For Faculty: Want to teach an Honors Course?

From time to time the Honors Council may consider a new Honors course from full-time or part-time faculty. Check with the Kathwari Honors Program Director to find out whether there is room in the Honors course schedule for a new course.   

Course Proposal Process:

  • The process of developing your own honors course begins with you! We suggest that you consult the list of 10 Honors Modes of Inquiry and determine which two to four modes best fit the kind of exploration you have in mind. Many Honors courses set out to solve a problem or tackle world issues, such as sustainability, social or racial justice, or climate change, or simply explore ways to introduce innovation, mindfulness, health, and creativity into student life and study. 
  • Once you have your course idea and ensure it incorporates at least two modes of inquiry, use the honors course proposal template to propose the course you have in mind. Then you will submit the course proposal to the Chair of the Honors Council, who will invite you to attend an Honors Council meeting to answer any questions the Council may have about your proposal. The Honors Council meets every third Wednesday in September, October, November, February, March, and April and comprises a group of committed students and faculty representatives. These meetings are open to all faculty. If you would like to be added to the agenda, please contact the Chair of the Honors Council. 
  • Upon approval of your course by the Honors Council, you will discuss scheduling with the Director of the program to offer your course in an upcoming semester. You may also specify in your proposal when you would like to offer the course. Once the course is approved you can offer it multiple times and may make minor adjustments to the course syllabus, such as assignments and scheduling. 

Further Information: 

Cross-listing an existing course as an Honors Course 
The Kathwari Honors Program will continue to offer a limited number of cross-lists—courses offered by other departments that are available to Kathwari Honors students for Honors credit. The course must be interdisciplinary in nature and the syllabus needs to be updated to include how the course covers at least two modes of inquiry. The Honors Council will then review the course to ensure that it can be cross-listed in the Program. Please consult with the Kathwari Honors Program Director to learn about space for such courses in upcoming schedules before investing time in a proposal.  

Additional Files:

Honors Course Proposal Template