Purpose: Members of Honors Faculty instruct Honors courses and help to achieve the academic goals of the Honors Program, which require that Honors courses be interdisciplinary and incorporate innovative approaches to learning. Writing and speaking skills are a primary component of every Honors course. We are proud of the faculty members who offer their already limited time and resources for the enrichment of our Honors students.
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Ralph M. Leary, Ph.D.
HON-128 / HON-129, Fall 2008 / Spring 2009
Modes of Discourse
Dr. Leary is a prominent member of the Honors community, having served as Honors Faculty since 1996. He co-instructs Modes of Discourse with Barry McCauliff and is a professor in the English Department. Ralph has made significant contributions to the growth of the Honors Program through his insights, his wit, and his humor.
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Barry McCauliff, M.A.
HON-128 / HON-129, Fall 2008 / Spring 2009
Modes of Discourse
Barry joined the Honors Faculty in 2002 as co-instructor of Modes of Discourse. He is an assistant professor and Chairman of the Speech Communication Department. Barry has a history of being actively involved at Clarion University - he is the former coach of both the Debate Team and the "Golden Eagle" baseball team. We enjoy having Barry as a member of our community.
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Jim Lyle
HON-130, Spring 2009
Great Debates
Jim is an associate professor of the Mass Media Arts and Journalism Department. He is the coach of the Debate Team, and has instructed Debate Camps as part of Summer Academies for High School students which are hosted by Honors. Jim's contributions to Honors offerings are appreciated.
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Andrew Keth, Ph.D.
HON-230, Spring 2009
Critical Thinking: Confronting Life & The Paranormal...Skeptically
Dr. Keth has been contributing to Honors for years through his instruction of Learning Partnerships. He is a professor of the Biology Department and also coordinates graduate studies for that department. Dr. Keth is a valuable Faculty member and a friend of the Honors Program.
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Kevan Yenerall, Ph.D.
HON-240, Fall 2008
Campaign 2008
Dr. Yenerall is a professor of Political Science. He has developed a course centered on the the 2008 presidental election. We appreciate his insight into politics and the electoral process.
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Hallie E. Savage, Ph.D.
HON-350, Spring 2009
Junior Seminar
Dr. Savage became the Honors Program Director in 1997 and since then she has made substantial contributions to the growth and quality of the Program. In addition to instructing Junior Seminar, Hallie is serving as the 2008 National Collegiate Honors Council President. Dr. Savage is committed to the Honors Program and dedicated to its students. Her efforts are immensely appreciated.
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GENERAL INFORMATION FOR FACULTY ABOUT DEVELOPING AN HONORS COURSE
Who can be honors faculty?
All Clarion University faculty are eligible for Honors faculty instruction.
What topics are appropriate for an Honors course?
Any proposal is considered that lies within the General Education curriculum.
Are there curricular design principles to follow when developing an Honors course?
As mentioned, the academic goals of the Honors Program require that Honors courses be interdisciplinary and incorporate innovative approaches to learning. Along with the critical writing and speaking components, developmental objectives of an Honors course should include:
- Analysis, criticism, and synthesis through the use of a broad range of thinking skills
- A respectable level of research skills
- Significant involvement in the study of creative arts
- A "global" consciousness - a broad understanding of the historical, scientific and social forces that shape our world
- A commitment to examine their own values as they relate to their developing understanding of a meaningful and useful life of work, service and leisure
Should Honors courses require more "homework" than other courses?
It is important to bear in mind that we want to honor rather than overburden Honors Program students. They tend to work harder than the average student in all of their courses, so a successful honors course will approach ideas in innovative ways, exposing students to the joy we find in learning, as opposed to simply increased quantities of existing coursework.
Are you interested in becoming part of our Honors faculty?
Syllabi of previous offerings are available in the Honors Program office. If you would like assistance in developing a proposal, contact the Honors Program or stop by the office suite in Becht Hall.
