Honors Curriculum

“The Honors Program is perfect for those who want to be challenged in their education. The Honors Program applies a rigorous course load that will leave you wanting for nothing. It gives students the opportunity to challenge themselves in ways they did not think possible.”

- Alexander Engelkamp, ‘14
JD degree, University of Nebraska

Overview

Honors scholars are formed by a distinct curriculum that builds upon Benedictine College’s general education requirements. Drawing from its liberal arts heritage, the Program’s curriculum is designed to enrich scholar’s educational experience, preparing them for an active life of the mind and success in exciting careers and competitive graduate programs.

1. Freshman Retreat

Honors scholars fulfill the Benedictine College Experience requirement through a week-long retreat prior to the beginning of classes. They receive an introduction to the academic rigor of the program and the faculty who will teach in it, while exploring deep questions of humanity through Socratic seminars.

2. The Core Curriculum

All scholars complete the following 3 courses. These provide them with an enriched liberal arts foundation.

  1. Honors English Research Seminar: Honors scholars complete this advanced expository writing course, which has a strong emphasis on research writing. This course replaces the English Composition general education requirement.
  2. Christian Moral Life: A special section of Christian Moral Life allows the scholars to learn and discuss Christian ethics and principles with their Honors peers and professors.
  3. Philosophy of Nature: Honors scholars take Philosophy of Nature to fulfill the college’s philosophy requirement. Taking this course, rather than Principles of Nature, gives scholars a richer philosophical foundation.  

3. Upper-Level Courses

Honors scholars complete four Honors Upper-Level Courses. These may be completed by a combination of any of the following three options:

  1. The Great Books Courses: Any of the 4 courses from the Great Books sequence may count towards the completion of this requirement. Learn More
  2. Honors-Approved Courses: Honors scholars can formally propose Honors Courses. They collaborate with professors to create a class that explores a chosen topic, while often fulfilling a general education requirement or requirements for their major. These special courses are capped at 16 students, taught in a seminar style, and focused on the great works within a given discipline. Past courses have included topics as diverse as eschatology, the history of science, and the writings of great thinkers like C.S. Lewis.
  3. The Professional Track: Scholars in pre-professional and professional majors, whose requirements would otherwise prohibit them from completing the Program, can fulfill this requirement through coursework within their major. The scholar works with their department to choose classes within their major to further explore. In these classes, the scholar will strive to achieve a level of competency that distinguishes them from their peers in the chosen field.  

4. Senior Capstone Class

The Senior Capstone Course is the culmination of the Honors Program. The course utilizes the richness of the Great Books to challenge the scholars to reconsider the themes of humanity discussed at their Freshman Retreat. In the class, the students and professor will thoroughly examine a topic, drawing from their experience and time in the Honors Program.  

5. Project and Financial Award

Honors scholars complete a year-long project on a topic of their choice, then present their findings to the college in an honors scholars colloquium. The purpose of this project is to bring the riches of a liberal arts formation beyond the classroom and prepare scholars for a future as lifelong learners, as well as excellence in their chosen field. The project reflects the highest standards of undergraduate research. After receiving approval from the Honors Committee, the scholar receives a $2,000 financial award for the project’s completion. Projects in the past include the reconstruction of Medieval Chants, the use of Montessori-style catechesis methods in grade-schools, the translation of St. Albert the Great’s Commentary on the Sentences, and an analysis of law following the Roe v. Wade decision.

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