Honors Courses -- Spring 2007

HONR 220A 001  Great People

Dr. Joan Quinn

TR 12:00 – 1:15

This course will explore the lives and visions of selected people who have committed themselves to making a positive difference in the world.  We will start our discussion with “Common Fire,” a book exploring common factors in environment and education that lead to developing a person’s sense of commitment.  Following this, we’ll examine three case studies.  “Mountains Beyond Mountains” is the story of Dr. Paul Farmer’s struggles (and successes) to improve human health conditions in Haiti.  “The Green Belt Movement” by Wangari Maathai of Kenya (2004 Nobel Peace Prize laureate) describes the international effort to protect not only the environment, but women’s rights and civic empowerment.  The stunning success of Mohammed Yunus (2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate) and his brainchild, the Grameen Bank, in promoting economic and social justice, is the subject of “The Price of a Dream.”   As part of the course, students will be required to participate in a class-selected project to “make a difference.”

HONR 220A 002  DNA Technology: Science and Politics

Dr. Jennifer Easterwood

MW 1:25 – 2:40

During our students’ lifetime it is possible that they will see such advances as cloned pets, designer babies, and eradication of genetic disorders through gene therapy.  Since most students will not be science majors, the course will begin with a basic overview of DNA and DNA technologies.  From there, the course will cover some of the hot topics surrounding DNA technology today, including stem cell research, cloning, the human genome project, and recombinant DNA, specifically its use in vaccines, gene therapy, and genetically modified organisms.  Students will learn the science behind such technologies and class discussions will revolve around the role of politics in regulating research.  Class readings will be primarily based upon recent articles and policies addressing these technologies.  Several movies, such as The Island and Gataca, have addressed such issues as well and may be shown in class to demonstrate the extreme side of these technologies.