WHAT IS AN IN-COURSE HONORS PROJECT?
An in-course honors project is an agreement between an honors student and a chosen instructor. The student completes an agreed-upon project within the context of a particular course and under the guidance of the instructor. Work performed must be above and beyond the requirements of the course. The size, scope and nature of the project are completely up to the instructor and the student. The project is an opportunity for the student to do more work, not the instructor (unless the instructor would like to).
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
In-course honors should be viewed as an agreement. It is the student’s responsibility to:
- Initiate contact with the instructor to discuss an in-course honors project and obtain the instructor’s approval for supervising the in-course honors project.
- Submit the In-Course Honors Project Application by the deadline and stay on task with project requirements
- Communicate frequently with the instructor regarding project progress and challenges
- Communicate changes regarding the project (canceled project, dropped course, etc.) to the instructor and to the Executive Director of the Honors College
- Maintain your own copy of the In-Course Honors Project Application
INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
In-course honors projects should provide a meaningful experience for the student, engaging in a one-on-one mentoring relationship with the instructor. Instructors are encouraged to:
- Meet with the student periodically to guide and review the student’s progress toward completing the project
- Challenge the student to approach the material from alternative perspectives and share relevant research, networks and other resources with the student
- Provide opportunities for the student to develop research and practical skills
- Facilitate connections between the course and other relevant professional or disciplinary interests the student may have
- Where appropriate, involve the student in collaborative research or professional activities (co-authoring, co-producing, etc.)
- Be creative in thinking about the type of project that will help the student to grow and develop in a particular field, while completing a project that will be beneficial to them as they prepare for graduate or professional schools and/or a career field
- When practical, encourage students to complete projects that will benefit the CSU and broader communities
OBJECTIVES OF THE IN-COURSE HONORS PROJECT
Honors projects may promote:
- deeper exploration of a course topic
- investigation of new or alternate ideas
- connection of course content and field experiences
- cultivation of multidisciplinary perspectives
- skill development – critical thinking, performance, professional practice
- figuring out how to use course content and principles to benefit the CSU and broader communities
- enhanced classroom instruction (student may develop materials, presentations, or resources for the instructor to use in the course)
WHAT CONSTITUTES AN APPROPRIATE HONORS PROJECT?
In-course honors projects may include, but are not limited to:
- Developing a product or program that benefits or uplifts others
- Writing a scholarly paper that expands upon a topic covered in the course
- Developing teaching materials such as a test, handouts, or presentation
- Gaining field experience – interview, site observation, field research
- Conducting interpretive or creative writing within the context of the course
- Researching a topic and presenting findings to the class
- Giving a musical or theatrical performance or participating in a public debate
- Any creative and worthwhile endeavor
RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMANS/ANIMALS
Students involving human participants or animal subjects in their research projects are responsible for obtaining approval BEFORE beginning the project. If you are unsure if you need approval, contact the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research.
HOW HONORS CREDIT IS RECORDED
If a project is completed satisfactorily as indicated by the instructor at the end of the semester, the course will be designated as an honors course on the student’s official transcript by the addition of an HON suffix to the course number.
Academic Affairs
▪ Honors College Home
▪ Apply to Honors
▪ Honors Elibigility
▪ Honors Requirements
▪ In-Course Honors Project Guidelines
Honors Project Application
▪ Honors Scholarships
▪ Honors Staff
▪ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
▪ Honors Student Spotlights
▪ Honda Campus All-Star Challenge
▪ Recognized Honor Societies