Honors for Classical Languages and Ancient Civilization majors
Students have the opportunity to graduate with honors in the major in Classical Languages or Ancient Civilization, regardless of or in combination with their standing with the Honors Program. Honors in the major is separate from the Honors Program. Honors in the major students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.33 in their first three years of Classics courses. Additionally, a minimum UI cumulative GPA of 3.33 at the start of the first semester of the honors-in-the-major program and at the time of graduation is required. They must complete two consecutive courses in honors reading with a Classics faculty member, earning 3 semester hours of credit for each course. Honors work may be done in a student’s fourth year, or spring of the third year and fall of the fourth year. The readings and discussions must be on an ancient author or a field in ancient history, literature, or archaeology chosen by the student and the instructor. At the end of the second semester, the student will present a substantial research project, which is evaluated for honors by two members of the department.
Honors for Religious Studies majors
To graduate with honors in the religious studies major, students must have a UI cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.33, a minimum requirement set by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students also must maintain a UI religious studies GPA of at least 3.50.
Beyond the 30 semester hours required for the major, students must take a 3 semester hour course called RELS:4975 Honors Essay, under the supervision of a faculty advisor, and complete an approved honors thesis. Students often choose to take RELS:4960 Individual Study: Undergraduates or RELS:4970 Honors Tutorial in preparation for taking RELS:4975 Honors Essay, but this is not a requirement.
Copies of the thesis are submitted to the Department of Classics and Religious Studies and may be published through Iowa Research Online.
Students do not have to be members of the University of Iowa Honors Program to graduate with honors in the religious studies major.
University of Iowa Honors Program
In addition to honors in the major, students may pursue honors study and activities through membership in the University of Iowa Honors Program. University honors students must maintain a 3.33 grade-point average, complete 12 semester hours of coursework designated as honors courses, and complete 12 semester hours of an experiential learning project. Visit Honors at Iowa to learn about the university's honors program.
NOTE: Membership in the UI Honors Program is not required to earn honors in the major.