The seminar component of the academic program builds on the liberal arts core of the wider university. Classes emphasize lively face to face dialogue around a single table. The honors seminar room is equipped with a computer projection system with VHS, DVD, THX surround-sound speakers as well as high speed internet access. The particular course requirements listed below are further tailored to the needs of schedule flexibility of the individual student. Faculty for honors seminars are recruited from the best teachers the University has to offer. Every effort is made to ensure that a wide diversity of faculty enjoy the opportunity of teaching honors students in the areas about which they are most passionate.
Philosophy: There are four honors philosophy seminars mirroring the general philosophy core of the University: Critical Thinking, Human Nature, Ethics, and finally a senior seminar dealing with philosophical issues surrounding electronic culture.
Literature: There are three honors literature seminars: A two semester history of Western literature and a special topics course.
Math and Science: One honors science course is offered in addition to a regular lab science course, and one semester of Calculus.
Social Science: There are honors social science seminars offered every semester. Students are expected to choose two from the following fields of study: psychology, sociology, economics, political science, and criminal justice.
History: An honors seminar in American History fulfills one of the two history requirements in the core.
Religious Studies: There are honors seminars offered for two of the three religious studies requirements: A scripture class in the first year and a survey of Christian religious groups in the second year.
Fine Arts: Honors students are required to take six credits in Music, Art, or Drama, three of which may be performance credits. An honors fine arts course is offered periodically.
Speech: There is an honors Rhetoric seminar.
Foreign Language: Students are expected to take one year of ancient Greek or Latin, or the equivalent of two years in a modern language.
Finally, honors students are also strongly encouraged to study abroad for at least a semester in their junior year. The Honors Program has a wide experience with a number of study abroad programs catering to every possible field of interest, including engineering, the physical sciences and business. We regularly have 3-4 students at Oxford. This year honors students are also studying in Paris, Florence, Glasgow, East Anglia, and New Zealand.