Schedule & Course Information for Incoming Honors Students
Congratulations on your admission to the Honors College! This page is designed to provide helpful information as you identify honors courses that best match your personal and educational goals. We aim to ensure that all Honors College students are enrolled in at least two honors courses during their first semester. Here's what that means:
- If you are a first-time college student, one course will be a 1-credit seminar, TXST 1100. This course is designed to help you acclimate to college life and discover programs or services that can help you maximize your time at Texas State. Although other departments and programs—such as the music department and living-learning communities—offer specialized sections of this course, we highly recommend that all Honors College students elect to enroll in honors versions. US 1100 provides a great way to connect with faculty and students in the Honors College. To enroll, look for a section number that begins with "H."
- Your second course, worth 3 or 4 credit hours, will depend on your interests and preferences. This course may fit into one or more categories: 1) honors courses that satisfy general education / core curriculum requirements; 2) honors courses that count toward major or program requirements, often offered through other academic departments; 3) topical honors seminars, many of which provide credit toward other degree and program requirements.
- Please note that some courses have pre-requisite or co-requisite course requirements. Chemistry also requires completion of a readiness program.
All of the courses listed below are currently scheduled during the upcoming fall semester and will allow you to earn credit toward graduation in the Honors College. Scroll down to read descriptions, or click the following links to jump to a specific category:
► Honors courses in the general education curriculum
► Honors courses in other departments
► Honors seminars for students with unique skills and interests
Some of the courses listed below contain special curriculum information. Make sure to look for the following symbols as you browse:
* Prerequisite information
** Core curriculum information
*** Honors upper and lower credit options
^ other detail or curriculum information
Honors Courses that Satisfy General Education Requirements:
Please read the course description to learn about the class, and refer to the General Education Core Curriculum website for more information. Courses list in this section satisfy one area of the core curriculum.
Note: If you are viewing this page on a mobile device, try using landscape mode to see the full course description.
| GENERAL EDUCATION |
|---|
| BIO 1320 - Modern Biology |
| Provides students with basic scientific and biological principles. Current problems in biology and the ethics of science are presented with perspectives of public policy from a scientific viewpoint. This course is not recommended for majors in the natural sciences, including biology. |
| **Satisfies Life and Physical Sciences Component Code 030 |
| BIO 1330 - Functional Biology |
| This course provides students with a strong foundation in cellular and molecular biology. Topics include biochemistry, energy metabolism, molecular bases of gene regulation and protein functions, cell division and control, and cell signaling. This course is required for all biology majors and is not recommended for non-science majors. |
| **Satisfies Life and Physical Sciences Component Code 030 |
| BIO 1331 - Organismal Biology |
| This course provides science majors with a foundation in organismal biology, Mendelian and population genetics, evolution and ecology. Topics include patterns of inheritance, genetics, evolution, speciation, phylogenetics, and behavioral population, community, and ecosystem ecology. This course is required for all biology majors and is not recommended for non-science majors. |
| **Satisfies Life and Physical Sciences Component Code 030 |
| ENG 1321 - Writing for Sustainable Change |
| This service-learning writing course focuses on supporting sustainable community initiatives in the local area. All writing assignments target real-world audiences in order to advance existing and/or proposed community projects. Writing assignments reflect a variety of genres, including multimodal texts and group-authored projects. |
| **Satisfies Communication Component 010 |
| HON 2301A - Writing to Change the World |
| This course examines communication through writing to promote positive change in the world. This course will enable students to communicate their own arguments appropriate to the subject, occasion and audience. Students will choose a global issue on which to focus their writing, and perform related community service. |
| **Satisfies Communication Component 010 |
| HON 2303A - Teaching Physical Science to Children |
| Course content includes both physics concepts and research findings on physics teaching and learning. Students will develop a deep understanding of fundamental concepts in physical science and how these concepts relate to making sense of everyday experiences. This studio-styled physics course is ideal for pre-service K-8 teachers. |
| **Satisfies Life and Physical Sciences Component Code 030 |
| HON 2304A - Meaning of Death |
| By examining the moral and existential questions raised by our own mortality, students in this course will practice critical thinking and examine the variety of human responses to and understanding of death by focusing on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. |
| **Satisfies Language, Philosophy & Culture Component Code 040 |
| HON 2304C - Nonviolence, Sustainability, and Social Change |
| Nonviolence is often understood as the lack of violence, but this course will explore nonviolence as the presence of a certain discipline of discernment and empowerment that can be investigated in relation to emerging calls for sustainable development. Nonviolence as articulated by Martin Luther King, Jr. may be understood as a systematic endeavor to break cycles of violence, poverty, and racism. Students will investigate the ongoing force of such cycles and formulate effective understandings for subverting and reversing such trends. Since the cycles of violence, poverty, and racism tend to be degrading and destructive to human living conditions, a considered reversal of these cycles would offer productive contributions toward more sustainable human development. Therefore, a presentation of nonviolence in the context of sustainability would foster dialogue between two important areas of concern. This course is approved for 040 - Language, Philosophy, and Culture Core Curriculum credit. |
| **Satisfies Language, Philosophy & Culture Component Code 040 |
| HON 2305B - Women in Texas Music |
| This course examines the lives and creative contributions of Texas women composers, performers, historians, and patrons, and their roles in the promotion and advancement of the arts, especially music, in Texas. This course will address topic-related issues of class, race, and identity formation. |
| **Satisfies Creative Arts Component Code 050 |
| HON 2305D - Honors Creative Arts |
| Students in this course develop broad familiarity with creative arts disciplines through project-based learning. Each project is rooted in a “real world” challenge familiar to the disciplines of art, music, theatre, and dance. To propose a tractable solution, students consult with experts and evaluate significant cultural-historical artifacts. This course utilizes active learning and may not be repeated for credit by taking ART 2313, DAN 2313, or MU 2313. |
| **Satisfies Creative Arts Component Code 050 |
| HON 2306A - American History Through Memoirs |
| Through studying memoirs this course focuses on American history since the end of the Reconstruction period. The memoirs, depicting interactions among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, provide an understanding of how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role. |
| **Satisfies American History Component Code 060 |
| ***May also be taken as HON 3396N for upper-level Honors seminar credit |
| HON 2306G - American Countercultures |
| This course introduces students to major political, economic, social, and cultural developments in American history through the lens of “counterculture.” Although this term is usually associated with the 1960s, countercultures have flourished in the US since the mid-nineteenth century. As 60s guru Timothy Leary observed, countercultures bloom wherever and whenever members of a society embrace lifestyles, artistic expressions, and ways of thinking and being that diverge radically from the mainstream. Students will examine how countercultures from the transcendentalists to the hippies and beyond reflect the hopes and anxieties of younger generations and sometimes succeed in bringing about revolutionary change. |
| **Satisfies American History Component Code 060 |
| HON 2307A - Democracy in America |
| This course is a study of functions performed in the American system of government, understood through the framework of Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville's seminal study of American social and political life, the nature and distinctive character of modern democratic societies, and the problems and perils these societies confront. |
| **Satisfies Government/Political Science Code 070 |
| HON 2307B - Contemporary Issues in American Politics |
| Students will consider conflicts between liberty and equality with emphasis on how these principles are defined within the American system of constitutional government. Students will examine literature addressing race, gender, class, and sexuality in relation to events such as national elections, and to works in modern and contemporary political thought. |
| **Satisfies Government/Political Science Code 070; OR may count as advanced political science |
| HON 2309A - Origins of Civilization |
| By studying literary, mythic, and philosophical works selected with special attention to narratives about the origins of humanity and civilization, students will encounter a variety of explanations of human existence. The course will broaden students' perspectives and provide insight into the background of contemporary world cultures. |
| **Satisfies Core Curriculum Option Area 094. |
| HON 2309J - Memoirs from Lives Off the Neurotypical Map |
| To understand the growing neurologically differently abled/disabled, –ordered, and mentally different/ill population and our perceptions of them and ourselves, we will analyze memoirs and aesthetic works by this true fringe group and consider what being fundamentally different means, and how labels affect people in and out of the neurotypical majority. |
| **Satisfies Core Curriculum Option Area 094. |
| HON 2309P - Honors American Literature |
| This course examines representative authors and works from American literature. Readings will be assigned from various literary genres and will be situated critically within a historical, social, and cultural context. Students will engage with course material through research and creative inquiry. |
| **Satisfies Core Curriculum Option Area 094. |
| ^ Special topics: American Gothic Literature; Science Fiction |
| MATH 2471 - Calculus I |
| This is the first course in differential and integral calculus which stresses limits as well as the applications of calculus to the problems of science. |
| **Satisfies Mathematics Component Code 020 |
| ^Requires enrollment in MATH 2471 lab section HL1 |
| PHIL 1305 - Philosophy & Critical Thinking |
| This course presents a study of universal philosophical problems and their solutions with a view toward developing clear thinking about knowledge, belief, and value. |
| **Satisfies Language, Philosophy, and Culture Component Code 040 |
| PHIL 1320 - Ethics & Society |
| This course provides a broad overview of ethics and emphasizes the development and application of principles of critical thinking and moral reasoning. Students will examine relevant social problems—including environmental ethics, ethics in business, professions, technology and sports— and global problems, such as poverty, minority rights, and stem cell research. |
| **Satisfies Language, Philosophy, and Culture Component Code 040; a REQUIRED course for business students |
| POSI 2310 - Principles of American Government |
| This course surveys the principles of political science, the American system of government, and the origins and development of the constitutions of the United States and Texas. It satisfies the legislative requirements for teacher certification. |
| **Satisfies Government/Political Science Component Code 070 |
| PSY 1300 - Introduction to Psychology |
| A survey of the major principles derived from research on human and animal behavior. Topics studied include learning, thinking, motivation, emotion, personality, the senses, perception, and the form and functions of the nervous system. PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better is required for most other Psychology courses. |
| **Satisfies Social and Behavioral Sciences Component Code 080 |
Honors Courses in Other Departments and Programs:
Courses in this section usually count toward specific requirements in a major, degree, or program. Please read each description for more information. All courses listed below will earn 3 credits toward graduation in the Honors College. You can also click here to find the course requirements and recommended course sequence for your intended major by exploring the undergraduate catalog.
Note: If you are viewing this page on a mobile device, try using landscape mode to see the full course description.
| DEPARTMENTAL HONORS |
|---|
| BIO 1320 - Modern Biology |
| Provides students with basic scientific and biological principles. Current problems in biology and the ethics of science are presented with perspectives of public policy from a scientific viewpoint. This course is not recommended for majors in the natural sciences, including biology. |
| **Satisfies Life and Physical Sciences Component Code 030 |
| BIO 1330 - Functional Biology |
| This course provides students with a strong foundation in cellular and molecular biology. Topics include biochemistry, energy metabolism, molecular bases of gene regulation and protein functions, cell division and control, and cell signaling. This course is required for all biology majors and is not recommended for non-science majors. |
| **Satisfies Life and Physical Sciences Component Code 030 |
| BIO 1331 - Organismal Biology |
| This course provides science majors with a foundation in organismal biology, Mendelian and population genetics, evolution and ecology. Topics include patterns of inheritance, genetics, evolution, speciation, phylogenetics, and behavioral population, community, and ecosystem ecology. This course is required for all biology majors and is not recommended for non-science majors. |
| **Satisfies Life and Physical Sciences Component Code 030 |
| BIO 3442 - Virology |
| This course studies the structure, multiplication and genetics of bacterial, plant, and animal viruses. The role of viruses in human and plant disease. (WI) |
| *BIO 2400 and BIO 2450 both with grades of “C” or better. |
| CHEM 2341 - Organic Chemistry I |
| This course will entail a classical treatment of the fundamental concepts and key applications in Organic Chemistry which focuses on the unique chemistry of the element carbon. The curriculum is organized by the study of families of organic compounds distinguished by their characteristic functional groups. Structure/Property relationships will be demonstrated through the study of reactions representative of each type of functional group. Ultimately the reactions will be understood via step-wise mechanisms that conform to the controlling thermodynamic (energy) changes and rates of reaction. |
| Throughout the course the special topic of Supramolecular Chemistry will be introduced with each functional group studied. Supramolecular Chemistry is defined as “Chemistry Beyond the Molecule” that involves molecular aggregates arising from non-bonded molecular attractions. Elegant examples of Supramolecular Chemistry include molecular recognition, self-assembly, self-replication, molecular devices and many other awe-inspiring applications found in biological and synthetic systems. |
| CS 1428 - Foundations of Computer Science |
| Introductory course for computer science majors, minors and others desiring technical introduction to computer science. Contains overview of history and structure of the digital computer, including binary data representation. Problem solving, algorithm development, structured programming, good coding style, and control structures of C++ are emphasized. |
| ^Requires enrollment in CS 1428 lab section HL1 |
| ENG 1321 - Writing for Sustainable Change |
| This service-learning writing course focuses on supporting sustainable community initiatives in the local area. All writing assignments target real-world audiences in order to advance existing and/or proposed community projects. Writing assignments reflect a variety of genres, including multimodal texts and group-authored projects. |
| **Satisfies Communication Component 010 |
| MATH 2471 - Calculus I |
| This is the first course in differential and integral calculus which stresses limits as well as the applications of calculus to the problems of science. |
| **Satisfies Mathematics Component Code 020 |
| ^Requires enrollment in MATH 2471 lab section HL1 |
| PHIL 1305 - Philosophy & Critical Thinking |
| This course presents a study of universal philosophical problems and their solutions with a view toward developing clear thinking about knowledge, belief, and value. |
| **Satisfies Language, Philosophy, and Culture Component Code 040 |
| PHIL 1320 - Ethics & Society |
| This course provides a broad overview of ethics and emphasizes the development and application of principles of critical thinking and moral reasoning. Students will examine relevant social problems—including environmental ethics, ethics in business, professions, technology and sports— and global problems, such as poverty, minority rights, and stem cell research. |
| **Satisfies Language, Philosophy, and Culture Component Code 040; a REQUIRED course for business students |
| POSI 2310 - Principles of American Government |
| This course surveys the principles of political science, the American system of government, and the origins and development of the constitutions of the United States and Texas. It satisfies the legislative requirements for teacher certification. |
| **Satisfies Government/Political Science Component Code 070 |
| PSY 1300 - Introduction to Psychology |
| A survey of the major principles derived from research on human and animal behavior. Topics studied include learning, thinking, motivation, emotion, personality, the senses, perception, and the form and functions of the nervous system. PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better is required for most other Psychology courses. |
| **Satisfies Social and Behavioral Sciences Component Code 080 |
Honors Seminars for Students with Unique Skills or Interests:
Topical seminars in this section are most suited to students with some prior background knowledge in the subject area and a clear interest in the course topic. Please read the course description for additional details about prerequisites, course substitutions, and degree credit. You can also click here to read more about the pathways to graduate in the Honors College.
Note: If you are viewing this page on a mobile device, try using landscape mode to see the full course description.
| SPECIAL INTEREST |
|---|
| BIO 3442 - Virology |
| This course studies the structure, multiplication and genetics of bacterial, plant, and animal viruses. The role of viruses in human and plant disease. (WI) |
| *BIO 2400 and BIO 2450 both with grades of “C” or better. |
| CHEM 2341 - Organic Chemistry I |
| This course will entail a classical treatment of the fundamental concepts and key applications in Organic Chemistry which focuses on the unique chemistry of the element carbon. The curriculum is organized by the study of families of organic compounds distinguished by their characteristic functional groups. Structure/Property relationships will be demonstrated through the study of reactions representative of each type of functional group. Ultimately the reactions will be understood via step-wise mechanisms that conform to the controlling thermodynamic (energy) changes and rates of reaction. |
| Throughout the course the special topic of Supramolecular Chemistry will be introduced with each functional group studied. Supramolecular Chemistry is defined as “Chemistry Beyond the Molecule” that involves molecular aggregates arising from non-bonded molecular attractions. Elegant examples of Supramolecular Chemistry include molecular recognition, self-assembly, self-replication, molecular devices and many other awe-inspiring applications found in biological and synthetic systems. |
| HON 3380C - Entrepreneurial Design |
| Students will focus on the interconnection between entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. They will develop innovation-driven venture skills and will gain open and critical thinking skills with a focus on community, understanding of calculated risk and the initiative to follow-through. |
| HON 3384B - Beyond Culture Wars: Mastering Intercultural Communication |
| This course examines "Culture Wars" in our polarized world, using intercultural communication to navigate and bridge cultural divides. Students will master speaking across differences and explore the complex nature of "culture" as intersecting and integral to identity. |
| ^Counts as COMM 3329 - Intercultural Communication; may also count toward the Minor in International Studies, or the Minor in Leadership Studies. |
| HON 3392V - Elementary Number Theory |
| This course is the systematic study of problems using definitions and logical deductions from these definitions. Elementary number theory provides an ideal medium for such a study since all basic types of mathematical proofs occur in a setting requiring no prior background. |
| ***May also be taken as HON 2302A for general education credit credit |
| HON 3396N - American History Through Memoir |
| This seminar offers participants engagement with recent American history through the study of memoirs from a broad range of viewpoints. Seminar participants will be responsible for providing contexts for teh readings from within the secondary literature, while the featured memoirs will relate recent American history "from the margins": including voices of Native peoples, African-Americans, political and cultural dissidents, and recent immigrants. |
| ***May also be taken as HON 2306A for general education credit |
| HON 3397A - Revolution, Malaise, Reaction, and Sleaze: America in the 1970s |
| This course revisits the reputation of a decade in which it seemed like nothing happened. To the contrary, many recent commentators have claimed the Seventies as a pivotal historical moment. We will engage questions regarding why this is so, and how an understanding of the 1970's helps us to orient ourselves in the contemporary political, economic, and cultural milieu. |
| ^Counts as advanced History elective |
| HON 3397J - Extraordinary Leadership: Ownership & Influence |
| This course is designed to elevate the performance of leaders. Students are challenged to develop their potential in seminar-style sessions covering leadership definitions, theory, frameworks, and the global application of skills. Students explore their behaviors, motivations, values, influences, and character in an effort to increase self-awareness and to think critically. |
| ^Counts as MGT 3303; or may count toward the Minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship under the “Leadership” Domain. |
| HON 3399H - Southern Gothic Storytelling: An Analysis of Text and Performance |
| At its best, theatre will provoke thought and inspire change. Many productions nonetheless depict agreeable themes and characters to like-minded audiences, rendering critical and self-reflective aspects of the medium ineffective. However, one theatrical genre—Southern Gothic—effectively acknowledges and addresses this concern. By examining Southern Gothic theatre from analytical, performative, and historical perspectives, this course will showcases the genre's influences and impact, and it will explore how different contexts and cultures have shaped performance and interpretive decisions. Students will thereby discover how the Southern Gothic genre aims to honor and criticize the very culture it represents. |
| ^Counts as Advanced Theatre elective. |