The Honors College welcomes a new cohort of Faculty Fellows dedicated to helping students seek out new knowledge and connections, explore diverse ideas and apply what they learn to real-world problems.
The special topics courses are open to all Honors College students, including first-time freshmen.
The 2026-27 Honors College Faculty Fellows and their courses are as follows:
Joseph Jones, assistant professor in the Reed School of Media and Communications, College of Creative Arts and Media
Ethis of Pop Culture
A historical and philosophical investigation of American pop culture, the course asks how entertainment has helped or hindered living a good life. Looking at past and present movies, television shows, music, magazines, video games, comic books and more, the course examines how media reflects, shapes and sometimes challenges societal values. Analyzing the moral frameworks and ethical implications of entertainment, this course helps students negotiate their own pursuit of happiness while questioning the social consequences of what we call fun.
Anthony Peluso, assistant professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health
In Appalachian Health Narratives
Students will explore how individuals and communities in Appalachia understand, experience and communicate about health and health care. Readings, lectures and discussions will center on diverse Appalachian perspectives from a range of sources, including personal stories, documentaries, nonfiction literature and scientific research articles and data. As part of the course, students will collect and create narratives of key health issues impacting Appalachia.
James Siekmeier, professor of history in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
In the War on Drugs
Students will analyze the regional, national and international implications of the U.S. government’s half-century-long “War on Drugs.”
Andrea Soccorsi, teaching assistant professor in Multidisciplinary Studies Programs, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The Common Good: Historical Perspectives, Modern Connections
What, if anything, is the common good in today’s complex world? Do you have a passion for action? The course will challenge students to explore this fundamental concept across history, from ancient philosophy to contemporary political debates and social movements. Students will also connect historical insights to current issues through a group “passion project” with a local organization. Whether launching a social media campaign or exploring sustainability issues on campus, they will put their knowledge and skills to work in the service of an issue they care about.