SCC Honors Program to feature classes on Harry Potter, vampires, witches and more

Published: 09/26/2016

In spring 2017, St. Charles Community College honors students will have the opportunity to take part in such courses as “Why Harry Potter? Children’s Literature in Western Civilization,” “Vampires and Witches in Western History and Culture,” “To Infinity and Beyond” and “The Psychology and Politics of Hate.”

HON 100-40: Why Harry Potter? Children’s Literature in Western Civilization

Tuesday & Thursday, 1-2:15 p.m.

This course examines popular children’s fiction through the disciplines of history and literature, encouraging students to investigate how the stories of their childhood have helped shape the world around them. Participants will read and analyze popular children’s literature from different historical periods in Europe and America.

This course fulfills the degree requirements for ENG 102 or HIS 102, or can be taken as an elective.

HON 100-01: Vampires and Witches in Western History and Culture

Monday & Wednesday, 10-11:15 a.m.

Throughout this course, students will examine historical events in Western society concerning witches and vampires including witch burning, the Salem witch trials and the brutality of the historical Dracula, Vlad the Impaler. The course will then look at the larger cultural issues concerning the ideas and attitudes about witches and vampires.

This course fulfills the degree requirements for ENG 102 or HIS 102, or can be taken as an elective.

HON 105-01: To Infinity and Beyond

Tuesday & Thursday, 10-11:15 a.m.

This course will study the development of the problems, arguments and positions concerning mathematical and philosophical ideas of the infinite. From ancient cosmological speculation to medieval prods for the existence of God to modern number theory, students will explore the historical and conceptual foundations of infinity. 

College Algebra or an equivalent is a prerequisite for To Infinity and Beyond. This course fulfills the degree requirement for PHL 101, or can be taken as an elective. 

HON 102-01: The Psychology and Politics of Hate

Monday & Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Students will split their time learning about the psychological factors that contribute to the development of hate within an individual and the political factors that allow these individuals to exercise their hate in groups.

This course fulfills the degree requirements for PSY 101 or POL 101, or can be taken as an elective. 

Some highlights of the Honors Program include access to early registration, participation in interdisciplinary coursework exclusively for honors students, mentorship and academic guidance from an Honors Council member, invitations to special events throughout the semester and honors recognition on transcripts and at graduation.  

Honors certificate recipients will stand out when applying for transfer institutions. SCC’s program puts students in a good position to earn transfer scholarships and to gain admissions into honors programs at four-year schools.  

Applications for the Honors Program can be downloaded at stchas.edu/honors and submitted to honors@stchas.edu.   

For more information, visit stchas.edu/honors or contact Heather Rodgers at hrodgers@stchas.edu or 636-922-8506. 

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.