Honors Colloquia for Fall, 2008

IDS 941: Thinking the Digital Self

Dr. Steven Benko, Philosophy

Dr. Rebecca Duncan, English

This course explores the digital self in a number of theoretical and cultural contexts. We will study evolving understandings of identity and subjectivity as they relate to computer mediated communication (CMC). Through readings, discussions and participation in online social networking sites (Facebook, Second Life, etc.), we will experience and reflect upon the role of technology--e.g. cameras, computers, gaming systems, cell phones, and entertainment--in creating selfhood, friendship, and community.

IDS 946:  What’s New(s)?
Dr. Betty Webb and John Rose

This course offers students an opportunity to become broadly informed about major topics currently in the news. While following news stories from a variety of sources in the U.S. and abroad, students will focus on a particular topic or area of the world of interest and follow current news events related to that topic or place throughout the semester.

 

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Honors Colloquia Planned for Spring, 2009

Native Americans:  History and Cultures
Cross-listed History/Religion/Sociology
http://www.meredith.edu/nativeam/default.htm
Professors John Kincheloe and Susan McClintock

The Science Behind CSI
Counts as a Science and Society requirement for students who have already completed their lab science requirement.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: understand methodology of crime scene processing; understand evidence chain of custody; perform forensic analytical chemistry; perform and analyze simple DNA testing; and understand scientific methods of determining time of death.

Dr. Francie Cuffney, Biology
Dr. Walda Powell, Chemistry

To read an interview with Dr. Cuffney and Dr. Powell about the class, click here!

 

 

 

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Honors Colloquia Spring, 2008

Memory and Memoir
Cross listed English and Psychology (ENG 943 or PSY 943)
Dr. Mark ODekirk, Psychology
Dr. Judy Dearlove, English

What are the differences between memoir and autobiography? Fact and fiction? Memory and false memory? What is memory? How can we improve it? Why do we forget? Why do people write memoirs? How do they write them? What would you say in your memoir? Students will explore these questions.

State of the Arts (IDS 947A)

Dr. Cathy Rogers, Theater

Dean Rebecca Bailey, Art

Many great cultures of the past have been identified as such by using the standard set by their arts, which are admired to this day. What these works of art have in common is that they were inseparable from the life and beliefs of their culture and they had the full support of the state or ruling body. What is the state of the arts today? Do the arts define the culture of the United States in a meaningful way? Do the arts remain inseparable from life and belief? What is the state of the arts elsewhere in the world in 2008?

Honors Colloquia Fall, 2007

CORE 947:  Life Science in Context:  SubSaharan Africa

Dr. John Mecham, Biology and Dr. Michael Otieno of Kenyata University, Kenya

The focus of this course will be on interdisciplinary sub-Saharan issues in bioscience with the unifying theme being on two of the universal problems of humankind: Disease and Nutritional Health. The course will include four crucial topics for education and research: 1) HIV/AIDS, 2) The Great Neglected Diseases, 3) Nutrition, and 4)Competition with Wildlife. Each topic is connected in thematic content around the two issues of Disease and Nutritional Health.  Link to syllabus

IDS 946:  What’s New(s)?
This course offers students an opportunity to become broadly informed about major topics currently in the news. While following news stories from a variety of sources in the U.S. and abroad, students will focus on a particular topic or area of the world of interest and follow current news events related to that topic or place throughout the semester

Dr. Betty Webb and John Rose

 

 

> Click here to see a listing past colloquia courses offered from 1991-present.