Ideas and Examples

• Complete readings for individualized tutorial sessions with the faculty member.
• Complete a literature review or annotated bibliography on a topic related to the class (potential for use later in Honors Capstone Project).
• Complete an extra or extended paper or project.
• Do a challenging lab experiment or observation study.
• Create a computer program.
• Apply the principles of the course through volunteer or internship service and complete a reflective journal and project.
• Compare and contrast two perspectives or events.
• Create visual representations (graphic organizers, 3D models, photographs, etc.).
• Lead class discussion on a topic of particular interest.

Honors options should extend or supplement the current course content, going beyond what is already covered by the course. 

• ARCD 491: Working with professor, design and build a custom table to be used for the table saws in the Studio Venter Wood Shop.
• ART 240: Design and produce a wearable piece of armor by utilizing the skills learned in the course.
• BIO 214: Read The Vital Question: Energy, Evolution, and the Origins of Complex Life and compose 10-page book review.
• BIO 402: Participate in fieldwork and produce an 8-page study that measures the natural regeneration of woody trees.
• BIO 446: Develop and test a laboratory protocol on H-reflex that other students would be able to use in an educational setting.
• CIS 366: Create a website that analyzes the differences between using HTML/CSS and online website builders to create websites for businesses.
• COB 202: Identify and develop a mentor relationship with a current business manager; conduct interviews that include questions related to the course content and produce a written summary.
• CSD 470: Administer a diagnostic test introduced in the class on a family member and produce a diagnostic report on the findings; present the findings in class.
• ECED 372: Create a healthy eating cookbook, including activities and lesson plans, for use in a first grade classroom.
• ECON 327: 12-page research paper on the application of game theory in modern media.
• EDUC 300: Create a Facebook page for the course and submit regular posts on topics covered in class, including links to articles, websites, and videos.
• ENG 392: In creative writing class, analyze the life and work of three poets and produce three original poems that emulate the styles of each. 
• EXED 200: 30-minute in-class presentation about Deaf culture and different types of communication.
• EXED 320: Shadow a special education teacher and behavior analyst over the course of the semester, compose reflective essay.
• HIST 310: Comprehensive annotated bibliography on the political career of President Ronald Reagan.
• HM 316: 15-page paper on the history and culture of American country clubs.
• HTH 351: After interviewing a local school superintendent, begin the process of developing a health behavior intervention plan for implementation in the Harrisonburg public schools. 
• HUM 200: Read two additional novels and write 1,000 word review essay.
• INDU 380: Design, develop, and pitch an idea for how to manufacture and produce skateboards.
• ISAT 340: In a software development class, create a database project using Microsoft Access that tracks data for a fictional resort, with queries, summaries, and reports.
• KIN 302: Assist a graduate student with their research project.
• PSYC 365: Create class activities for specific topics on the syllabus that are of particular interest to the student.
• SCOM 318: Write blog posts for ShoutOut! JMU, an on-campus feminist blog, including interviews with women about their college experiences.
• THEA 315: Collaborative project between four students in a class on Shakespeare: 8-page research paper and 20-minute in class PowerPoint presentation exploring feminism in modern film adaptations of Shakespeare.
• WRTC 330: In class presentation on Daoist philosophy using visual, textual, and audio aids to help the class understand this particular approach for rhetorical criticism.

• in a media arts course on graphic production for digital media, student created several different magazine layouts using Photoshop tools
• for an advanced Spanish course, an extra paper analyzing a Spanish film
• in a political science course, an additional paper on Israel and democracy
• in an anthropology internship, to read The Omnivore's Dilemma and write a 10-15 page paper linking its issues to the farm internship
• in the introduction to Africana studies course, produce a 10-page research paper on a topic arising from the class
• in an Italian class, a bibliography of contemporary Italian writers from 1950-2008 whose works have been adapted into film
• in a political science class, a 10-15 page research paper on an international issue
• in a communications class, an additional paper relating to interpersonal relationships and communication

• an economics paper detailing current events in which the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve System are affecting U.S. economic standards
• in a business law class, an additional essay or assignment of the professor's choice
• in a course on interpersonal skills, a 10-page research paper on the Big Five Personality Model
• in a hospitality industry class, produce a 10-page paper based on contact with a professional to understand how their interpersonal skills impact their professional lives and organization effectiveness

• in a psychology course, an extended literature review as a substitute for another writing project
• in a psychology course, an extra written assignment pertaining to self-analysis and life-experiences
• in a development psychology course, several additional assignments such as article summaries, reading summaries, and additional readings, as assigned by the professor
• in a health sciences course on biomechanics, volunteer weekly at a local physical therapy clinic and maintain a journal relating to clinical observations applicable to the class
• in a kinesiology course, research paper on the business plan, marketing and promotion strategy, and economic impact of the planned for the new Dallas Cowboys facility
• in a nutrition class, student agreed to research and write a detailed plan for a full week of nutritional foods available on campus
• in an integrated science and technology course, a class presentation related to material covered in the course

• in a biology course, a review article on a topic related to the course
• in a biology course, conduct an extra genetics project that will be presented to the class
• in a biology-mathematics course, create a Microsoft Excel module using examples from www.bioquest.org/esteem Links to an external site. that explains a concept pertaining to the class material
• in a math course, a class presentation either going into greater depth on material learned in the course or related to the course
• in a math course, additional weekly homework problems and proofs

• in an art appreciation course, an additional paper focused on the historical context of a particular art object
• in a music course, a 10-page music research paper with five sources on a topic in American music
• in a music appreciation course, a research paper on the evolution of the big band writing styles
• in a music industry course, an extra project centered around concert promotion and incorporating design skills from the student's media arts and design courses
• in a theater course, an extra project in the area of set or lighting design
• in a theater course, an analysis paper of a film or play with significant cultural impact showing its impact on viewers