Honors Program (HON)

This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.jccc.edu/.

Courses

HON 100   Honors Seminar* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites : Department approval.

This course will introduce students to the theory and practices of interdisciplinarity, the skills and tools required for honors coursework, and undergraduate collaborative and individual research. While closely examining a specific topic, students will develop their skills in research, reading, writing and in-depth discussion.

HON 250   Honors Forum: In Search of Solutions (3 Hours)

The Honors Forum provides an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary problems as they emerge locally, nationally or globally. Students will be exposed to diverse modes of inquiry in order to consider these problems from multiple angles. The Honors Forum draws from honors courses that students have completed prior to their enrollment. Students will develop a greater understanding of each issue and acquire the ability to develop an evidence-based argument regarding the topic under scrutiny. In this course students will build upon the research literacy skills introduced in the Honors Seminar, such that they demonstrate proficiency in the selection and use of academic databases, as well as the ability to incorporate in their argument the analysis of at least one primary source.

HON 250H   HON: Honors Forum: In Search of Solutions* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites : Honors department approval.

One-credit hour honors contract is available to qualified students who have an interest in a more thorough investigation of a topic related to this subject. An honors contract may incorporate research, a paper, or project and includes individual meetings with a faculty mentor. Student must be currently enrolled in the regular section of the courses or have completed it the previous semester. Contact the Honors Program Office, COM 201, for more information.

HON 291   Independent Study* (1-7 Hour)

Prerequisites : 3.5 GPA minimum and department approval.

Independent study is a directed, structured learning experience offered as an extension of the regular curriculum. It is intended to allow individual students to broaden their comprehension of the principles of and competencies associated with the discipline or program. Its purpose is to supplement existing courses with individualized, in-depth learning experiences. Such learning experiences may be undertaken independent of the traditional classroom setting, but will be appropriately directed and supervised by regular instructional staff. Total contact hours vary based on the learning experience.

HON 292   Special Topics:* (1-3 Hour)

Prerequisites : Department approval.

This course periodically offers specialized or advanced discipline-specific content related to diverse areas of honors pedagogy not usually taught in the curriculum to interested and qualified students within the program.

HON 100

  • Title: Honors Seminar*
  • Number: HON 100
  • Effective Term: 2021-22
  • Credit Hours: 1
  • Contact Hours: 1
  • Lecture Hours: 1

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Department approval.

Description:

This course will introduce students to the theory and practices of interdisciplinarity, the skills and tools required for honors coursework, and undergraduate collaborative and individual research. While closely examining a specific topic, students will develop their skills in research, reading, writing and in-depth discussion.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Apply critical thinking skills to an interdisciplinary issue

  2. Synthesize a broad range of knowledge through the study of primary sources

  3. Develop effective presentation skills including oral and poster presentations

  4. Demonstrate research and evaluation skills

  5. Function effectively in a collaborative environment

  6. Explore honors program requirements

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Interdisciplinarity and Critical Thinking

A. Define essential terms for interdisciplinary studies.

B. Discuss techniques of critical thinking.

C. Function effectively in group discussion.

II. Research

A. Differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources.

B. Differentiate between primary and secondary sources.

C. Discuss research types in different academic fields.

D. Develop a thesis.

E. Compile a literature review.

F. Perform research on an interdisciplinary topic.

G. Synthesize research into a written format.

III. Leadership

A. Research leadership opportunities.

B. Assess leadership qualities.

IV. Service Learning

A. Define service learning.

B. Perform service.

C. Reflect on service experience.

V. Cultural and Global Awareness

A. Develop an awareness of individual biases and reactions to people who are of significantly different cultures and backgrounds.

B. Explore the impact of cultural events on society.

VI. Presentation

A. Create an oral presentation on an interdisciplinary topic.

B. Create a poster presentation on an interdisciplinary topic.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

40-50%    Discussion and class participation
50-60%    Projects and assignment

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
60 – 69% = D
0 – 59% = F

Caveats:

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

HON 250

  • Title: Honors Forum: In Search of Solutions
  • Number: HON 250
  • Effective Term: 2021-22
  • Credit Hours: 3
  • Contact Hours: 3
  • Lecture Hours: 3

Description:

The Honors Forum provides an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary problems as they emerge locally, nationally or globally. Students will be exposed to diverse modes of inquiry in order to consider these problems from multiple angles. The Honors Forum draws from honors courses that students have completed prior to their enrollment. Students will develop a greater understanding of each issue and acquire the ability to develop an evidence-based argument regarding the topic under scrutiny. In this course students will build upon the research literacy skills introduced in the Honors Seminar, such that they demonstrate proficiency in the selection and use of academic databases, as well as the ability to incorporate in their argument the analysis of at least one primary source.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Explore concepts through an interdisciplinary approach leading students to the creative integration of evidence across several disciplines.
  2. Develop the critical thinking abilities necessary to understand abstract concepts (including contextualization and exploration of new ideas) and inventive thinking skills necessary to adopt alternative modes of inquiry so as to prepare students to contribute innovative scholarship.
  3. Demonstrate research and analysis skills necessary to identify sound scholarship in order to develop pointed evidence-based argument.
  4. Support positions by evaluating possible positions and solutions to problems by making appropriate connections across time, location and discipline.
  5. Develop a personalized learning experience through the identification of academic interests or professional aspirations within the broader topics addressed by the course.  
  6. Develop meta-cognitive skills through reflective writing documenting individual discoveries and personal growth.
  7. Practice effective group discussion and collaborative skills.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Approaches

A. Identify basic elements of given disciplines.

B. Apply discipline specific terms and methods in order to approach problem solving in creative ways.

C. Cross-pollinate ideas by utilizing facets of multiple disciplinary approaches to delineate coherent argumentation.

II. Critical and Creative Thinking

A. Evaluate the purpose or goal in a scholar’s text and in their own statements.

B. Identify what problem(s) are being addressed in a scholar’s text.

C. Identify sources of evidence used by scholars to develop their argument and solve their selected problem.

D. Locate proposed solutions to problems and follow the scholar’s logic in achieving this inference.

E. Show the ability to contextualize new concepts within a scholar’s approach to knowledge construction.

F. Identify problems for which alternative modes of inquiry will be appropriate.

III. Research and Analysis

A. Demonstrate proficient information literacy.

B. Utilize library databases to find scholarship applicable to the topic / problem.

C. Select appropriate data from a standard search.

D. Synthesize information.

E. Highlight the most salient arguments / evidence.

IV. Evaluation and Problem Solving

A. Demonstrate intellectual empathy by accurately restating scholars’ arguments.

B. Compare scholars’ arguments to other arguments within a discipline

C. Compare arguments across disciplines.

D. Compare arguments across time and location as applicable.

V. Individual Learning Experience

A. Identify topics they are interested in learning more about.

B. Identify future aspirations and personal academic interests.

VI. Meta-cognitive Skills

A. Self-assess learning during the course.

B. Demonstrate where students’ personal knowledge base and bias lies.

C. Regularly assess students’ ability to complete tasks or solve problems.

D. Adjust learning strategies in order to improve learning in the course.

VII. Collaborative Skills

A. Demonstrate good communication skills.

B. Demonstrate listening skills.

C. Demonstrate problem-solving skills.

D. Demonstrate conflict management skills.

E. Demonstrate time keeping and other organizational skills.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Class Participation: 20-30%

  • The Honors Forum is taught seminar style. This means that students will come ready to engage in in-person discussion with their peers as well as on discussion-boards online, as applicable.

Assignments: 30-50%

  • It is understood that assignments may vary depending on disciplines. Assignments may include problem-based assignments, glossary, annotated bibliography, research-based project, collaborative project, proposal.

Journals: 20-30%

  • Journaling is an effective way to reflect on one’s learning and growth. Journal assignments may include self-assessments, visual journal, reflection.

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

This course is offered exclusively to members of the Honors Program. 

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

HON 250H

No information found.

HON 291

No information found.

HON 292

  • Title: Special Topics:*
  • Number: HON 292
  • Effective Term: 2021-22
  • Credit Hours: 1 - 3
  • Contact Hours: 1 - 3
  • Lecture Hours: 1 - 3

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Department approval.

Description:

This course periodically offers specialized or advanced discipline-specific content related to diverse areas of honors pedagogy not usually taught in the curriculum to interested and qualified students within the program.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Prepare complex readings and research in the designated topic.
  2. Define key terms, and both explain and apply concepts within the scope of the topic.
  3. Utilize research and/or analysis skills relevant to the area and issues of study.
  4. Formulate a reasoned and scholarly discussion about the special topic.
  5. Develop a personal point of view about the special topic that can be supported with textual evidence, research and other means.

Content Outline and Competencies:

Because of the nature of a Special Topics course, the course content outline and competencies will vary, depending on the special topic being offered. The Special Topics course outline must be designed in the standard format for all JCCC-approved courses and must include the standard course objectives for a Special Topics class. The course content outline and competencies must be written in outcomes-based language. In order to maintain course consistency, rigor and uniqueness, each section of this course first must be reviewed and approved by the Honors Director prior to its being offered. The Honors Advisory Committee and Honors Director will review each Special Topics course to be offered, and approve the course content.  The Honors Department will also determine when and if the course may be taught.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Evaluation will be based on typical assignments such as readings, discussion, written assignments, research, individual or group projects, etc., dependent upon the needs of the topic and the instructor.

Grade Criteria:

90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
60 – 69% = D
0 – 59% = F

Caveats:

Any specific Special Topics topic may not be repeated within a four-semester sequence.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).