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Inside the
Honors Colloquia:
Course
Spotlights
One of the best parts of being an Honors
student (and professor) is the unique
classes. Colloquium topics change from
semester to semester, but each course
provides a transformative educational
experience that encourages the kind of
thought and inquiry typically found at the
graduate level.
These small, discussion-based classes are
specially designed to fulfill the Honors
mission by providing exposure to global
issues and emphasizing exploration and
experiential learning.
HUMAN NATURE: GIVING &
PHILANTHROPY
Dr. Ron Pitcock
Gain an understanding and appreciation
for the meaning and importance of
philanthropy while participating in
real philanthropic endeavors. Research
Fort Worth nonprofit organizations,
visit and conduct interviews, develop
memorandums, and ultimately, argue
the merits of each charity. You’ll learn to
make moral judgments as you engage in
micro-decisions while considering macro-
consequences.
NATURE OFVALUES: EMPATHY
Dr. Wendy Williams
Explore and experience empathy in
its individual, interpersonal and civic
modes. Readings in literature, psychology,
sociology and philosophy supplement
your semester-long service-learning
projects, which involve service with a local
community partner. The goal is to develop
a coherent theory of empathy as well as a
practical understanding of it.
“Students take ownership of their
learning in this class. Past students
supported Como Community Center, an
organization servicing an economically
underprivileged yet culturally robust
community five miles from TCU. They
sponsored an awareness event, created a
literacy program, designed and maintained
a website, established a nutrition and
fitness program, wrote grants and ran a
book drive that collected more than 1,000
books!”
—
Dr. Williams
CEREBRAL PALSY AND DANCE
Dr. Eric Simanek and Dr. Nina Martin
Discover how movement can help improve
the lives of people living with cerebral
palsy. This unique interdisciplinary
class fuses research from the sciences
with theories from fine arts, creating
a one-of-a-kind learning experience.
Examine research exploring the efficacy
of movement practices, both quantitative
and qualitative. You’ll learn from guest
lecturers, develop funding and grant plans,
conduct pilot studies and participate in
experiential learning activities at Cook
Children’s Cerebral Palsy Clinic, Lone Star
Equestrian and other local sites.
RACE, COLOR, CULTURE: A
CONTEXT FOR UNDERSTANDING
U.S. DIVERSITY INTHE 21ST
CENTURY
Dr. Lynn Hampton
Examine the concept of racial progress in
the U.S. by studying the social forces that
have facilitated or impeded intergroup
relations over the years. Explore complex
themes such as racial and ethnic identity,
race relations, images in the media,
stereotyping and stigma. You’ll also cover
prominent debates such as the intersection
of race and class in American society,
the placement of the “color line,” and the
notion of colorblind racism.
“The courses I’ve developed for Honors
are central to my research, which is focused
on the areas of critical race theory, social
inequality and the sociology of education.
I’ve intentionally designed classes to engage
the TCU Honors community in meaningful
dialogue across differences through
classroom discussions. This learning space
introduces students to a world larger than
their own experiences by expanding their
personal boundaries and enlarging their
sense of community.”
—Dr. Hampton