academics | University Honors Program

 

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom."

-Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834 - 1892)-

Western Intellectual Traditions is an interdisciplinary, historically sequenced, two-semester course, covering several historical periods: Greek, Roman, and early Christian; Renaissance and Reformation; Enlightenment; and Modern and Contemporary. This course takes students on an intellectual journey encompassing the whole scope of human thought. The NNU honors student is challenged to examine the important themes, issues, and periods in the development of Western thought.  Reading and dialoging about influential texts from the Bible to current fiction and nonfiction, engages the student in creating ethical and reasonable conclusions regarding their personal and professional goals.

A Community of Diversity:

Students pursuing different course work from different communities and cultural backgrounds make up this group of young men and women who seek to gain a better understanding of the modern world.  The students seek not to determine a ‘right’ response based in knowledge, but rather to interact with the multiple applications of various accepted truths as they influenced human thought throughout history.  Challenged to take their knowledge and filter it through a process of critical thought, students are encouraged to make application of their experience, in their own lives. Students accepted into the program form a cohesive learning group that stays together for the entire academic year.

Who Qualifies:

This program, which provides an integrative learning experience for academically superior freshmen, is offered as an alternative to some of the general education requirements. The program introduces students to a unified and flexible approach to knowledge. It offers significant interdisciplinary learning experiences during the first year at NNU. Class structure includes team teaching and small discussion groups. Students accepted into the program form a cohesive learning group that stays together for the entire academic year. The screening and selection committee establishes specific program acceptance criteria. Enrollment is limited.  For more information please e-mail honors(at)nnu.edu