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

Pathway Class Code: 12684

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.

Dr. Jess Magana, T/Th, 1:00-2:15PM

Pathway Class Code: 14305

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.”

Dr. Jess Magaña, Online Asynchronous

Pathway Class Code: 16702

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.

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

Pathway Class Code: 13918

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.

Dr. Henrietta Rix Wood, T/Th, 1:00-2:15PM, Online Synchronous

Pathway Class Code: 15771

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. Wood 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.

Dr. Susanna Donaldson, T/Th, 2:30-3:45PM

Pathway Class Code: 15773

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 fall and spring semester.

Dr. Susanna Donaldson, T/Th, 10:00-11:15PM

Pathway Class Code: 16551

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.

Offered every spring semester.

Dr. Henrietta Rix Wood, Tues, 10:00-10:50AM, Online Synchronous

Pathway Class Code: 13204

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.

Dr. Jess Magana, Wed, 12:00-12:50PM

Pathway Class Code: 16527

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. See the Honors Leader Program page for more information.

Dr. Henrietta Rix Wood, every other Thursday, 10:00-10:50AM, Online Synchronous

Pathway Class Code: 13203

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. Course begins on January 18, 2024.

Dr. Gayle Levy and Sarah Amos

Pathway Class Code: 496: Dr. Levy – Section 0001: 13202. Sarah Amos – Section 0002: 13482.

496A: Dr. Levy – Section 0001: 13355. Sarah Amos/Chante Evans – Section 0003: 14421.

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.

Dr. Susie Donaldson, T/Th, 8:30-9:45AM

Pathway Class Code: 16552

What are the origins of consumer culture? How does modern consumerism impact global and local inequalities? Is ethical consumption even possible? In this 3-credit course we will ask and answer these and other similar questions as we explore consumer societies in the United States and around the world. We will examine similarities between historic and contemporary consumer societies as well as explore the diversity of consumer and consumptive behaviors observed worldwide. Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing ethnographic texts and films and by discussing anthropological perspectives on consumer society. Students will practice ethnographic methods and develop effective communication skills by investigating consumer and consumptive culture and presenting their findings in both poster and paper format.

*This is not an Honors-only seminar. Students who wish to earn Honors Credit for this class must enroll in the Anthropology/Sociology Honors Discussion Group.

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

Pathway Class Code: 16487

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.

Class has been Cancelled.

Pathway Class Code: —

Dr. Jess Magaña, Online Asynchronous

Pathway Class Code: 13571

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.

Dr. Steven Melling, T/Th 10:00-11:15 am

Pathway Class Code: 14183

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.

Dr. Henrietta Rix Wood, T/Th 1:00-2:15 pm

Pathway Class Code: 21766

This course extends the work of English 110 with an additional emphasis on research. This Honors-only 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.

Offered every fall semester.

Dr. Jess Magaña, Mon/Wed/Fri 10:00-10:50 am

Pathway Class Code: 46565

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.

Offered every fall semester.

Dr. Henrietta Rix Wood, T/Th 4:00-5:15 pm

Pathway Class Code: 45916

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 18th 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 18th 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.

Offered every fall and spring semester.

Dr. Susanna Donaldson, Mon/Wed/Fri 11:00-11:50 am

Pathway Class Code: 21518

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 fall and spring semester.

Dr. Susanna Donaldson, Mon/Wed/Fri 1:00-1:50 pm

Pathway Class Code: 47488

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.

Offered every fall semester.

Dr. Susanna Donaldson, Wed 2-2:50 pm

Pathway Class Code: 47227

As an urban institution, UMKC aims to be at the forefront of social justice reform and cultural awareness. In the activities linked to this Honors Leader course, one of the four Honors Leader Program courses, students will have opportunities to learn about the diversity of cultures in KC as well as the social problems affecting different communities. Through events and experiences, students will learn how to challenge their preconceptions and become better and more inclusive citizens of our community and the world.

Offered every other fall semester. See the Honors Leader Program page for more information.

Dr. Henrietta Rix Wood, every other Wednesday 12-12:50 pm, Cherry 415

Pathway Class Code: 47601

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.

Dr. Gayle Levy and Sara Amos

Pathway Class Code: 496 (Levy): 44208, 496 (Amos): 44830, 496A (Levy): 44645), 496A (Amos): 44831

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.

Dr. Greg Vonnahme and Dr. Bruce Bubacz, Wed 4-4:50 pm

Pathway Class Code: 47641

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 craft introductions for each speaker and lead the Q&A sessions after their presentations.

Dean Barbara Glesner Fines, Mon 12-12:50 pm

Pathway Class Code: 47642

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.