Honors Seminars

The descriptions below indicate whether a seminar counts toward the International Perspective or Innovation Seminar.

Should you try to enroll in a course that is full, you will be placed on a waitlist. If openings become available, you will be sent a message via Workday, allowing you 24 hours to enroll.

Make sure you plan ahead and take at least two Honors courses and two Honors seminars, or the number required by your college Honors committee. Don't wait until your last year to meet the requirements because you may find that you will have some scheduling conflicts. You cannot enroll in more than two seminars in a single semester.

Important: Attendance at Honors seminars is expected. Be sure to read the entire seminar description and requirements. Be courteous and notify your instructor in advance if you are unable to attend class.

Innovation Seminars will be required for the Innovation Pathway students, though all Honors students are invited to take seminars listed under the innovation designator.  

Check back regularly for updates!

College Pathway Seminars (open to all Honors students)

• HON 3210-1: From “Granja” to “Mesa”: Food, Drink and Culture of Spain
• HON 3210-2: Chinese script: From oracle bone inscriptions to the modern characters
• HON 3210-3: Cities in Film
• HON 3210-4: Silence Is Neither Neutral nor Natural: Silence Across Cultures
• HON 3210-5: Between Art and Science: An Exploration of Observation, Expression, and Meaning
• HON 3210-6: Mental Illness in Film
• HON 3210-7: Demystifying 23&Me: The Role of Genetics in the Individual and Society
• HON 3210-8: Orchid Mania
• HON 3210-9: Science communication targeting non-scientific audiences 
• HON 3210-10: Introduction to Tensors
• HON 3210-11: Christianity and Science
• HON 3210-12: Exploring the Sensory World
• HON 3210-13: Nevermore: Critical Thinking Through the Works of Edgar Allan Poe
• HON 3210-14: Myth and Power in the Maya World
• HON 3210-15: Moving Through History: Dance as a Cultural Artifact
• HON 3210-16: The Invention and Reinvention of Jewish Identity: Culture, Memory, and Meaning

Innovation Pathway Seminars (open to all Honors students) 

• HON 3220-1: Maps Speak: Using Cartography to Educate and Empower Public Understanding of Environmental Geography (Innovation)
• HON 3220-2: Imagine, Design, Make (Innovation)
• HON 3220-3: Entrepreneurship (Innovation)
• HON 3220-4: Creative Problem Solving (Innovation)
• HON 3220-5: Salvage your waste-Innovating the future! (Innovation)
• HON 3220-6: Understanding War (Innovation)
• HON 3220-7: Education for Sustainability: A Path to a Sustainable Future (Innovation)
• HON 3220-8: Conflicts in the Middle East (Innovation)
• HON 3220-9: Clean Air, Shared Spaces: Civic Science on Indoor Air Quality (Innovation)
• HON 3220-10: Creative Writing from Science (Innovation)
• HON 3220-11: Coffee systems: blending history, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in a global coffee culture. What is behind your daily boost? (Innovation)
• HON 3220-12: Human Trafficking 101 (Innovation)
• HON 3220-13: Diseases that Changed the World: The Influential, The Infectious, The Deadly (Innovation)

College Pathway Seminar Descriptions (These seminars are open to all Honors students)

HON 3210-1, From “Granja” to “Mesa”: Food, Drink and Culture of Spain, Mon 9:55-10:45 a.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17 

About the Course:  One of the most defining characteristics of Spanish culture is its food and drink. Spanish cuisine is the result of nearly 3000 years of evolution, influenced by many different civilizations that have left their mark on the Iberian Peninsula over the centuries. In this course we will examine the diversity of the foods and drinks that Spaniards consume, as well as the social, economic and political contexts surrounding them. Included in this course we will discuss Spain’s agriculture, the economic factors related to agriculture and consumption, social customs and issues related to food and drink, and other areas where food and drink intersect with the culture of Spain.
 

About the Instructor: Dr. Erik Ladner is an Associate Teaching Professor of Spanish at Iowa State University. Dr. Ladner received his BA in Spanish and French and his MA in Spanish from the University of Northern Iowa. He later received his Ph.D. in Hispanic Literature from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006, specializing in Modern Spanish theater. At Iowa State University, Dr. Ladner teaches a variety of courses, with emphasis on the areas of Spanish for the Professions, Spanish for online courses and courses on the literature and culture of Spain. Dr. Ladner has studied and researched abroad in several locations in Spain and has traveled extensively in France, Mexico and Brazil. In 2016, Dr. Ladner traveled the length of the Camino de Santiago, hiking the final two weeks of the Camino Francés from León to Santiago de Compostela and has since offered an Honors Seminar on the Camino de Santiago. He has also taught Honors Seminars on Islamic Spain in 2018 and 2023, and "From “Granja” to “Mesa”: Food, Drink and Culture of Spain" in 2024.

HON 3210-2, Chinese script: From oracle bone inscriptions to the modern characters,  Mon 12:05-12:55 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course:  Do you know how the oracle bones were discovered? Do you know why 春(spring) consisted of three 木s, a 屯, and a 日in its oracle bone form? Chinese script as a non-alphabetic, ideographic or morpho-syllabic written form, has survived about 4000 years. By tracing back to the oracle bone script, we will have a glimpse of the ancient Chinese society and culture, as well as learn the formation of the modern characters and understand their meaning. In this seminar, we will explore the principles of character creation, the social and cultural dimensions of the script, the artistic dimensions, the challenges the Chinese writing system faced in modern times (such as simplification, abortion and romanization, the creation of pinyin and so on), the religious and the technological dimensions of the script.

About the Instructor: Dr. Shenglan Zhang, Professor of Chinese Studies. She has taught Chinese for over 15 years at ISU. She is a Fulbright Scholarship (Taiwan) recipient and was awarded the ISU J. H. Ellis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Introductory Teaching at ISU.

HON 3210-3, Cities In Film, Tue 4:10-5:50 p.m., 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: This course focuses on the depiction of urban life through one of the most popular forms of media: film. The condition of cities has long been the focus of urban planners, politicians, businesses, historians, poets, architects, and others. Since their advent, films have portrayed varying urban conditions, shaping popular perceptions about cities. Throughout the semester, we will focus on the ways that films portray cities and the urban experience, exploring how the image of the city in film has changed over time. This includes major topics addressed in film throughout time like utopias/dystopias. We will also analyze how the art of film (including casting, writing/plot, lighting, scenery/sets, soundtracks, etc.) lends itself to conveying a message to viewers about cities.
 

About the Instructor: Dr. Rob Pfaff is an Assistant Professor of Urban Planning and Development in the College of Design at Iowa State University. His expertise is in qualitative research methodologies, including case studies, policy analyses, textual interpretation, surveys, and participatory action research to understand human interaction in cities. His research focuses on public transportation systems, and understanding the social fabric of cities and communities. When not teaching, he prefers to spend time with his dog, and is an avid hiker, backpacker, biker, and motorcyclist who has travelled to 49 states and 12 countries.

HON 3210-4, Silence Is Neither Neutral nor Natural: Silence Across Cultures, Thu 3:20-5:15 p.m., 1 Credit, Second Half of Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Silence is rarely as simple as it seems. It is not merely the absence of sound, but a condition shaped by cultural expectations, spatial design, and technological interpretation. This interdisciplinary seminar investigates silence across cultures — from sacred spaces to cosmic data — and culminates in the creation of an original audio composition centred on intentional quiet.

About the Instructor: Dr. Merate A. Barakat is an Associate Professor of Architecture in the College of Design at Iowa State University and a VRAC affiliate. Her interdisciplinary work connects computational design, sound studies, and spatial perception. Working in both the UK and the US, she develops programming tools and data-driven systems alongside artistic installations and exhibitions that explore sound, memory, and space. Her research bridges technology and culture, examining how environments are designed, interpreted, and experienced. In her teaching, she brings together coding, sensory inquiry, and creative experimentation to invite students to think across disciplinary boundaries and engage ideas from multiple perspectives.
 

HON 3210-5, Between Art and Science: An Exploration of Observation, Expression, and Meaning, Wed 4:25-5:15 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: What happens when we stop separating art and science and instead treat them as ways of seeing the same world? In "Between Art and Science", we will explore how observation, creativity, and curiosity shape both scientific discovery and artistic expression. Together we will read essays by writers like Paul Errington and Robin Wall Kimmerer, analyze visual art including pieces by Vincent van Gogh and Andy Goldsworthy, as well as other mediums (e.g. film, audio), and engage with scientific ideas that challenge how you notice and interpret the universe. You will develop your own voice through reflections, creative projects, and collaborative discussions that connect ecology, philosophy, storytelling, and visual culture. This seminar is designed for anyone who enjoys asking big questions, looking closely, and discovering new ways to understand the world around us. No prior experience in art or science required, only curiosity and a willingness to explore.

About the Instructor: Mic Rohde is a 4th year PhD candidate in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, where his research focuses on wildlife ecology, conservation in working landscapes, and spatial approaches to understanding species distributions. Throughout his graduate training, Mic has contributed to teaching and mentoring across a range of ecology and natural resource courses, emphasizing critical thinking and applied problem solving. His interdisciplinary interests draw from natural history writing, philosophy of science, environmental humanities, and ecological fieldwork. He brings experience in combining analytical ecological methods with creative expression, encouraging students to think across disciplinary boundaries. Mic is particularly interested in how observation serves as a shared foundation between art and science, and he brings this perspective into the classroom through reflective discussion, creative assignments, and collaborative exploration. His goal is to create an engaging environment where students feel empowered to explore new ways of seeing, thinking, and connecting ideas.

HON 3210-6, Mental Illness in Film, Wed 5:30-7:10 p.m., 2 Credits, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Throughout history, media has influenced people's perceptions of the world and the diversity of experiences that one could have, particularly since invention of the motion picture. From the harmful depiction of dissociative identity disorder in 2016's Split to the subtle and nuanced depiction of PTSD in 2013's Iron Man 3, mental illness has been commonly utilized as a plot device in film. In this 2-credit course, we will critically discuss and analyze modern films and its depiction of various mental disorders, such as depression/bipolar, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. Selected films will be presented during class on a biweekly basis (NO need for any active streaming subscriptions) with 1-2 guest lecturers throughout the semester. No prior knowledge of psychology is required as we will briefly learn about mental disorders leading up to the associated movie screening. 

About the Instructor:  Jaisy Lau is currently a doctoral student studying counseling psychology at ISU and has been a cinephile since junior year of high school (almost a decade now). After becoming interested in psychology after years of watching Criminal Minds as a teenager, she graduated with her Bachelor's of Science in Information Systems and Psychology from SUNY Stony Brook University and received a Master's of Arts in Psychology from New York University. She hopes to share her love for psych and film through this seminar, as well as (productively) seek reprieve from her typical coursework and other graduate responsibilities. 

HON 3210-7, Demystifying 23&Me: The Role of Genetics in the Individual and Society, Tue 3:20-4:10 p.m.,  1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: "Have you run your DNA at 23 and Me or has one of your family? Are you curious as to what all this is about? We will discuss the underpinnings of the direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies like 23&Me, and other genetics companies, and what the more recent controversies mean for personal genetics and privacy. You will gain both the knowledge of the science behind these tests, as well as participate in discussions about what it means to each of us, our families and their health care decisions. For example: how does genetic testing results from your sister or your cousin affect your decision to test yourself or your child? Should we allow police to search all our genetic information to find a killer? Does an insurance company have the right to our genes to decide our insurability? If your genetics indicates you are prone to lung cancer, should the state of Iowa require you to stop smoking? Each week, we will discuss these important issues impacting people and society, as well as learn about the uncertainty in predicting health outcomes from genetic data. We will also  use computer programs to demonstrate how the genome is read and how such predictions are made." 

About the Instructor: Dr. Chris Tuggle is an experienced researcher and teacher of genetics, studying both animal models for biomedical research as well as animal genomes to improve livestock genetics. He has offered this course once before, using his own 23&Me results to explain and demystify the process of finding and interpreting the meaning of genetic variation from individuals to populations. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with the public so that they can make their own informed decisions about where and when their genetics information should be used.
 

HON 3210-8, Orchid Mania, Mon 3:20-4:10 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Orchids are among the most fascinating groups of plants on earth. Their beautiful and unique flowers have created an allure that is legendary. Whether it is flower hunters searching the tropics around the world for orchids, plant physiologists trying to understand how these unique plants function, or enthusiastic collectors trying to grow these plants, orchid mania is real! This seminar will focus on the world of orchids, introducing you to the physiology, history, lore, and culture of the world of orchids. This seminar is geared toward non-life science majors.

About the Instructor: Dr. Christopher Currey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture specializing in greenhouse crop production. He specializes in determining how mineral nutrition, light, and temperature affect the growth of ornamental and edible greenhouse crops. Before he was a faculty member, he was a commercial orchid grower and produced thousands of flowering plants. In addition to growing orchids in a greenhouse, he has pursued orchids in the wild and outdoors, ranging from the bogs of northern Minnesota to Ireland, to the forests of Tennessee to Costa Rica, and the mountains of Montana to Thailand and Australia! 

HON 3210-9, Science communication targeting non-scientific audiences, Thu 3:20-4:10 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Science shapes the decisions we make every day, so communicating it clearly and responsibly is extremely important. In this Honors Seminar, we explore how to communicate science clearly, creatively, and responsibly to non-scientific audiences. Together, we will examine how complex ideas move from research labs into everyday conversations and how modern media shapes what people understand and believe about science. We will learn how to translate technical research into engaging stories targeting  diverse audiences, and evaluate the strengths and pitfalls of platforms like podcasts, short and long-form video, blogs, and social media. Through real-world case studies, writing exercises, and multimedia storytelling, we will practice communicating across formats. By the end of the seminar, you will be able to explain complex scientific ideas with clarity and empathy, adapting your message to different communities, and confidently contribute to public conversations about science in today’s media landscape.

About the Instructor: Momin Ahmed is a Ph.D. candidate under Dr. Dennis Lavrov. His research centers around the evolution of marine sponges, their phylogeny and taxonomy. He has a deep interest in science communication, and how modern media can be utilized for effective science communication in informal settings. He has taken part in the SICB student journalism program, and often takes to YouTube to talk about science in short form videos. 

HON 3210-10, Introduction to Tensors, Wed 2:15-3:05 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Tensors are the facts of the universe. They find applications in many disciplines, including physics, mathematics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, signal processing, and machine learning. The fundamental theoretical developments go back more than a century, but this material is not easily accessible at the undergraduate level because very few classes cover it. This seminar will cover both the theory and applications of tensor algebra and tensor calculus. We will discuss matrices, coordinate systems, dual space, tensors, vectors and covectors, the metric tensor, tensor operations, Christoffel symbols, tensor fields, and tensor calculus. This is an introductory class that assumes no prior knowledge in this subject. Previous exposure to calculus and/or linear algebra is recommended, but not required. 

About the Instructor: Dr. Alexander Stoytchev is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His research interests include computational perception, signal processing, machine learning, and autonomous robotics. (http://www.ece.iastate.edu/~alexs/)

HON 3210-11, Christianity and Science, Tue 11:00-12:30 p.m., 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Religion and science are two of the most important cultural and intellectual forces that influence mankind. They are generally interested in different aspects of reality. Science addresses “how” questions while religion answers “why” questions. However, an area of common interest is the origin and history of life. This seminar will explore the interaction and boundaries between science and theology in this area of common interest. Topics and questions addressed include: Are Christianity and science friends or foes? The nature and limitations of science; The history of life on earth: The views from science and the Bible; What about human origins? Does science and/or evolution rule out God? Or are Christianity and science friends that provide complementary information about God? We will explore these topics through the writings of well-known scientists and theologians with expertise in these areas. Class time will generally be spent discussing weekly reading assignments.

About the Instructor: Dr. William Gallus is a Distinguished Professor of Meteorology who began his career at ISU in 1995.  His research focuses on mesoscale convective systems, severe local storms, climate change impacts on weather extremes, and improved forecasting of smaller-scale weather features.  He has received several research awards including the Theodore Fujita Research Achievement Award of the National Weather Association. He has published over 120 papers and served as a PI, co-PI or senior personnel on over 60 grants for over $30,000,000 in external funding.  He teaches synoptic and mesoscale meteorology courses and has received Iowa State’s top teaching award, the ISU Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching and is a LAS college Master Teacher.  He has mentored over 130 undergraduate researchers, 39 M.S., and 15 Ph.D. students. He has served as a faculty adviser for the student Christian organization, the Navigators, for over 20 years, and spoke on the topic of "God and Science" at a Navigator retreat a few years ago. 
 

HON 3210-12, Exploring the Sensory World, Mon 3:20-4:10 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Enter the fascinating world of animal senses and discover the "umwelt" (an organism's perceptual world). In this seminar we will work our way through the book "An Immense World: How animal senses reveal the hidden realms around us" by Ed Yong. Together we will explore how different animals, including humans, can sense and experience their surroundings and how these perceptions impact the way they interact with the world around them. Through reflections you will explore the umwelt of your favorite animal, and we will discuss how the actions of animals can impact the umwelt of others.

About the Instructors: Amber Crowley-Gall is an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology at Iowa State University. She is fascinated by the sensory world and is particularly interested in understanding the ways in which the chemical signals of plants and microbes influence their interactions with insects. Danielle Rutkowski is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology at Iowa State University. She is interested in how interactions between microbial species associated with bees impact microbiome community structure and bee health."
 

HON 3210-13, Nevermore: Critical Thinking Through the Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Thu 3:40-4:30 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Nevermore is a seminar that develops critical thinkings through an in-depth examination of Poe’s Gothic works. Alluring texts paired with invigorating learning experiences and creative activities focus on developing deep thinking and communication skills. This seminar introduces the gothic and ecogothic as well as the primary elements of the modality through four enticing Poe stories, examining why the unnerving also engages. Ultimately, it is a unique and inventive course that will strengthen your analytical skills while exploring “Words [which] have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality” (Poe).

About the Instructor: Katheryn Anderson completed both her undergrad work in Education and Masters in English at Iowa State University. She is currently working on her PhD in Education at Drake University. She holds a state of Iowa teaching license and has been teaching for over 15 years. She currently teaches ENG 3020 and ENGL 1500 and serves as a student teacher supervisor. Her academic interests include reader-response theory, student engagement, and the literature of Edgar Alan Poe. 

HON 3210-14, Myth and Power in the Maya World, Mon 4:25-5:15 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: This seminar offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the Maya worldview, focusing on the intricate mythological narratives that shaped one of the world’s most significant complex societies. This seminar explores the mythological imagination of the Maya through readings, such as the Popol Vuh, and the study of temples, hieroglyphic monuments, and art. We will examine creation stories, divine kingship, ritual sacrifice, and sacred time. We will also investigate the roles of key deities and how their exploits provided a moral and ethical code for Maya society. Finally, we will address the enduring legacy of these myths in contemporary Maya communities and their representation in modern pop culture. We will move beyond exploring the history of the Maya and use this as a toolkit for understanding a world where time is a circle, kings are living conduits for the divine, and the universe began with corn. Blending history, religion, art, and archaeology, this course invites students to see myth not as fiction, but as a force that organizes society, politics, and the cosmos itself. We will bridge the gap between ancient stone cities and the living traditions of the Maya people today. 

About the Instructor: Serena Wheaton is a lecturer in the World, Language, and Culture department. She teaches a variety of anthropology courses in the department. Serena's background is in Mesoamerican archaeology, and she has spent many summers in Mexico and Belize researching the ancient Maya. 

HON 3210-15, Moving Through History: Dance as a Cultural Artifact, Tue 5:30-6:20 online synchronous, 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Moving beyond simple choreography, this seminar treats the human body as a living archive. We will decode dance not just as art, but as a kinetic language used to preserve history, spark political revolutions, and define cultural identity across the globe. This seminar invites you to consider dance as a significant cultural artifact that communicates human history and experiences. We will examine movement as a transcribed experience reliant on memory and interpretation. We will move beyond aesthetic appreciation to interrogate the intersections of embodiment and identity. From the movement of the African Diaspora to modern ballet, you’ll use an anthropological lens to investigate how movement functions as a mechanism of social control and a tool for liberation. We will explore select videos and readings to discuss the intersection of dance and culture and challenge the idea of dance as mere entertainment. We will re-examine dance as a powerful cultural artifact that speaks when words fail. Join us to explore how society is choreographed and how the simple act of moving can change the world. Step into a seminar that treats movement as a radical intellectual discipline.

About the Instructor: Serena Wheaton is a lecturer in the World, Language, and Culture department. She teaches anthropology courses and primarily concentrates in archaeology. While Serena has a graduate degree in anthropology, Serena also has an additional undergraduate degree in Dance. Serena has experience with choreography and dance and has been dancing for most of her life. Additionally, Serena has been a recreational dance teacher for many years. She is interested in the intersection of dance and anthropology, and hopes to share this interest with students. 
 

HON 3210-16, The Invention and Reinvention of Jewish Identity: Culture, Memory, and Meaning, Mon 3:20-4:10 p.m., 1 Credit,  Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17 

About the Course:  Jewish identity is both ancient and a modern way of life, encompassing much more than religious practice. This seminar explores Jewishness as something that has been continually shaped and reshaped across history, culture, and lived experience. Through stories, ideas, and cultural expressions from different times and places, we’ll explore how Jewishness has been defined, debated, and reinvented — from ancient traditions to modern life. We will discuss how conceptions of Jewish identity have been informed by ancestry, religion, nationhood, geographic origins and history. Designed for students with little or no prior exposure, the course invites curiosity and open conversation while using Jewish experience to explore bigger questions about identity, belonging, memory, and meaning in a global reality.

About the Instructors: Dr. Christina Gish Hill is a professor in the World Languages and Cultures department. She uses ethnography to study Native American relationships with land on the Northern Plains and Great Lakes, especially related to food ways. Her current research has led her to consider the connections between Jewish and Indigenous cultures. She is actively engaged with the Jewish community of central Iowa, as president of the Beit Sefer Shalom board and academic co-chair to the Partnership 2Gether Western Galilee. Professor Matt Wetstein is in the ISU Physics Dept, where he studies elementary particles, specifically neutrinos. Matt has explored Jewish life across diverse communities in America and worldwide. He has passion for Jewish textual traditions and text study, and an engagement with Jewish history, culture, and traditional practice. He helped found a congregation in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area of Chicago, and performed in the punk-jazz-klezmer band Jues Juez in the NYC/DC Jewish avant garde scene in the 2000s.

Innovation Pathway Seminar Descriptions (These seminars are open to all Honors students)

HON 3220-1, Maps Speak: Using Cartography to Educate and Empower Public Understanding of Environmental Geography, Fri 2:15-3:05 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Maps speak—even when we do not share a common language. In this Honors seminar, we explore how maps communicate meaning through color, symbols, scale, and spatial patterns and how these visual choices shape how we interpret environmental information. Together, we will learn how to “read” maps beyond words and discover how cartographic design influences perception, understanding, and decision-making. Using real environmental and soil maps, we will compare static and interactive representations to see how scale and presentation can reveal or hide important patterns. Through discussion, case studies, and guest speakers from across campus, we will explore how maps are used in research, planning, and public communication and how they can educate, mislead, or empower communities. This seminar welcomes students from all majors. No prior experience with maps or geography is required, only curiosity. By the end of the course, you will begin to see maps not just as images but as powerful storytelling tools that shape how we understand our environment.

About the Instructor: Fatemeh Hakimi is a PhD student in environmental science in the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University. Her academic background is in cartography, geography, and GIS, and her research focuses on how maps and visual design shape how people understand environmental and soil information. Her doctoral work, titled “Maps Speak: Using Cartography to Educate and Empower Public Understanding of Earth Science,” explores how map design, scale, and visual choices affect interpretation and decision-making for non-expert audiences. Fatemeh has extensive experience working with environmental data, soil and landscape maps, and spatial analysis using GIS and Python. Before beginning her PhD, she worked for more than a decade in environmental management, leading field monitoring and GIS-based planning projects. She is especially interested in using maps as educational tools that clearly communicate complex ideas across disciplines, audiences, and even language barriers.

HON 3220-2, Imagine, Design, Make!  Mon & Wed 1:10 -2:00 p.m., 2 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17 (Innovation)

About the Course: Step into the world of making with Imagine, Design, Make!, where you will develop foundational skills to bring your ideas to life through hands-on design and fabrication. Using the cutting-edge resources of the Student Innovation Center, you will learn about shop safety and basic practice in wood and metalworking, 3D printing and scanning, and laser cutting and engraving. You will also select and learn about another specialized skill that interests you, such as digital media, digital modeling and visualization, textiles, painting and finishing, or how to incorporate physical computing into “smart” designs. By exploring the concept-to-completion cycle, you will build an individualized project and prototype that showcases your skills and creativity.

About the Instructor: Dr. Jonathan Wickert serves as provost emeritus, president’s chair in engineering, and professor of mechanical engineering. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. During his dozen years as university provost, Dr. Wickert was responsible for Iowa State University’s eight academic colleges, student recruitment, and financial aid, the research and extension enterprises, and the Ames National Laboratory. Iowa State conferred 90,000 degrees during those years, increased sponsored research by 60%, hired half its faculty, and set records for graduation rate, time-to-degree, and multicultural and first-generation student enrollments. Prior to his service as provost, Dr. Wickert was dean of engineering and department chair of mechanical engineering at Iowa State University; an engineering professor for 17 years at Carnegie Mellon University; a visiting professor at the Helsinki University of Technology; and a visiting bye-fellow at the University of Cambridge’s Selwyn College.

HON 3220-3, Entrepreneurship, Tue 4:10-6:00p.m., 1 Credit, First Half Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: This course is designed to help students acquire sound business acumen. The class would include a series of lectures on business models for different types of business. Students will have an opportunity to directly interact with the business professionals and learn from their expertise in this field. The learning outcomes include helping students to become familiar with the overall business environment, brainstorm start up ideas, understand legal and capital needs for different types of business organizations. Readings will include articles from websites such as Wall Street Journal, Smart Money, Business Week, New York Times, Yahoo and Google Finance. Students will work in small teams on class discussions and assignments every week and a class project.

About the Instructor: Shoba Premkumar is a Teaching Professor of Finance, Ivy College of Business. She has won several awards for teaching excellence. She has Honors Seminars on Money Management and Entrepreneurship that featured successful entrepreneurs and finance professionals in Iowa. Shoba has designed and developed a course on Fintech and Cryptocurrency. She has also authored the textbook Introduction to Fintech and Cryptocurrency.
 

HON 3220-4, Creative Problem Solving, Tue 3:20-4:10p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: "Do you like puzzles, riddles, and games of strategy? Are you fascinated by optical illusions, mysteries, and brainteasers? Do you get a thrill from figuring out the answer to ordinary and extraordinary problems in unique, offbeat, and often elegant ways? Would you like to? This Honors Seminar will further develop your logical reasoning ability, exercise your critical-thinking skills, and flex your creative muscles to make you a better problem solver. Active, regular, and earnest participation in this seminar will make family members proud of you, employers desire you, and problems of all kinds fear you. (Note: your family mileage may vary.)

About the Instructor: Brian A. Rudolph holds a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Science in Information Systems from Iowa State University. Brian has over fifteen years of experience teaching for-credit classes at the university level. He has taught courses in computer programming, algorithm and problem design, operating systems, and cybersecurity. Brian also has more than thirty years of experience in information technology leadership positions in academia and industry. Brian's experience with the Association for Computing Machinery's International Collegiate Programming Contest as a contest problem-creator, regional director, and contest finals judge, along with his experience working for SEGA designing and programming video games and pinball machines, surfaced his creative side, leading to his study of screenwriting at UCLA.

HON 3220-5: Salvage your waste – Innovating the future! Tue & Thu 2:10 - 3:25 p.m., 1 Credit, First Half of Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Are you interested to learn about wastes that are also valuable resource! Rather than viewing waste solely as a problem, it can be re-imagined as a valuable resource capable of addressing many of today’s pressing environmental and economic challenges. This seminar introduces students to the concept of waste can be transformed into useful and high-value products. Students will learn from visiting speakers, about different types of waste and their potential for wealth creation, along with the economic and environmental benefits of waste transformation technologies . The course explores recent advances in waste transformation, including agricultural biomass to bio-oil and bio-fertilizers, food waste to bio-energy, municipal waste utilization, and waste-based applications in agriculture, and animal waste management. At the end of the course, students will develop and present a project based on the concepts of value-added waste as part of the final evaluation.
This seminar is intended for students who are interested in: 1) Resource generation and waste-to-value transformations and 2) Sustainable technologies and circular economy concepts.

About the Instructor: Dr. Chumki Banik graduated from University of Florida. Then she joined Iowa State University as post-doctorate, and now she is a research scientist at the Bioeconomy Institute. She has been working with bio-based materials over 10 years at Iowa State University. She focuses on recycling agricultural waste, produce renewable energy, and assess various amendments/practices like, production of bio-based fertilizers to remediate environmental issues. Her works are governed by the term "waste recycling," a much required approach to dealing with current climatic and agricultural affairs.  

HON 3220-6: Understanding War, Mon 3:20 - 4:10 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: "“What is it like to be in a war zone?” “What challenges do civilians face when they are trapped in a war?” In this seminar, we will explore daily life during wartime and the social effects of war. How do people live in extreme conditions? Through case studies and personal experiences, we will examine the “chaos of war.” We will review the Geneva Conventions and other human rights documents to identify war crimes against civilians. We will also explore the role of the media in conflicts, analyzing whether its coverage is biased, impartial, or one-sided. Students will learn to read beyond superficial or generalized media reporting. By the end of the seminar, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the realities of war and its effects on society. War is not just a video game of good versus evil.

About the Instructor: Jean-Pierre Taoutel, Teaching Professor of French and Arabic, has been teaching at ISU since 1999. He holds an M.A. and a D.E.A. in French literature from the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris, France. In addition to teaching languages and Honors seminars, he directs several ISU study abroad programs in France, Portugal, and the Middle East. He enjoys traveling and has traveled to 54 countries.

HON 3220-7: Education for Sustainability: A Path to a Sustainable Future, Tue 1:10-2:00 p.m., 1 Credit, Full semester, Enrollment Limit: 17 

About the Course: "This course will explore the history and development of Sustainable Development. We will learn the concept of sustainable development/sustainability and its pillars (environmental, social and economic), international and regional policies on sustainable development, critical sustainability challenges, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and approaches to integrating sustainability into daily activities and practices. We will also be engaged in mini sustainability change project on issues of our own choice. The course prepares us to be global citizenship and implement sustainability in our everyday life and profession. This will enable us to develop personal responsibility in moving toward the realization of the SDGs. We will also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills and make informed decisions contributing to a just and sustainable society.  

About the Instructor: Dr. Evelina Omagano Anyolo is a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at ISU and a Social Studies, Environmental Education/Sustainability/Awareness and National and Global Citizenship lecturer at the University of Namibia, Namibia. She earned a Master of Education in Environmental Education and PhD in education with the focus on Education for Sustainability. Her research interest centers on leveraging ESD leaders to integrate sustainability principles into school and teacher education curriculum and in their everyday life. Evelina has extensive experience of working with a range of international projects focused on rural education and sustainability.
 

HON 3220-8: Conflicts of the Middle East, Wed 3:20-4:10 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course:  What are the current political conflicts in the Middle East? How to understand the wars in the Middle East? In this seminar, we will examine the current political conflicts and wars in the Middle East. We will discuss in depth the Arab-Israeli conflict, The Lebanese War, the Palestinian question, and other regional issues (Iraq, the Kurds, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, etc). We will understand the “complicated Middle East” and how these conflicts have been impacting the war on terrorism.

About the Instructor:  Jean-Pierre Taoutel, Teaching Professor of French and Arabic, has been teaching at ISU since 1999. He holds an M.A. and a D.E.A. in French literature from the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris, France. In addition to teaching languages and Honors seminars, he directs several ISU study abroad programs in France, Portugal, and the Middle East. He enjoys traveling and has traveled to 54 countries.

HON 3220-9: Clean Air, Shared Spaces: Civic Science on Indoor Air Quality, Thu 3:20-4:10 p.m., 1 Credit Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17 

About the Course:  You spend nearly 90% of your life indoors, but how often do you think about the air you’re breathing? How clean is the air we breathe indoors, at home, in classrooms, entertainment establishments, and stores? This seminar combines environmental science, public health, and civic engagement to help participants explore how indoor environments influence health and how science can inform public decision-making. You will learn to communicate scientific findings clearly, assess environmental data, and collaborate on community-based outreach related to indoor air quality (IAQ). By the end of the seminar, you’ll not only understand the chemistry and biology of indoor air but also gain the confidence to engage in civic conversations that link science, sustainability, and public well-being. Together, we’ll turn data into dialogue, and clean air into a shared responsibility.

About the Instructor: Michelle Thayer is a Ph.D. candidate in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at Iowa State University. Her research integrates genetics, metabolism, and translational models of human disease using animal models. Her work explores how genetic and environmental factors such as stress, diet, and inflammation interact to influence health outcomes. Michelle's broader interest is in how science can inform community well-being and public policy. In addition to her research, she serves as a Writing and Competitive Funding Consultant at the ISU Center for Communication Excellence, where she mentors graduate students in scholarly writing, proposal development, and oral communication. She has been involved in the design and facilitation of curriculum and workshops on grantsmanship, scholarly writing, and effective communication. Her approach to teaching emphasizes curiosity, inclusivity, and the translation of complex scientific ideas into meaningful real-world impact. In Clean Air, Shared Spaces, she invites students to connect environmental health research with civic responsibility. She hopes to empower them to engage thoughtfully with the science and policy issues that shape our everyday lives.

HON 3220-10: Creative Writing from Science, Tue 4:10-5:00 p.m.,1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course: Let’s write stories and games based on cool science! Explore how to use real scientific concepts, theories, and discoveries as inspiration for writing short stories, poems, or creating tabletop games. Learn about exciting topics from a series of visiting guest speakers in a range of scientific fields that might include astronomy, computer science, physics, ecology, and more. Learn how to unearth your own sources of inspiration from published research. You will read example stories from writers who take their science seriously, play games, engage in fun idea generation exercises, and complete a final project of writing your own short story, poetry collection, or tabletop roleplaying game adventure. This class is appropriate for beginners, experienced writers, and everyone in between. If you have an interest in writing or in science, you will enjoy this class! 

About the Instructor: Kelli Fitzpatrick is a science fiction author and game writer. She is a contributing writer for the Star Trek Adventures TTRPG, a writer for Dungeons and Dragons, and the author of the novel Captain Marvel: Carol Danvers Declassified. Her short stories have been published by Simon and Schuster, Baen Books, and others. She completed a science writing internship with NASA and wrote for Arizona State University’s Interplanetary Initiative. She currently serves as ISU’s Coordinator of Nationally Competitive Awards, helping students apply for national scholarships.  

HON 3220-11: Coffee systems: blending history, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in a global coffee culture. What is behind your daily boost?  Fri 8:50-9:40 a.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17 (Innovation)

About the Course: Are you curious about what is behind your daily coffee boost? In this seminar, we will learn about the history, sustainability, innovation trends, and entrepreneurship opportunities in the coffee system. Coffee is a commodity with a long history and strong commercial value in global markets. This class will explore the complex history of coffee and dive into facts, data, and innovations along the coffee value chain. We will invite coffee practitioners to share their experiences with students on topics related to the specialty coffee market and direct trade.  

About the Instructors: Dr. Abarca Orozco is an assistant teaching professor in the Global Resource Systems program and a researcher who has worked with farmers, Latino youth, and minority groups. Dr. Abarca holds a Ph.D. in Sustainable Agriculture and an M.S. in Agricultural and Applied Economics. He has conducted research on Mexico’s citrus industry and Fair Trade-Organic coffee farming. In the US, he has focused on researching local food systems, land access for Latino beginning farmers, youth entrepreneurs, and evaluating the Family and Nutrition Program in Florida. Dr. Abarca is interested in researching resource systems issues in Mexico, the US, Uganda, and other countries in Central and South America. Dr. Bonar Hernandez is an associate professor in the Department of History. His teaching and research explore the intersection of religion, ethnicity, and politics in Latin America, with a focus on transnational religious movements and revolutionary activism during the Cold War. Dr. Hernandez has received funding from the Social Science Research Council, the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellow. Also, he has contributed to a diverse range of committees and programs at and beyond ISU.

 

HON 3220-12: Human Trafficking 101, Wed 11:00-11:50 a.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course:  This seminar will explore the phenomenon of human trafficking within the United States and abroad. Students will learn about the history of and concepts that define trafficking; the intersectionalities of race, gender, class, etc. in trafficking; legal and political ramifications of trafficking; and how they can make a difference in their community by educating peers about this crime against humanity. Guest speakers include trafficking survivors, representatives from law enforcement, and other guest speakers.

About the Instructor: Dr. Alissa Stoehr is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Women’s and Gender Studies Program and the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. She teaches a variety of courses, including Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies, Gender and Sexuality in American Popular Culture, Gender and Sexualities in Society, and Human Trafficking.

HON 3220-13: Diseases that Changed the World: The Influential, The Infectious, The Deadly, Wed 3:20-4:10 p.m., 1 Credit, Full Semester, Enrollment Limit: 17

About the Course:  Microscopic organisms have shaped human history in powerful, and often terrifying, ways. In this seminar, we will explore the diseases that have transformed societies. Topics will range from ancient plagues such as the Black Death, to modern diseases like the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and ending with the microbes represented (and often misrepresented) in media, such as the cordyceps “zombie fungus.” This discussion-based course will examine what makes these pathogens unique, how they cause disease, and the lasting impact they leave on our world. Together, we will investigate the biology of major infectious diseases alongside their cultural legacies and media portrayals through readings from novels, scientific articles, and news media. This course will have a human health focus, but no previous biology experience is required.

About the Instructor: Jessica Strathman is a PhD student in Microbiology at Iowa State University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical/Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Central Missouri. She has a fascination for medically relevant pathogens, and her current research focuses on the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.