Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Back to Syllabus Search | Browse by Department
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Application and Dissemination (Online)

HONR 3040-H02

Course: HONR 3040-H02
Credits: 1
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: LIB
CRN: 32921

Course Description

Students will excel at thinking critically, conducting research, solving problems, and communicating arguments by refining the skillsets necessary to disseminate scholarly work at an academic conference or via publication. Working closely with colleagues from different disciplines, you will explore complex problems; conduct appropriate research; discover viable solutions; create academic papers, posters/CVs, and presentations; and polish those products for dissemination at an appropriate venue. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): HONR 2040 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: B- Registration Restriction(s): Acceptance into Honors Program; Intensive English Program majors may not enroll

Required Texts

There is no required textbook for this class. 

Learning Outcomes

  1. Critical Thinking: You will develop intellectually disciplined processes of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. Over the course of the semester, you will learn to explain issues, present evidence, explore the influence of context and assumptions, identify various perspectives, and arrive at a conclusion.
  2. Inquiry & Analysis: You will systematically explore issues, objects, or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusion or judgments, and you will break complex topics or issues into parts to gain a better understanding of them. You will select a complex and relevant topic, conduct appropriate scholarly research, analyze your findings, arrive at conclusion, and acknowledge the limitations of your research.
  3. Problem Solving: You will design, evaluate, and implement strategies to answer open-ended questions or achieve a desired goal. You will define your problem, identify and evaluate potential strategies to solve the problem, propose your solution to the problem, implement the solution, and evaluate your outcomes.
  4. Communication: You will develop and express ideas and be able to do so in a variety of ways; namely in writing, by speaking, visually, kinesthetically, through design, or aurally. Through the production of a paper, a poster (or CV and personal statement), and a presentation, you will organize your research and findings (logically presenting your supporting materials and citing all your sources and evidence), clarify your central message (in terms of its context and your purpose), develop your content (with appropriate and correct language, syntax, and mechanics), and deliver your findings in a polished and professional manner.

Course Requirements

The main assignments for this course include, but at not limited to, the following (see course schedule for more information): 
  1. Abstract Activity: You will locate 6 different academic articles from peer reviewed journals, thoroughly read their abstracts and answer questions.
  2. Literature Review and Information Synthesis: You will investigate a complex problem, utilize at minimum 6 reputable scholarly sources and complete an information synthesis matrix and Literature Review synthesizing information you have learned through the process. (You will use proper APA/MLA-style formatting, documentation, and citations; consider visiting the SUU Writing Center and consult the Penn State MLA style guide). You will be required to participate in writing interactions utilizing appropriate online applications, during which you will read and provide feedback on your classmate’s work. You will spend a substantial amount of course time learning how to effectively write a literature review.
  3. Academic Poster/Personal Statement (CV): Students will choose either creating an academic poster or a personal statement and CV. You will identify the key points and arguments from your Literature Review and create a (digital) conference-style poster. Using a limited amount of text, your eye-catching design should emphasize the most important findings from your paper, share that information visually (with elements such as images, charts, and graphs), and support the information you will share in the talk that will accompany the displaying of the poster (use the New York University Libraries poster tip site for additional help). You will present your poster and findings using an appropriate recorded online application (such as Zoom), receive feedback from your peers, and provide similar feedback to your classmates. Alternatively, students who choose to write and develop a personal statement and curriculum vitae will do so keeping the suggested best practices in mind as they consider graduate school or career options. You will receive peer feedback and suggested feedback from the writing center or professional career and development offices.
  4. Academic Oral Presentation: You will deliver the key points and arguments from your paper as a 10-12 minute long, multimedia presentation using an appropriate recorded online application (such as Zoom), followed by a brief Q&A period. You will receive formal written and oral feedback from your classmates and provide such feedback to them in return.

Course Outline

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Instructor's policies on grading, late assignments and/or makeup work, and other related expectations:
Course Format
This course is different from courses outside the Honors Program in that you, the student, have the opportunity to help shape and direct the class. My job as an instructor is to take on the role of facilitator as you explore your possible Honors Capstone project topic and prepare your assignments.
Grading/Late Work
This course is graded. You will be given grading rubrics for all course assignments. All grades will be updated regularly and recorded in the course Canvas shell. Keep in mind, research is a process of revision and updating over a period of time. All assignments shared with an assigned partner should be the student’s best draft thus far (not a rough draft with missing assignment criteria).
For all assignments, students who submit their work on time will have the opportunity to revise their work and resubmit for a better grade. However, if you turn in an assignment late the following will occur:
  • No resubmissions for a higher grade will be possible
  • -5 points per day, each day the assignment is turned in late
I usually do not accept late work unless you have notified me prior to the deadline and we have set up a specific alternative plan.
Readings, Lectures, and Canvas
Our class will utilize Canvas for readings, assignments, and other relevant course resources. To facilitate a dynamic discussion-based class environment, you are expected to have completed assigned readings and associated assignment(s) prior to participating in online discussions. On Canvas, posts will include assignment instructions and details, due date and time, grading rubric, and a place to submit your assignment online. If you have questions about an assignment, check Canvas first, ask me second, and your classmates third. If something does not look right, let me know ASAP so I can check and fix it if necessary.
It is expected that all student work submitted will be typed in a standard 12-point font, double spaced, and with one-inch margins. No exceptions. All resources used should be cited following either the APA/MLA formatting and style guides. Please visit the SUU Writing Center or the Purdue Online Writing Lab website for more information.
Classroom Climate and Student Participation
This class is intended to assist students as they prepare to present research in various avenues and apply for graduate school or post graduation opportunities, including literature review, conference poster/personal statement (CV), and 10-12 minute presentations with Q&A. You are expected to be active in your learning and think, question, problem-solve, and debate information presented. I will do my best to create an environment in which expressions of uncertainty, conjecture, and alternative and competing views can be freely shared. I expect the same of you. Remember, there is a big difference between debating an argument and attacking an individual. The latter will not be tolerated and I reserve the right to excuse from class any student who compromises this preferred climate. This is especially true when it comes to online interactions using an appropriate recorded online application (such as Zoom), Canvas discussion boards, and other online interactive applications.
Students are expected to model good Expedition Behavior (NOLS, 1996) in all class activities, regardless of setting:
  • Serve the mission and goals of the group
  • Be as concerned for others as you are for yourself
  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect
  • Support leadership and growth in everyone
  • Respect the cultures you contact
  • Be kind and open-hearted
  • Do your share and stay organized
  • Help others, but don’t routinely do their work
  • Model integrity by being honest and accountable
  • Admit and correct your mistakes
Writing and Grammar
Competent writing skills are imperative in nearly every sector of the working world (http://www.inc.com/kaleigh-moore/study-poor-writing-skills-are-costing-businesses-billions.html). Consequently, written work and communication is expected to be concise, well organized and with minimal errors (please proof-read and use spell check!). Grammar and professionalism will be criteria for grading on all assigned written material. For additional writing resources and assistance, visit the SUU Writing Center (http://suu.edu/hss/english/writingcenter/) or the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/).
Questions/Concerns
I will always find time to assist students outside of class.  Please talk to me during the semester if you’re feeling stuck, unclear about a topic, concerned about your grade, unhappy about an aspect of the class, dreaming about your next outdoor adventure, can’t find someone else to talk about your love of photography, etc. Don’t wait until the end of the semester to see me if you’re having difficulties early on, and please bring concerns to my attention in a timely manner so I may make a reasonable effort to address them. Additionally, you can always go to the Library Department Chair, Phil Roche (roche@suu.edu), if you feel uncomfortable coming to me. We want to make sure you are getting the answers you need to any questions or concerns you are having within the Honors program.
Extra credit
Students may receive extra credit for each A.P.E.X. event, Pizza and Politics, or Entrepreneurship Speaker Series they attend throughout the semester.
To receive extra credit, submit to Canvas notes on the event and a 1 page summary of the event you attended within a week of the event. Students should acknowledge how this information is relevant to their lives and education.
Class Statement on Generative AI
Within this course, you are not allowed to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) applications to create, draft, or complete the majority of the assignments. However, there are some assignments that indicate AI is allowed. Within the instructions of those assignments you will find directions on how and why AI is allowed as part of that specific assignment. If you are unsure if you can use AI applications as part of the assignment, please reach out to me via the General Q&A Discussion board or by emailing me directly.

Attendance Policy

Participation
In an online course, participation is vital. You will be assigned a partner for each big assignment in the class and your interactions with this partner will be recorded and submitted to the instructor for review. This is a valuable piece of the learning process. In addition, you should check Canvas several times throughout the week for updates. It is important to remember being a part of the SUU Honors Program is a privilege that all students should take seriously, and participating in all course activities reflects the integrity of a responsible Honors student. Please let me know should a conflict arise as I am always willing to work with students. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.