Honors Discovery Seminars Course Descriptions
Spring 2025
MONDAY
Food as Medicine, Food as Prevention and Sustainable Diets
Monday, 10:10 AM – 11:00 AM
"Let Food be Thy Medicine," one of the most widely quoted phrases of Hippocrates, has taken on new meaning in our contemporary society with the increasing prevalence of obesity and chronic disease. At the same time 50% of Americans believe it is at least somewhat important for food to be produced in a sustainable way. What exactly does this mean? Can specific agricultural practices, food production/processing methods and food preparation methods impact the sustainability and health promoting capacity of our food? Why should we care about how "phytonutrients" are affected? What are the different components of a sustainable diet? Can a plant based sustainable diet also include foods of animal origin? These are just a few of the questions we will address in this course as we explore the role of food as medicine and food as prevention in a sustainable diet.
Instructor: Christina DiMarco-Crook
Class # 47002
Section 01
Sustainable and Resilient City
Monday, 11:15 AM – 12:05 PM
The seminar will explore what it means to be a sustainable and resilient city, in the United States and throughout the world. Mitigating and adapting to climate change is just one piece of this examination. We will explore the concepts of sustainability and resilience and discuss how these concepts apply to cities and the built environment. We will reflect on how cities can regenerate themselves to become more sustainable, resilient, vibrant, and healthy, while exploring different perspectives and disciplines.
Instructor: Wayne Feiden
Class # 46986
Section 02
Introduction to New England Town Planning
Monday, 12:20 PM – 1:10 PM
The purpose of this seminar is to develop an understanding of how town planning across New England guides the future development and prosperity of communities, ensures an improved quality of life and protects the environment. It will begin with a discussion of the evolution of planning practice in New England from the time of the Puritans to the present. It will then explain how planning functions today and why it has taken on significant importance at the local level. It will then address the functional areas of the field and how they are applied in practice. Finally, the class will reflect on the importance of planning in an ideological context as new issues emerge.
Instructor: John Mullin
Class # 46996
Section 03
Maritime Law and Literature
Monday, 1:25 PM – 2:15 PM
From Apollonius’ epic Argonautica to the Old English poem The Seafarer to William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest to Herman Melville’s novel Moby-Dick, the ocean has always enjoyed a special place in literature. This course will reevaluate these nautical texts from a legal perspective. How do our readings of certain works shift when we analyze them through the prism of the laws and customs of the sea? We will ponder the question from two complementary angles. The first will treat foundational texts of maritime law, such as The Book of the Consulate of the Sea and Hugo Grotius’ The Free Sea, as literature. The second will examine issues of maritime law within literary texts such as Homer’s Odyssey and William Shakespeare’s Pericles. Topics that we will consider include freedom of the seas, shipwreck, marine salvage, and piracy. The readings will be short but meaningful, and we will focus on close analysis during our in-class discussions. By the end of the course, students will design a research project that demonstrates they understand some basic tenets of research and writing. The design, scope, and content of their project remains open. At a minimum, students must provide 1) a brief (200-word maximum) abstract of their project that addresses the main texts or concepts that will be addressed and the nature of their research (inter alia, archival, textual, philosophical, legal-historical) and 2) an annotated bibliography of eight relevant sources.
Instructor: Hayley Cotter
Class # 47012
Section 04
Dominican Women’s Writing as an Emergent Strategy
Monday, 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
We can learn and gain a lot by putting Dominican women writers at the center of our attention. Yet they rarely have that place. Erika Martínez, editor of Daring to Write: Contemporary Narratives by Dominican Women, looked back on her own college days with regret when she wrote, “I’d never received a syllabus that included a Dominican author.” If you take this class, you won’t ever have to say that! In this seminar, we will read Dominican women writers as a starting point for our own writing and research. We will explore the meaning of “daring” and how writing itself can be a daring feat for anyone, at any stage. We will also read from Adrienne Maree Brown, who inspires us to think of Dominican women’s writing as an “emergent strategy.” Emergent strategies are “ways for humans to practice being in right relationship to our home and each other, to practice complexity, and grow a compelling future together through relatively simple interactions.” Brown also writes that “Nothing is wasted, or a failure. Emergence is a system that makes use of everything in the iterative process. It’s all data.” We will explore the question of what data does Dominican women’s writing contain for us all?
This course will incorporate practical tools for research, including library research and research management tools such as Zotero and specialized databases, and will explore newer technologies such as generative artificial intelligence in the context of Dominican women’s writing.
Instructor: Isabel Espinal
Class # 46987
Section 05
TUESDAY
Using Picture Books to Explore Tough Topics with Children
Tuesday, 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
In this course we will explore the ways that children’s picture books are designed and written to discuss difficult topics with children. We will explore books written to address a myriad of topics that are often considered taboo, difficult or tough, such as: death, racism, climate change, gender identity, separation of families, immigration, etc., and think about the ways in which authors navigate these topics in the context of literature written for children. We will carefully examine the language(s) used in text, the illustrations, and the relationship between these two, to consider how children might experience these books and what they are learning from them about themselves and the world. This course will help students to develop skills to examine texts through a multimodal lens, and explore the ways that adults think about presenting these issues to children (including what are embedded assumptions about children, childhood, and how children perceive challenging topics).
We will explore a variety of children's picture books written by authors who want to examine issues of racism, climate change, gender non-conforming, death (topics often time considered too challenging and in some parts of the U.S. books that are currently being banned), as well as a selection of books that feature different approaches to using the text & illustrations for the purposes of telling a story. Additionally, we will read research by scholars who study children's literature to understand the field and some scholarship on talking to children about difficult topics, using picture books as anchors.
Instructor: Ysaaca Axelrod
Class # 46988
Section 07
Revisioning the New Deal
Tuesday, 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
How does the legacy of the 1930s New Deal era resonate with our present and future? A range of media texts will introduce some key historical forces of the 1930-40s, Great Depression-WWII era: massive unemployment and the crisis of capitalism, industrial unionism, socialist and communist movements, left cultural activism, government programs including the WPA and Federal Arts Projects, racial inequality, and the military-industrial complex. The relevance of these issues to the present will be considered through topics including contemporary labor strategies, the New Jim Crow, calls for a Green New Deal, and contemporary activist movements. Short, weekly written assignments will be reviewed for coherence, clarity, grammar, and voice. Learner presentations will include historical photos and illustrations.
Instructor: Joel Saxe
Class # 47003
Section 08
The Human-Animal Bond: Exploring Our Relationship with Other Species
Tuesday, 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals and is influenced by behaviors considered essential to the health and well-being of both. Human-animal interactions go well beyond the strong emotional bonds that
people have with their pets. From service dogs to equine-assisted activities and therapies, the healing power of animals enriches our lives in many ways. In this course, we will explore the emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment. Students will choose topics that matter most to their groups, review research on specific human-animal interactions, and evaluate the impact on human health and animal welfare.
Instructor: Cassandra Uricchio
Class # 47004
Section 09
Migración y Salud
Tuesday, 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Introduces the major health and healthcare challenges related to immigrant communities in the United States. From a socio-ecological perspective, students acquire an understanding of the theories and realities about migration and the migration-health relationship, towards developing proficiency in Spanish for public health/health services. Specific topics including assimilation and acculturation, access to care, healthy practices (the so-called Latin paradox), environmental and labor issues. Investigates relevant political and ethical issues surrounding migration and health.
Instructor: Daniel López-Cevallos
Class # 47014
Section 10
A Corrupter of Youth
Tuesday, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Georg Cantor did for mathematics what Isaac Newton did for physics. Initially, prominent scholars called Cantor a scientific charlatan and a corrupter of youth. Not long after and persisting until the present, his work provided a rigorous foundation. Paraphrasing the eminent mathematician David Hilbert, the course will explore the paradise that Cantor has created for us. Grade is based on class participation and a final paper with emphasis on writing and research skills. Background requirement: one year of calculus.
Instructor: Ernest Manes
Class # 47005
Section 11
Curious about Curiosity?
Tuesday, 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
When was a time you got pleasure from having a new experience? When did you desperately need to know something? When faced with an uncertain situation, did you avoid it? Do you ever wonder why people behave the way they do? When have you EXPERIENCED curiosity? These are just a few of the questions we’ll explore in this honors seminar. And we’ll dig into these questions by developing the skills you’ll need to create your honors thesis paper or project. We'll hone your skills of reading, analyzing and synthesizing research articles, book chapters, and multimedia on curiosity; experiment with qualitative research methods like observation, taking field notes, and interviewing; and practice developing research questions in areas that interest you. It will be fun, sometimes messy, but ultimately illuminating.
Instructor: Bethany Lisi
Class # 46998
Section 14
WEDNESDAY
The Anthropocene: An Introduction and Contemplative Inquiry
Wednesday, 9:05 AM – 9:55 AM
Throughout human history, stories have defined and redefined the place of homo sapiens on planet Earth. Over the past two decades, recognition of our species’ considerable impact on the biosphere has led to a new proposition: that the planet itself has entered an unprecedented epoch known as the Anthropocene–the era of humans. Strictly speaking, this designation pertains to geology, and it is being debated at the highest ranks of that field. But attributing a new chapter in Earth history to humans, Anthropos, has sparked considerable debate across natural science, social studies, and the humanities. The discussion has now leapt beyond the ivory tower, motivating cover issues of magazines, radio shows, books, and blogs. Drawing upon text, audio, and video materials, this seminar provides an introductory primer to the Anthropocene. A human-dominated biosphere has profound implications, and this seminar fosters a contemplative space where deep listening and inquiry are cultivated.
Instructor: Theodore Eisenman
Class # 46991
Section 16
Black Liberation and Labor in the Long 20th Century: Introduction
Wednesday, 9:05 AM – 9:55 AM
What is the relationship of Black workers to freedom?
This course will look at the relationship between Black Liberation and labor struggles since the defeat of Reconstruction in 1877. It will focus on how Black workers fought employers but also had to fight other workers for higher wages, unions, and racial equality. The course will start with what the defeat of Reconstruction meant for Black workers who found themselves as sharecroppers in the South. The course will end by looking at the efforts of Black workers attempt to unionize Amazon in Bessemer, Alabama.
By the end of class, students will have: a) an introductory grasp of Black liberation and labor struggles, b) an understanding of the state of the field, c) the skills to write a literature review, and d) the skills to use academic databases.
Instructor: Shemon Salam
Class # 47016
Section 17
Biomedicine: Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics
Wednesday, 10:10 AM – 11:00 AM
In this course we will read scientific literature exploring the etiology of human health and disease. We will discuss the genetics, molecular biology, and pathophysiology of these disorders and, if applicable, the treatment options available. Students present and lead each week’s paper discussion and choose the topic in accordance with their own interests. Students will be required to write a reflection on each week's paper and to interact asynchronously via the Perusall platform prior to discussing the paper in class. There will be peer-reviewed group presentations on a human disease/treatment of the presenters’ choice, as well as a scaffolded literature review-style writing assignment on a human disease/treatment of the student's choice. Students will also be required to attend two research seminars throughout the semester and write reflection papers on the seminar and their experience watching the seminar.
Instructor: Laura Francis
Class # 47020
Section 18
Creating Educational Software for Discovery-Based Learning
Wednesday, 11:15 AM – 12:05 PM
This course will examine the role that simulations can play in education across disciplines. Students will design and build a discovery-based learning module appropriate for their major. Weekly discussion will focus on translating learning from this experience to preparation for and qualities for success in advanced scholarly work such as a senior thesis or project.
Instructor: Justin Fermann
Class # 47021
Section 19
Chinese American History Through the Lens of Film and Documentaries
Wednesday, 1:25 PM – 2:15 PM
Through the viewing of full-length feature films and documentaries, this course takes you through the history of the Chinese in the United States, from the era of the Gold Rush in the 1850, the succeeding decades of the exclusionary period of the late 1800s and the early 1900s, the roaring 20s, the Second World War, the Civil Rights Movement, and down to the tumultuous last fifty years. You will learn about discriminatory laws such as the Page Law Act of 1875, the experiences of second-generation Chinese Americans such as Anna May Wong, the travails of undocumented Chinese caught in the steamship Golden Venture, the model minority myth, and much more. Apart from learning about the historical experiences of Chinese Americans, we will also discuss pertinent themes such as racism, gender, capitalism, and orientalism. Course requirements include viewing a film or documentary every class session, the submission of written assignments, including a five-page research paper at the end of the semester on topics related to the course.
Instructor: Richard Chu
Class # 47036
Section 20
Punk Histories
Wednesday, 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
This course will explore the worldwide musical and (counter) cultural phenomenon commonly known as punk/DIY. We will examine the musical/sound signifiers of punk and its subgenres as well as the culture built around it in the form of regional scenes, physical spaces/venues, publications, business models, art, activism, politics, fashion, and interpersonal relationships. The class will explore punk's origins as a countercultural underground phenomenon from the 1960s-1980s, through its acceptance into the mainstream in the 1990s and 2000s. We will examine how a subculture that positioned itself in opposition to mainstream society as a refuge for "outcasts" was plagued with many of the same conflicts around race, class, gender, and sexuality, yet also carved out spaces for these communities to form their own "free spaces". We will also discuss how punk has been defined within and outside the community.
We will examine these topics through films, books, music, articles, book chapters, oral histories, zines, guest speakers, field trips, and ephemera. Students will gain valuable skills of research and analysis through the creation of annotated bibliographies, in-class discussions, and presentation of group case studies/projects. This will include learning how to conduct web/library research to find relevant, published, academic, popular, and underground texts as well as how to conduct primary source archival research.
Instructor: Jeremy Smith
Class # 47037
Section 21
Cultivating Stewardship of Trees
Wednesday, 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
If you love trees, this course is for you. Inviting students from all disciplines to use the Frank A. Waugh Arboretum as a learning laboratory, this seminar will be augmented with refereed journal articles, texts, and film as we explore the value of trees to people and the environment. Trees offer the most accessible line of defense against the climate crisis. They also offer human wellness through such practices as forest bathing. Exploring sustainable practices to promote tree stewardship across the socio-economic spectrum, students in this seminar will create hands-on community engagement activities for a diversity of user groups. Students will work with the professor to develop an innovative program for Earth Day on this campus. Interested students may also elect to work on an exhibit design about trees for the Olver Design Building Gallery for April of this semester. Each student will conduct scholarly and creative research on a topic of choice to design and create an activity for a designated user group. Some of these projects will be pilot tested on campus. Students will sign up to lead a seminar to share their work either as it is being planned or at completion. Projects students create may be shared with nonprofit tree stewardship programs across the country. Grades will be based upon the class presentation, the final activity and an annotated bibliography of the sources.
Instructor: Annaliese Bischoff
Class # 47038
Section 22
THURSDAY
Ethics and Communication in an AI World
Tuesday, 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
In this class, students will explore how technology, specifically artificial intelligence, has changed the way we communicate and operate in society. This class will take a multi-disciplinary look at how AI impacts our daily lives and the ethics of its use in various disciplines. Students will share their own experiences based on their course of study.
In this class students will explore the positives and negatives around the ongoing development of AI. Yes, AI makes life easier but what do we lose in the process? Students will also learn about the importance of maintaining a strong, professional digital identity — and how to go about doing that
Instructor: Steve Fox
Class # 47006
Section 13
Future of Smart Cities & Technology
Thursday, 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
This seminar is designed to introduce students to the worldview of a 2050 society in technology and Smart Cities. Using transportation as a core foundational focus, students will embark on a semester long assignment to explore technological applications in 2050, while considering economic, environmental, and societal impacts. Autonomous vehicles, advanced aviation modes, workforce, and day-to-day intersections are just a few focal points that will help develop a holistic preview of what’s to come. Students will be tasked with in-depth discussion points throughout the semester, including weekly "read, reflect, write, and share." By the end of the semester, students will have a better understanding of the various smart cities from around the world and have the expertise to identify potential societal impacts of technology. The course will help students build critical skills through synthesizing research on the developing technologies and their applications in Smart Cities.
Instructor: Francis Tainter
Class # 47039
Section 23
Art Investigations
Thursday, 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
This course will concentrate on exhibitions in the museums, galleries, and public places on campus to investigate issues in contemporary art and the role of visual art in society. The course will cover art from a variety of times and places and consider historical contexts, critical analyses, and curatorial issues. Each week we visit a different gallery or site and investigate the art on display. Students will engage in discussion, write short essays, and respond in other ways to the wide range of art on display.
Instructor: Gary Orlinsky
Class # 52227
Section 25
Philosophy of Freedom
Thursday, 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
In 1893, Austrian philosopher/scientist, Rudolf Steiner, published a book exploring the basis for free will. His analysis of consciousness found intuitive thinking, the reflective thinking through which we acquire new concepts, to be the basis for freedom of choice, in contrast to Kant's categorical imperative. Steiner founded various ongoing movements (Waldorf Education, Camphill communities supporting neurodiverse persons, biodynamic agriculture, etc.). Of his many books, he especially urged people to read this one, to truly enrich their lives. In this course we follow Steiner's logic, using critical reasoning, to develop an understanding of intuitive thinking and free will. Each week you will summarize a chapter by condensing each paragraph to a sentence, which is essential to grasping his intense chain of reasoning and write a discussion question. We will also explore a series of contemplative exercises he recommended for developing deeper capacities for intuitive thinking.
Instructor: Charles Weems
Class # 52228
Section 26
Blue Gold and World Water Wars
Thursday, 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
The course will overview the emerging water scarcity crisis and conflicts throughout the earth system. Using case studies worldwide, students will learn about nature, distribution, institutions, and conflicts related to water resources. Each class will involve video discussion, brainstorming, a short lecture, and exercises. Students can share ideas and interact with others through a course website and in classrooms. The interdisciplinary course provides a unique opportunity to learn and interact with students from various majors. Grading will be based on weekly blogs students complete on the topic learned each week, followed by a final presentation. The presentation will be a particular case selected by the student. The course aims to provide a scientific basis for understanding the water crisis and strategies to handle current and emerging issues.
Instructor: Timothy Randhir
Class # 52884
Section 27