Honors RAP Choices

MUSIC 170H-- Music In Film ▪ GenEd: AT — Music in Film is a general education course on the use of music in film, a “grand tour” of the esthetics and dramatic techniques of film music since 1895. Excerpts from commercial “silent era” and sound films will be viewed and studied as examples of film music development and the composer’s art. Students will construct two soundtracks for specific scenes. No special musical skills or academic prerequisites are required. The honors section of this course will spend two weeks focusing more deeply on the work of Bernard Herrmann, particularly his work in Citizen Kane, and film music generally. Honors students will complete a term paper on a topic related to music and film. Assignments: Students will take 3 written tests over text material and complete 2 class projects in which they score about 90 seconds of film music using environmental and recorded sources. Each score will require a written paper explaining the author’s musical decisions (approximately 1 page each). The 2 class projects are required but they will not be graded. Failure to complete a project, however, will lower a student’s class grade by one letter. Students will complete a lengthy term paper (c.20 pages) on some aspect of the production of Citizen Kane and/or film/film music in general. Students will be required to watch the equivalent of two films each week. The film excerpts will be on reserve in the music library and students may watch them at their convenience. Since they are commercial films many area video stores will have them for rent if that is more convenient.

ENGLWRIT 112H--Honors College Writing ▪ GenEd: CW — This intensive course in expository writing satisfies the First-Year Writing requirement. It focuses attention on the writing process i.e, pre-writing, composing, and editing. Students work with peer editing and in-class publication. Required Text: Andrea Lunsford, The Everyday Writer: A Brief Reference and Marcia Curtis et al, The Original Text-Wrestling Book. This is a 3-Credit Honors Course. May NOT be taken Pass/Fail.

ECON 103H-- Introduction to Microeconomics ▪ GenEd: SB — Introduction to the economics of markets and market economies. Basic concepts of demand, supply, production, prices, allocation of resources, and distribution of income. Public policy applications.

ENGLWRIT 112H--Honors College Writing ▪ GenEd: CW — This intensive course in expository writing satisfies the First-Year Writing requirement. It focuses attention on the writing process i.e, pre-writing, composing, and editing. Students work with peer editing and in-class publication. Required Text: Andrea Lunsford, The Everyday Writer: A Brief Reference and Marcia Curtis et al, The Original Text-Wrestling Book. This is a 3-Credit Honors Course. May NOT be taken Pass/Fail.

Political Science 101H-- American Politics ▪ GenEd: SB — If asked to describe our system of government, most people will reply, "We live in a democracy". If pressed further to define democracy, most people will simply say, "A government where the people rule." What does it mean to live in a system where the people rule but, by many measures, often appear not to want to? What is the status of politics as a separate sphere of action? Taking this as a central question we will explore the development of democracy in the United States. We will study the development of the American political system as well as the detailed workings of our main institutions. Underlying all of our questions, efforts, and arguments is an examination of the myriad ways in which government and politics matters in our daily lives. We will also pay particular attention to the impact of elections, especially the 2008 election, on policy and civic life in America.

HONORS 397F - Front Page Seminar — Purpose: An opportunity to discuss current state, national, and global issues and events with talented faculty, distinguished community members, politicians, and influential alums. Class time will be devoted to vibrant and challenging discussions based on critical reading and analysis of newspaper articles on current issues Requirements: Reading the front page stories from the New York Times and the Boston Globe daily. Supplemental reading as needed. Objective: Training students as opinion leaders; to encourage them to be steadily engaged in the social, political and economic concerns of their time; to provide a context for interaction with experts and significant community members, and prepare them with verbal skills that are important in interviews for scholarships, graduate and professional schools, and employment.

SOCIOL 110H-- Introduction to Sociology ▪ GenEd: SBU —
Introduction to the sociological perspective. Using primary texts and classic readings in the discipline, students will learn some of the major theoretical approaches and methods in the study of society and social life. Key sociological concepts such as culture, social stasis and social change, interaction, the social construction of reality, gender, inequality, and power will be explored and applied to the study of various central parts of social life, such as community, family, the workplace, religion, and organizations, as well as to an analysis of contemporary social issues.

Choose one of the following:

HONORS 292D-- American Diversity ▪ GenEd: IU — This course examines the questions, issues, and debates raised by the interaction of diverse groups of people in this country. We will explore the history of racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in the U.S. as well as the social, intellectual, spiritual, and economic development resulting from that diversity. Some questions to guide our study might be: What forces construct and define difference? How should we approach the tension between celebrating difference and forging community identity? How do class, gender, and sexuality shape identity within social groups and across social groups? What is at stake in multiculturalism? How are American democratic institutions particularly adept at and particularly lacking in their ability to respond to diversity? In order to bring both breadth and depth to our examination of diversity, we will read and discuss texts from multiple disciplines, including literature, film, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and history, with particular emphasis on the legal decisions and acts that have defined American notions of race, immigration, and citizenship status.

WOMENSST 187H-- Introduction to Women’s Studies ▪ GenEd: IU — This class introduces basic concepts, perspectives, and key issues in Women's lives both historically and contemporaneously placing women's experiences at the center of interpretation. Students will have the opportunity to critically analyze and discuss current topics and issues from an inter-disciplinary and integrative focus as well as an overview of theoretical perspectives on gender and its intersection with other social constructs of difference, (race/ethnicity, class, disability, sexuality, and age), and to think about the ways in which these interlocking systems have shaped and influenced the historical, cultural, social, political, and economical contexts of our lives. The class will involve lots of discussion, conversations, and different ways of writing and doing theory. Students will also be involved in a community service project.

PHIL 100H--Introduction to Philoshopy ▪ GenEd: AL — This course serves as an introduction to central themes in early, modern, and contemporary Western philosophy. Issues to be discussed include knowledge & justification, rational approaches to religion & science, the mind-body problem, personal identity, artificial intelligence, and the problem of free will and determinism. Class discussion will be emphasized.

HONORS 191D-- Dean’s Book — Students read and respond to a book chosen by Commonwealth College for the semester. The goals are to enjoy the book and learn from its themes, to share a common activity with other Commonwealth College students, and to increase your skills in close reading, writing from more than one perspective, and discussion of controversial material. Class will meet for a two-hour period each week for the first seven weeks of the semester. Section instructors may assign additional background readings. Two papers will be written. 191D is for only those students who are taking the Dean’s Book Course for the first time. If you have already taken it once, you should register for Honors 291D. All Commonwealth College students take all three sections of the Dean’s Book course, for a total of 3 credits.

CLASSICS 100H-- Greek Civilization ▪ GenEd: HS — Historical cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary approach to the origins of Western Civilization in the form of a survey of ancient Greek literature, art and history, with emphasis on archaeological remains and on surviving literature. Attention will be paid to the development of Greek Society from the Mycenaean and Minoan periods through the archaic period (c 200-450 BC). The expansion of Greek culture and its political, social, and cultural development through contacts with the Near East (esp. Egypt, Babylonia, and Persia) and its interaction with developing cultures in the west (esp. the Etruscans, Italy, and Sicily). Three essay and identification exams; individual research projects (resulting into two papers); a class visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (and/or the Metropolitan Museum, New York City); and class participation. Please note that this class requires regular attendance, as the material presented in the lectures will not be found in the assigned readings. This course requires heavy reading and memorization.

HONORS 191D-- Dean’s Book — Students read and respond to a book chosen by Commonwealth College for the semester. The goals are to enjoy the book and learn from its themes, to share a common activity with other Commonwealth College students, and to increase your skills in close reading, writing from more than one perspective, and discussion of controversial material. Class will meet for a two-hour period each week for the first seven weeks of the semester. Section instructors may assign additional background readings. Two papers will be written. 191D is for only those students who are taking the Dean’s Book Course for the first time. If you have already taken it once, you should register for Honors 291D. All Commonwealth College students take all three sections of the Dean’s Book course, for a total of 3 credits.

ENGLISH 254H-- Writing and Reading Imaginative Literature ▪ GenEd: AL — Students will examine problems of form, content, and development in fiction and poetry. Students will also write in the various models of fiction, poetry, drama, and essay.

ENGLWRIT 112H--Honors College Writing ▪ GenEd: CW — This intensive course in expository writing satisfies the First-Year Writing requirement. It focuses attention on the writing process i.e, pre-writing, composing, and editing. Students work with peer editing and in-class publication. Required Text: Andrea Lunsford, The Everyday Writer: A Brief Reference and Marcia Curtis et al, The Original Text-Wrestling Book. This is a 3-Credit Honors Course. May NOT be taken Pass/Fail.

COMP-LIT 121H-- International Short Story: Film and Fiction ▪ GenEd: AL — In this class, we will discuss and write about short fiction and films from around the world, looking at the ways narratives are composed, the topics with which the) concern themselves, and how they seduce, teach, persuade, and surprise us. As this is a course in "international" literature and film, we will confront issues of translation, cultural gulfs and confluences, as well as the affinities and differences between short stories and films, between the written and the cinematic text. The class is designed as a collaborative project in which you and I explore texts together. As such, student participation is the backbone of the class. I will provide contexts, backgrounds and theoretical frameworks; however, it will be your ideas, observations, questions and discussions that fuel the course. Assignments: 5 short summaries of readings, two 2-4 page essays, 1 creative project; occasional in-class writing and written preparation for class, and an essay exam on the latter portion of the course; substantive, daily participation in class discussion.

ENGLWRIT 112H--Honors College Writing ▪ GenEd: CW — This intensive course in expository writing satisfies the First-Year Writing requirement. It focuses attention on the writing process i.e, pre-writing, composing, and editing. Students work with peer editing and in-class publication. Required Text: Andrea Lunsford, The Everyday Writer: A Brief Reference and Marcia Curtis et al, The Original Text-Wrestling Book. This is a 3-Credit Honors Course. May NOT be taken Pass/Fail.

PSYCH 100H-- Introduction to Psychology ▪ GenEd: SB —
Overview of psychology. The natural and social science sub-areas of psychology; includes biological psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and clinical psychology. Relating research and theory in psychology and their relevance in day-to-day life. Course requirements will include reading and discussing materials from primary sources as well as several writing assignments, examinations, and presentations.

ENGLWRIT 112H--Honors College Writing ▪ GenEd: CW — This intensive course in expository writing satisfies the First-Year Writing requirement. It focuses attention on the writing process i.e, pre-writing, composing, and editing. Students work with peer editing and in-class publication. Required Text: Andrea Lunsford, The Everyday Writer: A Brief Reference and Marcia Curtis et al, The Original Text-Wrestling Book. This is a 3-Credit Honors Course. May NOT be taken Pass/Fail.

Click here to find out more about IMPACT! and to apply

HONORS 292D-- American Diversity ▪ GenEd: IU — This course examines the questions, issues, and debates raised by the interaction of diverse groups of people in this country. We will explore the history of racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in the U.S. as well as the social, intellectual, spiritual, and economic development resulting from that diversity. Some questions to guide our study might be: What forces construct and define difference? How should we approach the tension between celebrating difference and forging community identity? How do class, gender, and sexuality shape identity within social groups and across social groups? What is at stake in multiculturalism? How are American democratic institutions particularly adept at and particularly lacking in their ability to respond to diversity? In order to bring both breadth and depth to our examination of diversity, we will read and discuss texts from multiple disciplines, including literature, film, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and history, with particular emphasis on the legal decisions and acts that have defined American notions of race, immigration, and citizenship status.

ENGLWRIT 112H--Honors College Writing ▪ GenEd: CW — This intensive course in expository writing satisfies the First-Year Writing requirement. It focuses attention on the writing process i.e, pre-writing, composing, and editing. Students work with peer editing and in-class publication. Required Text: Andrea Lunsford, The Everyday Writer: A Brief Reference and Marcia Curtis et al, The Original Text-Wrestling Book. This is a 3-Credit Honors Course. May NOT be taken Pass/Fail.

Biology 105H-- Biology of Social Issues - Honors ▪ GenEd: BS — For non-science majors, not for Biology major credit. The biological science behind issues of current social concern. Recent topics have included environmental degradation, endangered species, sociobiology, evolution of drug and pesticide resistance, stem cell research, medical genetics, cloning and other issues identified by participants. Readings from scientific literature and popular press; small group discussion; presentations; and writing assignments.

ENGLWRIT 112H--Honors College Writing ▪ GenEd: CW — This intensive course in expository writing satisfies the First-Year Writing requirement. It focuses attention on the writing process i.e, pre-writing, composing, and editing. Students work with peer editing and in-class publication. Required Text: Andrea Lunsford, The Everyday Writer: A Brief Reference and Marcia Curtis et al, The Original Text-Wrestling Book. This is a 3-Credit Honors Course. May NOT be taken Pass/Fail.

Click here to find out more about IMPACT! and to apply

Honors 292S-- Engaging with the Community: An Introduction to Community Service Learning ▪ GenEd: IU —
This course introduces students to community service learning through in-depth community experiences accompanied by challenging reflection, reading, discussion, projects and writing. The course aims to integrate academic, personal, and civic learning. As a central aspect of this course, students will serve one afternoon per week in an after school program run by our community partner, Crocker Farm Elementary School. This dynamic, diverse and high energy program provides support as an early intervention for youth in Amherst who are primarily from low-income, immigrant families and families of color. Through our service and relationship building we seek to provide a vision of college for children who, even though they live in a University town, may not ever see college as a real destination for themselves.
    Through class discussion, guest presentations, projects, reading and reflection UMass students will develop skills for working with youth, build community among themselves and explore societal impacts on youth and access to college.

ENGLWRIT 112H--Honors College Writing ▪ GenEd: CW — This intensive course in expository writing satisfies the First-Year Writing requirement. It focuses attention on the writing process i.e, pre-writing, composing, and editing. Students work with peer editing and in-class publication. Required Text: Andrea Lunsford, The Everyday Writer: A Brief Reference and Marcia Curtis et al, The Original Text-Wrestling Book. This is a 3-Credit Honors Course. May NOT be taken Pass/Fail.

Students will choose 1 to 2 classes

Math 127H-- Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences I ▪ GenEd: R1/R2 — Topics of Math 127 will be covered in greater depth with more challenging problems. Recommended for First-Years.

Math 131H-- Calculus I ▪ GenEd: R1/R2 —  Honors version of Math 131. Topics of Math 131 will be covered in greater depth with more challenging problems. Recommended for First-years.

Math 132H-- Calculus II ▪ GenEd: R1/R2 — This 4-credit course will cover the standard subject matter, as given in the course syllabus, but in greater depth. This means that there will be some emphasis on the underlying theory, that more applications will be included, and that some attention will be paid to history. Active student participation will be encouraged. Recommended for Freshmen, Sophomores; Majors, Non-majors.

Chemistry 121H-- Honors General Chemistry ▪ GenEd: PS —
Basic Principles of chemistry. Microscopic nature of atoms and molecules; macroscopic properties of chemical systems. Topics include stoichiometry, atomic and nuclear structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, gases, and intermolecular forces. Includes laboratory. More extensive lecture treatment of advanced topics and laboratory work than CHEM 111.

Philosophy 164H-- Medical Ethics ▪ GenEd: PS — This course will provide an advanced introduction to some of the most challenging ethical issues that arise in the context of medicine and health care. Topics will fall into five main categories: (1) the doctor-patient relationship, (2) medical research on humans and animals, (3) reproductive rights and technologies, (4) medical decisions at the end of life, and (5) the allocation of scarce medical resources. Requirements: 3 analytical writing assignments, 3 in-class exams.

Students will choose 1 to 2 classes

Math 131H-- Calculus I ▪ GenEd: R1/R2 —  Honors version of Math 131. Topics of Math 131 will be covered in greater depth with more challenging problems. Recommended for First-years.

Math 132H-- Calculus II ▪ GenEd: R1/R2 — This 4-credit course will cover the standard subject matter, as given in the course syllabus, but in greater depth. This means that there will be some emphasis on the underlying theory, that more applications will be included, and that some attention will be paid to history. Active student participation will be encouraged. Recommended for Freshmen, Sophomores; Majors, Non-majors.

Chemistry 121H-- Honors General Chemistry ▪ GenEd: PS —
Basic Principles of chemistry. Microscopic nature of atoms and molecules; macroscopic properties of chemical systems. Topics include stoichiometry, atomic and nuclear structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, gases, and intermolecular forces. Includes laboratory. More extensive lecture treatment of advanced topics and laboratory work than CHEM 111.

Philosophy 164H-- Medical Ethics ▪ GenEd: PS — This course will provide an advanced introduction to some of the most challenging ethical issues that arise in the context of medicine and health care. Topics will fall into five main categories: (1) the doctor-patient relationship, (2) medical research on humans and animals, (3) reproductive rights and technologies, (4) medical decisions at the end of life, and (5) the allocation of scarce medical resources. Requirements: 3 analytical writing assignments, 3 in-class exams.