HNRS 110 or HNRS 302 Principles of Research and Inquiry
Learning to ask questions is the foundation
During their first semester, most students take HNRS 110 Principles of Research and Inquiry and our HNRS 111 Colloquium, but advanced transfer students may elect to take HNRS 302 Principles of Inquiry instead. Both experiences focus on student led research.
As the stepping stone into our inquiry-driven curriculum, Principles of Research and Inquiry invites you to explore the topics you are most curious about through college-level academic research. You will learn how to develop strong research questions, analyze and evaluate research methods, and put evidence in context by considering it from multiple different perspectives.
Inquiry in the Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences
Deepening questions through interdisciplinary inquiry
You will exercise the critical thinking skills developed in our foundation courses through lines of inquiry in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Study Abroad, AP, transfer, and IB credit are welcomed for these requirements. Honors College Inquiry in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences courses are topical, so each section covers a different subject.
HNRS 122 - Reading the Arts
Expression in Video Games
Applying a critical lens to game design, students examine the choices made in a game’s development and consider video games as a form of expression for both the designer and players. Students analyze color, animation, dialogue, and other features to understand the social role and influence of video games in our world.
HNRS 131 - Contemporary Social Issues
Climate Change for Humans
How does climate change affect our everyday lives? This course asks students to think globally and act locally, investigating perspectives from humanities, technology, engineering, and science to develop multidisciplinary strategies for local climate change adaptation.
HNRS 130 - Identity, Community, Difference
What’s the Matter with Men?
Students gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues facing men in our society. Examining issues spanning masculinity and identity, men’s health, backlash to feminism, and more, the course considers the historical, social, and economic contexts producing these issues and possible ways to address them.
HNRS 240 - Reading the Past
History of Emotions
Applying historical thinking to examine the role of emotion in everyday life, students are introduced to the emerging interdisciplinary field of the history of emotions within the context of American society. The course considers historical patterns of emotions such as love, fear, shame, and happiness and how they shape pressing social issues today.
Civic Engagement
Addressing pressing social issues is the goal
Designed to encourage engagement with civic issues, these courses prepare students to meet the challenges facing our communities, societies, and governments. Honors College Civic Engagement courses are topical, so each section covers a different subject.
HNRS 260 - Society and Community Engagement
Social Justice Philanthropy
This course introduces students to the world of philanthropic giving. Investigating the use of strategic philanthropy for social change, students learn about stakeholder engagement, program development, implementation, and evaluation.
HNRS 261 - Community Connection Practicum
Honors College Connects
Taking an experiential learning approach to supporting our local communities, Honors College Connects is a student-led effort to address social issues while learning from those most affected. Collaborating with peers and local nonprofits to address health, social justice, and other challenges, students build professional skills while making real impacts in the community beyond Mason.
Multi-Disciplinary Challenges
Examining complex challenges and finding solutions
These courses call students to draw upon and leverage the diversity of skills and experience accrued over their Honors College and Mason journeys, engaging in insightful seminars and pursuing major projects to address the challenges of our day. These courses are topical, so each section covers a different subject.
HNRS 360 - Multi-disciplinary Topics
Grand Challenges
Led by President Gregory Washington and Honors College Dean Zofia Burr, Grand Challenges invites students to engage with Mason faculty experts to discuss a range of pressing challenges facing our world. Participate in dialogue with top experts leading innovative solutions to address adversities in the fields of cybersecurity, climate change, racism, and more.
HNRS 361 - Multi-disciplinary Practicum
Honors College Consults
Connecting talented students with industry professionals, Honors College Consults gives teams of students the opportunity to design solutions to problems offered by business partners in the DC area. Students develop professionally by learning to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams working on real-world problems.