Courses Offered Fall 2009

EDF 100 Hon: Educated Persons for a Democratic Society
(3 credits)

Russ Lord, T 1800-2100

Explores what it means to be an educated person in a democratic society. Although schooling is generally the primary formal means whereby societies educate citizens, this course focuses on education broadly to examine a) the ways people create and share knowledge, b) society’s responsibilities to provide the rich and varied opportunities needed by all citizens who would be educated, c) the consequences of disenfranchising anyone from those opportunities, and d) the critical link between democratic society and education.

COMT 130.10 Hon: Public Speaking (3 credits)

Melinda Tilton, TR 10:30-12:00

Develops the student's speaking abilities. Students acquire an understanding of basic rhetorical theory and its application in a variety of speech situations. Listening, speaking and critiquing abilities are emphasized. This course addresses the following topics: speech preparation and delivery, forming and fielding questions, audience analysis, listening skills, critiquing and speaker anxiety.

HIST 106 Hon: History of Western Civilization to 1500 (3 credits)

Thomas C Rust, TR 1400-1500

The course covers the development of Western Civilization from its origins through the Middle Ages. Particular attention is paid to the social, economic, political, and cultural issues which shape the western world today.

HON 181 The Ancient & Medieval Worlds (3 credits)

William Kamowski, TR 12:10-1:40

Examines in conjunction with HIST 106 the political, economic, social, philosophical, literary, and artistic history of the ancient Near East, classical Greece, the Roman Empire, and medieval Europe. Focuses on biblical material, Greek drama, and such authors as Homer, Sappho, Thucydides, Plato, Virgil, Augustine, Dante, and Chaucer.

POLS 221 Hon: International Relations (3 credits)

Craig Wilson, MWF 1140-1240

Considers the nature of relations among nations, various dimensions of international politics and the nature of political challenges occasioned by the changing milieu in which international affairs are conducted.

HON 292 Human Judgment and Decision-making
(1 credit, 8-week session)

Michael Havens and Tony Hecimovic, T 2:30-4:30 after October 26
Co-instructors will include Jim Barrons and Russ Lord

Examines human judgment and decision making in light of current scientific research. No prerequisite. Reading will include On being certain, Burton; Mistakes were made, but not by me, Aronson & Tavris; Human judgment and decision-making, Plous; The drunkards’ walk, Mlodinow and selected articles.

HON 290 or 490 Internships (1-3 credits)
HON 291 or 491 Independent Study (1-3 credits)

Honors Contract: By special arrangement students may negotiate an Honors Contract with a professor. This contract will suffice to make a regular class fulfill an honors requirement through extra work as specified by the contract. Requires the Director’s approval.

If you are interested in taking other courses for Honors credits, please stop by the Honors office, LA 700, or contact Tami Haaland at thaaland@msubillings.edu.

Spring Courses