Exploring Ideas in Community

What is the Honors Program?

The Honors Program at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University is a small group of students who are exploring the world of ideas together.  CSB and SJU Honors students pride themselves on their shared love of learning and an exciting exchange of ideas that rarely ends when the class period is over.

Are Honors courses more difficult?

More is expected of participants, and, in turn, they have more to gain as they learn along with equally capable students. Students who are looking for a challenging experience will benefit from being surrounded by other students who share their view of learning.

What are the goals and objectives of the Honors Program?

Goal 1: To develop the necessary academic skills of communication and critical analysis to fully participate in the academic discourse of the institution.

Objectives: Scholars should possess the skills necessary to understand, create, and share diverse ideas in a variety of settings through:

Communication

1. excellence in writing
2. leadership in academic discussion by participation in the various roles and in diverse settings
3. excellence in interpretation and application of a variety of sources of information

Critical analysis

1. excellent ability to evaluate ideas through critical reading and writing
2. excellent ability to integrate ideas, attitudes, and cultures across the Core Curriculum
3. generate works that are based in an acquired body of knowledge and diverse academic experiences

Goal 2: To develop habits and attitudes necessary to be an effective scholar.

Objectives: Scholars demonstrate leadership by:

1. broadly participating in the intellectual, cultural, moral, and creative life of the institution
2. exhibiting enthusiasm and responsibility for expression of ideas in a variety of contexts
3. fulfilling the role of scholar as change agent through sharing the results of scholarly and creative work
4. demonstrating the tenacity and stamina required to grapple with the complexities of the human condition.