Honors Reading Seminars
UH 2124: Honors Reading Seminars
If you have a particularly busy semester planned — or are new to the Honors College — UH 2124: Honors Reading Seminars offer an enjoyable, low-pressure way to earn honors credit. We have several offered throughout the week focused on a variety of fun and interesting topics to explore!
Honors Reading Seminars are small, discussion-based classes in which students read about and explore topics of interest; practice critical reading, thinking, and communication skills; and build community with other Honors students.
Reading seminars are taught by the Honors Peer Educator who proposes the seminar topic. Classes meet for 50 minutes, once a week, and earn participants 1 Honors credit.
Questions? Please reach out to Dr. Paul Heilker.
SPRING 2025 HONORS READING SEMINARS
Spring 2025 Honors Reading Seminar topics will be announced later in the semester once the Peer Educator application process is complete.
FALL 2024 HONORS READING SEMINARS
Beyond the Pages: Exploring the Work of Ana Huang
90301
11:15AM - 12:05PM
War Memorial Gym 347
Kaylia Wilson (Kw89520@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
If We Ever Meet Again, by Ana Huang
King of Wrath, by Ana Huang
King of Pride, by Ana Huang
This seminar focuses on how Ana Huang explores the intersections of culture, identity, and romance. We will examine the themes of cultural assimilation and belonging that permeate her storytelling, consider the challenges of navigating cultural differences, and study the transformative power of love in transcending barriers.
Controversial Characters of Harry Potter
90303
12:20PM - 1:10PM
War Memorial Gym 347
Caroline Berg (carolineb22@vt.edu) and Georgia Berg (georgiab22@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, JK Rowling, 36 pages
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, JK Rowling, 23 pages
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, JK Rowling, 44 pages
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling, 110 pages
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, JK Rowling, 268 pages
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, JK Rowling, 153 pages
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, JK Rowling, 203 pages
This seminar will examine morally ambiguous characters in the Harry Potter Series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and Percy Weasley. We will look at the motivations and values behind their actions and consider what we can learn about human nature (including our own natures) by studying them. It is assumed that all participants have read and have access to all seven Harry Potter books: viewing of the film adaptations is not sufficient.
What Are We Made For?
91780
12:20 - 1:10
War Memorial Gym 345
Anna Goodman (agoodie03@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
All The Light You Cannot See, Anthony Doerr
Forever, Pete Hamill
These works of historical fiction are epic and magical tales that explore themes of love, resilience, morality, and identity through untold stories of World War II and New York City. Through the experiences of these characters, we will consider timeless questions about human nature and society and reflect on contemporary issues.
Dystopian Societies
90299
1:25PM - 2:15PM
McBryde 207
Faiza Bari (faizabari@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Divergent, by Veronica Roth
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
The Selection, by Kierra Cass
This reading seminar offers students an opportunity to take a new and critical look at some recent and highly popular dystopian novels. This course will engage in a deeper consideration of the intricate layers of dystopian societies as a means of reflecting on cultural and political issues and relating them to our current society.
Dystopian Realities: Diving into the Hunger Games Trilogy
90304
11:00AM - 11:50AM
McBryde 658
Ruhi Parikh (rparikh04@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins
Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins
In this reading seminar, we will explore how the dystopian elements of the Hunger Games trilogy resonate with and reflect upon real-world challenges, such as power dynamics, socio-political structures, and media influence. Students joining Dystopian Realities will emerge with a heightened awareness of the relevance of dystopian fiction, equipping them to analyze and navigate the challenges present in our own reality.
Sandbox Horror
90306
12:30PM - 1:20PM
War Memorial Gym 347
Sarah Barclay (Sjbarclay4@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Coraline, by Neil Gaiman
A Curious Tale of the In Between, by Lauren DeStefano
Small Spaces, by Katherine Arden
The books we will read in this seminar tell us what we, as a society, teach our children about the terror of naivety and helplessness of adultness. We will consider questions such as "How does horror evolve from different cultures and periods?" And "Are contemporary children's horror books more or less scary than older works in this genre, and why?"
Memoirs: Exploring the Human Experience
90300
11:15AM - 12:05PM
War Memorial Gym 347
Caroline Garcia (carolinegarcia@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
The Storyteller, Dave Grohl
Educated, Tara Westover
My Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion
In this seminar, we will read personal narratives to explore diverse facets of the human condition. We will use these memoirs to become more empathetic toward the stories of others and as a way to embark on our own personal self-reflection and discovery.
Colleen Hoover's Hold on the World
91781
12:20 - 1:10
War Memorial Gym 345
Campbell Mahle (campbellm@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
It Ends with Us, by Colleen Hoover
Verity, by Colleen Hoover
November 9, by Colleen Hoover, 320 pages
In this seminar, we will examine three of Colleen Hoover's New York Times bestsellers to figure out what makes her work so captivating, not only for young adults, but older adults as well. By understanding how her work gains the attention of these different audiences, we will gain insight into generational differences.
Dystopian Banned Books
90309
1:25PM - 2:15PM
McBryde 207
Blake Graham (blakeg04@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
1984, by George Orwell
In this seminar we will read dystopian books have been repeatedly banned in different countries, regions, and schools. These works will allow us to consider topics such as sexuality, politics, philosophy, censorship, and freedom. In addition, we will explore the impact of these books and others like them, why they have been banned, and whether they should be.
Seeing Poetry in the World
90302
12:20PM - 1:10PM
War Memorial Gym 347
Madeline Shivas (madshi25@vt.edu) and Phoebe Scarborough (pscarborough@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
And Still I Rise, by Maya Angelou
The Road Not Taken and Other Poems, by Robert Frost
Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, by Ross Gay
Thirst, by Mary Oliver
Poetry is all around us. It is a reflection of both the heaviest and the most delightful parts of life. The more we study it, the more we can see it in the world. In this seminar, we will work on navigating the complicated relationship that many of us might have with poetry. All are welcome, lovers and haters alike.
Women, Resilience, and Connection
90307
11:00AM - 11:50AM
McBryde 658
Linnea Meier (linneam@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus
The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides
All Out of Pretty, Ingrid Palmer
In this seminar, we will explore themes of scientific discovery, women's resilience, human connection, and mystery. We will examine the complexities of female protagonists who confront societal expectations, delve into the psychological impact of their traumas, and consider how they help pave the way for women in STEM.
No Regrets
90305
12:30PM - 1:20PM
War Memorial Gym 347
Lynn McClafferty (klynnm@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Five Feet Apart, by Mikki Daughtry and Rachael Lippincott
Instructions for Dancing, by Nicola Yoon
Blackout, by Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Nicola Yoon, Ashley Woodfolk, Dhonielle Clayton, and Tiffany D. Jackson
In this seminar, we will focus on learning how to believe in the spontaneity of life. The three young adult books we read will focus on deadlines, due dates, and random unexpected events that can cause someone to develop greater insights into themselves. We will also seek to apply what we learn to live our lives to the fullest.
We Should All Be Feminists
90308
12:20PM - 1:10PM
War Memorial Gym 347
Sydney Thomas (sydneyt22@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
We Should All Be Feminists, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Women Don’t Owe You Pretty, by Florence Given
Invisible Women: Data Bias In A World Designed For Men, by Caroline Criado Perez
In this seminar, we will read both humorous stories and data-based research to explore the impacts of misogyny and sexism on body-image, beauty standards, and identity-building, as well as how the gender data gap disadvantages women in aspects of life such healthcare, education, and the workplace. We will explore current efforts and new ideas to reduce inequality and empower women worldwide.
SPRING 2024 HONORS READING SEMINARS
Graphic Novels and Growing Up
CRN 20345
10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
Wallace 407
Teagan Ross (teaganr@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
The Amulet Series, 8 graphic novels, by Kazu Kibuishi
In this course, we will explore the Amulet graphic novel series and allow ourselves a chance to reconnect with our younger selves as we take a slightly more adult look at our values and what we’ve learned over time. Join us in exploring the following question: What is important enough to you that you would brave a new world to protect it?
Unreliable Narrators: Unpacking the Truth
CRN 20355
11:15 AM - 12:05 PM
Walace 340
Chloe Guenette (chloeg@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Sharp Objects, by Gillian Flynn
Passing, by Nella Larsen
Bunny, by Mona Awad
The unreliable narrator is a popular literary device that has been used for hundreds of years. An unreliable narrator challenges the reader to decipher the truth. In this seminar, we will discuss the twist and turns of a variety of
stories. The seminar will focus on the idea of Truth; what is truth, and when it is necessary to tell the truth.
Things Aren't Always as They Seem
CRN 20344
Wallace 407
Mondays, 11:15 - 12:05
Lauren Saulle (lasaulle19@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
The Silent Patient, by Alex Michaelides
Sharp Objects, by Gillian Flynn
The Good Girl, by Mary Kubica
This reading seminar will dive into three psychological thrillers that unfold in unexpected ways. We will examine the ways in which these narratives challenge conventional understanding of reality and reveal that "things are not always as they seem."
Colleen Hoover's Hold on the World
CRN 20342
Mondays, 1:25 - 2:15
Litton Reeves 1800
Campbell Mahle (campbellm@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
It Ends with Us, by Colleen Hoover
Ugly Love, by Colleen Hoover
November 9, by Colleen Hoover
In this seminar, we will examine three of Colleen Hoover's New York Times bestsellers to figure out what makes her work so captivating, not only for young adults, but older adults as well. By understanding how her work gains the attention of these different audiences, we will gain insight into generational differences.
An Invincible Summer
CRN 21888
Mondays, 1:25 - 2:15
McBryde 212
Lynn McClafferty (klynnm@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
The Lucky List, by Rachel Lippincott
Everything, Everything, by Nicola Yoon
Everywhere You Want to Be, by Christina June
In this seminar, we will focus on YA books that occur in a summer with events and decisions that culminate in a season where the main characters feel invincible. The books in this seminar consider bucket lists, missed opportunities that are made up for with new experiences, and being determined to do what you love. Along the way, we will discover hints, pointers, and inspiration for living our own every moment to the fullest.
“Health” for Gen-Z: An Investigation of Wellness
CRN 20354
Mondays, 2:30 - 3:20
McBryde 207
Tara Blue and Abby Norton (tarablue@vt.edu and nortonaf@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life, by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully, by Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett
Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body's Most Underrated Organ, by Giulia Enders
Current wellness culture is often correlated with toxic trends and fads. It is not uncommon for teens to copy influencers’ workout plans or diets, but these habits can be unsustainable and harmful, leading to over exercising, under eating, and improper recovery. This seminar will explore ways we can approach wellness safely.
Mindwarp
CRN 20343
Tuesdays, 5:00 - 5:50
McBryde 207
Mikaela Sullivan (smikaela20@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
I Am the Cheese, by Robert Cormier
Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, by Haruki Murakami
Star Maker, by Olaf Stapledon
This seminar offers an intellectual journey of self-discovery and open-minded exploration. We will examine the intricate realm of self-thoughts and confront our own perspectives. Join us in this opportunity for self-reflection and expanding our horizons.
Shatter Me
20347
Wednesdays, 12:20 - 1:10
Wallace 407
Kirah Aylor (Kaylor79@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Shatter Me, by Tahereh Mafi
Unravel Me, by Tahereh Mafi
Ignite Me, by Tahereh Mafi
This dystopian series is a mixture of drama, forbidden love, adventure, betrayal, and mind-blowing twist.
The Selection Series
CRN 20349
Wednesdays, 12:20 - 1:10
Robeson 112
Tori Walker (vtori@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
The Selection, by Kiera Cass
The Elite, by Kiera Cass
The One, by Kiera Cass
"The Selection" series can be described as a cross between The Bachelor and The Hunger Games for young adults - a dystopian competition for love with elements of political unrest and societal hierarchy. This seminar will explore the complexities of love, secrecy, and political resistance in both fictional and real-world contexts. In addition to these themes, we will also discuss how the content presented to us at a young age influences our perspectives and values in adulthood.
Smile, You're on Camera!
CRN 20350
Wednesdays, 1:25 - 2:15
Davidson 325
Kristen Glaser (kglaser@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus
Carrie Soto is Back, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones and the Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This seminar will explore of the world of feminine icons in the public eye. We will dive into how patriarchal norms and traditions shape the characters' storylines. By focusing on themes of transforming the status quo, empowerment, femininity, love, and feminine rage we can explore how these women have not only transformed their own stories but have also left an indelible mark on the world.
Investigating Banned Books
CRN 20352
Wednesdays, 1:25 - 2:15
McBryde 212
Blake Graham (blakeg04@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison
Portnoy's Complaint, by Philip Roth
Go Tell It On The Mountain, by James Baldwin
In this seminar we will read books that address controversial topics and have been repeatedly banned in different countries, regions, and school curricula. These works will allow us to consider topics such as sexuality, infidelity, profanity, abuse, mental health, and racism. In addition, we will explore the impact of these books and others like them, why they have been banned, and whether they should be.
Love, Injustice, and the Value of Life
CRN 20353
Thursdays, 11:00 - 11:50AM
McBryde 658
Anna Goodman (agoodie03@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini
And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini
In this seminar we will explore the price of peace, the resilience of the human spirit, and the beauty of human connections. We will become invested in complex characters, emotional stories, and issues of politics, strength, kindness, and endurance.
Growing up with Disability
CRN 20346
Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:20
Architecture Annex 109
Rachael Wennermark (rlwennermark@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon
Challenger Deep, by Neil Shusterman,
The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict, by Trenton Lee Stewart
In this seminar, we will discuss the stories of young characters with conditions ranging from autism to deafness to narcolepsy to schizophrenia. As we investigate how these characters are represented, we will dive into questions about how we treat disability and neurodivergence as a society in literature, academia, and everyday life. What does it mean to be disabled or neurodivergent, and how does this shape coming-of-age experiences?
Controversial Characters in Harry Potter
CRN 20348
Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:20
Litton Reeves 1760
Georgia and Caroline Berg (georgiab22@vt.edu and carolineb22@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Excerpts from all seven Harry Potter novels.
This seminar will examine morally ambiguous characters in the Harry Potter Series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and Percy Weasley. We will look at the motivations and values behind their actions and consider what we can learn about human nature (including our own natures) by studying them. It is assumed that all participants have read and have access to all seven Harry Potter books: viewing of the film adaptations is not sufficient.
Besties and Bad Guys: Exploring Complicated Friendships
CRN 20351
Fridays, 12:20 - 1:10PM
Williams 134
Vincent Parente (vparente@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
Horton Hears a Who, by Dr. Suess
Excerpts from the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle
Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
A Separate Peace, John Knowles
Join this reading seminar for a deep dive into one of the most fulfilling yet complex parts of the human experience: friendship. "Friend" is a word we toss around easily nowadays, both on social media and in real life, but what does it really mean to be a friend? By taking a close look at the relationships in these books, we will learn more about what shapes our own friendships – the good, the bad, and the ugly.
FALL 2023 HONORS READING SEMINARS
Self-Confidence and Personal Growth
CRN 90190
9:05AM - 9:55AM
MCB 207
Malia Cronin (maliacronin@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life -- Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
Atomic Habits -- James Clear
101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think -- Brianna Weist
Students in this reading seminar will investigate ways to improve mindset, limit negative lifestyle choices, define what it means to be successful, and achieve realistic goals. Students will develop life skills such as financial responsibility, problem-solving, confidence, assertiveness, and organization to help them make better life choices to lead happy, healthy, and successful lives.
Fiction and Contemporary Society
CRN 91722
9:05AM - 9:55AM
MCB 658
Lillie Mitchell (lilliem22@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
Mad Honey -- Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
Small Great Things -- Jodi Picoult
In this reading seminar we will consider racism, transphobia, and homophobia, issues we encounter in society every day, by reading novels that address these critical issues. By reading these fictional works together, we will learn how to listen and talk about these tough topics and think about our roles in responding to them.
Till the End of the Line: An Exploration of Friendship
CRN 91725
10:10AM - 11:00AM
MCB 212
Vincent Parente (vparente@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
Excerpts from the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes -- Arthur Conan Doyle
Of Mice and Men -- John Steinbeck
A Separate Peace -- John Knowles
Horton Hears a Who -- Dr. Suess
In this reading seminar, we will explore different examples of friendship and the forms they take. We will investigate why certain friendships grow into meaningful, enriching, life-long bonds while others atrophy, die, and seem to cause only pain. Finally, we will learn how to evaluate our own friendships, as well as tangible steps we can take to improve them.
Investigating Banned Books
CRN 90199
11:15AM - 12:05PM
MCB 224
Blake Graham (blakeg04@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
Rabbit, Run -- John Updike
A Clockwork Orange -- Anthony Burgess
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest -- Ken Kesey
In this seminar we will read books that address controversial topics and have been repeatedly banned in different countries, regions, and school curricula. These works will allow us to consider topics such as sexuality, infidelity, profanity, abuse, and racism. In addition, we will explore the impact of these books and others like them, why they have been banned, and whether they should be.
What Makes a Children's Classic?
CRN 90202
12:20PM - 1:10PM
MCB 207
Rachael Wennermark (rlwennermark@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
Anne of Green Gables -- L. M. Montgomery
The BFG -- Roald Dahl
Charlotte's Web -- E.B. White
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe -- C.S. Lewis
What is childhood, and how has it changed over time? Have we outgrown these books, or do they still have something to say to us today? In this seminar, we will explore what makes these books classics, investigate the messages they have sent generations of readers, and consider if they are the same ones we want to pass on to the next generation.
Navigating Identity through Culture
CRN 90195
1:25PM - 2:15 PM
MCB 207
Sofia Quilaqueo (sofiaquilaqueo@vt.edu)
Reading Materials:
The Thing Around Your Neck -- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The House on Mango Street -- Sandra Cisneros
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents -- Julia Alvarez
Living in a multicultural world, it can be difficult for bi-cultural individuals to find their identity in America. It is a constant struggle to find a balance between a culture you know versus one you must adapt to when immigrating to another country, which can lead to confusion and internal conflict. Students in this course will consider topics such as diversity, societal norms, self-acceptance, and other socioeconomic issues to gain a deeper understanding of intercultural environments.
Controversial Characters in Harry Potter
CRN 90196
9:30AM - 10:20AM
MCB 207
Georgia Berg (georgiab22@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
Excerpts from all seven Harry Potter Novels -- J.K. Rowling
This seminar will discuss some of the morally ambiguous or controversial characters in the Harry Potter series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and Percy Weasley. We will examine the morality or reasoning behind their actions and consider what we can learn about human nature by studying them. Participants will need access to -- and a strong knowledge of -- all seven Harry Potter books.
Unreliable Narrators: Unpacking the Truth
CRN 90194
11:00AM - 11:50AM
MCB 658
Chloe Guenette (chloeg@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
Gone Girl -- Gillian Flynn
Catcher in The Rye -- J. D. Salinger
Notes from Underground -- Fyodor Dostoyevsky
The unreliable narrator is a popular literary device that has been used for hundreds of years. An unreliable narrator challenges the reader to decipher the truth. In this seminar, we will discuss the twist and turns of a variety of stories. The seminar will focus on the idea of Truth: What is truth? And when it is necessary to tell the truth?
Beautiful Books for Our Messy 20s
CRN 90191
12:30PM - 1:20PM
MCB 207
Teagan Ross (teaganr@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
The Vanishing Half - Brit Bennett
Beautiful World, Where Are You - Sally Rooney
Open Water - Caleb Azumah Nelson
Are you scared of growing up? Does the idea of being "in your 20s" sound terrifying? In this course, we will explore three works of fiction that help us examine the fear of growing up and untangle the messy world that is our 20s. We will start to understand which identities are important to us and how our interpersonal relationships shape both our experiences and who we become.
Secrets and Scandal
CRN 90200
3:30PM - 4:20PM
MCB 207
Anastasia EL-Bogdadi (anaelbogdadi@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
What Alice Forgot -- Liane Moriarty
When We Believed in Mermaids -- Barbara O'Neal
Secrets and scandal go hand in hand, one typically causing the other. In this seminar, we will consider how secrets can bring people closer together, separate them, and cause an individual’s or group’s downfall.
Madness in Civilization
CRN 91723
9:05AM - 9:55AM
MCB 658
Kristen Glaser (kglaser@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
How it Feels to Float -- Helena Fox
Turtles All the Way Down -- John Green
Girl in Pieces -- Kathleen Glasgow
As college students, we experience many forms of emotional and mental stress. It can be challenging to prioritize your happiness and well-being. Students in this course will discuss critical mental health issues and ways to practice mindfulness to find healthy outlets, shifting negative energy into something positive and rewarding.
Strength, Survival, & Resilience During World War II
CRN 90201
10:10AM - 11:00AM
MAJWM 532
Tori Walker (vtori@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
The Tattooist of Auschwitz -- Heather Morris
Cilka's Journey -- Heather Morris
Unbroken -- Laura Hillenbrand
Hope and dignity are two important aspects of survival in hardship. This seminar will explore forms of resistance, resilience, and strength in German, Russian, and Japanese prison camps during World War II. We will consider how to apply the characters' approaches to resistance in our day-to-day lives.
Highlighting LGBTQ+ Romance
CRN 91726
10:10AM - 11:00AM
MCB 212
Caity Simmons (caitlynrs237@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
All the Yellow Suns -- Malavika Kannan
Fifteen Hundred Miles From the Sun -- Jonny Garza Villa
she is the poem -- June Bates
Across the world, LGBTQ+ romance is a genre that has rich literature, but often goes undiscussed. This seminar will take a deep dive into the genre, exploring fiction and poetry that can teach us the value and intricacies of what it looks like to be LGBTQ+ and love in the modern era.
Controversial Characters of Harry Potter
CRN 90197
12:20PM - 1:10PM
MCB 207
Caroline Berg (carolineb22@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
Excerpts from all seven Harry Potter Novels -- J.K. Rowling
This seminar will discuss some of the morally ambiguous or controversial characters in the Harry Potter series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and Percy Weasley. We will examine the morality or reasoning behind their actions and consider what we can learn about human nature by studying them. Participants will need access to -- and a strong knowledge of -- all seven Harry Potter books.
Seize the Day
CRN 90189
1:25PM - 2:15PM
MCB 207
Lynn McClafferty (klynnm@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
The Sun is Also a Star -- Nicola Yoon
They Both Die at the End -- Adam Silvera
If I Stay -- Gayle Forman
In this seminar, we will read books whose actions occur in only one day in order to examine the ways we think about time and learn to live in the moment. We will read three young adult books that center on deadlines, expiration dates, and decisions to help us on this journey. Carpe diem!
Dystopian Novels
CRN 91728
4:00PM - 5:15PM
WMS 209
Kaelin Farley (kaelinfarley@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
The Hunger Games -- Suzanne Collins
Divergent -- Veronica Roth
The Selection -- Kiera Cass
Participants in this seminar will consider the social criticism present in the plots and characters of recent dystopian fiction and how it applies to our lived experience. One of our main topics will be the representation of the heroines in these books and how it has changed young adult literature.
Mythology and Misogyny
CRN 90192
11:00AM - 11:50AM
MCB 658
Phoebe Scarborough (pscarborough@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
Ariadne -- Jennifer Saint
Medusa -- Jessie Burton
Circe -- Madeline Miller
In this seminar we will examine the power of storytelling to consider what mythology, history, and modernity show us about the patriarchal world in which we live. Through these powerful feminist retellings of the stories of Medusa, Circe, and Ariadne, we will explore concepts such as oppression, feminine rage, love, sisterhood and empowerment.
Books That Will Leave You Speechless
CRN 90193
12:30PM - 1:20PM
MCB 207
Hannah Campsie (hannahc03@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
If He Had Been with Me -- Laura Nowlin
The Way I Used to Be -- Amber Smith
Orbiting Jupiter -- Gary D. Schmidt
Everyone has read that one book: the book that sticks with them; the book that changes their outlook on life. In this seminar, we will address topics such as love, death, relationships, and loss, and explore whether these books do, indeed, leave us speechless and change the way we view the world.
Eating Between The Lines
CRN 91727
10:10AM - 11:00AM
MCB 212
Phoebe Pyles (phoebepyles@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
The Omnivore’s Dilemma -- Michael Pollan
The Cooking Gene -- Michael Twitty
This reading seminar will focus on the complexity of the agriculture industry and the culture of the food we eat in the 21st century. Topics for our discussion will include society’s eating choices, health in our environment and bodies, and the politics and pleasure in what we consume.
Love and the Self
CRN 90198
11:15AM - 12:05PM
MCB 207
Kiera Cleveland (kieracleveland25@vt.edu)
Reading materials:
Open Water -- Caleb Azumah Nelson
Conversations with Friends -- Sally Rooney
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous -- Ocean Vuong
Love is complicated, as is our desire to grow as individuals over the course of our lives. How do these two processes both synergize and clash? In this seminar we will explore love between friends, family, and romantic partners alongside a critical look at what constitutes and changes the self.
SPRING 2023 HONORS READING SEMINARS
Books of TikTok
Caitlyn Smith (caitlyms@vt.edu)
CRN 20256
9:05AM - 9:55AM
MCB 210
Reading Materials:
November 9 - Colleen Hoover
After I Do - Taylor Jenkins Reid
Archer's Voice - Mia Sheridan
Tiktok has had a huge impact on the publishing industry and has inspired many people to begin reading again. It has primarily focused on the contemporary romance genre and created a safe space to share our love of books and find new book recommendations. Tiktok has created a worldwide book club. This seminar will bring that book club to Blacksburg!
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Into the World of John Green
Savannah Stephens (slstephens@vt.edu)
22063
10:10AM - 11:00AM
MCB 316
Reading Materials:
Turtles All the Way Down - John Green
Looking for Alaska - John Green
Paper Towns - John Green
This seminar will use John Green’s most popular novels to explore issues such as mental health, leaving home, loyalty, and identity, especially as they present themselves in our own lives.
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Love During Lockdown
Nika Rajan (nrajan19@vt.edu)
Caroline Small (carolinesmall@vt.edu)
20265
11:15AM - 12:05PM
MCB 207
Reading materials:
Ugly Love - Colleen Hoover
The Summer I Turned Pretty - Jenney Han
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid
In this seminar, we will explore three romance novels made extremely popular by TikTok. We will analyze fictional relationships, compare them to those in the real-world, and discuss why our society is currently fixated on this genre.
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Let's Talk About Sexual Health
Sophie Barkhordari (sophiebark@vt.edu)
22068
11:15AM - 12:05PM
Hillcrest 132
Reading materials:
Come as You Are -Emily Nagoski (excerpts)
Mind the Gap - Karen Gurney
Becoming Cliterate - Laurie Mintz
In this seminar, we will explore topics of sexual health and sexuality. We will attempt to “unlearn” all the misinformation, shame, and embarrassment we have picked up throughout our so-called “sex education” in America. In rejecting the idea that sex is taboo, we will be closer to self-love and sexual liberation.
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The Works of John Green
Hannah Campsie (hannahc03@vt.edu)
20260
12:20PM - 1:10PM
PAM 3010
Reading materials:
Looking For Alaska - John Green
Paper Towns - John Green
An Abundance of Katherines – John Green
John Green’s books consider serious topics, including life, death, and self discovery. In this reading seminar, we will examine how this bestselling author and co-creator of Crash Course captivates his readers and alters their perspectives on the world.
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Colleen Hoover and Booktok
Faiza Bari (faizabari@vt.edu)
20269
12:20PM - 1:10PM
MCB 136
Reading materials:
November 9 - Colleen Hoover
Reminders of Him - Colleen Hoover
Layla - Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover's books have become Tiktok famous over the past few years, and this seminar will examine why. We will consider Hoover’s plot devices and appeals to reader’s emotions, as well as her repeated themes of appearances versus reality, looking for connections between her books and characters and our own lives.
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The Marital Economics of Jane Austen Novels
Phoebe Pyles (phoebepyles@vt.edu)
20258
1:25PM - 2:15PM
GOODW 241
Reading materials:
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
This seminar will focus on the complexity of financial obligations of the 19th century and how they drove the lives of families and women of the time. In addition, we consider topics such as gossip, family dynamics, and the nature of adulthood, looking for connections between her books and characters and our own lives.
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The Books That Built Us
Stephanie Sheets (stephaniems@vt.edu)
20268
2:30PM - 3:20PM
MCB 216
Reading materials:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling
The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
In this seminar, we will revisit some of the stories that defined our generation’s childhood in order to examine how they have shaped our collective experience and the lens through which we view the world. We will likewise reflect on how and why our opinions about the novels have changed and why those changes are meaningful.
Follow Your Inner Child
Nico Palanca (nicolaspalanca@vt.edu)
20259
5:00PM - 5:50PM
MCB 219
Reading materials:
The Velveteen Rabbit - Margery Williams
The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein
The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Charlotte's Web - E.B White
Wonder - R.J Palacio
The Velveteen Principles - Toni Raiten-D'Antonio
Life is full of ups and downs, and oftentimes we feel lost and unsure of ourselves. In this reading seminar, we will explore famous texts in children's literature and how they can address the hardships in our lives such as loss, grief, and acceptance.
Characters We Love to Hate
Lynn McClafferty (klynnm@vt.edu)
22066
9:05AM - 9:55AM
MCB 210
Reading materials:
Divergent - Veronica Roth
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
The Perks of Being a Wall Flower - Stephen Chbosky
In this seminar, we will examine negative character development and how it benefits the stories we love. Students will challenge their perspectives by looking at these characters and their motives empathetically, both in terms of how they make the main protagonists' lives so difficult and in how we can encounter people like them in our daily lives.
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Controversial Characters in Harry Potter
Madison Gearing (mgearing01@vt.edu)
22064
10:10AM - 11:00AM
MCB 316
Reading materials:
Sections from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows.
This seminar will discuss some of the morally ambiguous or controversial characters in the Harry Potter series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and Percy Weasley. We will examine the morality or reasoning behind their actions and consider what we can learn about human nature by studying them. Participants will need access to -- and a strong knowledge of -- all seven Harry Potter books.
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Controversial Characters in Harry Potter
Caroline Giles (carolineg@vt.edu)
20257
12:20PM - 1:10PM
MCB 207
Reading materials:
Sections from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows.
This seminar will discuss some of the morally ambiguous or controversial characters in the Harry Potter series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and Percy Weasley. We will examine the morality or reasoning behind their actions and consider what we can learn about human nature by studying them. Participants will need access to -- and a strong knowledge of -- all seven Harry Potter books.
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Exploring Contemporary East Asian Fiction
Teagan Ross (teaganr@vt.edu)
20262
12:20PM - 1:10PM
PAM 3010
Reading materials:
The Convenience Store Woman - Sayaka Murata
Before The Coffee Gets Cold - Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Almond - Sohn Won-pyung
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous - Ocean Vuong
In this course, we will explore a diverse range of works of East Asian fiction published in the past 10 years, considering themes of longing, love, belonging, and identity and, through personal reflection, their relationships to our lives.
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Fiction and the French Revolution
Caitlyn Simmons (caitlynrs237@vt.edu)
20267
12:20PM - 1:10PM
ROB 105
Reading materials:
A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
Les Misérables - Victor Hugo
Farewell My Queen – Chantel Thomas
The French Revolution epitomizes both the glamour of high society and the struggles of horrific poverty. This seminar will consider topics such as justice, idolization, and class struggle as we use these works to both understand late 18th century France and to illuminate the world as we know it today.
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Hobbits and Hotheads: Exploring Unlikely Heroism in Literature
Vincent Parente (vparente@vt.edu)
20264
1:25PM - 2:15PM
PAM 3010
Reading materials:
The Hobbit - J.R.R Tolkien
Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
Till We Have Faces - C.S. Lewis
In this reading seminar, we will explore the defining characteristics of heroism, the conditions that allow it to flourish or wither, and ways authentic heroism can be embraced, neglected, or manipulated. We will likewise consider unlikely heroes in the real world.
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The Book was Better!
Hamza Mokel (hamzam@vt.edu)
20271
1:25PM - 2:15PM
GOODW 241
Reading materials:
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
The Fault in Our Stars - John Green
In this seminar, we will consider what, how, and why movie adaptions made changes from the source material of the novels we will read. We will study the meaning of the details that movies tend to overlook and investigate how these changes affected the characters’ motivations, goals, and experiences and the effectiveness of stories overall.
Controversial Characters in Harry Potter
Arley Lausin (lausinam24@vt.edu)
22067
11:00AM - 11:50AM
Hillcrest 132
Reading materials:
Sections from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows.
This seminar will discuss some of the morally ambiguous or controversial characters in the Harry Potter series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and Percy Weasley. We will examine the morality or reasoning behind their actions and consider what we can learn about human nature by studying them. Participants will need access to -- and a strong knowledge of -- all seven Harry Potter books.
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Investigating Banned Books
Blake Graham (blakeg04@vt.edu)
20270
11:00AM - 11:50AM
WMS 209
Reading materials:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain
Maus - Art Spiegelman
The Color Purple - Alice Walker
In this seminar we will read books that address controversial topics and have been repeatedly banned from school curricula. These works will allow us to consider topics such as racism, prejudice, and the Holocaust. In addition, we will explore the impact of these books and others like them, why they have been banned, and whether they should be.
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Madness in Civilization
Jamayia Honaker (jamayiahonaker@vt.edu)
20263
12:30PM - 1:20PM
DAV 201
Reading materials:
All the Bright Places - Jennifer Nivens
Madness in Civilization: A Cultural History of Insanity, from the Bible to Freud, from the Madhouse to Modern Medicine - Andrew Scull.
In this seminar, we will examine the different ways that cultures have expressed their concerns for people experiencing mental illness, including Biblical and Freudian responses, exorcisms, and contemporary support for those with mental illness.
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Murder, Mysteries, and Misogyny
Phoebe Scarborough (pscarborough@vt.edu)
20261
3:30PM - 4:20PM
MCB 207
Reading materials:
Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn
Big Little Lies - Liane Moriarty
In this seminar we will examine two exceptionally popular 21st century murder mysteries as we seek to understand what has made them so successful. We will focus especially on gender roles and how these authors work with and against traditional expectations of vicitimization and villainy.
Exploring AI Ethics
Catherine Resta (catherine17@vt.edu)
20266
12:20PM - 1:10PM
MCB 207
Reading materials:
A World Without Work: Technology, Automation and How We Should Respond - Daniel Susskind
Klara and the Sun - Kazuo Ishiguro
Four Futures - Peter Frase
In a world of constant technological development without any apparent constraints, it is critical to discuss whether we should regulate or limit the development of artificial intelligence to preserve our autonomy as a species. We will consider the many potential positive and negative consequences and outcomes of AI to come to a holistic assessment of its roles in our lives.
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Self-Confidence and Personal Growth
Katie Ramboyong (katierambo@vt.edu)
20272
12:20PM - 1:10PM
MCB 219
Reading materials:
You Are a Badass at Making Money - Jen Sincero
The Atlas of the Heart - Dr Brené Brown
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** - Mark Manson
This seminar will focus on self-confidence and personal growth, including financial aspirations, well-being, emotional intelligence, and authenticity.
FALL 2022 HONORS READING SEMINARS
Bad at Being Good
Kiera Schneiderman (schkiera@vt.edu)
CRN 91652
9:05 - 9:55 a.m.
MCB 207
In most books, stories, or movies the protagonist is the good guy, someone on your side. But some TV shows, books, and movies flip the narrative of the villain. They ask the audience, "Is the bad guy really the hero?" In this course we will discuss that question and delve into conversations about trust, perspective, morality, and vulnerability.
Reading materials:
- The Stranger — Albert Camus
- Gone Girl — Gillian Flynn
- The Last Olympian — Rick Riordan
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Life on the Farm
Caitlyn Simmons (caitlynrs237@vt.edu)
CRN 90219
9:05- 9:55 a.m.
DAV 325
With the American farming industry declining, it is vital to take understand just how important farms are to American culture and examine what they can teach us about who we are and what we do. In this reading seminar, we will delve into the beautiful and hard world of the American farm through the lens of a children's book, an allegorical novel, and a classic of American literature.
Reading materials:
- Charlotte's Web — E.B White
- Animal Farm — George Orwell
- Grapes of Wrath — John Steinbeck
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Gender Roles and Societal Economics in Jane Austen
Phoebe Pyles (phoebepyles@vt.edu)
CRN 90225
10:10 - 11:00 a.m.
DAV 325
This reading seminar will focus on the complexity of life for young women in the 19th century and compare those experiences with young adults of the 21st century. We will consider how topics such as economics, wealth, gossip, family dynamics, and adulthood are as relevant us today as they were for Austen and her characters.
Reading materials:
- Pride and Prejudice — Jane Austen
- Sense and Sensibility — Jane Austen
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Self-Confidence and Personal Growth
Katie Ramboyong (katierambo@vt.edu)
CRN 90212
11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
MCB 207
This seminar will examine how we can develop resilience, self-understanding, and self-confidence. We will consider how reflective mindsets and habits can improve our relationships with ourselves and others.
Reading materials:
- You Are a Badass — Jen Sincero
- Atomic Habits — James Clear
- How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie
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Delicious Reads: Food, Literature, and Culture
Grace McCarthy (gmccarthy@vt.edu)
CRN 90207
12:20- 1:10 p.m.
MCB 207
Food: It's not only at the center of your dinner table but at the center of cultural identity, family traditions, and human relationships as well. In this seminar, we will explore the intersections of food and culture through the cultural clashes and complicated family dynamics portrayed in three popular novels.
Reading materials:
- The Joy Luck Club — Amy Tan
- Like Water for Chocolate — Laura Esquivel
- The Mistress of Spices — Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
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Un-Wreck Your Mind: Feminism and Self-Love
Sophie Barkhordari (sophiebark@vt.edu)
CRN 90216
1:25 - 2:15 p.m.
MCB 207
In this seminar, we will explore topics of feminism, identity, and self-acceptance. On a journey back to our true selves, we will attempt to “unlearn” all of the societal conditioning that has pushed us away from self-love and liberation.
Reading materials:
- Untamed — Glennon Doyle
Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement” — Tarana Burke
The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love — Sonya Renee Taylor
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The Novels of Khaled Hosseini
Madison Harmon (madisonh03@vt.edu)
CRN 90222
4:00 - 4:50 p.m.
MCB 207
In this reading seminar, we will explore two famous novels of Khaled Hosseini set in Kabul, Afghanistan. We will consider the themes of ethnic and gender discrimination and consider ways in which these dynamics affect the lives the characters in the novels and our lives as well.
Reading materials:
- The Kite Runner — Khaled Hosseini
- A Thousand Splendid Suns — Khaled Hosseini
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Controversial Characters in Harry Potter
Cate Bates (cateb@vt.edu)
CRN 90210
5:30 - 6:20 p.m.
MCB 207
This seminar will discuss some of the morally ambiguous or controversial characters in the Harry Potter series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and Percy Weasley. We will examine the morality or reasoning behind their actions and consider what we can learn about human nature by studying them. Participants will need access to — and a strong knowledge of — all seven Harry Potter books.
Reading materials:
- Various chapters from all seven Harry Potter books
The Worlds of Neil Gaiman
Zoe Gaucher (zoeg21@vt.edu)
CRN 90217
9:30 - 10:20 a.m.
MCB 207
This reading seminar will explore the fictional worlds created by Neil Gaiman and the devices and themes he uses to create them, offering students an opportunity to delve deeper into Gaiman’s famous but mysterious places and characters.
Reading materials:
- Coraline — Neil Gaiman
- The Graveyard Book — Neil Gaiman
- Good Omens — Neil Gaiman
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Science Fiction: The Future's Fight for Freedom
Kerry Shea (kshea23@vt.edu)
CRN 90226
11:00 - 11:50 a.m.
MCB 658
In this seminar, we will explore classic science fiction from the 20th century to consider why its central themes of time travel, artificial intelligence, and the illusion of free will remain so important to contemporary readers.
Reading materials:
- Slaughterhouse-Five — Kurt Vonnegut
- Neuromancer — William Gibson
- Foundation — Isaac Asimov
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Follow Your Inner Child
Nico Palanca (nicolaspalanca@vt.edu)
CRN 90221
12:30 - 1:20 p.m.
MCB 207
Life is full of ups and downs, and oftentimes we feel lost and unsure of ourselves. In this reading seminar, we will explore famous texts in children's literature and how they can addresses the hardships in our lives such as loss, grief, and acceptance.
Reading materials:
- The Velveteen Rabbit — Margery Williams
- The Giving Tree — Shel Silverstein
- The Little Prince — Antoine de Saint-Exupery
- Charlotte's Web — E.B White
- Wonder — R.J Palacio
- The Velveteen Principles — Toni Raiten-D'Antonio
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The Book Was Better!
Hamza Mokel (Hamzam@vt.edu)
CRN 90211
3:30 - 4:20 p.m.
MCB 219
In this seminar, we will consider what, how, and why movie adaptions made changes from the source material of the novels we will read. We will study the meaning of the details that movies tend to overlook and investigate how these changes affected the characters’ motivations, goals, and experiences and the effectiveness of stories overall.
Reading materials:
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower — Stephen Chbosky
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone — J.K. Rowling
- The Fault in Our Stars — John Green
Science and Religion in the Novels of Dan Brown
Danny Yessayan (dannyy19@vt.edu)
CRN 90213
9:05 - 9:55 a.m.
MCB 207
Some people see science and religion as enemies at war for leadership in our modern culture. In this reading seminar, we will take a deep dive into the works of Dan Brown to explore how science and religion conflict and how they might coexist.
Reading materials:
- Angels and Demons — Dan Brown
- The Da Vinci Code — Dan Brown
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Exploring Classic Dystopian Fiction
Tulai Raine (traine@vt.edu)
CRN 90209
10:10 - 11:00 a.m.
MCB 207
This seminar will examine the social commentary and key themes of classic dystopian fiction —including hope, courage, fear, the memory of the past, speculation about the future, power structures, individuality and collectivism, freedom and control/repression — in an effort to understand what makes them continuously worthy of study.
Reading materials:
- 1984 — George Orwell
- The Handmaid’s Tale — Margaret Atwood
- Parable of the Sower — Octavia Butler
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Exploring the World of Jane Eyre
Kathryn Letz (kateyl19@vt.edu)
CRN 90214
11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
MCB 207
In this seminar, we will discuss how Bronte’s and Rhys’ classic novels combine to challenge patriarchal societal norms and explore themes of feminism, independence, romance, perseverance, mental health, and the effects of colonization.
Reading materials:
- Jane Eyre — Charlotte Bronte
- Wide Sargasso Sea — Jean Rhys
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Controversial Characters in Harry Potter
Madison Gearing (mgearing01@vt.edu)
CRN 91653
12:20 - 1:10 p.m.
MCB 207
This seminar will discuss some of the morally ambiguous or controversial characters in the Harry Potter series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and Percy Weasley. We will examine the morality or reasoning behind their actions and consider what we can learn about human nature by studying them. Participants will need access to — and a strong knowledge of — all seven Harry Potter books.
Reading materials:
· Excerpts from all 7 Harry Potter novels
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The Books That Built Us
Cara Patrick (carapat@vt.edu) & Stephanie Sheets (stephaniems@vt.edu)
CRN 90218
1:25 - 2:15 p.m.
MCB 207
In this seminar, we will revisit some of the stories that defined our generation’s childhood in order to examine how they have shaped our collective experience and the lens with which we view the world. We will likewise reflect on how and why our opinions about the novels have changed and why those changes are meaningful.
Reading materials:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone — J. K. Rowling
- Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief — Rick Riordan
- The Hunger Games — Suzanne Collins
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Resilience
Chelsea Kumi (chelseak19@vt.edu)
CRN 90220
4:00 - 4:50 p.m.
MCB 207
The seminar focuses on resilience, acceptance, and adaptation and their critical importance in achieving success. Students will be encouraged to consider these themes as a means to address adversity in their personal and professional lives.
Reading materials:
- Room — Emma Donoghue
- When Breath Becomes Air — Paul Kalanthi
- Holes — Louis Sachar
Medium and Message
Jack Robbins (robb1347@vt.edu)
CRN 90223
11:00 - 11:50 a.m.
MCB 658
This seminar will be a tour of several mediums through which creative narrative may be expressed. We'll be exploring films, screenplays, poems, comics, podcasts, short stories, plays, and songs. Reading materials will be provided.
Materials:
- Film: Hitchcock by Francois Truffaut, Parasite screenplay by Bong Joon Ho and Han Jin Won
- Plays: King Lear or Hamlet by William Shakespeare
- Podcast: The 80000 Hours Podcast with Keiran Harris and Howie Lempel (transcripts)
- Comics: The Sandman by Neil Gaiman, Watchmen by Alan Moore
- Poems: Selected poems by Walt Whitman, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Amanda Gorman, Rabindranath Tagore
- Songs: Selected songs by the Beatles, Kendrick Lamar, Simon and Garfunkel, J. Cole, Bob Dylan
- Short Stories: Selected stories from Alice Munro's Best: A Selection of Stories by Alice Munro, Collected Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges
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Women’s Empowerment and Feminism
Virginia Chandler (virginiachandler@vt.edu) & Morgan Allison (morganallison@vt.edu)
CRN 90224
12:30 - 1:20 p.m.
MCB 207
This readings in this seminar will explore the injustice that women have faced and still face because of gender inequality and encourage students discuss feminism more openly and bravely. The course will help students understand how supporting women and their achievements can lead to the betterment of our society and world.
Reading materials:
- We Should All Be Feminists — Chimamanda Adichie
- The Color Purple -- Alice Walker
- Know My Name — Chanel Miller
- Everything I Know About Love — Dolly Alder Tan
Know Thyself: Exploring Stories of Self-Exploration
Alyssa McCormick (amm1211@vt.edu)
CRN 90215
11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
MCB 207
In this seminar, we’ll explore self-exploration, the journey that doesn’t require a single step. We’ll discuss what it means to be human, to grow and change, and maybe, hopefully, we’ll learn something about ourselves while we’re at it.
Reading materials:
- Paper Towns — John Green
- Circe — Madeline Miller
- Wild — Cheryl Strayed
Spring 2022 Honors Reading Seminars
Thoughts from the Middle
CRN 21976
M 9:05 - 9:55 a.m.
MCB 207
Jessica Coffield (jessicac03@vt.edu)
"Thoughts From The Middle" will explore how the human mind works in different circumstances. We will consider the effects of religion, the past, and absurdities on the lives of characters (and in our own lives as well), and we will examine how rebirth looks different for everyone.
Reading materials:
- Demian - Hermann Hesse
- Beloved - Toni Morrison
- The Stranger - Albert Camus
- The Ones Who Walked Away From Omelas - Ursula Le Guin
An Exploration into Techno: Thrillers through the Works of Clive Cussler
CRN 21980
M 10:10 - 11:00 a.m.
MCB 207
Danny Yessayan (dannyy19@vt.edu)
Techno-thrillers are detail-oriented, action-adventure novels set in the contemporary world, often combining elements of sci-fi and espionage into their narratives. Writing techno-thrillers requires knowledge of science, politics, espionage, and history. In this course, we will explore the genre of techno-thrillers through the works of Clive Cussler and the adventures of Dirk Pitt!
Reading materials:
- Pacific Vortex - Clive Cussler
- Treasure - Clive Cussler
The Book Was Better!
CRN 20004
M 11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
MCB 207
Hamza Mokel (hamzam@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will consider what, how, and why movie adaptions made changes from the source material of the novels we will read. We will study the meaning of the details that movies tend to overlook and investigate how these changes affected the characters’ motivations, goals, and experiences and the effectiveness of stories overall.
Reading materials:
- Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan
- The Maze Runner -- James Dashner
Contemporary and Confident: The Women of Jane Austen Novels
CRN 19998
M 12:20 - 1:10 p.m.
MCB 212
Cora Meno (mcora20@vt.edu)
Jane Austen’s works are staples of classic literature. Well-written and wise, her novels remain popular today because of their strong and still-relevant messages. We will explore how Austen challenges gender norms, notions of love, and matches based purely on wealth and social status, and we will examine the poignant lessons of her confident female protagonists.
Reading materials:
- Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
- Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
Essentialists, Music, and Polymaths
CRN 20010
M 12:20 - 1:10 p.m.
GOODW 241
Emmanuel Abuah (krad@vt.edu)
This class explores the contrasting positions of sticking to a particular field, subject, or interest versus embracing eclecticism and developing as many hobbies, skills, and career paths as life and time will permit. Students in the course will be encouraged to consider the influence of these positions on their identities and career plans.
Reading materials:
- Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less - Greg McKeown
- The Polymath: A Cultural History from Leonardo Da Vinci to Susan Sontag - Peter Burke
- The Neo-Generalist: Where You Go Is Who You Are - Kenneth Mikkelsen and Richard Martin
A Classic Mystery
CRN 20011
M 12:20 - 1:10 p.m.
MAJWM 532
Krystyna Hesser (kmhesser@vt.edu)
The whodunit has been a staple in books, plays, and movies for well over a century. But what has made them so successful? In this seminar, we will read some of the bestselling mystery novels and consider how they have risen to their popularity. We will also examine how the role of the hero, the villain, and the twist ending have changed over time and how classic whodunits have influenced modern media.
Reading materials:
- The Hounds of Baskerville - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Nancy Drew and the Secret of the Old Clock - Carolyn Keene
- The Hardy Boys: The Yellow Feather Mystery - Franklin Dixon
- Murder on the Orient Express - Agatha Christie
Be True, Be You, Be Confident
CRN 21983
M 1:25 - 2:15 p.m.
MCB 207
Allison Gray (apg3986@vt.edu)
Do you often find yourself stressed out by trying to be perfect all the time? Why do we feel the need to compare ourselves to others? Why can't we be happy with who we are and accept our strengths and weaknesses? In this seminar, we will consider these questions and more as we explore how we can become happy and confident with ourselves.
Reading materials:
- The Six Pillars of Self Esteem - Nathaniel Branden
- How to Be an Imperfectionist: The New Way to Self-Acceptance, Fearless Living, and Freedom from Perfectionism - Stephen Guise
- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success - Carol S. Dweck
Survival in the Wilderness: a Lack of Societal Structure
CRN 20008
M 2:30 - 3:20 p.m.
MCB 207
Elizabeth Schwend (emschwend@vt.edu)
This seminar will study and compare three books in which the main character(s) are isolated from society in some way. We will be looking at how the characters respond to adversity without the presence of a larger authority, and we will explore how each of the authors philosophies can be seen in today’s society.
Reading materials:
- Lord of the Flies - William Golding
- Life of Pi - Yann Martel
- Stranger in the Woods - Michael Finkel
Tragedy, Beauty, and Bravery: Winners of the Pulitzer Prize
CRN 21978
T 3:30 - 4:20 p.m.
MCB 212
Ursilia Beckles (ubeckles@vt.edu)
In this course, we will examine two tales of beauty and tragedy that deal with strikingly different issues of race, gender, nationality, and sexual orientation. While we will, of course, discuss their differences, our focus will be on the similarities between the works and the authors. We'll also consider themes in both books deemed to be controversial for their time.
Reading materials:
- Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt
- The Color Purple - Alice Walker
Dystopia: Welcome to the Unwelcome Future
CRN 19997
T 5:00 - 5:50 p.m.
MCB 207
Clay Williams (cwilliams@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will look at how future societies might adapt and change their rules to deal with problems such as class division, advanced technology, censorship, and war. Then, we will compare these dystopias to real-life societies to help prepare students for their roles in maintaining or changing their communities.
Reading materials:
- Red Rising - Pierce Brown
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep - Phillip Dick
- Legend - Marie Lu
Controversial Characters in Harry Potter
CRN 21977
W 9:05 - 9:55 a.m.
MCB 207
Caroline Giles (carolineg@vt.edu)
This seminar will discuss some of the morally ambiguous characters in the Harry Potter series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and Percy Weasley. We will look at the morality behind their actions and consider what we can learn about human nature by studying them. Participants will need access to -- and a strong knowledge of -- all seven Harry Potter books.
Reading materials:
- Various Chapters from the Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling
Accuracy in Historical Fiction
CRN 21981
W 10:10 - 11:00 a.m.
MCB 207
Katie Buchholz (katiebuchholz5@vt.edu)
In this reading seminar, we will explore the accuracies and inaccuracies of the genre of historical fiction and consider the effects of the genre on how history is perceived by readers. Students in the course will fact check young readers' historical fiction to gain insight into these dynamics.
Reading materials:
- The Crucible - Arthur Miller
- Stars of Alabama - Sean Dietrich
- The Devil's Arithmetic - Jane Yolen
History of Ethical Dilemmas in Medicine
CRN 20007
W 11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
MCB 212
Nikki Keith (xnikkikeithx@vt.edu)
Students in the course will consider ethical dilemmas in medicine to understand what they are, how they have changed over time, and what we can do to address them in our own efforts to improve our health care systems.
Reading materials:
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot
- Being Mortal - Atul Gawande
- When We Do Harm - Danielle Ofri
How to Be the Best Healthcare Provider I Can Be
CRN 20013
W 11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
MCB 207
Sadler Lundy (sadlerlundy@vt.edu)
This class will have students consider the following questions: How can I recognize the social determinants of health as they relate to racial inequality? How can I make ethical medical decisions? How can I be an effective communicator with other healthcare providers, patients, and families?
Reading materials:
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot
- The Energy Bus - Jon Gordon
- When Breath Becomes Air - Dr. Paul Kalanithi
Gender Roles and Societal Economics in Jane Austen Novels
CRN 20000
W 12:20 - 1:10 p.m.
MCB 212
Phoebe Pyles (phoebepyles@vt.edu)
This reading seminar will focus on the complexity of life for young women in the 19th century and compare those experiences with young adults of the 21st century. We will consider how topics such as economics, wealth, gossip, family dynamics, and adulthood are as relevant us today as they were for Austen and her characters.
Reading materials:
- Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
- Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen
The Books That Built Us
CRN 20006
W 12:20 - 1:10 p.m.
MAJWM 532
Cara Patrick (carapat@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will revisit some of the stories that defined our generation’s childhood in order to examine how they have shaped our collective experience and the lens with which we view the world. We will come together to share our thoughts, feelings, and reactions when reading the books again years later and to reflect on how our opinions around the novels have changed.
Reading materials:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling
- Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
- The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Character Studies in Percy Jackson
CRN 21982
W 12:20 - 1:10
GOODW 241
Stephanie Sheets (stephaniems@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will turn back time to the 2000s and develop character studies of the most beloved and most controversial characters in Percy Jackson's series of young adult novels. We will be reading excerpts from different books in the series each week in connection with a specific character for discussion.
Reading materials:
- Excerpts from the entire Percy Jackson series: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian
Controversial Characters in Harry Potter
CRN 20003
W 1:25 - 2:15 p.m.
MCB 210
Lauren Bledsoe (lbledsoe@vt.edu)
This seminar will discuss some of the morally ambiguous characters in the Harry Potter series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and Percy Weasley. We will look at the morality behind their actions and consider what we can learn about human nature by studying them. Participants will need access to -- and a strong knowledge of -- all seven Harry Potter books.
Reading materials:
- Various Chapters from the Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling.
Exploring Classic Dystopian Fiction
CRN 20014
W 1:25 - 2:15 p.m.
MCB 207
Gregory Harrison (greg19@vt.edu) and Tulai Raine (traine@vt.edu)
This seminar will examine the social commentary and key themes of classic dystopian fiction -- including fear, the memory of the past, speculation about the future, power structures, individuality and collectivism, freedom and control/repression -- in an effort to understand what makes them continuously worthy of study.
Reading materials:
- Animal Farm - George Orwell
- 1984 - George Orwell
- Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
- Lord of the Flies - William Golding
Facing Adversities Head On
CRN 20009
W 2:30 - 3:20 p.m.
MCB 207
Christina Green (greenc22@vt.edu)
This seminar will focus on inspiring stories of people who have faced great adversities in their lives, head on, with strength, determination, and grit. Their stories will live on in your heart and mind long after you close the covers of these books.
Reading materials:
- Educated - Tara Westover
- When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi
- Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand
Discover Dystopia
CRN 20002
W 5:30 - 6:20 p.m.
MCB 207
Brianna McDermott (brimcd@vt.edu)
This seminar will explore the similarities between our world today and those of fictional dystopias, including considerations of artificial intelligence, gender roles, and how drastic shifts in power can throw a society into turmoil.
Reading materials:
- Klara and the Sun - Kazuo Ishiguro
- The Testaments - Margaret Atwood
- The Power - Naomi Alderman
A Seminar of Thrones: Feast for Crows
CRN 20012
TR 11:00 - 11:50 a.m.
AA 109
Katelyn Ragan (kragan@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will take a look at the morality of the actions of the major characters in the fourth book of A Song of Ice and Fire. We will discuss the qualities of a good leader and who, if any, of the characters possess these traits. We will also look at the concept of having a “right” to rule and what dictates this “right.” We’ll relate these topics to modern politics and discuss the pros and cons of current leadership systems.
Reading materials:
- A Feast for Crows - George R. R. Martin
Fall in Love with Reading
CRN 20001
TR 12:30 - 1:20 p.m.
WMS 209
Juliette Shore (julietteshore@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will explore the ups, downs, and complexities of modern day love, including discussion of topics such as domestic abuse, rape, LGTBQ+ relationships, and online dating. Students will also reflect about their own loving relationships (whether they are with a romantic partner, family member, friend, or even a pet).
Reading materials:
- It Ends With Us - Colleen Hoover
- Call Me By Your Name - Andre Aciman
- Punk 57 - Penelope Douglas
Dune: A Journey to Arrakis
CRN 19999
TR 3:30 - 4:20 p.m.
MCB 212
Amelia Schmidt (amelias@vt.edu)
Frank Herbert’s famous 1965 novel Dune introduced readers to a world filled with religious motifs, political strife, ecological dilemmas, and sabotage. We will consider the morality of the events that take place on Arrakis, how power is gained and lost, and connect events in the book to issues in our own world.
Reading materials:
- Dune - Frank Herbert
Justice & Truth: The Law in Fiction
CRN 21974
F 9:05 - 9:55 a.m.
MCB 207
Emma Franks (egfranks@gmail.com)
Are you interested in becoming a lawyer? Do you like true crime podcasts and "Criminal Minds"? This reading seminar will focus on stories involving crime, truth, and the law to discuss questions of justice and morality.
Reading materials:
- A Jury of Her Peers - Susan Glaspell
- Antigone - Sophocles
- The Herbal Bed - Peter Whelan
- The Crucible - Arthur Miller
- Hamlet l - William Shakespeare
Un-Wreck Your Mind: Letting Go of Societal Norms and Embracing Your True Identity
CRN 20005
F 12:20 - 1:10 p.m.
MCB 212
Sophie Barkhordari (sophiebark@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will explore topics of feminism, identity, and self-acceptance. On a journey back to our true selves, we will attempt to “unlearn” all of the societal conditioning that has pushed us away from self-love and liberation.
Reading materials:
- Untamed - Glennon Doyle
- Women Don't Owe You Pretty - Florence Given
- Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement - Tarana Burke
Bad at Being Good
CRN 22006
F 12:20 - 1:10 p.m.
ROB 116
Kajal Desai (kajal@vt.edu)
Recent TV shows, books, and movies have flipped the narrative of the villain. They ask the audience, "Is the bad guy really the hero?" In this course we will discuss that question and delve into conversations about trust, perspective, morality, and vulnerability.
Reading materials:
- Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn
- The Stranger - Albert Camus
- The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan
Dystopia: Collapse and Rebirth of a Society
CRN 90765
M 9:05 - 9:55 a.m.
MCB 204
Clay Williams (cwilliams@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will look at how different societies adapt in the midst of a crisis. We will compare how societies deal with problems such as censorship, overpopulation, class division, and misuse of advancing technology. Then, we will compare these dystopias to real-life societies to see how far we are from reaching extreme standards. This seminar will help prepare students for the future by discussing how to maintain a stable society in a rapidly changing world.
Reading materials:
- Station Eleven - Emily St. John Mandel
- Children of Eden - Joey Graceffa
- Ready Player One - Ernest Cline
A Look into the Future through Dystopian Novels
CRN 92285
M 10:10 - 11:00 a.m.
AA 114
Hannah O'Malley (hannahgomalley@vt.edu)
This reading seminar will use essential dystopian fiction to examine the philosophy, politics, and science behind totalitarian regimes, environmental destruction, technological control, and government resistance, and the extent to which these concepts are already present in our society.
Reading materials:
- The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
- Nineteen Eighty-Four - George Orwell
- Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
A Seminar of Swords
CRN 92288
M 10:10 - 11:00 a.m.
MCB 329
Katelyn Ragan (kragan@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will discuss the qualities of a good leader and which, if any, of the characters in this novel possess these traits. We will also look at the concept of having a "right" to rule and what dictates this "right." We will relate these topics to modern politics and discuss the pros and cons of current leadership systems. This seminar will help students think critically about modern politics and political leaders.
Reading materials:
- A Storm of Swords - George R.R. Martin
Controversial Characters in Harry Potter
CRN 90772
M 11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
MCB 207
Caroline Giles (carolineg@vt.edu)
This seminar will discuss some of the morally ambiguous characters in the Harry Potter series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, Percy Weasley, and Merope Gaunt. We will look at the morality behind the actions of fictional characters and consider what we can learn about human nature by studying them. Participants will need access to all seven books in the series, and it is highly recommended that students have a strong prior knowledge of the whole book series so they can discuss it in detail.
Reading materials:
- Harry Potter (all seven books) - J.K. Rowling
Percy Jackson and Mythology
CRN 92286
M 12:20 - 1:10 p.m.
AA 114
Stephanie Sheets (stephaniems@vt.edu)
This course will provide a close examination of the world of gods, demigod, monsters, and titans in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Students will consider the relationships among Greek mythology, popular culture, and the tradition of oral story telling. Students need to be familiar with the entire series of Riordan's books and have access to all five novels.
Reading materials:
- Excerpts from The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan
The End of the World as We Know It: Stories of the Apocalypse
CRN 90768
M 1:25 - 2:15 p.m.
MCB 207
Alyssa McCormick (amm1211@vt.edu)
This seminar explores different visions of "the apocalypse," the horrifying end of humanity as we know it. We'll discuss the value of reading stories that make it difficult to sleep at night, what we can learn from apocalypse stories, and what draws us to the idea of "the apocalypse" in the first place.
Reading materials:
- The Road - Cormac McCarthy
- Bird Box - Josh Malerman
- World War Z - Max Brooks
Justice & Truth: The Law in Fiction
CRN 90762
M 4 - 4:50 p.m.
MCB 207
Emma Franks (egfranks@vt.edu)
Are you interested in becoming a lawyer? Do you like true crime podcasts and Criminal Minds? This reading seminar will focus on stories involving crime, truth, and the law to discuss questions of justice and morality.
Reading materials:
- A Jury of Her Peers - Susan Glaspell
- Antigone - Sophocles
- The Herbal Bed - Peter Whelan
- The Crucible - Arthur Miller
- Hamlet - William Shakespeare
How to Take Back Your Life From Social Media
CRN 90774
M 5:30 - 6:20 p.m.
MCB 207
Sarah Gellert (sarahgellert22@vt.edu)
Social media use removes us from reality and creates a superficial and false world through edited pictures and posts. How do we push against this norm? How do we take back our mental health and enjoy all that life has to offer? How do we become more human again? This reading seminar focuses on the dangers of social media and how we can all benefit from taking a step away from being so connected.
Reading materials:
- Notes on a Nervous Planet - Matt Haig
- Logged In and Stressed Out: How Social Media is Affecting Your Mental Health and What You Can Do About It - Paula Durlofsky
- Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now - Jaron Lanier
- The Power of Moments (Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact) - Chip Heath
How to Be the Best Healthcare Provider I Can Be
CRN 90767
T 9:30 - 10:20 a.m.
MCB 207
Sadler Lundy (sadlerlundy@vt.edu)
This class will have students consider the following questions: How can I recognize the social determinants of health as they relate to racial inequality? How can I make ethical medical decisions? How can I be an effective communicator with other healthcare providers, patients, and families? You do not need to be a pre-health student to enroll in this class. Any honors student from any major is more than welcome to enroll.
Reading seminars:
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot
- The Energy Bus - Jon Gordon
- When Breath Becomes Air - Dr. Paul Kalanithi
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Part 2
CRN 90758
T 11:00 - 11:50 a.m.
MCB 207
Madison Nardi (nmaddie19@vt.edu)
This seminar explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through books of creative nonfiction from different perspectives, creating a better understanding of the situation for people unfamiliar the conflict. It offers students the chance to explore a sensitive topic in a safe environment where they can ask questions about a long-lived yet ongoing hostility with global implications.
Reading materials:
- Crossing Mandelbaum's Gate - Kai Bird
- Letters to my Palestinian Neighbor - Yossi Klein Halevi
Into the Woods: Finding a Balance between Society and Nature
CRN 90760
T 12:30 - 1:20 p.m.
RAND 120
Evi Euripides (evi@vt.edu)
This seminar will explore our human need for companionship and our equally important need for time alone to grow as an individual. We will consider ideas such as the outdoors being a home, a safe place to be at ease, seeking one's identity through solitude in nature, and the profound effects of changing economic status.
Reading materials:
- The Stranger in the Woods - Michael Finkel
- The Outsiders OR That Was Then, This Is Now - S.E. Hinton
- Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer
- Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens
The Book was Better!
CRN 90763
T 12:30 - 1:20 p.m.
MCB 207
Hamza Mokel (Hamzam@vt.edu)
Why should we read the books that popular movies are based on? What gets lost in the process of turning a novel into a film? Students in this seminar will take a deep dive into the immersive experience of a novel that a movie treatment cannot provide. We will study the meaning of the details that movies tend to overlook, details that make these stories so fascinating. Students in the course need to watched all three film adaptations carefully.
Reading materials:
- The Martian - Andy Weir
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky
- Fight Club - Chuck Palahniuk
Children's Literature and Meaningful Living
CRN 90773
T 3:30 - 4:20 p.m.
MCB 207
Nico Palanca (nicolaspalanca@vt.edu) and Marciana Castillo (marcianacastillo@vt.edu)
Life is full of ups and downs, and oftentimes we feel lost and unsure of ourselves. In this reading seminar, we will explore different pieces of children's literature and how each one addresses hardships in life. These books present a range of thematic elements that are important in life including friendship, loss, grief, and acceptance. From these stories, we hope to gain a better understanding of the world we live in and how we can live a meaningful life.
Reading materials:
- The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein
- The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
- Charlotte's Web - E.B White
- Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Paterson
- Wonder - R.J Palacio
The Books That Built Us
CRN 90771
W 9:05 - 9:55 a.m.
MCB 204
Cara Patrick (carapat@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will revisit novels that defined our generation's childhood in order to examine how these stories have shaped our collective experience and the lenses with which we view the world. In this seminar, we will come together to share our thoughts, feelings, and reactions about reading these books again years later, examining how and why our opinions have -- or have not -- changed.
Reading materials:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling
- Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
- Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Sci-Fi and the Unimaginable Future
CRN 92289
W 10:10 -11:00 a.m.
MCB 329
Tanvir Alam (TanvirNAlam@vt.edu)
We can think of sci-fi as humanity's attempt to imagine its distant (or not so distant) future. In this seminar, we will examine societal constructs and how they are portrayed in these worlds, the influence of technology on human development, and how these portrayals and influences apply to the real world. We will consider the authors' milieu's and prescient their foresight was for their future, that is, our present.
Reading materials:
- Metropolis - Thea von Harbou
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - Philip K. Dick
- Neuromancer - William Gibson Cyberia - Chris Lynch
The Discipline and Reward of A Healthy Lifestyle
CRN 90770
W 11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
MCB 207
Abby Miller (abbym16@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will discuss how mindset, fitness, and sleep can tie together to be the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. This formula has an enormous contribution to success in all aspects of life. Learn how simple changes in your daily routine relating to these three factors can drastically change your college experience, setting you up for success as you pursue your short and long-term goals.
Reading materials:
- The Fitness Mindset - Brian Keane
- Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams - Matthew Walker
- Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength - Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney
Facing Adversities Head On
CRN 90766
W 1:25 - 2:15 p.m.
MCB 207
Christina Green (greenc22@vt.edu)
This reading seminar will focus on inspiring stories of people who have faced great adversities in their life, head on, with admirable strength, determination, and grit. These stories will live on in your heart and mind long after you close the cover of the book.
Reading materials:
- Night - Elie Wiesel
- When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi
- Mountains Beyond Mountains - Tracy Kidder
- Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation) - Laura Hillenbrand
Classic American Novels
CRN 90764
W 4:00 - 4:50 p.m.
MCB 207
Tulai Raine (traine@vt.edu)
Students in this seminar will examine what classic novels convey to readers about American culture, society, politics, attitudes, norms, and values. We will discuss how these texts have shaped readers' perceptions of America and the human experience, as well as the reasons why they are considered timeless classics worthy of ongoing study.
Reading materials:
- The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
- To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
- The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison
Controversial Characters in Harry Potter
CRN 90759
W 5:30 - 6:20 p.m.
MCB 207
Lauren Bledsoe (lbledsoe@vt.edu)
This seminar will discuss some of the morally ambiguous characters in the Harry Potter series, including Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, Percy Weasley, and Merope Gaunt. We will look at the morality behind the actions of fictional characters and consider what we can learn about human nature by studying them. Participants will need access to all seven books in the series, and it is highly recommended that students have a strong prior knowledge of the whole book series so they can discuss it in detail.
Reading materials:
- Harry Potter (all seven books) - J. K. Rowling
A Modern Approach to Drug Use
CRN 90761
TR 11 - 11:50 a.m.
MCB 207
Davis Lang (davis18@vt.edu)
There has long been a conflict between the scientific community and government agencies when it comes to drugs and drug use. Politicians and law enforcement, for instance, tend to spread misinformation and deceive the public. Students in this course use the works of published researchers and neuroscientists to analyze drug use from therapeutic, legal, recreational standpoints and address the implications of drug use in social settings.
Reading materials:
- Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear - Carl Hart
- Drugs Without the Hot Air: Making Sense of Legal and Illegal Drugs - David Nutt
Examining Adversities Through LGBTQ+ Fiction
CRN 92290
F 10:10 - 11:00 a.m.
MCB 329
Amelia Schmidt (amelias@vt.edu)
In this seminar, we will examine adversities the LGBTQ+ characters face in these novels and how they affect the characters' growth. We will consider the themes, characterizations, and messages portrayed in these novels, but also examine how the adversities the characters face are applicable to today's society and what they reveal about the fundamental plight of being human.
Reading materials:
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky
- The Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller
- The Color Purple - Alice Walker
What is a Superhero?
CRN 90769
F 11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
MCB 207
Danny Yessayan (dannyy19@vt.edu)
Via blockbuster movies and high-selling graphic novels, the superhero has become an integral part of American popular culture. In this reading seminar, we will unmask examine the phenomenon of superheroes and their history. We will learn to define what a superhero is and consider the impact they have had on the imaginations and beliefs of Americans. We will learn how, through them, we tell the story of ourselves, our troubled history, and our aspirations.
Reading materials:
- What is a Superhero? - Robin S. Rosenberg and Peter Coogan
- Supergods: What Masked Vigilantes, Miraculous Mutants, and a Sun God from Smallville Can Teach Us about Being Human - Grant Morrison
- The Psychology of Superheros: An Unauthorized Exploration - Robin S. Rosenberg and Jennifer Canzoneri