Honors Program

"Liberal arts education encourages you to appreciate and expand your idea of what it means to be human in different ways. Those tools are indispensable in this day and age."
France Córdova
President, Purdue University

Courses

Return to top of page

What courses are offered through the Honors Program?

Each semester the Honors Program offers numerous courses in all Departments. Lists of these offerings may be obtained in the Honors Office, through your Academic Advisor, or on the web.

Most of these courses are HONORS OPTION courses. In these courses, students enrolled for Honors meet with the regular section of the class. However, the professor designs a special component in the class for Honors students. This may range from special meetings with the professor to alternative assignments and student designed components.

We also offer HONORS ONLY courses. These are courses, sometimes on special topics, offered only by the Honors Program. They are taught by faculty and open only to Honors students. Enrollment in HONORS ONLY courses is also strictly limited. They are intended to encourage close student-faculty interaction and exciting engagement with equally talented and intellectually-oriented peers.

Once students have taken two Honors courses, they are also offered the opportunity to convert any course into an Honors course through an Honors Contract form. Honors Contract forms are available though Corey Linkel, Honors Coordinator (BRNG 1172).

Students interested in Honors Contract Courses should consult with the Honors Office.

Are Honors courses more difficult, or more work, than regular courses?

Sometimes.  But the most important difference between Honors courses and regular courses is in approach. Honors work is frequently not greater in amount, but different in kind. For example, Honors versions of regular courses often use more advanced readings and also stress interaction and critical writing. Students similarly benefit from more individualized attention from the professor. Assignments may be longer and more complex, but students have been prepared to think and speak more rigorously, with awareness of larger issues.

Will my grades suffer if I take Honors courses?

Usually not.  Honors courses are not graded on a curve but on the same basis as regular classes. Honors students do not, as a result, compete against one another for a limited number of A's and B's. It is possible for everyone in an Honors course to receive an A, if each student's work warrants such a grade.

Surveys show, in fact, that in general Honors students do as well or even slightly better in Honors courses than in regular courses. Students report that this is so because the closer contact with professors, the more energetic debates and discussions in Honors Only classes, and the more personalized assignments in Honors classes consistently motivate them to do their best work.

Can I arrange for innovative academic experiences through the Honors Program?

Yes.  It may indeed be possible to arrange for unique independent research for Honors credit. There are also many unusual educational opportunities for students in Honors programs across the country, including exchange programs and special study programs. Because many of these opportunities, such as the United Nations semester and the Mexican semester sponsored by the National Collegiate Honors Council, need considerable preparation, students are advised to begin at least a full year in advance. Further information on all these matters may be obtained in the Honors Office.



Return to top of page