Arts History I

A critical and analytics study of the great historical works of art in architecture, painting, sculpture, and minor arts from prehistoric times to the Renaissance.

Macro Economics

Principles of Macroeconomics deals with consumers as a whole, producers as a whole, the effects of government spending and taxation policies and the effects of the monetary policy carried out by the Federal Reserve Bank. Macroeconomics is concerned with unemployment, inflation, and the business cycle. In honors we expand as time permits and according to the interests of students or instructor. Among the directions we may go: 1) A more skeptical and critical look at the effectiveness of government in managing the economy. 2) A more rigorous and "in-depth" look at the impact of international trade and relations. 3) A survey of the factors governing international differences in wealth, economic progress and the wealth of nations. 4) Appropriate topics of interest to the students. You will particularly enjoy this course if you are not afraid of simple algebra and have already taken the course in microeconomics, but this is not essential.

Composition I:  “Rebels and Revolution

The course is designed to introduce students to the various aims/purposes, modes/patterns and other rhetorical strategies available to writers, with an Honors Emphasis on the tracts, essays, declarations, pamphlets, songs, poems, letters, diaries, plays, paintings and other cultural productions of the American Revolutionary Age.  This fifth anniversary edition of the course will evolve as a flexible combination of lectures, discussions, web site visits, group work, in-class assignments/workshops/conferences, readings aloud, music, film, play performance and no telling what else. 

Composition II:  African American Writers”

This course will focus on the African American culture & the seven elements of fiction: central idea, character, conflict, point of view, setting, language, and tone. A rich selection of literature will be discussed, from The Autobiography of Malcolm X to works from contemporary authors, such as Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou.

U.S. Government:  “Globalization & U.S. Politics Post 9-11”

This course offers an indepth analysis of the current international political and economic structure and its impact on U.S. government and politics. Topics covered include the impact of globalization on U.S. policy on jobs and the economy, the connection between U.S. foreign policy and terrorism, the impact of the WTO and NAFTA on U.S. democracy, and the relationship between U.S. law and international law, such as the Geneva Convention.

U.S. Government:  “Undressing the Constitution:  Philosophic…”

This honors course in US Government will cover the basic information in the introductory survey course, but will place great emphasis on the political and philosophical thought on which our nation’s government, constitution, institutions, processes, and policies are based.  We will complement readings in the textbook with source texts, as we seek to understand what kind of thinking motivated the framers to create a government unlike any the world has seen?  For instance, we will seek not only to understand that our nation is founded on the principles of liberty, democracy and the self-guided pursuit of happiness, but how the founders came to those ideas and what they mean.  Further, we will try to gain an understanding of and appreciation for the unique nature of American Government by setting it in the context of the classical political thought which preceded it, the modern political thought which spawned it and the contemporary political thought which challenges it. 

Texas State and Local Government:  “A Hands on Guide”

This course is an honors course designed to provide you with a framework for analyzing Texas state and local government, including the constitutional basis and the institutions, processes and policies of Texas state and local government.  In addition, the course includes a number of assignments and activities designed to include you in Texas state and local government and increase your understanding through first hand experience.  

History II:  “American and the World in Film/Print”

As with all US History II courses, this class will address the principal themes of modern US history since 1877. But US History II: America and the World will take advantage of the honors format to also examine in detail the role of America in world affairs and, in turn, the influence of the world on life in the United States. To make sense of such a sweeping view of history, the class will concentrate on four distinct but interrelated periods: 1877-1920, 1920-1945, 1945-1989, & 1989-Present.

History II:  “Terrorism in America and the World”

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a useful framework from which to interpret some of the important themes in modern United States history and the interrelationship of foreign policy on life in America since 1877.

Introduction to Sociology

Spanish I

Study of fundaments of Spanish:  conversation, basic writing, listening and reading comprehension, vocabulary building, grammar and culture.  It is highly recommended that students with no previous experience with a foreign language also enroll in a Spanish I Lab course.

Spanish II

Continuation of SPAN 1511 with more advanced conversation, basic writing, listening and reading comprehension, vocabulary building, grammar, and culture.

Introduction to Speech:  “Communication for Health Professionals”

This course will focus on how to enhance your communication skills with patients, health care workers, and family members. Improve the delivery of healthcare by developing your communication skills in the health care setting.

Introduction to Speech: “Culture & Communication”

This course will focus on Cultural Identity, Belonging, Intercultural Competence, Xenophobia, and Intercultural Communication through a series of projects, readings, class discussion, and exercises.

Fundamentals of Public Speaking:  Social Issues, Political…”

A study of the basic principles and techniques for the research, composition, organization, delivery, and analysis of speeches for various purposes and occasions. The course concentrates on practical experience in developing speaking and listening abilities.

Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal Communication is the study of theory and practice in verbal and nonverbal communication with a focus on interpersonal relationships.   Emphasis is on improving interpersonal skills and helping increase communication competence in everyday social exchanges.

In the Honors course, film is the primary teaching methodology.  Students view and analyze modern American films to discover how interpersonal communication concepts are portrayed at home, at school, in social settings, and in the workplace.  The films focus on interpersonal relationship with friends, family members, and romantic partners.  Students also read from a variety of primary contemporary writings on the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships.