Honors Program

Foundation Honors

Begun in 1995, the Honors Program allows students to take their Liberal Studies coursework in an accelerated and more academically challenging environment. The program accepts 15-17 students based on an application and writing sample. Honors students are encouraged to take Honors English, Art History and Cultural Studies. Successful completion of the Honors Program will be noted on the transcript, and will be advantageous for students who are looking ahead to graduate school. Otis Honors students have been very successful in both studio and Liberal Studies work, and have distinguished themselves as graduates.

The majority of Honors classes take place in the foundation year. As the result of repeated requests from Honors students over the last few years to expand the program, they will regroup as seniors in an Honors Capstone course. Because of different department demands and elective choices, it is impossible to schedule other courses specifically for the Honors students especially since we want all students to have as many educational options as possible.

What will you take and how does it compare?

Liberal Studies Normal Track	Honor's Track
Critical Analysis and Semiotics	Composition and Critical Thought
Composition and Critical Thought	Sophomore English Requirement
Sophomore English Requirement	Introduction to Visual Culture
Introduction to Visual Culture	Modern Art History
Modern Art History	Cultural Studies
Cultural Studies	3 Unit Liberal Studies Elective

Honors courses go hand in hand! They are intended to function together throughout the year so it is beneficial for students to take both. Students explore issues such as canonical and anti-canonical works in literary and visual cultures, the status of the author/creator and attendant notions of innovation and originality, and the relationship of art and design in popular culture. The course will ask students to examine what they consider art and literature to be, and to examine the consequences of their positions.

Cultural Studies covers the required material for the mainstream course but provides an opportunity for expanded field work and more engaging reading and writing assignments. You also install a culturally relevant project that involves the Otis community.

All three Honors courses include lecture but stress discussion, debate, and individual presentations. Additionally, writing assignments reflect the Honors students' superior abilities to think and write critically and independently.

Honors students enter all majors, but as a group they share some common characteristics:
They are critical thinkers who enjoy reading, writing and vigorous discussion. They are self-motivated, willing to engage in some outside research, and have the self-confidence to take a stand on intellectual issues.

If you enjoy challenging classes with lively debate, and are looking for an opportunity to continue that experience, then you should consider applying for the Honors Program!

Admission to the Honors Program is determined on the basis of your academic preparation, an application and a written essay. If you are interested, please take the time to download and fill out the application form.

Honors Application (< PDF)

Honors Faculty:


Parme Giuntini Art History	Heather Joseph-Witham Cultural Studies	Guy Bennett English