Honors Sciences and the Humani - Texas Tech Univ

The Honors Sciences and Humanities program with a concentration in Politics, Philosophy, Economics, & Law provides a comprehensive education in the human-constructed world, exploring the complexities of power, politics, and privilege. Students develop critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for diverse careers and lifelong active citizenship. The program culminates in an individual honors research project, showcasing students' ability to conduct independent research and defend their findings.

Program Outline

in Honors Sciences and the Humanities (HSH) with a concentration in Politics, Philosophy, Economics, & Law is designed for intellectually curious students seeking a broad and challenging curriculum that prepares them for diverse careers and lifelong active citizenship. This program delves into humanity's intellectual and cultural achievements while exploring the complexities and struggles inherent in politics, power, and privilege. Students develop critical writing, communication, research, and analysis skills, equipping them for graduate school or careers in law, business, communication, education, and advocacy.

Analyze the complexities of power, politics, and privilege.
Develop critical writing, communication, research, and analysis skills.
Prepare students for graduate studies and diverse careers.
Emphasis on marketable, transferable skills like critical thinking, writing, and problem solving.

Program Description:

The HSH program with a concentration in Politics, Philosophy, Economics, & Law offers a rigorous curriculum that delves into various aspects of the human experience, including:

Politics: Understanding political systems, institutions, and processes, along with the concepts of power, justice, and liberty.
Philosophy: Examining fundamental questions about knowledge, reality, ethics, and the meaning of life, developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
Economics: Exploring economic theories, systems, and policies, understanding how individuals and societies make choices in the face of scarcity.
Law: Analyzing the legal system, its history, and its role in society, developing an understanding of legal principles and reasoning.

Outline:

Course Structure:

The HSH program is organized into four years, with each year comprising two semesters. Students take a combination of core courses, concentration-specific courses, and electives.

First Year:

Introduces students to the program and develops foundational skills in writing, communication, mathematics, and the social sciences.

Second Year:

Focuses on core courses in the concentration area, along with history, life and physical sciences, and foreign language requirements.

Third Year:

Explores advanced concentration topics, art history, philosophy, and foreign language continuation.

Fourth Year:

Includes an individual honors research project, additional concentration courses, history, rhetoric, and geography.

Content:

The program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:

Politics:

American government, Texas politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy.

Philosophy:

Introduction to philosophy, ethics, logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of law.

Economics:

Microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic development, international economics, and public finance.

Law:

Introduction to law, legal systems, constitutional law, criminal law, and business law.

History:

History of the United States, world history, Texas history, and legal history.

Electives:

Students can choose electives from a variety of disciplines to further explore their interests and tailor the program to their career goals.

Modules:

Politics: Each course within the politics concentration focuses on a specific area, such as American government, international relations, or political theory.
Philosophy: The philosophy concentration offers various modules, including ethics, logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of law, each exploring fundamental philosophical questions within that domain.
Economics: Economics modules cover microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic development, international economics, and public finance, addressing various economic theories, systems, and policies.
Law: Law modules delve into legal systems, constitutional law, criminal law, and business law, providing a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and reasoning.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

The HSH program uses various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress, including:

Examinations: Traditional exams assess students' knowledge and understanding of course material.
Essays: Essays require students to demonstrate critical thinking, research, and writing skills, analyzing complex topics and presenting arguments effectively.
Presentations: Oral presentations allow students to showcase their research findings, communication skills, and ability to engage with
Individual Honors Research Project: The culminating project requires independent research, analysis, and written and oral presentations, demonstrating students' ability to conduct scholarly work and defend their findings.

Assessment Criteria:

The specific assessment criteria vary depending on the course and assignment, but generally focus on:

Knowledge and understanding of course material and concepts.

Critical thinking and analytical skills.

Effective research and writing abilities.

Clear and persuasive communication skills.

Original and insightful analysis for the honors research project.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The HSH program employs diverse teaching methods to engage students and foster active learning:

Interactive lectures: Encourage class participation and discussion.
Small-group discussions: Provide opportunities for in-depth analysis and peer interaction.
Case studies and simulations: Apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
Writing intensive assignments: Develop research and writing skills.

Faculty:

The program benefits from a dedicated team of experienced and knowledgeable professors with expertise in various fields, including political science, philosophy, economics, and law. They are committed to creating a stimulating learning environment and supporting students' intellectual growth.

Unique Approaches:

Honors Learning Communities: First-year HSH students participate in a learning community, fostering a sense of belonging and facilitating interactions with faculty and peers.
Individual Honors Research Project: Provides students with an opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, allowing for deep exploration of a specific topic and development of research and critical thinking skills.
Honors College Summit: A culminating experience where students present research findings and engage with peers from other disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and intellectual exchange.

Careers:

Career Paths:

The HSH program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including:

Law: Lawyers, judges, legal researchers, paralegals.
Business: Management consultants, financial analysts, policy analysts, entrepreneurs.
Communication: Journalists, editors, public relations specialists, marketing professionals.
Education: Teachers, professors, researchers, educational administrators.
Advocacy: Policy analysts, lobbyists, non-profit leaders, social workers.
Government: Policy advisors, analysts, researchers, diplomats.

Career Opportunities:

The HSH program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to succeed in a variety of professional settings. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue further studies in law, business, public policy, or other fields.

Career Outcomes:

The HSH program boasts a high rate of graduate school admission and successful career placement. Graduates have landed positions at:

Top law schools: Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, Stanford Law School.
Prestigious universities: University of California, Berkeley, University of Chicago, Princeton University.
Leading companies: Google, Microsoft, Amazon.
Government agencies: U.S. State Department, World Bank, International Monetary Fund.

Other:

Study Abroad Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs, expanding their cultural understanding and global perspective.
Internship Opportunities: The program encourages internships with various organizations, providing practical experience and valuable career preparation.
Faculty and Student Research: Students can participate in faculty research projects, gaining hands-on experience and engaging in knowledge creation.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The HSH program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to engage with diverse perspectives and approach complex problems from multiple angles.
Focus on Intellectual Growth and Active Citizenship: The program emphasizes the importance of intellectual growth, critical inquiry, and active citizenship, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world at large.

Honors Sciences and the Humanities, B.A.: Politics, Philosophy, Economics, & Law Concentration

Program Overview