Honors Study Topic
Understanding the Honors Study Topic
Director of Honors Programs Jennifer Rogers answers the most frequently asked questions about Phi Theta Kappa's Honors Study Topic:
What is the Honors Study Topic?
The Honors Study Topic is the focus of Phi Theta Kappa's Honors Program. The Topic is a platform for the two-year examination of a timely, interdisciplinary subject of vital importance to the human experience. A new Topic is selected biannually by the Honors Committee, and is outlined in the Phi Theta Kappa Program Guide. The 2004-06 Honors Study Topic is Popular Culture: Shaping and Reflecting Who We Are.
Why Does Phi Theta Kappa Have an Honors Study Topic?
Phi Theta Kappa has an Honors Study Topic to promote scholarship. Phi Theta Kappa's mission is "to recognize and encourage scholarship." The organization uses the Topic to fulfill that mission. But, I would argue that the reason for the Topic is deeper and more meaningful than that.
When I was in college, I majored in English and Spanish. Except for a few electives and those dreaded requirements, all my classes were literature or language classes. I spent my days reading the classics and poring over translations. I barely found time to scan the newspaper headlines, much less to learn about anything that wasn't going to be on the test. I bet that many of you can identify. Regardless of your major, it is often difficult to find time to learn for the sake of learning.
The Honors Study Topic provides a unique opportunity to learn about popular culture, a topic that many of us would not otherwise study. The Topic provides us with the opportunity to broaden our educational horizons, to liberate ourselves from the idea that learning takes place only in a classroom, to learn to enjoy learning, and to adopt a habit of learning for life. That is why Phi Theta Kappa has an Honors Study Topic.
How Do You Study Popular Culture?
As with any subject, there are many appropriate ways to study popular culture. Make Plans!
Step One: Decide what aspects of popular culture interest you.Step Two: Pose a question, which you can answer through focused research.
Step Three: Conduct research and analyze your results.
Step Four: Share your findings.
Step Five: If you are not happy with your findings, become an activist and work to enact cultural change.
Blues Club
Surfing: Beyond the Wave
