ll explore how the Greeks depicted this common concern through texts and events like sports and drama to see what patterns of thought they reveal.

Class # 15654 We 4:30-7:15 p.m. Honors College Rm 167 Michal Temkin Martinez

Language is a unique human tool that is unlike any other organism’s communicative function. The human brain, in its capacity to produce and process language, is largely responsible for this. In this course, we look at the physiological, physical, and mental properties of speech sounds

Class # 15267, Tu/Th, 1:30-2:45 p.m., Honors College Rm 166, Martin Corless-Smith

London is not only one of the major capital cities of the world, it is a major literary character. It has been written in and written about, and been a nexus of international thought for a couple of thousand years. This course will briefly look at some major writers and discuss ideas that have London connections such as Romanticism and Modernism. During the Spring semester we’ll prepare for a two week visit to London. We’ll start by briefly looking at figures from antiquity, including Chaucer and Samuel Pepys, and focus more fully on William Blake and William Wordsworth and the Romantics. In London we’ll focus mainly on Virginia Woolf and T.S. Eliot and ideas that stem from Modernism. A two-week study abroad in London from June 29 to July 11 will be optional in this course.

A hybrid course replaces at least 50% of classroom instruction with such online activities as discussions, presentations, tutorials, etc. Students can expect to spend as much time participating as they would in a traditional course. Students must be able to access the Internet frequently and conveniently and must be competent at using e-mail, managing files, and navigating Web sites

Class #15954, We/Fr, 10:30-11:45am, Education 320, Beret Norman

This cultural studies course focuses on Berlin in the years between the two World Wars. An interdisciplinary approach will be used to investigate especially gender, class and fluidities of identity in literature, film, and in art during the Weimar Republic (1919-1933).

Class # 11058, Tu, 12:00-1:15am, Honors College Rm 166, Chris Hyer

This course helps prepare students for success in the Honors College at Boise State University. An interactive approach is utilized to encourage students to develop positive relationships in the classroom with other Honors students and to help acclimate students to expectations that the Honors College, Boise State University, and beyond will have of them. This class is required for all Honors students who have been admitted for the spring semester. Downloading a third-party proctoring software may be needed in the administration of assessments such as quizzes and tests.

Class # 14585, Tu, 9:00-10:15am, Honors College Rm 166, Chris Hyer

This course helps prepare students for success in the Honors College at Boise State University. An interactive approach is utilized to encourage students to develop positive relationships in the classroom with other Honors students and to help acclimate students to expectations that the Honors College, Boise State University, and beyond will have of them. This class is required for all Honors students who have been admitted for the spring semester. Downloading a third-party proctoring software may be needed in the administration of assessments such as quizzes and tests.

Class # 13931, Remote, ONLINE, Chris Hyer & Madison Cunningham

Group discussion of issues built around a specific leadership theme/s. This course is open to Honors House Council and Honors Student Association leaders. Because themes change from semester to semester, seminar may be repeated. Recommended that the students have a successful application to Honors Leadership position.

Class # 11758, 01/13/2025 – 02/28/2025, HYBRID, Emily Jones

NOTE: This one-credit, seven-week hybrid course is designed for Honors students nearing the end of their undergraduate experience. In it, students learn to craft a compelling narrative in pursuit of a post-baccalaureate next step like graduate school, a job, or a fellowship. Through the course, students consider what they want to do after graduation, why the new opportunity is a good fit, and how their undergraduate experiences have prepared them for this next step. They will then practice articulating their narrative in both verbal and written form, through a presentation and personal statement or cover letter. This course is exclusively for students with upper-division standing who are 1 to 3 semesters from graduation. Though this is a hybrid course, most of your grade will be determined by the in-person sessions which take place over one weekend. Attendance is mandatory on Friday, February 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Also, this one-credit hybrid course includes online work prior to and after in-person weekend. There is a $50 course fee associated with this section.

A hybrid course replaces at least 50% of classroom instruction with such online activities as discussions, presentations, tutorials, etc. Students can expect to spend as much time participating as they would in a traditional course. Students must be able to access the Internet frequently and conveniently and must be competent at using e-mail, managing files, and navigating Web sites.

Class # 12104, 03/08/25 – 05/02/25, ONLINE, Emily Jones

NOTE: This one-credit, seven-week online course is designed for Honors students nearing the end of their undergraduate experience. In it, students learn to craft a compelling narrative in pursuit of a post-baccalaureate next step like graduate school, a job, or a fellowship. Through the course, students consider what they want to do after graduation, why the new opportunity is a good fit, and how their undergraduate experiences have prepared them for this next step. They will then practice articulating their narrative in both verbal and written form, through a presentation and personal statement or cover letter. This course is exclusively for students with upper-division standing who are 1 to 3 semesters from graduation.

ONLINE REQUIREMENTS: Excellent time management and computer/Internet literacy skills. Regular access to a computer with reliable/high-speed Internet access. For courses lasting 7 weeks, expect to spend a minimum of 5.5 hours per credit weekly on classwork and interaction with students and instructor. Read introduction email sent from instructor to your BroncoMail account by the first day of class. MORE INFO at http://boisestate.edu/online/admitted.

Class # 12099, Tu/Th, 12:00-1:15 p.m., Honors College Rm 165, David Jones

This course provides a capstone experience for Honors seniors by asking them to reflect on their education at Boise State and by assisting their transition into the world beyond the University and the Honors College. The course is designed for Senior students who plan to graduate either this semester or next.

NOTE: This course is a (1st) 7-week course and runs from 01/13/2025 – 02/28/2025.

Class # 12100, We, 4:30-7:15 p.m., Honors College Rm 165, Chris Driscoll

This course provides a capstone experience for Honors seniors by asking them to reflect on their education at Boise State and by assisting their transition into the world beyond the University and the Honors College. The course is designed for Senior students who plan to graduate either this semester or next.

NOTE: This course is a (1st) 7-week course and runs from 01/13/2025 – 02/28/2025.

Class # 12101, Tu/Th, 10:30-11:45am, Honors College Rm 165, Chris Hyer

This course provides a capstone experience for Honors seniors by asking them to reflect on their education at Boise State and by assisting their transition into the world beyond the University and the Honors College. The course is designed for Senior students who plan to graduate either this semester or next.

NOTE: This course is a (1st) 7-week course and runs from 01/13/2025 – 02/28/2025.

Class # 12102, Tu/Th, 3:00-4:15pm, Honors College, Rm 165, Annal Frenz

This course provides a capstone experience for Honors seniors by asking them to reflect on their education at Boise State and by assisting their transition into the world beyond the University and the Honors College. The course is designed for Senior students who plan to graduate either this semester or next.

NOTE: This course is a (1st) 7-week course and runs from 01/13/2025 – 02/28/2025.

Class # 12882, Tu/Th, 12:00-1:15pm, Honors College Rm 165, David Jones

This course provides a capstone experience for Honors seniors by asking them to reflect on their education at Boise State and by assisting their transition into the world beyond the University and the Honors College. The course is designed for Senior students who plan to graduate either this semester or next.

NOTE: This course is a (2nd) 7-week course and runs from 03/10/22025 – 05-02-2025.

Class # 11319, ONLINE, ONLINE, Annal Frenz & Michell Bassett

This course provides a capstone experience for Honors seniors by asking them to reflect on their education at Boise State and by assisting their transition into the world beyond the University and the Honors College. This version of the course will be conducted fully online using the Canvas course management system. The course takes place over seven weeks. You will complete two modules per week. You can plan on spending about 3 hours working on each module. Course is designed for seniors who plan to graduate either this semester or next.

NOTE: This course is a (1st) 7-Week course and runs from 01/13/2025 02/28/2025.

Class # 12880, ONLINE, ONLINE, Annal Frenz & Regi Jayne

This course provides a capstone experience for Honors seniors by asking them to reflect on their education at Boise State and by assisting their transition into the world beyond the University and the Honors College. This version of the course will be conducted fully online using the Blackboard course management system. The course takes place over seven weeks. You will complete two modules per week. You can plan on spending about 3 hours working on each module.

NOTE: This course is a (2nd) 7-week course and runs from 03/10/2025 – 05/02/202