Sean McDowell, PhD, Director
Objectives
The University Honors Program is a two-year program designed for students who wish to think, read, write, and speak integratively across various university disciplines. The courses are historically arranged, beginning with the Ancient Near East and proceeding through the civilizations of the Hindus, Hebrews, Greeks, Romans, and Medieval Europeans to modern and contemporary times. The various disciplines—literature, thought, history, art, and social science—are correlated to provide the student with the greatest possible depth in each period under examination. The program is conducted according to the dialogue method in seminars. In addition, each quarter the student must write at least one paper in each course and be prepared to defend this written work in a tutorial session of four to six students and the instructor. Oral examinations are given at the end of each quarter.
Applications/Scholarships
In addition to the Seattle University application, the candidates must apply directly to the University Honors Program. Applicants are accepted into the University Honors Program on the basis of their academic record and by providing evidence that they are willing to make the extra effort necessary to meet the intellectual challenges provided through the University Honors Program. Honors scholarships are granted on the condition that students participate fully in the University Honors Program each quarter and maintain at least a 3.00 grade point average.
Program Requirements
After acceptance into the program those students who complete each of the course sequences numbered HONR 101 through HONR 251 have satisfied the university core curriculum requirements except for those in mathematics, laboratory science, phase three theology, the interdisciplinary course, and senior synthesis. Students are advised to take their mathematics and science requirements while in Honors. The theology and interdisciplinary requirements may be satisfied by completion of the optional HONR 480 course in their junior or senior year. All 75 credits offered in the two year curriculum are required for completion of the University Honors Program, which will be noted on the student’s transcript. All HONR courses are closed to non-matriculated students.
Degree Program
Students accepted into the University Honors Program are admitted to both their degree program and the Honors Program. Students may thus be advised in both programs until the Honors Program is complete. Students who decide to major in philosophy, English, or history and have completed the University Honors Program sequence in these disciplines will have already accumulated five quarters of foundational credits toward their major. All students are ready to move into upper division course work in their degree program.
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