Nisbet Honors Program

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

This course is team- taught by faculty members in two departments and is open to Nisbet Honors Program participants and, when space is available, to others who meet Honors Program guidelines.

An honors DIS generally must involve either a substantial independent research project or the course material from a regular honors course. These independent studies must follow the usual Registrar procedures for regular DIS courses. Students should submit a copy of their HON 300H DIS contract and syllabus to the Honors Program co-directors no later than the last day of classes of the long term before the term in which the student plans to do the independent study.

Honors Modules allow students to take a non-honors course and adapt it so that it counts for honors program credit by completing a contract with the instructor; a module is designated on the student's transcript by having the regular non-honors course number with an "H" afterwards. The student and instructor agree to the work required to have the course designated as “honors,” and the contract requires approval by the Nisbet Honors Program. Upon approval and successful completion of the contract, the course will be designated as “honors” on the student’s transcript. Check with program directors for details on eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Open to upperclassmen, with priority given to juniors and seniors. Topics may include the value and meaning of a liberal arts education, national scholarship competitions, applying to graduate school, balancing relationships and work, independent research, and the idea of vocation. Offered twice a year. Pass/fail grading.

For qualified seniors whose proposals have been accepted by their department(s).  Independent research, performance, or creative work under the direction of a faculty member.  May be repeated.

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

Varying music topics focusing on subjects and experiences that are not part of the standard music curriculum but of general interest to a non-musician. Possible subjects include popular culture, a body of work or musical style, biographies of musicians, non-Western music, etc. Partial fulfillment of the fine arts requirement in the General Education Program for non-music majors.