University of Hawaii at Hilo

200 W. Kawili St.
Hilo, Hawai'i
96720-4091
(808) 974-7400
Fax: (808) 974-7685


Honors Advisory
and Policy Committee:
Jerry Calton, Ph.D
Program director
(808) 974-7593
Doug Mikkelson, Ph.D
Christopher Reichl, Ph.D
Robert P. Watson, Ph.D
Jennifer Wheat, Ph.D

University of Hawaii at Hilo
Honors program

The UH Hilo Honors program is designed to motivate, challenge, and enrich outstanding students, in order to promote their intellectual curiosity, nurture their intellectual independence, and deepen their sense of scholarship. Honors students are outstanding in their desire for learning, demonstrated ability, and intellectual enthusiasm. To be admitted to the University Honors Program is a privilege reserved for those students whose intellectual capacities and motivation enable them to take advantage of the program's unique learning opportunities, including specially designed interdisciplinary Honors General Education courses, enriched Honors sections of regularly scheduled courses, and a small group or one-to-one tutorials with outstanding research and teaching faculty of the University. Neither a separate degree program nor a major, the program is a pathway designed to allow exceptional students to fulfill some General Education and Academic major requirements in a unique community of scholars.

Students are admitted to the program on the basis of an application to the Honors Advisory and Policy Committee. Students who are Admitted to the program will complete eighteen credits of the following requirements, which can also be used to fulfill General Education and major requirements:

  • Two Honors Colloquium or Foundations/Development courses (6 credits)
  • Additional course work (minimum of 9 credits) selected from among Honors courses, Honors designated sections of regularly scheduled courses (e.g. English 100H, reserved for honors students and other students who demonstrate high quality writing skills), Honors tutorials, Honors summer reading examinations, Honors directed studies.
  • Senior Honors Thesis (3 credits) (It is anticipated that the thesis will be written with a faculty member in the student's major department and that credits earned this way will count toward the student's major.)
100 Honors Colloquium (3) (IO)
An intensive course in reading, writing, and thinking about major issues with emphasis placed upon interdisciplinary approaches. Students introduced to a representative group of faculty. The colloquium uses a seminar format and will encourage the development of a community of scholars. Pre: Honors student or consent of instructor.
200 Foundations of Western Civilization (3) (AY)
An interdisciplinary introduction to the Greco/ Roman/ Judaic/ Christian foundations of the Western world. A study of the art, drama, literature, history, philosophy, and scientific contributions of the ancient world. Pre: Honors student or consent of instructor.
201 Development of Western Civilization (3) (AY)
An interdisciplinary study of the development of Western culture and values in the Medieval Age, Renaissance, Reformation and Scientific Revolution. A study of the art, drama, literature, history, and social and political institutions, philosophy, and science of this period. Pre: Honors student or consent of instructor.
202 Foundations of Asian Civilization (3) (AY)
An interdisciplinary study of the roots of Asian thought and culture. A study of the religious and philosophical traditions of India and China forms a basis for understanding the art, literature, drama, music, history, and social and political institutions in India, China, Japan, Korea, and South East Asia until 1200-1300. Pre: Honors student or consent of instructor.
203 Development of Asian Civilization (3) (AY)
An interdisciplinary seminar on the development of contemporary Asian Thought and culture. Examination of patterns in social structure, ethnic relations, religion and cosmology, with comparative views of Asia societies from 1200-1300 AD through the ethnographic present. Pre: Honors student or consent of instructor.
292 Course-Linked Tutorial (1)
Tutorial taken in connection with a 200-level course. Statement of planned reading or research required.
293 Summer Reading Exam (1-2)
An examination based upon a prearranged reading list. Taken during the first six weeks of the fall semester of the sophomore year.
299 Directed Study Tutorial (1-3)
Statement of planned reading or research required. Pre: sophomore standing and consent of instructor.
392 Course-Linked Tutorial (1)
Tutorial taken in connection with a 300-level course. Statement of planned reading or research required.
393 Summer Reading Exam (1-2)
An examination based upon a prearranged reading list. Taken during the first six weeks of the fall semester of the Junior year.
399 Directed Study Tutorial (1-3)
Statement of planned reading or research required. Pre: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
490 Honors Senior Thesis (3)
Composition of a senior thesis under the direction of a thesis committee.
492 Course-Linked Tutorial (1)
Tutorial taken in connection with a 400-level course. Statement of planned reading or research required.
493 Summer Reading Exam (1-2)
An examination based upon a prearranged reading list. Taken during the first six weeks of the fall semester of the senior year.
499 Directed Study Tutorial (1-3)
Statement of planned reading or research required. Pre: Senior standing and consent of instructor.