INFORMATION FOR
Honors Sections of University Core Curriculum Courses
Each semester, the Honors College offers Honors sections of several University Core Curriculum (UCC) courses. Honors sections are more intense than traditional sections, they rely more upon discussion, and they are capped at 20 students. Before priority registration begins in the fall and spring semester, the Honors College Office produces a list of all Honors sections of UCC courses and shares it with students via e-mail.
Registration Process: All incoming first year students (current high school seniors) are registered by the registrar. Current students: See your advisor as soon as possible (before March 14th) to discuss your Fall 2025 courses and obtain your alternate pin. For a course registration video, please click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzBYVn7qpuU&t=7s
Click here for a helpful schedule planner.
Click here for a blank 8-semester planning sheet.
Courses are available only by permit. To obtain a permit, please email honors@wpunj.edu with your name, 855 number and the course information.
Spring 2026 Honors Courses
UCC Area 2A- Expression-Arts & Communication- AREA E: COMMUNICATION
Communication In Action- Honors
COM 1100-006 CRN:16328 Nick Hirshon T: 2:00pm-4:40pm
Communication in Action explores verbal and nonverbal communication as dynamic and evolving processes. Through interactive assignments and exercises, students will enhance their understanding and proficiency in public speaking and interpersonal communication. The course emphasizes the role of communication in shaping relationships across diverse cultures, both face-to-face and through various technological platforms
UCC Area 2C- Expression Literature- AREA F: CT/PS Arts & Hum FAH
Experiences in Literature- Honors
ENG 1500-004 CRN:14295 Martha Witt TR: 11:00am- 12:15pm
ENG 1500-005 CRN:14317 Brian O’Broin MW: 11:00am- 12:15pm
ENG 1500-006 CRN:14297 Brian O’Broin MW: 3:30pm- 4:45pm
Join us to discover how literature inspires empathy and offers deeper insights into the world around us. In this course, we’ll explore how literature reflects and shapes the human experience through a variety of texts, including poetry, drama, and fiction. Thematic discussions that highlight social, cultural, and historical contexts will help you to develop your close reading, problem-solving, and analytical writing skills.
UCC Area 3C- Ways of Know Social & Behavioral Science- AREA G: CT/PS Behavioral Soc Sc
General Psychology - Honors
PSY 1100-002 CRN:14493 Chris Holle TR: 3:30pm-4:45pm
This course engages students with the basic concepts in psychology and introduces students to the exploration of theoretical movements and empirical data of the discipline. Topics include scientific thinking, the use of social science methods, and a survey of important theoretical approaches and movements as they bear on critical thinking and problem solving. Students will explore these topics through their biological foundations, sensation and perception, consciousness, lifespan development, learning, memory, emotion, personality, social, mental health and psychopathology, cross-cultural, and individual differences. Current research findings and methodologies are included wherever applicable.
UCC Area 4- Diversity and Justice- AREA M: Decolonization & Justice**
Social Cultural & Behavioral Determinants Health
PBHL 3800-080 CRN:14911 Jocelyn Apicello Asynchronous
This honors Area 4 course covers the many ways in which the social and cultural environment and human behavior influence population health and interact to produce health status disparities. The course will consider key social factors such as race, class, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, income, education, disability, and immigration status, as well as cultural norms and beliefs, and behaviors as important determinants of human health. The ways in which public health intervenes to address social, cultural and behavioral factors in order to improve the health of groups will also be considered.
UCC Area 6- Global Awareness-AREA L: Global Connectivities**
Environmental Determinants of Health in Global Contexts
PBHL 3840-001 CRN:14350 Marianne Sullivan T: 2:00pm-4:40pm
This honors UCC Area 6 course looks globally at the interdependence of humans on natural systems, how human societies shape and alter natural systems, and how this in turn shapes and determines the health of human populations. The course will consider the role of the environment in human health problems across the life course including infectious and chronic diseases, reproductive problems and developmental disorders. Key issues which will be considered in a global context include human health effects of climate change, children’s environmental health, air and water pollution, sanitation and waste, and toxics, among others. The course will explore inequities between, among and within countries in environmental health and how addressing such inequities can improve health outcomes.
Writing Intensive- AREA M: Decolonization & Justice**
Studies in African American Literature
ENG 3280-060 CRN:16196 Rosa Soto W: 2:00pm- 4:40pm
A study of African American Literature and its literary movements, the course will look at African American literature in its cultural and historical contexts to examine issues of race, class, and gender, as well as cultural/social movements and their impact on literary production. The course will cover slave narratives, the pre-Civil War and post-Reconstruction eras, the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movement, and post-1970/contemporary texts. It may also include neo-slave narratives, autobiographies, afro-futurism, narratives of “passing” and urban literature. Prerequisites: ENG 1500
Tech Intensive-UCC Area I: Digital Literacies
Family History: Digital research
HIS 2540-070 CRN:16343 Molly O’Donnell M: 5:00pm-6:15pm
This course introduces students to the methods and approaches of genealogists including the digital tools to trace, record, and build an individual family tree. Students will gain experience with current genealogy platforms, search strategies, and collaborative online tree-building. Students will improve their skills with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital and analog tools for enhancing their research, recording, organizing, digitizing and presenting of personal family history and memories. The course covers the basics of genealogists’ ethical guidelines for attribution, copyright, privacy, and evidence; the role of genetic genealogy; and how to research and contextualize family heritage from different parts of the globe. Grow your family tree and discover more about your family’s heritage.
Honors Course- Short-Term Study Abroad
Selected Topic: Hidden Histories and Artistic Expression of Italy
HON 3990-001 CRN:16351 Elizabeth Harkins & Wendy Wright F: 10:00- 10:50am
Embark on an immersive journey through the heart of Italian Renaissance history and culture with this unique travel-based course. We will explore the cities of Rome and Florence, by tracing the footsteps of artists, thinkers, and historical figures who shaped the Western world. This course blends historical analysis, art appreciation, and cultural immersion through direct experience. Informed by our course work, we will explore the Colosseum and Vatican City, catacombs and markets, and Baroque art in Rome. In Florence, we will study the birthplace of the Renaissance, Michelangelo's David, Renaissance architecture, and witness Florentine life. Finally, we will take a day trip to Pisa.
Nursing Course open only to Sophomore Honors Nursing students intending to apply for the Honors Nursing Track
Nursing Research- Honors Permits requests should be emailed to SirH@wpunj.edu and Nocellaj1@wpunj.edu
NUR 3500-002 CRN:14215 Staff A R: 2:00pm- 4:40pm
The concepts and processes related to critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and clinical judgement provide the framework for this course. Knowledge and skills required for critical analysis relevant to professional nursing practice are developed. The impact of information systems on quality, safety, ethics, and evidence-based practice is examined through the introduction of nursing informatics.
Track Courses- Open to Honors students enrolled in the Honors Track, with the exception of courses that are also UCC courses.
Biology Track
Discuss your Honors track course with Dr. Gilley
Business Track
Business Case Writing
FIN 4860-001/CRN: 14999; MGT 4860-001/CRN: 15014; MKT 4860-001/CRN: 15015
John Malindretos & Ashley Lee R: 2:00pm- 4:40pm
A course of study designed especially for the supervised practical application of previously studied theory in a group setting. Done under the supervision of a faculty sponsor and coordinated with a business organization.
Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology Track
Honors Neuropsychology & Cognitive Neurology
CLSI: 4950-001 CRN:14492 Diamond Bruce T: 9:30am- 12:10pm
The purpose of this course is to develop a thorough understanding of the relationship between brain and behavior in healthy and clinical populations with the goal of integrating theory and applied clinical work. The course provides a solid foundation in neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience and the tools, techniques and methodologies used in these contemporary fields of work. Throughout the course, contemporary and seminal research will be discussed with opportunities for lab-based demonstrations of physiological recording techniques and neuropsychological testing instruments. Finally, the course will also address the many challenges faced by people with disabilities, available state-of-the-art interventions, and corresponding ethical issues. Prerequisite: BIO 1140 OR BIO 1200 OR PSY 3530
Clinical Science Thesis II
CLSI 4701-880 CRN: 14139 Robin Nemeroff W: 9:30am- 12:10pm
The central goal of this course is to provide feedback, guidance and oversight during the final stages of the honors research experience and the process of writing a thesis. The course will monitor progress and help the student solve conceptual, methodological or logistical issues and to do so in constructive and supportive environment. Integral to this course is building on the Thesis I course and providing oversight of thesis writing with particular emphasis on the results and discussion stages. As such, the writing component represents the culmination of the research process and continues to serve in the role of facilitating learning, critical thinking and collaborative discussion as well as provide an evaluation tool. Prerequisite: CLSI 4700
Psych Testing- Honors
PSY 3100-080 CRN:14415 Leah Watson Asynchronous
This course examines the nature and functions of psychological testing, the interpretation of test scores, and related clinical and research issues. Intelligence, aptitude, and personality tests are covered with particular emphasis on interpretation. Theoretical and empirical aspects of test development are also emphasized. Students will learn how to build batteries of tests for use in various settings and with different populations, and the complexities of integrating test data with other forms of data (e.g., brain scans). Prerequisite: PSY 1100, General Psychology; A course in statistics is also recommended.
Cognitive Science Track
Select Topics in Cognitive Science
CGSI: 3000-001 CRN:14093 Peter Mandik MW: 2:00pm- 3:15pm
Examines basic concepts and problems found in several of the disciplines that make up cognitive science. Begin with an historical overview and a review of brain anatomy and physiology, and explore the impact of the computer metaphor in cognitive. Explore some of the issues within cognitive science in depth. Topics range from theories on how we construct our visual world to the representation of the self. Prerequisite: CGSI 2000
Cognitive Science Honors Thesis II
CGSI: 4020-001 CRN:13909 Amy Learmonth F: 2:00pm-4:40pm
This is the second component to the Cognitive Science Honors Thesis. Students will have already selected a research topic for their thesis, and the literature review will have been completed. The focus of this component of the thesis will be on data collection, analysis and interpretation of their work. Students will present their research in both oral and written forms. At the end of this course students will have completed a final draft of a thesis (approximately 50 pages) for submission to the honors college. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: CGSI 4010
Global Public Health Track
Social Cultural & Behavioral Determinants Health-Honors
See description under UCC Area 4.
Environmental Determinants of Health in Global Contexts -Honors
See description under UCC Area 6.
Public Health Honors Thesis II
PBHL 4850-001 CRN:14673 Marianne Sullivan TBD
In this course students conduct research for and write their senior honors thesis in public health. A written thesis and public presentation of results is required. Students will use computer software to analyze the data on which their thesis is based. Computer software will also be used to develop tables, charts and graphs appropriate for graphically displaying the concepts and data in their thesis. Prerequisites: PBHL 4800 Honors Capstone I or Independent Study.
Humanities Track
Studies in African American Literature -Honors
See description above.
Humanities Honors Thesis Seminar I
HUMH 4010-001 CRN: 15562 Molly O’Donnell TR: 8:00am-9:15am
The first of two capstone courses in the Humanities honors track, designed to engage students in identifying, researching, and organizing an appropriate topic for their honor’s thesis. The course will include extensive individual work with a thesis supervisor. Course culminates in the completion and submission of a research proposal to University Honors College. Designated as UCC-Writing Intensive. Fulfills Humanities Honors Track thesis seminar requirement.
Humanities Honors Thesis Seminar II
HUMH 4020-001 CRN:15564 Molly O’Donnell TR: 8:00am-9:15am
The second, culminating capstone course in the Humanities honors track, in which students produce and present their individual senior research publicly in fulfilment of the thesis requirements for an honors degree from the University Honors College. Designated as UCC-Writing Intensive. Fulfills Humanities Honors track thesis seminar requirement. Prerequisite: HUMH 4010
Music Track
Music Honors Research Methods
MUSI 4960-060 CRN:15735 Carol Frierson-Campbell W: 5:00pm-6:40pm
This two-credit course will instruct students in the nature, purposes, and types of entry-level research for music; the basics of music bibliography and webliography; and academic writing about music-related topics.
Music Honors Seminar
MUSI 4970-060 CRN:13977 Christopher Herbert T: 4:00pm-4:50pm
This four-semester sequence, one-credit course is the forum for basic orientation, communication, group collaboration, analysis, assessment, and mentoring for students in the Music Honors track of the University Honors Program. Students plan their course of study in honors, including choices of courses in and out of the Music Department, and begin to formulate and pursue the various honors project options working in consultation with the Honors Track Director and other Music Honors Students throughout their seminar experiences.
Music Honors Project
MUSI 4980-001 CRN:15801 Christopher Herbert TBD
This course is designed to assist students in the preparation and completion of their capstone Music Honors Project. The Music Honors Project includes the following elements: (1) a written document, consisting of an artist statement, a creative and/or academic project, and self-evaluation, and (2) a presentation of the project. Employing independent research, methods, and skills, students will complete the Music Honors sequence with an artist statement, along with a document, recording, presentation, and/or performance, covering a vast array of topics, which may include, but not be limited to: analysis, composition, pedagogy, music education, musicology, recording, performance, or interdisciplinary art forms with music.
Nursing Track
Research Proposal Development- Honors
NUR 3330-001 CRN:14557 Staff A F: 8:00am-10:40am
NUR 3330-002 CRN:14558 Staff A F: 11:00am-1:40pm
Permit requests should be submitted to FoleyL1@wpunj.edu
The processes of identifying and conceptualizing a current nursing research problem and formulating testable hypotheses are addressed. Emphasis is placed on gathering and exploring the existing literature in order to develop a synthesis of the literature. Students explore theories relevant to nursing clinical practice and select an appropriate conceptual or theoretical framework to guide their research study. Exploration of research design, development of data collection methods, sampling, and plan for data analysis are emphasized. The role of nurse as a researcher will be developed through formulation of a written and oral research proposal that will provide the foundation for subsequent semesters’ focus on implementation, analysis, and evaluation of outcomes.
Prerequisite: NUR3500 and NUR3260.
Honors Research Seminar
NUR 4530-001 CRN:14556 Staff A M: 2:00pm-4:40pm
This course provides the opportunity to finalize the research proposal that was written in NUR3330H and implemented in NUR4526H. Nursing honors students will write the final chapters of the research report. Results will also be presented in class and at the Honors Research Day on campus. Students will be provided with opportunities to complete peer reviews on oral and written work and develop a draft manuscript for journal submission. The role of the nurse as novice researcher will be reinforced through dissemination of findings and consideration of presentation at local, regional, and national conferences. Prerequisites: NUR3500H, NUR 3260H, NUR3330H, NUR4526H
Performing & Literary Arts
Performing & Literary Arts Thesis II
PLA 4020-070 CRN:14696 Martha Witt W: 3:30pm- 4:45pm
This course is designed to support students in completing and successfully presenting a substantial creative honors project, building on work begun in PLA 4010. Throughout the semester, students will draft segments of their honors thesis for professor feedback and workshop their creative projects with input from both the professor and artist-partners. By the end of the course, students will submit a final honors thesis along with a creative work suitable for publication, performance, or public display. The track director will offer both in-class and one-on-one guidance to help students successfully complete both requirements of the PLA Honors Track. Prerequisite: PLA 4010 or permission of the director.
Social Sciences Track
Social Sciences Honors Seminar II
SSH 2020-001 CRN:16287 Wendy Christensen R: 2:00pm-4:40pm
This seminar focuses on the various methodologies of the social sciences. As in SSH 2010, students read important social scientific studies in the original. Here, however, an effort is made to use such works, often drawn from scientific journals, as the basis for discussion of methodological questions. The seminar covers qualitative as well as quantitative approaches. Students will also attend to the problems associated with race, gender, class, culture, and political agendas as sources of bias in social scientific work.
Social Science Honors Thesis II
SSH 4020-001 CRN:14320 Danielle Wallace W: 11:00am-1:40pm
The primary goal of this course is to enable students to complete and successfully defend a significant honors research project (started in SSH 4010). Students are required to produce chapters or thesis segments on schedule and to submit a final honors thesis that should (in most cases) be suitable for publication or presentation at a social scientific conference. Class meetings involve group discussions of the research process and collective efforts to solve problems and facilitate successful completion of the projects. Prerequisite: SSH 4010
**This course hasn't gone through the official review for new university core curriculum classes yet. Because of this, versions of the course offered in future semesters might not count for this requirement. However, this semester's course will always count. Once the course is completed, the graduation requirement will be marked as completed in Degree Works.
