Course Descriptions

Spring 2025 Honors Courses

Biology H206 - Genetics

Dr. Saul Honigberg and Dr. Scott Hawley, M/W/F, 8:00-8:50AM

A modern approach integrating molecular and organismal studies of the general genetics of lower and higher organisms. Chromosomal structure and function, gene transmission, heredity, plasticity, and population genetics will be discussed. Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 108, BIOLOGY 109, CHEM 212R. The course offers in-class discussion to dig deeper into topics like the societal issues of genetics and offers a limited number of seats, taught by active geneticists, including Dr. Hawley, an investigator at Stowers Institute, and is considered an important class for students interested in research.

Biology H333 and Biology 333 - Invasive Species

Dr. Jess Magaña, T/Th, 1:00-2:15PM

Invasive species are of concern to the public, scientists, and governments as invasive species can negatively impact native ecosystems, economies, and human health. Students in this 3-credit-hour, online course will study the biological traits that contribute to successful invasions, the ecological and economic impacts of invasive species, and the legal and cultural responses to invasions. Students will develop critical analysis and communication skills by analyzing scientific literature, discussing implications, and presenting arguments in written and oral platforms.

*This is not an Honors-only seminar. Students who wish to earn Honors credit for this class will give a 10-minute presentation from the point of view of a stakeholder dealing with an invasive species, followed by a class discussion in which presenters will answer questions “in-character.”

Biology H498WI - Critical Analysis of Biological Issues

Dr. Jess Magaña, Online Asynchronous

Why do animals do what they do, and how do we know? This three-credit-hour course explores evolutionary influences on animal behavior and the challenges associated with developing and testing hypotheses. Students will develop critical analysis skills and effective written and oral communication skills by analyzing scientific articles, discussing methodology and implications, writing analytical papers, and communicating through oral presentations.

Offered every fall and spring semester.

*This is not an Honors-only seminar. Students who wish to earn Honors credit for this class will create an additional project that explores scientific writing as a discipline.

Communication Studies H110 - Fundamentals of Effective Speaking and Listening

Dr. Steven Melling, T/Th, 11:30-12:45PM

An introduction to the dimensions of effective platform speaking with special emphasis on developing critical listening and successful public speaking skills. In this Honors-only section, students will compose a research-based asynchronous presentation—a video essay.

Offered every fall and spring semester.

GECRT-AH H106 - Kansas City as Text

Dr. Marcus Meade T/Th, 4:00-5:15PM

In this class, you will learn about the arts and history of Kansas City by going to places such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the 18th and Vine Historic District with Dr. Meade and your peers. Then you will choose a topic, problem, or issue relevant to the arts and history of Kansas City for your individual research project. For example, you might explore how the city can preserve the cultural and historical value of the 18th and Vine District while responsibly revitalizing that area. Or you could consider how First Friday, the monthly public gathering in the Kansas City Crossroads, should be altered to better serve the needs and interests of artists, merchants, and guests. In the process, you will develop the important skills of posing a research question; conducting research using methods appropriate to the humanities, such as observation, archival research, and expert interviews; taking a position on your topic; and sharing your findings in a multimodal presentation and an essay.

Offered every fall and spring semester.

GECRT-SS H102 - Culture Through the Camera Lens

Dr. Susanna Donaldson, M/W/F, 2:00-2:50PM

This course provides an introductory survey of documentary film making as a distinct form of social research that has the ability to reflect, critique, reshape, and impact society and culture. We will consider how documentaries critically examine various aspects of society and culture (violence, race, class, gender and sexuality, environmentalism, etc.) in order to address questions such as: what is human behavior? How do humans influence and are influenced by the world around them? How can we study the “why” behind human behavior in a meaningful way?

Offered every spring semester.

GECUE H202 - Social Action

Dr. Susanna Donaldson, M/W, 4:00-5:15PM

This course will introduce students to concepts and strategies that will enable them to enact social change. We will explore the various methods that can be used to implement social action, we will examine activist groups in Kansas City that have led successful campaigns for change, and we will use what we learn to address a social problem on the UMKC campus. In this course you will collaborate with classmates on two different projects: (1) examination of and collaboration with a local activist group and (2) analyze a social problem at UMKC, develop a solution to that problem, and implement the solution.

Offered every spring semester.

Honors 330 - Senior Thesis/Project Practicum

Dr. Marcus Meade, Tues, 2:30-3:20PM, 415 Cherry Hall

This graded, one-credit course will prepare Honors students to undertake a Senior Honors Thesis or Project. In this class, students will explore different options for theses or projects; identify a topic and faculty advisor; plan the production of the thesis or project; produce a component of the thesis or project; and collaborate effectively with other honors students to develop their plans.

Honors 360D - Kansas City and Urban Engagement

Dr. Marcus Meade, Wed, 12:00-12:50PM

The sustainable use of environmental resources is increasingly important for maintaining humans’ quality of life. In this course, students will investigate the major challenges to sustainability, efforts to address those challenges, and barriers to equality in access to sustainability initiatives.

Offered every other spring semester. Visit Honors Leader Program for more information.

Honors 496 and Honors 496A - Honors Internship

Dr. Gayle Levy and Sarah Amos

Dr. Gayle Levy – Honors 496A – Section 0001

Sarah Amos – Honors 496A – Section 0002

Honors 496 is an academic internship that requires written assignments in addition to the work performed in a professional workplace. Internships are individually arranged with the sponsoring organization, which may be a business, school, nonprofit agency or government office. Academic credit may range from 1 to 6 credit hours (0 credit hours for Honors 496A, no learning agreement or assignments required). There will be a Learning Agreement established in the first week of the semester that states the contractual responsibilities of the student, the workplace supervisor, and the internship coordinator. This Learning Agreement will outline the job responsibilities, workload expectations, assignments and anticipated learning outcomes of the internship experience.

Offered every fall and spring semester.

Honors 499 - Senior Thesis/Project Writing Group

Dr. Susie Donaldson, every other Thursday, 1:00-1:50PM, 415 Cherry Hall

This one-hour credit, graded course is open to Honors students who are working on senior theses, projects, or capstone papers. The group meets twice a month to offer peer response to the work of members who set goals and deadlines for producing their theses or projects.

Offered every fall and spring semester.

Political Science H376 - Pre-Law II - Foundations of an Effective Lawyer

Dr. Greg Vonnahme, Wed, 4:00-4:50PM

This course prepares students to answer the question: “How does my undergraduate education prepare me for success in law school and beyond?” An enriching undergraduate education is an important foundation for a successful and effective lawyer. This course views the students’ legal training as beginning in their undergraduate education and preparing them for post-graduate success. The course is structured around characteristics of effective law students and lawyers, and opportunities for prelaw students to develop those traits.

*This is not an Honors-only seminar. Students in the honors section will work in pairs to conduct a structured interview with a law school faculty member on preparing for a law school education, and present a report on their findings.

Political Science H377 and Political Science 377 - Logical Reasoning for Pre-Law Students

Dr. Barbara Glessner Fines, Wed, 12:00-12:50PM

This course is designed to help you to prepare to be successful in being admitted to the law school of your choice. The course will focus primarily on introducing you to the skills and habits of preparation necessary to perform your best on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The three primary skills we will focus on will be analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension, with a fourth implicit skill: standardized test taking.

*This is not an Honors-only seminar. Students who wish to earn Honors credit for this class will serve as team leaders and write an expanded reflection paper.

Fall 2024 Honors Courses

Biology H498WI - Critical Analysis of Biological Issues

Dr. Jess Magana, online asynchronous

Pathway Class Code: 44764

*This is not an Honors-only seminar. Students who wish to earn Honors credit for this class will create an additional project that explores scientific writing as a discipline.

Communication Studies H110 - Fundamentals of Effective Speaking and Listening

Dr. Steven Melling, T/Tr, 10:00-11:15AM

Pathway Class Code: 44475

English H225 - Intermediate Academic Prose

Dr. Marcus Meade, T/Tr, 4:00-5:15PM

Pathway Class Code: 46634

This course extends the work of English 110 with an additional emphasis on research. This Honors section of English 225 uses a combination of book-length and shorter texts to focus on specific historical and/or cultural issues. As they learn to participate in scholarly conversations, students will find and evaluate library and Internet sources. As with English 110, this course emphasizes revision, editing, and proper academic documentation.

GECDV H202 - Investigating Identity, Power, and Change

Dr. Susie Donaldson, M/W, 4:00-5:15 PM

Pathway Class Code: 44576

Students in this Honors Essentials class will explore the complex, interconnected dynamics of and between race, (social) class, gender, and human sexuality. The course explores how these concepts are understood holistically and how they are constructed and positioned within society. This class emphasizes investigations, via critical thinking, about how these different systems of inequality interact with and through each other, while also being sensitive to different theoretical and methodological frameworks from several disciplines employed to analyze those systems.

GECRT-AH H106 - Kansas City History as Text

Dr. Marcus Meade, T/Tr, 2:30-3:45PM

Pathway Class Code: 43892

In this class, students will learn about the arts and history of Kansas City by going to places such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the 18^th and Vine Historic District with the class. Then students will choose a topic, problem, or issue relevant to the arts and history of Kansas City for an individual research project. For example, students might explore how the city can preserve the cultural and historical value of the 18^th and Vine District while responsibly revitalizing that area. Or they might consider how First Friday, the monthly public gatherings in the Kansas City Crossroads, should be altered to better serve the needs and interests of artists, merchants, and guests. In the process, members of the class will develop the important skills of posing a research question; conducting research using methods appropriate to the humanities, such as observation, archival research, and expert interviews; taking a position on the topic; and sharing one’s findings in a multimodal presentation and an essay.

GECRT-SC H101 - How do I Live in a Changing World: Restoration Ecology

Dr. Jess Magana, M/W/F, 10:00-10:50AM

Pathway Class Code: 44102

Students will investigate the natural and physical world through testable questions, models, hypotheses, or discoveries and evaluate different lines of evidence including observations and measurements. Students will apply natural and physical science techniques and use results and conclusions to explain and appreciate the natural and physical phenomena that impact our lives, our community, and the world in which we live. This Honors-only section in particular will explore the goals of restoration ecology and analyze the methods environmental scientists and land managers use to mitigate ecosystem damage.

GECRT-SS H101 - Why Though: Contemporary World Problems

Dr. Susie Donaldson, M/W/F, 2:00-2:50PM

Pathway Class Code: 44678

What is human behavior? How do humans influence and are influenced by the world around them? How can we study the "why" behind human behavior in a meaningful way given just how complex humans and societies are? This course examines human behavior through the lens of contemporary world problems. We will explore the diversity of human groups by interrogating complex issues experienced by many throughout the world, such as climate change, language death, infant/maternal mortality, female genital mutilation and body autonomy, revolt and revolution, and immigration. We will study the “why” as we seek to understand how these global problems affect local communities and the way diverse cultures work to affect positive change.

GECUE H201 - Civic and Urban Engagement: Social Impact in America

Dr. Susan Opp, T/Tr, 11:30AM-12:45PM

Pathway Class Code: 46847

This course introduces students to community development in urban America with a particular focus on Kansas City, Missouri. Students will learn how community development occurs with a focus on organizations, policy, economics, and politics. Students will work on designing and proposing solutions to current urban problems- particularly those that can be labeled wicked urban problems (usually defined as problems that are exceptionally difficult to solve due to conflicting perspectives and uncertainties in causal relationships). An explicitly multi-sector and interdisciplinary focus will inform urban policy analysis and solutions to wicked urban problems. As part of the course, students will participate in the Levitt Social Entrepreneurship Challenge.

Honors 230 - Honors American Government

Dr. Debra Leiter, T/Tr, 1:00-2:15PM

Pathway Class Code: 46177

The American political system is unlike any other, but is it truly unique? Sometimes complicated, always interesting, in this course we will investigate the structure of American government, with special attention to the way different people, groups, and institutions influence elections and policy outcomes. By the end of this course, you will have a better sense of why the American political system is the way that it is, how it has evolved, who has influence and why, and what we might expect for the future.

Honors 360C- Leadership and Ethics

Dean Tamara Falicov, W, 12:00-12:50PM

Pathway Class Code: 46524

Leadership is a necessary skill that continues to change as our culture and society evolves. To this end, the Honors Program seeks to build future leaders who are capable of making informed, ethical decisions. In this course, Honors students will learn how to assess the needs of a team, adapt to diverse community and cultural standards, and to contribute when not in the lead.

Honors 496 and Honors 496A - Honors Internship

Dr. Gayle Levy and Sarah Amos

Pathway Class Code: 496: Dr. Levy – Section 0001: 42968. Sarah Amos – Section 0002: 43296.

496A: Dr. Levy – Section 0001: 43207. Sarah Amos/Chante Evans – Section 0003: 43297.

This course is an academic internship that requires written assignments in addition to the work performed in a professional workplace. Internships are individually arranged with the sponsoring organization, which may be a business, school, nonprofit agency or government office. Academic credit may range from 1 to 6 credit hours (0 credit hours for Honors 496A). There will be a Learning Agreement established in the first week of the semester that states the contractual responsibilities of the student, the workplace supervisor, and the internship coordinator. This Learning Agreement will outline the job responsibilities, workload expectations, assignments and anticipated learning outcomes of the internship experience.

Offered every fall and spring semester.

Honors 499 - Senior Thesis/Project Writing Group

Dr. Susie Donaldson, Online Synchronous, TBD

Pathway Class Code: 44907

Offered every fall and spring semester.

Political Science H375 - Pre-Law 1: The Role and Identity of a Lawyer

Dr. Greg Vonnahme and Dr. Bruce Bubacz, W, 4:00-4:50PM

Pathway Class Code: 44742

This course addresses the question "Is law the right career for me?" We will discuss the role of law and courts in organizing American society. We will hear from guests at every step of professional development including law students, early-career, and advanced-career lawyers. Upon completing this course, students should have a stronger sense of the role the law has in organizing American society, and different career paths in the law.

*This is not an Honors-only seminar. Students who wish to earn Honors credit for this class will create an additional project that explores scientific writing as a discipline.