Sections / Contracts / Community Service: Components of the Honors Program

The College of Letters and Science Program provides enrichment opportunities for UCSB's most motivated undergraduates. Students can enrich their academic experience while receiving honors credit for work done in honors courses, through honors sections or contracts, or in extracurricular service opportunities like volunteer work or internships.

HONORS SECTIONS

Nuts and Bolts
Sections Scheduled for Fall 2004
Student Testimonials

Students in the honors program can enrich their experience during their first two years at UCSB by enrolling in special discussion sections designed for honors students. These sections are typically taught by the professor rather than a teaching assistant, and are intended to raise the bar on the level of discussion and analysis.

Sections Scheduled for Fall 2004:

Learn which lower-division courses offer honors section by consulting the honors course list:
www.honors.ltsc.ucsb.edu/courses
Through this link, you can look at courses offered in any given quarter and also search courses by discipline.

Student Testimonials:

I took an honors section for History 4A. My fellow students were highly motivated to learn, resulting in discussions that were extremely in-depth, interesting, and engaging. The section was small enough that everyone felt comfortable contributing. Another advantage is that weekly, personal contact with a professor is an excellent way to establish yourself and build a rapport. This makes asking for a letter of recommendation much easier for you and makes writing it easier for the professor. And in future classes with that professor, you will stand out in the professor's mind. — Madeline Zamoyski, Senior, Philosophy

I took honors sections in courses on British literature and Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. They required a combination of extra papers, a presentation to the classes, and additional reading. Yes, there is extra work involved, but it is usually similar to the work required in the class. The extra papers I wrote actually helped me with my finals in the classes. I enjoyed the smaller size of the class, and getting to know the professors so well. — Kathleen Shields, Senior, English

In my honors section for Women's Studies 20, we met with the professor once a week and read an additional book, which she wrote. We had in-depth discussions in a small group setting, and our assignments were usually a page or two longer than those for the regular sections. We had very stimulating discussions and learned a lot from each other. I liked the challenge of the longer assignments, and I loved the people in my section. I also made a strong connection with my professor. She made very detailed comments on my writing. Because of her, I am considering declaring a major or a minor in women's studies. I had such a great experience that I am definitely planning to take another class with her in the fall. — Tanya Paperny, Sophomore, Undeclared

I did honors sections for Comparative Literature 30C and Religious Studies 12. In one section we paired up and did Internet research on a new topic each week. Students found fascinating information that really enhanced our experience of the course material. Students in the section were very enthusiastic, and because we were so motivated, we did the work for the class in advance, which raised the level of discussion as well. — Nina Jensen, Senior, Religious Studies

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