Honors College

Sustainable Wellbeing
CRN 38209 | 9:30 AM- 10:45 AM | TR | Face-to-Face | Professor Christy Tyndall

This course explores factors influencing individual, community, and societal wellbeing, through the lens of concepts and principles of sustainability. Integrating concepts from multiple disciplines (e.g. psychology, social sciences, and geography), students will engage in collaborative problem solving and project-based learning to conduct research and design solutions to address real-world challenges to happiness and health.

World Topics as Depicted in Broadway Musicals
CRN 43667 | 1 PM - 3:50 PM | M | Face-to-Face | Prof. Patrick Smith & Prof. Sonia Vlancevic

A survey of historical world events as portrayed through American Broadway Musicals. Students will gain knowledge of major, life-impacting events through the present day, witness the ways in which these events inspired some musical creations of the Broadway musical stage, and recognize similarities and differences between historical fact and theatrical representation. Through the duration of the semester, class meeting topics will alternate weekly between viewing selected musicals (in class) and lecture/discussions.

Survey of World Pandemics
CRN 43230 | 4:00 PM - 6:40 PM | M | Face-to-Face | Professor Christopher Brooks

From early documented history, viruses have been a part of the human experience. Celebrated examples include the Justinian Plague (541 CE) throughout the Mediterranean; Leprosy in 11th century Europe; The Black Death Bubonic Plague) 14th century Europe; the Columbian Exchange in 1492 (Western Hemisphere); The Great Plague of London (1665); First Cholera Pandemic (1817); Fiji Measles Pandemic (1875); Russian Flu (1889); Spanish Flu (1918); Asian Flu (1957); HIV/AIDS (1981); SARS (2003); H1N1 (2009); Ebola (1976); Zika (2015); and most recently COVID-19 (2019). In each of these outbreaks, populations have been forced to respond to these deadly health emergencies. In this course we will survey outbreaks throughout history and then focus on three zoonotic viruses (i.e. pathogens that jumped from a non-human). We will also consider how social sciences, like anthropology, have played a role in how people process, understand, and respond to such health emergencies.

History of the US Constitution
CRN 48354 | 11 AM - 12:15 PM | TR | Face-to-Face | Professor John Lemza

Considered by many to be the foundational document of our nation, the origin and structure of the Constitution, as well as its influence on our society, are largely unknown to most Americans. This course unpacks that living document and studies its controversial history including its intellectual underpinnings. It explores the ways that it shapes and informs our identity as a people and continues to affect our lives today. Our study includes issues surrounding relevant contemporary topics such as the amendment process, the Electoral College, voting rights, the impeachment process, and landmark court cases. We will accomplish this study through readings, class discussions, short papers, and a research project.

Perspectives of Global Health 
CRN 47262 | Online Asynchronous | Professor Stephen Sowulewski    

This course will examine health indices as they relate to populations around the world including life expectancy, mortality, morbidity incidence and prevalence, quality of life and well-being.  Health systems will be compared as well as global health priorities and socioeconomic determinants of health.  Chronic disease (cardiac disease, diabetes and cancer) will be highlighted in addition to infectious disease (HIV/AIDS and TB).  Lifespan will be discussed in the framework of health promoting behaviors from early adulthood into old age.  

Drivers Global Change
CRN 50399 | Online Asynchronous | Professor Brian Toibin

The course looks at 25 critical issues and looks at how they impact society as individual issues and how each of these issues intersect with each other on local, national and international scales. The course utilizes the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a reference point to help students realize that working towards a more sustainable society requires and benefits from participation of all facets of society. By having them look at these issues at different scales (local, national, global) it allows them to internalize the similarities of the challenges and potential solutions to some of these issues. The course helps them build a mental matrix that allows them to see how these are connected. Progress in one tends to lead to progress in others while backsliding in one leads to backsliding in others.

Health Sciences in Times of Uncertainty
CRN 48151 | TR | Face-to-Face | 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Professor Kevin Brosnan
CRN 48152 | TR | Face-to-Face | 11 AM - 12:40 PM | Professor Kevin Brosnan

In the wake of COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd, trust in social institutions and public health science has declined, while a recognition of structural racism as a public health crisis has grown. For many segments of the population, declining trust in science stems from an illiteracy about scientific methods. For others, it stems from fears related to the history of eugenics and racialized medical marginalization, discrimination, and abuse. Declining trust in science threatens public health, and it weakens the skills of collaborative critical deliberation on which the health of democracy depends. Confronting our gravest problems, whether from climate change, global pandemics, or structural racism, requires a durable public trust in science. Strengthening this trust is therefore crucial. The trust in science we seek to build is based on two foundational pillars: 1) a critical knowledge of how scientific methods are used to support a hypothesis or public health intervention, including a working knowledge of how to interpret statistical measures; and 2), situated within the broader social determinants of health framework, knowledge of the racial and socioeconomic gradients in longevity and other health metrics that are manifestly political/racist/classist in origin. This course investigates how the health sciences have become politicized and mistrusted since over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll consider the ways in which public health science has been used in the past to advance political ends, as illustrated by the eugenics movement, and how social factors and the social determinants of health, including racial biases, adversely affect health outcomes and trust in medical science. We’ll also consider the ways in which a misunderstanding of scientific methods often leads to a cynical and dismissive of these methods, according to which science is an instrument of the state, which functions only to advance political agendas.

Spirituality and Medicine
CRN 50396 | Monday, Wednesday | Hybrid-asynchronous | 11 AM-11:50 AM | Professor Margaret Wardlaw

Contemporary medical practice focuses on the physical body as the site of illness and healing. But historically, illness, birth, and death have also been the domains of spirituality and religion. Today, these critical life cycle transitions remain sites of spiritual and religious experience for patients and those who care for them.

This seminar will explore the religious and spiritual aspects of historical and contemporary medical practice. Students will learn the fascinating story of the spiritual history of the hospital. We will examine the religious roots of the American Bioethics Movement. We will also discuss the spiritual dimensions of medical practice and patient experience in birth, illness and death. Finally, we will examine anthropological and sociological arguments that medicine itself is a religious practice and discuss ways in which rituals and symbols pervade practices of healing in both historical and contemporary medical practice. This is an interdisciplinary course utilizing texts from medical history, anthropology. and ethics. These foundational readings will provide context for patient narratives, poetry and short fiction that explore the lived spiritual experience of patients and healers. Students will write short responses to readings and give a presentation on a relevant topic of their choosing.

Honors Research Ready
CRN 47643 | Online Asynchronous | Professor Pamela Dillon
March 16 - April 17
*Last day to drop is March 17

This course is designed to prepare students for a hands-on research experience. In preparation for participating in a research project, students will explore the research process with a focus on training required for their individual experiences. Topics will include responsible conduct in human and animal research, literature searches, research design and outcome measures, and more. Upon completion of the course, students should have a basic understanding of research and be able to discuss how it pertains to their expected hands-on research experience

The End of Originality   
CRN 50703 | TR | Face-to-Face | 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM | Professor Anthony Burnham
February 2 - March 6
*Last day to drop is February 3

This course will provide a foundation in analytical listening skills and will apply these skills to critically discuss American popular music through the lens of high-profile copyright infringement cases. The course will culminate in a discussion of the most pressing contemporary issues at the intersection of music, technology, and law, including the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. This course is designed for students with no prior musical experience.

Women in Science   
CRN 48530 | W | Online Synchronous | 4 PM - 6:40 PM | Professor Joseph Porter
February 2 - March 6
*Last day to drop is February 3

Historically, women have been underrepresented in science and faced discrimination in academia and industry. This course will examine the slow, but steady increase in the number of women in different areas of science and the obstacles they faced and overcame. This course also will provide an overview of the scientific contributions of women (both historical and contemporary) in different areas of scientific research. Finally, we will examine the current status of women in science and examine what biases and difficulties may still remain in their career paths. This is a student-oriented course in that you will be presenting most of the class presentations and your discussions during class are an important aspect of the class and its success.

Contemporary Issues in Crime & Corrections    
CRN 50397 | Tuesday, Thursday | Face-to-Face | 12:30 PM-1:45 PM | Professor Layton Lester
March 16 - April 17
*Last day to drop is March 17

Students will explore how childhood trauma and exposure to violence leads to delinquent behavior. Issues presented include human trafficking, substance use and mental health disorders, the influence of gangs, and psychopathy. Students will research challenges incarcerated women face, the role of programs that address criminogenic factors, and parenting skills that promote family reunification.

The Room Where It Happens
CRN TBA | WF | Face-to-Face | 9:30 AM -10:45 AM | Professor Scott Breuninger
February 16 - April 17
*Last day to drop is February 17

In the popular musical, Hamilton and Burr talked about being in the “room where it happened” and being part of the decision-making process for the new American government.  They wanted to make their mark upon the new country and earn a chance at glory.  In this class, you’ll get a chance to do the same thing! This class focuses on the Constitutional Convention of 1787, when delegates from across the former American colonies met in Philadelphia to address questions concerning the national government.  They had to decide if they would modify the Articles of Confederation or start anew and develop a constitution for the fledgling nation.  This raised questions about how each state’s interests would be reflected in this document.  What strands of political thought would inform its creation?  Students in this class will play a Reacting to the Past game where you are thrust into this historical context, assuming roles as delegates to the Constitutional Convention meeting to discuss the government of the newly formed United States.  Drawing upon a wide variety of political texts, you will play the roles of historical characters as they attempt to build a stable government in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War. After the classwork, you will go to the city where it happened!  All students in this course will be able to participate in a two-day “field trip” via train to Philadelphia (paid for by the Honors College)!  On this trip, you will visit Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, and tour the Museum of the American Revolution (tentative dates April 2-3, 2026). If you have any questions, please contact Dean Breuninger (breuningersc@vcu.edu)

Nationally Competitive Awards & Beyond   
CRN 50398 | T | Online Synchronous  | 10 AM- 11:15 AM | Professor Meredith Sisson
February 16 - April 17
*Last day to drop is February 17

Wouldn’t it be great to get someone else to pay for you to do something cool? This honors module will teach you how to apply for nationally competitive awards, which can support research, study abroad, postgraduate study, and other enrichment activities. You will learn about some of the many opportunities that exist, as well as what it takes to put together a competitive application. Throughout the course, you will hone your writing skills and learn to craft compelling Personal and Research Statements. You will learn interview techniques and participate in a mock-interview. By the end of the course, you will have completed a draft of a scholarship application (which you can then choose to submit!) The skills and knowledge gained in this course can be directly applied to other applications, such as for graduate school, jobs, and grants. 

APPM 355-701: Honors Orchestra
CRN 43978 - Professor Daniel Myssyk  

ARTS 391-701: Hon Top: Disney Culture
CRN 49756 - Professor Carmenita Higginbotham 

COAR 353: History of Visual Communications II
CRN 50607 and 50608 - Professor Eric Weichel

ENGL 349-702: Special Topics: Care, Ethics, and Literature
CRN 49808 - Professor Adin Lears 
Health Humanities Minor Area 2

ENGL 370-701: Special Topics: Care, Ethics, and Literature
CRN 49809 - Professor Amy Tudor

HIST 307-702: Hon: Greek and Roman Religion
CRN 50558 - Professor Andrew Crislip

HIST 311-701: Hon: High Middle Ages
CRN 50590 - Professor Leigh Ann Craig

HIST 351-701: Hon: America 1945-Present
CRN 50598 - Professor Emilie Raymond

HIST 354-702: Hon: Native Americans in the South
CRN 50656 - Professor Gregory Smithers

HIST 381-701: Hon: Hist West Africa to 1800
CRN 50588 - Professor Bernard Moitt

HIST 391-701: Hon: History of Medicine
CRN 50599 - Professor Rocio Gomez

HIST 391-702: Hon: Sports of 20th Century US
CRN 50600 - Professor Timothy Thurber

URSP 350-701: Hon: Great Cities of World UE
CRN 50715 - Professor Damian Pitt

BIOL 310: Hon: Genetics
CRN 16781 - Professor Fernando Tenjo-Fernandez

PSYC 497, 498, 499 (Restricted to students pursuing honors in psychology. To learn more about honors in psychology, visit: https://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/college-humanities-sciences/psychology/

Variants

URSP 116-701: Hon: Intro to the City UE
CRN 50384 - Professor Sarah Raskin

ECON 211-701: Hon: Principles of Macroeconomics 
CRN 45548 - Professor Minchul Yum

Sections

GSWS 201-703: Introduction to Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies
CRN 40006  - Professor Paulina Guerrero

HONR 494 Capstone
CRN 43459 | Online Asynchronous | Professors Ann Marie Halstead and Emma Ito

The capstone will examine community engagement, including theories of citizenship, human rights, social movements, civic leadership, social justice, civil discourse, and social capital strategies. Through the use of case studies and field observations gained from neighborhood visits in RVA, students will be able to use an interdisciplinary lens to analyze and apply principles and practices of community engagement. Focus areas include - Education, Job Creation, Workforce Preparation, Social Stability, Healthy Community, Coordinated Transportation, James River, Quality Place, and Demographics.

To learn more about study abroad opportunities in the Honors College, visit this page.