TSU 2004-2005 Undergraduate Catalog

The University Honors Program

Sandra W. Holt, Ph.D., Director
Learning Resources Center

Faculty: W. Billings, C. Blankenship, F. Chen, Y. Clark, D. Daniels, K. Ferris, D. Gendron, S. Holt, H. Houston, J. Irby, L. James, B. Jobe, G. Johnson, P. Kahlon, M. Karim, W. Latham, L. Lewis, M. McDonald, D.L. McGahey, C. McGinnis, J. Miglietta, J. McKinney, M. Mazzone, E. Orlando, J. Parham, N. Pearson, E. Phillips, L. Powers, M. Rivera, P. Roberts

General Statement: The University Honors Program (UHP) promotes positive and life-long learning, scholarly inquiry, and a commitment to the service of others. From its inception, the primary goal of the Program has been to create and maintain a community of academically bright and talented students who would serve as campus leaders and role models, impacting positively on the university and enhancing the mission of Tennessee State University. The Honors Program at Tennessee State University stresses excellence as a way of life.

The Program: The UHP offers special opportunities for exceptional high school graduates or college students with a record of achievement and a sincere desire to lead and learn. The UHP is designed to offer the academically exceptional student an educational experience that is a step beyond the norm.

Through the Honors curriculum and special programs, gifted students are challenged, stimulated and inspired intellectually to explore their potential and reach new levels of academic excellence. Students are exposed to an advanced curriculum that provides opportunities for critical analysis, creative achievement, intensive research and scholarly thought. Spirited exchange with classmates and teachers is offered along with the most inspiring seminars available at TSU.

Course Work: UHP course work is concentrated in the freshman and sophomore years, when students will take enriched versions of general education courses. At the junior and senior levels, when students are fully involved in their major area of specialization, courses will be supplemented with interdisciplinary honors colloquia. Before graduation, students are expected to complete a senior thesis. The thesis is defended before a committee, or a recital for those students in the performing arts. In short, the UHP is directed at students who want to combine the best of liberal education and professional specialization.

The Honors Program does not require additional courses beyond those required of other students. Grades awarded in UHP courses coincide with those given for courses in the regular curriculum.
Benefits: While providing the advantages of a growing state university (low cost, vast resources, and cultural diversity), the UHP also harnesses the attractiveness of a liberal arts college (individual attention, small class size, and close interaction with faculty and fellow students). Other benefits include:

Admission/Retention Requirements: In addition to the general application for admission to the University, the prospective Honors student must also complete the application for admission to the UHP. There are no additional fees associated with participation in the UHP.
Admission is made on the basis of the student’s ACT/SAT scores and the high school record.
Baccalaureate students who do not participate in the UHP as entering freshmen may be admitted later by recommendation of a University faculty member. The latest point for a student to enter the UHP is the first semester of the junior year.
To remain in good standing in the Program, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.4, based on all course work. A student may withdraw from the Program at any time, but should first notify the Honors office.

Graduation with University Honors: At commencement, students who complete the requirements of the Honors Program will graduate with “University Honors.” They are awarded the Honors senior pin and the scarlet and gold cord.

These requirements include: 1) taking required Honors courses, 2) giving a recital or writing and defending a senior thesis. The student will select a topic for the Honors thesis with the approval of his or her major advisor and the instructor of the course. The topic may be related to his major field of interest or to a colloquium. Insofar as possible, advisors for the Honors thesis will be members of the Honors faculty. The student will select the topic in his or her senior year and defend it before the Honors Thesis Committee and such other persons who may be invited to sit for the defense, and 3) maintain a cumulative average of at least 3.4.

Freshman Year

Credit Hours
ENGL 1011-1021  * 3-3
BIOL 1012-1022 4-4
BIOL 1112-1122 4-4
MATH 1111-1121 3
THTR 1021 3
CHEM 1112  3
HIST 2011-2021 3-3
ART 1011 3
MUSC 1030 3
HONR 1002* 1

Sophomore Year

Credit Hours
ENGL 2018-2028* 3-3
COMM 2030 3
COMM 2202 3

 Junior Year

Credit Hours
HONR 3002* 3
HONR 3012 3
AFAS 3952 3
BIOL 3920 (MARC) 4
BIOL 4920 (MARC) 4

 
 Senior Year

Credit Hours
HONR 4002* 3
HONR 4012 3
HONR 4032 3
HONR 4102* 3

*Required honors courses. All other honors courses are electives.

Course Descriptions

HONR 1002 Honors Orientation (1). This course is designed as an orientation class for UHP freshmen. It is also an opportunity for professional/personal development. Students are exposed to corporate and business professionals who conduct modules on all aspects of professional growth. Students also prepare and present a professional portfolio.

HONR 3002 Honors Junior Colloquium (3) (formerly HP 300H). Lectures, discussions, and student writing based upon a central theme – such as “Famous Biographies” – which may vary from year to year. Original work and interpretations and adaptations of original works are bases for discussions. The faculty member who conducts the colloquium may invite outside experts to participate when he/she deems it advisable.

HONR 3012 Honors Special Topics (3) (formerly HP301H). A junior level course designed to expose students to current issues, personalities, activities, and career opportunities in various areas of study offered by the university, through guest speakers, field trips, and the study of selected topics that will prepare them for excellence upon graduation. This course is usually experiential in nature.

HONR 4002 Honors Senior Colloquium (3) (formerly HP 400H). Lectures, discussions and student writing based upon a central theme – such as “Black Arts” – which may vary from year to year. Original work and interpretations and adaptations of original works are bases for discussions. The faculty member who conducts the colloquium may invite outside experts to participate when he/she deems it advisable.

HONR 4012 Honors Special Topics (3) (formerly HP 401H). A senior level course designed to expose students to current events, issues, personalities, activities, and career opportunities in various areas of study offered by the university, through guest speakers, field trips, and the study of selected topics that will prepare them for excellence upon graduation. This course is usually experiential in nature.

HONR 4032 Honors Summer Seminar (3) (formerly HP 403H). A course designed to expose students in the Honors Program to different cultures through the study of cultural norms, government, schools, current issues, and career opportunities. The goal may be accomplished through actual travel to a different culture or through studying “the city as text.” May also be offered in the Spring semester.

HONR 4102 Honors Senior Thesis (3) (formerly HP 410H). The student will be allowed freedom of choice in selecting a topic for his/her Honors thesis. The topic may, for example, be related to the students major field of interest or to a colloquium taken in the UHP. Insofar as possible, advisors for the honors thesis will be members of the Honors faculty. The student will defend it before the Honors Thesis Committee and such other persons who may be invited to sit for the defense.

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