The Civilizations Sequence (Years 1 and 2)

Civilizations (HON 111, 112, 211, and 212) – 4 credits/course; typically taken over the first four semesters

The four courses constituting Civilizations: Past, Present, and Future follow a chronological trajectory from earliest recorded times through the present, examining philosophy, history, literature, the arts, and natural, physical, and social sciences. In particular, by incorporating primary sources, small group discussions, and multiple perspectives, these courses explore the way in which civilizations and cultures have been developed and have interacted with others. The Civilizations Sequence (years 1 and 2) must be completed with a “C” or better in each course and an overall GPA of 3.00. 

Each year, incoming Honors College students begin with the Honors Read. The texts change each year and are meant to serve as a shared experience and topic of discussion that often extend throughout the entire Civilizations Sequence. Texts are nominated by members of the university community, and one is selected for each year by a group of current Honors students. Learn more about the Honors Read!


General Education notes for the Honors core curriculum:

Civ-Sequence-Gen-Eds-Table1

  • The Civilizations sequence satisfies the University’s Human Values and Social Contexts (HVSC) general education requirement for 16 out of the 18 required credits.
    • Taking two of the following 3 classes, HON 170, HON 175, and HON 180, will provide the two additional required credits.
  • Successful (“C” or better) completion of HON 111 and HON 112 waives the college composition (ENG 101) requirement.
  • HON 211 and HON 212 each satisfy the writing intensive (outside the major) requirement.
  • Students who have completed HON 111, 112, 211, 212, and 2 of the 3 of HON 170, 175, and 180 will still need to fulfill the mathematics, science, and capstone requirements.

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