HONORS FACULTY

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.

	Ralph M. Leary, Ph.D. HON-128 / HON-129, Fall 2006 / Spring 2007 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.
	Barry McCauliff, M.A. HON-128 / HON-129, Fall 2006 / Spring 2007 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.
	Marilouise Michel, M.F.A. HON-130, Spring 2008 Integration of Abilities Mel is an associate professor and chair of the Theatre Department. She has been teaching at Clarion University since 1990 in dance, acting and other related courses.  Mel's creativity and contributions to the humanities curriculum in Honors offerings are appreciated.
	Brent Register, DMA HON-130, Spring 2008 Classic Works (Web based) Brent is the Assistant Director of the Honors Program.  Dr. Register is a professor of the Music Department and has instructed Honors 130 several times. Brent is full of ideas and energy and we appreciate all that he does.
	Doug Smith, Ph.D. HON-230, Spring 2008 Biology of Chemistry Dr. Smith is a professor in the Biology Department.  His prime area of research is the investigation of stored and newly synthesized proteins secreted by activated immune cells during inflammation.  He teaches Immunology and Pathogenic Microbiology.  Dr. Smith serves as an Honors faculty and also has directed many senior research projects.
	Brian Dunn, Ph.D. HON-240, Spring 2008 The Third Reich: Social Policy Dr. Dunn is a professor and chair of the History Department.  His academic interests include early modern France, modern Germany, and Tudor-Stuart England. We appreciate his insight into the past.
	Hallie E. Savage, Ph.D. HON-350, Spring 2008 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.

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.