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July 21, 2022
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MSU Denver
Upcoming Events
Summer 2022 - Class Offerings
May 31st – July 2nd
MTWR 3:00-5:00
Instructor: Dr. Rachel S. Hawley
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: This course will explore humor in literature, media and culture. We will identify sub genres of humor, including farce, slapstick, dark, broad, romantic, irony, satire and stand-up. We will interrogate what makes us laugh, how different societies and cultures engage with humor, how gender, race and class are represented in humor, and particularly how humor can be used to create meaningful change in personal lives as well as in society.
Fall 2022 - Class Offerings
M/W: 2:00 P.M.–3:15 P.M.
Instructor: Dr. Richard Kessel
Credits: 3
Description: This course teaches students how to design and deliver effective, ethical presentations. The ability to adapt to different audiences and contexts – such as professional or public situations – is emphasized. The course provides instruction on and practice of organization, delivery and performance, technology, and research skills. Students also learn effective listening techniques and critical thinking skills. The course empowers students to become successful professional presenters and public speakers.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: COMM or HON.
Sections of this course may be offered in-person, in hybrid format, or online.
General Studies: Oral Communication
Cross Listed Course(s): COMM 1010
M/W: 12:30 P.M.–1:45 P.M.
Instructor: TBA
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: This is a course for students in the Honors Program and addresses the process of writing extended essays supported by research. The course includes an introduction to research methods, practice in critical reading, thinking, and writing across the disciplines, integration of source material, and the conventions of MLA and APA styles of documentation. Students can expect to do a series of shorter writing and research assignments leading to the longer, documented paper and will write reflectively on their writing process.
General Studies: Written Communication
T/R: 8:00 A.M.–9:15 A.M.
Instructor: Marci Steiner
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of human nutrition, including digestion, absorption, metabolism, and the function of nutrients as they relate to human health and disease.
Note: B- or better required for Honors credit.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences
T/R: 12:30 P.M.–1:45 P.M.
Instructor: Dr. Sean Petranovich
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: In this course students learn about the initial discoveries that sparked new scientific fields and about the subsequent revolutions caused by such discoveries. By examining the role of the scientific method in the production of knowledge, students improve their own scientific literacy and learn to critically examine historical scientific experiments. Students investigate the methodologies used, the theories and hypotheses tested, and manipulate original data created in selected experiments. Course discussions also examine the complex relationship between science and world views.
Note: B- or better required for Honors credit.
General Studies: Arts and Humanities
T/R: 8:00 A.M.–10:45 A.M.
Instructors: Dr. Doug Petcoff & Dr. Rebecca Ferrell
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director
Description: In this course students learn about the initial discoveries that sparked new scientific fields and about the subsequent revolutions caused by such discoveries. By examining the role of the scientific method in the production of knowledge, students improve their own scientific literacy and learn to critically examine historical scientific experiments. Students investigate the methodologies used, the theories and hypotheses tested, and manipulate original data created in selected experiments. Course discussions also examine the complex relationship between science and world views.
Note: B- or better required for Honors credit.
General Studies: Natural and
Physical Sciences
Fall 2022 - Colloquium Classes
M/W: 9:30 A.M.–10:45 A.M.
Instructors: Dr. Rich Wagner & Dr. Jessica Weiss
Credits: 3
Description: This is an interdisciplinary seminar that explores the topic of the sky and human observation of it. This course brings together the sciences and the humanities through the disciplines of atmospheric science and art. We will study the color and compositions and the importance of the sky using the tools of these disciplines. The course begins with a short historical overview of the shift and differences between a mythic understanding of the cosmos to an empirical, scientific perspective. Students will learn about physical causes of atmospheric phenomena and the depiction of these phenomena in artworks throughout history. Students will engage in projects involving citizen science, data collection, and the production of their own art and personal reflection on the importance of the sky. Sessions will include guest speakers sharing varied modes of interpreting celestial colors.
M/W: 11:00 A.M.–12:15 P.M.
Instructor: Dr. Ting Jiang
Credits: 3
Description: This course critically reviews Asian American history and examines its relevance to contemporary issues in the U.S. It employs an interdisciplinary approach to examine the intersectionality of power, race, class, gender, and internal marginalization in shaping Asian American experiences. Topics include: racial formation of Asian American ethnic identities; historical roots of discrimination and anti-Asian violence (with special topics on Asian American women and Asian Americans in Colorado); negotiation of Asian American identities and culturally distinctive coping strategies; the myth and consequences of “Model Minority”; the relevance of the “Sojourner Hypothesis” in the 21st century; and generations of Asian American social movements aiming at achieving equality and justice for all.
What is the Honors Program?
About: The Metropolitan State University of Denver Honors Program is a community of highly motivated and academically adventurous students and faculty members dedicated to working together to attain new levels of achievement. The program is designed to develop in our students the ability to apply critical and creative thinking as well as conduct high-quality research and creative work. Honors students learn to integrate a variety of disciplines in their approach to a given project, demonstrate civic and intercultural knowledge and engagement, and reflect critically upon their values and the learning process. This is an innovative program that allows students to achieve the Honors Program credential by completing an individually tailored combination of both academic courses and co-curricular honors options.
The Honors Program is designed to develop in our students the ability to apply critical and creative thinking as well as conduct high-quality research and creative work. Honors students learn to integrate a variety of disciplines in their approach to a given project, demonstrate civic and intercultural knowledge and engagement, and reflect critically upon their values and the learning process. This is an innovative program that allows students to achieve the Honors Program credential by completing an individually tailored combination of both academic courses and co-curricular honors options.
Who is an Honors Student?
Are you the kind of student who truly enjoys learning? Do you read for pleasure? Are you curious about more topics than you have time to pursue? Do you enjoy in-depth dialogue and/or debate? Does intellectual challenge motivate you? If you find yourself answering in the affirmative to many of these questions, you just might be an honors student!
Open to new, continuing, and transfer students in all majors, the Honors Program provides an enriching academic experience for motivated students with broad academic interests. Designed to promote independent thought and creative inquiry, the majority of honors credits are earned in conjunction with your degree program—not as additional hours. Students who enroll in Honors should expect a challenge that stimulates curiosity and research while broadening perspectives in unexpected ways.
President Davidson visits the MSU Denver Honors Program, which provides a challenging curriculum and engaged community for high-achieving students.
Why join the Honors Program?
Students in the MSU Denver Honors Program enjoy the combined benefits of a small community of engaged learners and dynamic instructors, while also having access to the substantial resources of MSU Denver and its vibrant urban campus.
- Supportive community
- Access to the Honors House and its many resources
- Priority registration
- Unique honors courses
- Additional advising and academic support
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Funding for local, regional and national conference travel
- Work closely with faculty
- Recognition at graduation and Honors designation on transcripts
- Improved placement rates for graduate and professional school
- Special cords at graduation
Program Requirements
Admission Criteria
To apply to the Honors Program, a student must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above (high school, transfer or current MSU Denver GPA)
- ACT of 24 or above
- SAT of 1160 or above
Good Standing
To graduate with MSU Denver Honors Program distinction, each student completes Honors coursework and an Honors thesis, and maintains a 3.3 undergraduate GPA.
Requirements
The Honors Program curriculum requires 21 units of approved courses and activities. Each student is able to design their own path through the Honors curriculum by completing the Honors core courses and combining a selection of academic and co-curricular options.
To become a member of the Honors Program community, complete the form below and get the ball rolling today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Apply Now!
Click here to apply
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