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University Honors Current Students

Whether you are looking for information you need for the now (IE, curriculum or Senior Project information) or looking for information for the later (IE, summer research opportunities or scholarships for graduate school) you will find that information here.

If you think there is information we should include for current students, let us know by emailing honors@csusb.edu!

 

--SPRING 2025, HON3000 Level Courses-- Available to Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors

  • Course: HON 3150; Tu&Thur 4pm-515pm.
Description: Pinball Wizardry: Understanding the Game Through Interdisciplinary Collaborations. The game of pinball has been around for almost a century in its various forms.  Its rich history as a pastime experienced several booms and downturns--it was even illegal for a time!--but is currently experiencing an era of tremendous popularity led by creative new approaches to game design, a dramatic increase in tournaments world-wide, and a growing group of enthusiastic players.  Using actual pinball machines in the classroom, you will gain an appreciation for how different disciplines work together in this vibrant industry.  In small groups and as a class, we will think through the strategies and learn the skills that professionals use to get extremely high scores, we will explore the mechanics of how these pinball machines function, and share this knowledge with each other as we build our own group of enthusiastic players.
 
  • Course: HON 3300; Tu&Thur 4pm-515pm. Instructor: Izzy Wasserstein.
Description: Reading and Writing Science Fiction. We’re living through a time of rapid change. Science Fiction (SF), sometimes referred to as the literature of the human species encountering change, not only explores possible futures but can also give us insight into our present and past. In this class, we’ll explore what SF is, closely examine works of SF (both contemporary and classic), and develop our skills as writers of SF. Whether you’re a long-time SF reader or totally new to the genre, this class is for you!
 
  • Course: HON 3150; MW 100-215pm. 
    Description: TBA
 
  • AT PDC! Course HON 3300; TR 9am-1015am. 
    Description: Comics, Graphic Novels, and Visual Literature. Do you want to read more, but all those pesky words and text get in the way? Why not come read some graphic novels? Graphic novels are more than just superheroes and action oriented. This class will go over the evolution of comics and graphic novels and the impact this medium has on storytelling and rhetoric.

 

STUDENT INFORMATION

Core Curriculum

Freshmen Level Classes (Students take all four classes) 

FALL

HON 1100 Writing Rhetorically (3 units)*

Concentrated composition course for first-year Honors students. Examines the ways written language functions in various contexts. Students will conduct research and draw upon critical readings of texts to develop their own arguments, as well as examine and use rhetorical strategies that respond to different situations. Satisfies GE requirement A2, Written Communication.

HON 1200 Thinking Critically (3 units)

Analysis of various kinds of reasoning employed in everyday life and in more specialized contexts, to develop each student's skill in understanding and using carefully constructed arguments. Illustrations will include materials drawn from contemporary issues. Satisfies GE requirement A3, Critical Thinking. Corresponds to HON 104B

SPRING

HON 1000 Constructing Knowledge (3 units)*

An exploration of the ways in which knowledge is constructed and the active role individuals play in the creation of their own learning. Satisfies GE requirement E, Foundation Seminar.

HON 1300 Communicating Orally (3 units)

Introduction to effective speech communication with emphasis on thinking about the decisions that are made to construct informative and persuasive presentations that are rhetorically and visually engaging. Satisfies GE requirement A1, Oral Communication. Corresponds to HON 104C.

*HON 1000 and 1100 are required for the University Honors College. Previous credit for these courses (AP, Dual Enrollment, etc) does not fulfill the requirement for the program.

 

Optional Sophomore Level classes (neither is a program requirement)

HIST 1460H: American Civilization—Honors (3 units)

Examination of historical development of the fundamental values of the American culture and the influences of these in selected areas of American life through reading and discussion of original documents and secondary scholarship. Satisfies GE requirement D, US History.

PSCI 2030H: American Government—Honors (3 units)

Examination of the political structure and processes of the American governmental system, including study of primary documents. This course meets the state code requirements in U.S. Constitution and state and local government. Satisfies GE category D in American Government.

 

Junior-Level Interdisciplinary Experience (students take one pair of courses)

*Transfer Student curriculum begins here.

FALL

HON 4100 Senior Research Workshop (1 unit)

Workshop designed to advance progress on students' individual research theses. Students will meet to discuss research strategies and challenges and to review each other’s' work.

FALL or SPRING (one of the following pairs)

HON 3100/3150 Natural Sciences & Humanities (3 units each, concurrent enrollment)

Inquiry into a discrete scientific topic integrative with study of that topic's subject matter in the Humanities. Satisfies GE requirements B, Upper Division Scientific Inquiry, and C.

HON 3200/3250 Social Sciences & Natural Sciences (3 units each, concurrent enrollment)

Inquiry into a discrete scientific topic integrative with study related social scientific issues. Satisfies GE requirements B, Upper Division Scientific Inquiry, and D, Upper Division Social Science.

HON 3300/3350 Social Sciences & Humanities (3 units each, concurrent enrollment)

Inquiry into a discrete social scientific topic integrative with study of that topic's subject matter in the Humanities. Satisfies GE requirements D, Upper Division Social Science, and C.

 

Senior-Level Project Support Workshops

SPRING

HON 4500 Senior Research Symposium (1 unit)

Workshop designed to complete senior theses and project and to prepare students for presentation of work. Students will review one another's work, collaborate on the planning of the Spring Symposium, and workshop their presentations.

Honors Course or Independent Study in the Major (3 units)

This course will be the place for completion of the senior research project.

Nursing Student Curriculum

Freshmen Level Classes (Students take all four classes)

FALL

HON 1100 Writing Rhetorically (3 units)

Concentrated composition course for first-year Honors students. Examines the ways written language functions in various contexts. Students will conduct research and draw upon critical readings of texts to develop their own arguments, as well as examine and use rhetorical strategies that respond to different situations. Satisfies GE requirement A2, Written Communication.

HON 1200 Thinking Critically (3 units)

Analysis of various kinds of reasoning employed in everyday life and in more specialized contexts, to develop each student's skill in understanding and using carefully constructed arguments. Illustrations will include materials drawn from contemporary issues. Satisfies GE requirement A3, Critical Thinking. Corresponds to HON 104B

SPRING

HON 1300 Communicating Orally (3 units)

Introduction to effective speech communication with emphasis on thinking about the decisions that are made to construct informative and persuasive presentations that are rhetorically and visually engaging. Satisfies GE requirement A1, Oral Communication. Corresponds to HON 104C.

HON 1000 Constructing Knowledge (3 units)

An exploration of the ways in which knowledge is constructed and the active role individuals play in the creation of their own learning. Satisfies GE requirement E, Foundation Seminar.

 

Optional Sophomore Level classes (neither is a program requirement)

HIST 1460H: American Civilization—Honors (3 units)

Examination of historical development of the fundamental values of the American culture and the influences of these in selected areas of American life through reading and discussion of original documents and secondary scholarship. Satisfies GE requirement D, US History.

PSCI 2030H: American Government—Honors (3 units)

Examination of the political structure and processes of the American governmental system, including study of primary documents. This course meets the state code requirements in U.S. Constitution and state and local government. Satisfies GE category D in American Government.

 

Junior and Senior Level Classes

Nursing Students follow a different curriculum path than our First-Year Cohort Curriculum for their upper division classes. More information will be added soon.

Academic Expectations

To maintain membership in the University Honors College, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3.

Academic Probation

When students’ GPAs fall below that threshold, probation procedures are put into effect. Students on probationary status will be given one academic year to increase their GPAs to the program minimum.

The probation process is as follows:

  1. GPA checks are conducted by Program Counselor after each semester;
  2. Students below the required 3.3 program minimum GPA are notified by email of probation status;
  3. Probation students are required to schedule an appointment with the Program Counselor;
  4. A Probation Contract will be reviewed and signed by both the student and the Program Counselor;
  5. Check-ins will continue with the Program Counselor each semester until the student is either removed from probation OR;
  6. Should the student not raise the GPA above the program minimum, the student will meet with the Director for dismissal and next steps.

A Note about Honors in the Major

While the University Honors College sets 3.3 as its minimum cumulative GPA, some majors require students to maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA to participate in honors in the major programs. Membership in the University Honors College does not automatically qualify students for participation in major-specific honors programs. Completion of an honors research or creative project in the major is required of students wishing to receive transcript notations of completing the requirements of the University Honors College.

Honors Thesis (something to view beginning your Junior year)

The Senior Thesis/Project is likely the greatest benefit to Honors students. An undergraduate thesis is an investment in skills, reputation, and personal growth. Undergraduate experience in research/creative activities are essential for students interested in graduate school; and for students looking to directly enter the work-force, the thesis/project increases your marketability and sets you apart from other applicants. The thesis/project provides concrete evidence of skills/techniques, writing/presentation abilities and critical thinking/problem solving. The process also provides built-in mentorship and networking, potentially leading to future opportunities. Regardless of your career path, the discipline, research literacy, and writing skills you develop tend to be highly transferable and desirable.

All Honors Students must complete a mentored Senior Thesis/Project that consists of both a written paper and an oral/poster presentation. Whatever form the project takes, it should be a demanding exercise (3 units = roughly 140 clock hours of work) and the resulting presentation should demonstrate in-depth skill and an understanding of the topic you choose. As you begin to explore possibilities, you should think in terms of finding an approach, idea, or project that excites you and will provide a stimulating research experience. If it isn’t exciting, then it will likely not hold your interest. It is never too early to begin exploring possibilities. Your mentor will be helpful for developing ideas, and HON 4100 (junior year), and 4500 (senior year) will guide you along the way.

For more details on the Senior Thesis/Project (including a Suggested Timeline) see the student handbook located in the Honors College shell in Canvas. 

Student Resources

Counseling and Psychological Services

For students seeking psychological support, either through one-on-one counseling or through groups organized around different particular interests, CAPS provides students with a variety of options for tending to their personal well-being.

Career Center

The Career Center at California State University, San Bernardino empowers students and recent alumni to develop a lifelong skillset for an ever-changing labor market through exploration, programming, and experiential learning opportunities to meet their personal and professional goals.

Handshake

CSUSB Handshake is a 24/7 online platform that empowers students to navigate their unique path to success. CSUSB Handshake offers tools for personal exploration and growth such as assessments, internships, interviewing, professional communication skills, networking, job posting, and so much more.

Academic Services & Advising

Advising and Academic Services provides guidance to undergraduate students throughout their academic journey by assisting them in making informed decisions that support their academic, personal, and career goals.

Office of Student Engagement

The Office of Student Engagement supports and encourages student success through curricular and co-curricular opportunities that foster a holistic collegiate experience. The office can assist students in finding club opportunities and other co-curricular activities on campus.

Office of Community Engagement

The Office of Community Engagement facilitates service learning, community-based research and volunteer service by engaging students, faculty and community partners in collaborative partnerships that serve the public good. We lead the university-wide culture of community engagement as a high impact practice that contributes to student success.

Affinity Centers

The CSUSB Affinity Centers are located in the San Manuel Student Union and offer additional support to a wide variety of students identities.

Advising in Honors

Advising in honors is not only to support your academic endeavors but also your career goals through inquiry, exploration, and application.

 

Goals of Honors Advising:

  • Empower students with the autonomy to align their purpose with their major and career goals.
  • Create educational plans based on strengths, abilities, aspirations, interests, and values.
  • Help students uncover research interests that add innovative scholarship and knowledge to their academic discipline.
  • Enhance academic learning and career trajectory through curricular and co-curricular.

 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Appointment Procedures & Guidelines:

Schedule an Appointment with the Program Counselor

When signing up for an appointment, choose:

Academic Advising > Services > Honors Advising 

 

Alternatively, contact our advisor at Brandon.Landrum@csusb.edu 

 

Year 1: Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Only offered in the Fall

Fulfills

Spring Semester

Only offered in the Spring

Fulfills

HON 1100*

Writing Rhetorically

GE Category A2

HON 1300

Communicating Orally

GE Category A1

HON 1200

Thinking Critically

(Dual enrollment may drop course)

Category A3; WI designation.

HON 1000*

Constructing Knowledge 

Category E; WI designation

*HON 1000 and 1100 are required for the University Honors College. Previous credit for these courses (AP, Dual Enrollment, etc) does not fulfill the requirement for the program.

Year 2: Sophomore Year
Fall or Spring SemestersFulfills
HIST 1460HGE category D1; DI designation
PSCI 2030HGE category D1

 

Year 3: Junior Year (Transfer Student curriculum begins here)
Fall or Spring Semesters
HON 4100 Senior Research Workshop (meets elective requirement)
Select 6 units from any of the following (courses do not need to be taken concurrently (e.g. taking HON 3100 and HON 3250 is acceptable):
HON 3100/HON 3150 Natural Sciences & Humanities
HON 3200/3250 Social Sciences & Natural Sciences
HON 3300/3350 Social Sciences & Humanities 
    Courses above meet upper-division GE requirements

 

Year 4: Senior Year
Fall or Spring Semesters
Enroll in this course your last semester
HON 4500 Research Symposium (meets elective requirement)