The Honors Program

The OBU Honors Program is a curricular program designed to enhance the undergraduate study experience for certain exceptionally well-qualified students.

Students are invited to apply for and to participate in the OBU Honors Program according to criteria which include ACT/SAT scores, high school grades, and letters of recommendation. Only those qualified students who elect to pursue completion of the Honors Program requirements enroll in the courses listed below. Students completing all of the requirements for graduation in the Honors Program earn the designation "with Honors" on their OBU diplomas.

Students who intend to complete Honors Program requirements are expected to successfully complete HON101, HON116, HON307, and HON377; in addition, they are expected to complete at least four Honors colloquia (HON211, 221, 231, 241, 251, 261) and at least two of three "capstone" experiences (HON477, HON488, or HON499). In addition, they must maintain an overall OBU grade point overage of at least 3.25.

Some of the coursework in the Honors Program curriculum substitutes for coursework already required in the Unified Studies basic core; however, the contracted study experience in the major field (HON377), the colloquia, and the capstone courses do require additional time commitments, though they do not necessarily incur additional tuition costs. Students in Honors should consult with the program director about the specific impact of Honors requirements on their particular fields of study.

As an alternative to this curriculum-based Honors Program, qualified students may elect to participate in the Honors Thesis Project, a three to four-semester research project in their major culminating in the presentation of a thesis document.

The Honors Program Curriculum  
101. Honors Critical Skills
Fall, 3
This introductory course for Honors Program students will address a range of critical skills necessary for successful study in the liberal arts university. Attention will be given to critical reading, writing, and thinking, to research skills, and to individual learning styles. Some attention will be given to integration of the Honors Program experience into the undergraduate curriculum.
116. Honors English: Composition and Classical Literature
Spring, 3
Continued experience in expository and argumentative prose; study of poetry and Greek literature in cultural context. Prerequisite: HON 101.
211. Colloquium in Humanities
0-1
This course is a reading-discussion-activity seminar focusing on a topic in the humanities. It is intended to provide intensive study or experience on a narrow topic.
221. Colloquium in Fine Arts
0-1
This course is a reading-discussion-activity seminar focusing on a topic in the fine arts. It is intended to provide intensive study or experience on a narrow topic.
231. Colloquium in Business
0-1
This course is a reading-discussion-activity seminar focusing on a topic in business. It is intended to provide intensive study or experience on a narrow topic.
241. Colloquium in Life Sciences
0-1
This course is a reading-discussion-activity seminar focusing on a topic in the life sciences. It is intended to provide intensive study or experience on a narrow topic.
251. Colloquim in Social Studies
0-1
This Course is a reading-discussion-activity seminar focusing on a topic in the social sciences. It is intended to provide intensive study or experience on a narrow topic.
261. Colloquium in Mathematics/Physical Sciences
0-1
This course is a reading-discussion-activity seminar focusing on a topic in mathematics and the physical sciences. It is intended to provide intensive study or experience on a narrow topic.
307. Honors Biblical Ethics
3
A study of the major ethical teachings of the Bible with attention to their practical and contemporary application. Addresses the theme of Christian responsibility in today's world, based on the premise that Biblical interpretation is not complete until the teachings of the Bible inform the life situation of the student. This course will also serve as a vehicle for honors seminar discussions. Prerequisite: sophomore standing in the Honors Program.
377. Contracted Studies
1-2
Arranged special study in the student's major or minor area. Details of the project are to be determined in consultation with the faculty member and the Director of the Honors Program. Additional fee if lab required.
477. Honors Service Practicum
On Demand, 0
Arranged supervised activities to fulfill the service option of the Honors Program curriculum; includes participation in service-related seminar discussions and a written assessment. Course will be graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: approval of the Director of the Honors Program.
488. Honors Study Abroad
On Demand,
0-3
Arranged study and/or travel abroad seminar discussions and a written assessment of the travel/study experience. Course will be grades pass/fail. Prerequisite: approval of the Director of the Honors Program.
499. Honors Thesis
3
Preparation of the Honors Thesis for approval of faculty advisor and presentation to university community.
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Warren M. Angell
College of Fine Arts



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