How to Design an Honors College Experiential Learning Course

How to Design an Honors College Experiential Learning Course

Honors College experiential learning courses are designed to allow students to work with faculty members on an individual basis in order to study topics that are not otherwise covered in standard departmental course offerings. Experiential learning courses may be completed alongside an existing course (i.e. HST 350 3 cr. + UHC 398 1 cr.) or may be completed as unique stand-alone projects (i.e. UHC 398 3 cr.). Each student’s proposal will be customized to his/her interests and needs.

I. Begin by identifying an area of academic interest that you wish to explore or a series of questions that you would like to ask.

II. Consider what kind of project you wish to complete: do you wish to produce a research paper, an article, a public presentation, an art portfolio, etc.? Students are encouraged to be creative. Remember that your project must be substantial enough to warrant the receipt of 1 or more credit hours.

III. Identify a faculty member with appropriate expertise in your area of interest. Your advisors can assist you in researching possible project mentors.

IV. Ask for a meeting with the faculty member that you are interested in working with in order to present your ideas. You are encouraged to prepare a written summary of your interests, questions, or goals for discussion. Professors are far more likely to engage you in a meaningful conversation if they understand what you hope to accomplish and why.

V. If a professor agrees to mentor your project, ask him/her to complete an Experiential Learning Registration Form with you. This form will outline the nature of your course and your professor’s formal expectations.

VI. Submit the completed Experiential Learning Registration Form to the Department Head for your area of study for formal approval.

VII. Once the Department head approves your proposal, submit the Experiential Learning Registration Form to the Honors College for final approval.

VIII. Experiential Learning Registration Forms must be submitted to the Honors College before the end of the first week of classes. Students are encouraged to begin developing their course proposals during the semester prior to registration (i.e. Fall semester for a Spring honors course).

IX. Once the Experiential Learning Registration Form has been approved, the Honors College will build your honors course for you and enroll you in the class. Standard tuition and fee rates will apply to individualized course sections.

For advice on designing your honors course, visit http://nchchonors.org/faculty-directors/honors-course-design.

Please contact the Honors College for additional assistance.

MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

HONORS COLLEGE

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING REGISTRATION FORM

STUDENT NAME: ______BEAR PASS M#: ______

PROPOSED COURSE CODE & CREDIT HOURS: ______

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: ______

This form may be used to request permission to enroll in the following Honors College courses:

UHC 300 Honors Service Learning (1 cr.)

UHC 396 Honors Independent Study (1-3 cr.)

UHC 398 Honors Undergraduate Research (1-3 cr.)

UHC 399 Honors Internship/Apprenticeship (3 cr.)

UHC 499 Honors Distinction Project (3-4 cr.)

COMPLETE THIS REGISTRATION FORM WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF YOUR INSTRUCTOR. BE AS DETAILED AS POSSIBLE. USE ADDITIONAL PAGES IF NECESSARY.

What is the title or nature of your proposed project?

How will you complete your proposed project?

What are the requirements for your proposed project (list all assignments, readings, meetings, etc.)?

What qualifies this project as an honors experience?

THIS FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE HONORS COLLEGE BEFORE THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES.

Student’s Signature: ______Date______

Instructor’s Signature: ______Date______

Department Head’s Signature : ______Date______

Honors College Director’s Signature: ______Date______