What are some tangible benefits of the Honors Program?
I’ve been accepted to this and and the BBA Scholars, so I’d like some advice.
Also, I saw that some classes are Special Travel Classes. Does SMU pay for this travel?
Each year the UHP offers a number of special “travel” courses that transport professor and students to the areas studied in the classroom over the semester. Past course trips have studied the Italian Renaissance in Venice and Florence; the Supreme Court by traveling to Washington, D.C; Slavery in Colonial Virginia, and the contemporary art scene through a trip to New York City’s museums and galleries.
For Spring 2015, the Honors Program is offering the following 3 travel classes:
ASAG 3350: New York Colloquium taught by Professor Phillip Van Keuren
J-Term: Sunday, January 4th, 2015 (arrival) through Sunday, January 18th, 2015 (departure)
This course involves intensive analysis, discussion, and writing concerning works of art in museum collections and exhibitions, and in alternative exhibition spaces. Students will study the philosophical as well as the practical to define and understand the nature of the art that society produces and values. The colloquium meets in New York City for 2 weeks in January.
ARHS 3382: Art and Experience in Inka Peru taught by Professor Adam Herring
Owen Fine Arts Center 1635 – Monday 2:00 – 4:50PM
Travel to Peru at the end of the semester, 1 – 9 May
Twelve students will have the opportunity to participate in a UHP 3000-level seminar on the history and aesthetics of Inka Peru with Professor Adam Herring of SMU Art History. After spending half of the semester studying the art, culture, and history of the Inka tradition of South America, the students will then travel to Peru to experience Inka art and architecture first-hand. Students will visit Inka sites in and around
PLSC 3330: Law, Politics, and the Supreme Court taught by Professor Joseph Kobylka
Hyer Hall 0200 – MWF 11:00 – 11:50AM
Travel to Washington D.C. during Spring Break!
An introduction to the uniquely political and legal role played by the Supreme Court in elaborating the scope of governmental power and defining individual rights and liberties. The course will require a major research project partially based on Supreme Court Justice papers.
Many people do participate in both programs. And in large part the benefits of each come from efforts from individual students. I don’t have any experience with the BBA program, but I can speak to Honors.
Honors courses are generally smaller and made up of students who are supposed to be of a higher intellectual caliber. They tend to be more discussion based and interactive although that is more of a guideline as opposed to a strict rule. Students in the honors program must fulfill a slightly more demanding UC (gen-ed) curriculum containing 2 English seminar courses, and 2-3 other honors classes. Some other benefits include a chance at the Richter Fellowship, and opportunities to explore cultural events in Dallas and at SMU.
The travel courses vary in the amount that is given to them. I happen to be enrolled in the Supreme Court class with Professor Kobylka currently and know that beyond lunch and dinner expenses each day, the entire trip is paid for.
However, I believe the other two courses were less generously funded, and students were expected to come up with some of the cost. I would contact the Honors program for more information about that.
Woah, thank you SO SO SO much @dontforgetcwp !
I pretty much gave up on this thread.
The director of UH says:
For most of the UHP travel courses—but alas not every single one—the Honors Program is able to pay for everything. There are some where we ask for some student contribution, but not often.
Hi @Galore! I hear the honors travel courses are awesome. I was offered to be part of the University Honors program, but declined because I wanted to use my AP English Credits (you have to do the 2 English courses at SMU regardless of if you took English AP/IB/Dual credit in HS). However, some of my friends are in the program- one did travel course to Colonial Virginia last year, others did the NY Art course, and two are currently in the one that gets to go to Peru! I’ve heard nothing but glowing reports on those experiences. Yes, I believe aside from meals, the trips are pretty much paid for by SMU- certainly a perk for honors students- non honors students can’t get in these courses.
A bit about BBA Scholar Program which I am in: You can totally do both honors and BBA programs without it being overwhelming. BBA Scholars can start taking courses in the business school their first semester freshman year. If you know you want to do business, you do not want to turn this opportunity down! It was a huge draw on my decision to come to SMU. You get to form those relationships with professors earlier, you get invited to some unique events (like meeting Edwin L. Cox- namesake of the business school), you get to access the resources of the business school earlier than everyone else, looks great on a resume, etc.
My D’s experience regarding the travel was that SMU paid for 95% of the expenses. You did need to enroll in a semester long class, and do an extensive research paper. Also, the trips were not automatic. There was an interview process, but the chances were high of being accepted.
It was a wonderful and unique experience and provided her an affordable opportunity to study abroad.