CANONICAL WORKS [CW BIN] 

A canonical works course is any course that (to a substantial degree) requires the reading or viewing of works that have achieved the status of primary works in their field. Seminal works by philosophers, political writers, economists, scientists, imaginative writers, artists and others are the canonical texts, works, or paintings. A canonical text course requires at least three such works be read or viewed in as complete a form as feasible.

CW 431-432

Freedom in America 

        three credit hours

The course introduces freshman students to a variety of perspectives on the evolving American ideas and practices of freedom, familiarizes students with some basic concepts, and canonical works in the social sciences, encourages a regular and informed engagement with current events, and develops reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.

CW 531-532

Great Books 

        three credit hours

 These courses focus on a selection of texts or paintings judged to be central to intellectual history. Books or paintings vary from year to year, and may be selected because of common themes (the human quarrel with God, women, etc.), or genres (tragedy, comedy, novel, art, etc.), or disciplines (literature, philosophy, religion, etc.).

CW 543   

Visual Arts

        three credit hours

This course will include the study of the creative artists, painters, and sculptures in the visual areas. Themes could include topics such as basic design of the art studio or art surveys.

CW 590

Special Topics 

        three credit hours

Special topics courses focus on a current issue and use the reading of major works to illustrate that issue with multiple perspectives. Examples of issues that might form a special topics course are censorship, the African American male in literature, or third world voices.

CW 593-594

Field Experience 

one-three credit hours

A typical field experience in canonical works would be for a student to attend a conference or convention where sessions cover topics in literature, philosophy, art biblical interpretation, history, psychology, or the like. The student completes the field experience by making a public presentation to the Honors College. Credit would be based on the extent of the conference, the reading preparation needed to attend the conference, and the type of presentation made on return to campus.

CW 598-599 

Independent Study

one-three credit hours

A typical independent study project in canonical works would be extensive reading which leads to a major paper, in which the focus is on works judged to have canonical status in their discipline (philosophy, literature, biology, psychology, art, or the like). The project would be under the directorship of a faculty member in the discipline. Credit is based on the extent of the project.