Courses

Honors 101

A series of weekly, one-hour classes and peer coaching on how to excel in the Honors College. Taught by Honors College Dean and Academic Counselors. Each section has the same curriculum and instructors. Classes in the A section are offered during the first 8 weeks of the semester while B section classes are offered in the second 8 weeks. This is a 0 SCH course. Honors 101 is required and at no cost. Sign up on ASAP just as you would for any other course.

CITYMSTER: City Solutions

This interdisciplinary seminar delves into a wide range of social and behavioral science topics, critically examining the root causes of social issues. In this hands-on course, students will engage in service learning and community service projects that lead to significant service initiatives. These projects will explore our roles in the Active Citizen Continuum and are expected to demonstrate substantial skill and effort, aiming to create a measurable and impactful social change beyond mere volunteerism.

HON Sem: Migration & Human Dev

This course will examine the relationship between international migration and human development. With a foreign-born population of almost 50 million, the United States is the country with the largest immigrant population in the world. Recent political events have brought a great deal of anti-immigrant rhetoric and attention to the negative impacts of immigration on the quality of life in this country. At the end of this course, the student will be knowledgeable of the historical context of U.S. immigration, understand the importance of human development as a concept and policy tool, and critically review empirical studies on the impact of immigration on the welfare of U.S. society. Students will learn from readings, lectures, documentaries, and class discussions.

HON Sem: Japan

This field-based course aims at helping students deepen their understanding of Japanese society, business, politics, religions, philosophy, educational system through lectures, visits to various world heritage sites and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, and experiential learning on a team farm. The field experience will cover Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, and Osaka, 3rd largest city in Japan, to experience the contrasts of modernism and traditions that co-exist seamlessly in the Land of the Rising Sun. UTSA Honors Program in Japan video Disclaimer: Program content varies from one year to another and should only be used as a reference Contact lead faculty Professor Mimi Yu at mimi.yu@utsa.edu should you have any questions.

HON Sem: The Dresden Exper Study Abroad

This 30-day program in Dresden, a city that made Lonely Planet's 2023 list of Best Places to Travel, will give students an introduction to living in Germany, with experiential components related to living, studying, working, and culture. The UTSA course combines excursions, reflection, and an individual project tailored to students' field of study.

CITYMSTER: City Skills

City Skills is the internship component of Citymester. Placements are based on student career interests with current partners. Through the internships, students and community partners work together to strengthen our local businesses and institutions. https://honors.utsa.edu/programs/utsa-citymester/

Health and Art Field School

If you believe in the power of art to influence wellbeing and if you want to conduct research that benefits arts non-profits, this is the course for you! Our UTSA students will work with students from the University of Memphis in Tennessee, a San Antonio arts nonprofit, and a Memphis nonprofit to execute two program evaluation research projects. We will travel to Memphis to collect data for one week (fully funded) and then host UMemphis students in San Antonio to collect data here for another week. Interested? Contact Dr. Fleuriet (jill.fleuriet@utsa.edu) to learn about modalities and time commitments - and for instructor permission to enroll. Only 5 seats!

HonEngLvg: Cost Rica

Meet a red-eyed tree frog, a blue morpho butterfly, and a blooming a bird of paradise. Learn and practice sustainable farming and yoga in the tropical rainforest! Our ten-day international experience (August 11-20) gives students the opportunity to learn and practice intentional and sustainable living on a working agro-ecological ranch on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica. Our destination is Rancho Margot: www.ranchomargot.com, where students will be hands-on with the biodiversity of the rainforest, renewable energy systems in practice, and mind-body experiential learning. The goal of the course is to immerse students in different approaches of what it means to live intentionally and sustainably in local and global communities. We will return to San Antonio just in time for the start of Fall classes, reconvening for the first Saturday afternoon each month of the semester to explore sustainability, mindfulness, and other kinds of intentional living in San Antonio. These afternoons have taken us to events, organizations, and places like Siclovia, Compassionate San Antonio, Confluence park, Gardopia Gardens, and Yoga in the Park. Subsidy by Honors College and the Alvarez International Study Fund means that the program cost of just $500 is inclusive of air fare, in-country travel, lodging, and meals.

CITYMSTER: San Antonio Seminar

Explore San Antonio and new urbanism is new and exciting ways. Learn directly from city leaders in various industries, critically examine some of the major issues facing the region, and explore several of the area’s most engaging sites. Become San Antonio savvy; learn the area, network with local officials, and develop urban living skills. See: https://honors.utsa.edu/programs/utsa-citymester/

Globalization and the Global Community

While all Academic Introduction and Strategies courses seek to orient first-year colleges students to university life and their fields of study, this course goes further by examining academic debates surrounding the consequences of globalization, from culture, to the economy, to global politics, and ending with a look at enduring global challenges, such as climate change. Far from being of purely academic interest, globalization is a key part of the political, economic, and social struggles that determine what kind of world we live in, and this course serves as a starting point for understanding these challenges.

Biology, Culture, Health

This course is designed to introduce students to a broad range of topics to gain an understanding of the complexity in the intersections between culture, human body, health, and disease. Using a global perspective, students are invited to embrace a biocultural perspective as they delve into an understanding of health and illness that goes beyond the biological dimension. Students explore key elements of healing systems including healing technologies and healer-patient relationships. Broad themes this semester include: 1. The biocultural basis of health; 2. A critical and interpretive analysis of sickness, health, and healing; 3. The role of inequity and the experience of health, and 4. The complex relationship between mental health and physical health. This course is an excellent choice for students going into health-related fields, the social sciences, and anyone looking to expand their thinking about the human experience.

Topics in Well-being

PhD: The Other Doctor

A PhD, or doctorate, is the highest degree you can earn in the Sciences, and it requires a deep, long-term investment in research. This course is for students who are interested in a PhD in the Biomedical Sciences. Biomedical scientists from a variety of backgrounds explore the underlying causes of illness, enhance treatments, and develop technologies that can improve people’s health. Taught by Gail P. Taylor, the training specialist of several of UTSA's most prestigious pre-PhD training programs, this AIS course will be a deep dive into professional and academic development required for future PhDs. Students will have the opportunity to explore paths and planning resources for a PhD in the Biomedical Sciences, connecting coursework, science-related outreach, science writing and presentation, graduate school identification and funding, and individual plans for success. Since many great discoveries in the biomedical sciences have resulted from collaborations between biologists, physicists, chemists, engineers, computer scientists, and psychologists, people in these majors are invited to take this course. This AIS course is not for premeds, unless they intend to get a PhD in Biomedical Sciences in addition to their medical degree. Questions? Email Dr. Taylor: gail.taylor@utsa.edu

PhD: The Other Doctor

A PhD, or doctorate, is the highest degree you can earn in the Sciences, and it requires a deep, long-term investment in research. This course is for students who are interested in a PhD in the Biomedical Sciences. Biomedical scientists from a variety of backgrounds explore the underlying causes of illness, enhance treatments, and develop technologies that can improve people’s health. Taught by Gail P. Taylor, the training specialist of several of UTSA's most prestigious pre-PhD training programs, this AIS course will be a deep dive into professional and academic development required for future PhDs. Students will have the opportunity to explore paths and planning resources for a PhD in the Biomedical Sciences, connecting coursework, science-related outreach, science writing and presentation, graduate school identification and funding, and individual plans for success. Since many great discoveries in the biomedical sciences have resulted from collaborations between biologists, physicists, chemists, engineers, computer scientists, and psychologists, people in these majors are invited to take this course. This AIS course is not for premeds, unless they intend to get a PhD in Biomedical Sciences in addition to their medical degree. Questions? Email Dr. Taylor: gail.taylor@utsa.edu

Ignite Your Leadership Potential in STEM

"Ignite Your Leadership Potential in Science and Research Step into the future of science leadership with this dynamic course designed to equip you with the skills to inspire, innovate, and lead with impact. Through a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach, you’ll master the art of adaptive leadership, drive collaboration, and elevate team performance in an ever-evolving scientific landscape. Uncover what it takes to bring out the best in others—sharpen your leadership style, build inclusive and high-performing teams, and create the conditions for breakthrough discoveries and progress. In a world where global challenges demand bold solutions, you’ll gain the tools to mobilize people, navigate uncertainty, and spark meaningful change. "

Principles of Accounting I

Elementary Chinese I

Fundamentals of Chinese offering the opportunity to develop basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Introduction of Chinese characters and Chinese culture. . Honors students in the Business Chinese program will have the opportunity to use Chinese-language social media to practice marketing or designing "word of mouth" advertisements for real businesses. (10 students)

Exploring Korean Pop Culture

"Exploring Korean Pop Culture"is an honors-level course designed to immerse students in Korean pop culture. Through various themes including music, culinary, language, film, television dramas, fashion, and digital media, this course delves into the intricate layers of Korean cultural phenomena that have captivated global audiences. Students will engage in in-depth analyses of iconic K-pop groups, seminal Korean films, influential dramas, and the social, historical, and technological contexts that have shaped the evolution of Korean pop culture. The curriculum is crafted to blend theoretical exploration with hands-on engagement, offering students the opportunity to critically examine the cultural significance and global impact of Korean pop culture while actively participating in discussions, group projects, and experiential learning activities. Through a combination of lectures, screenings, interactive discussions, and other activities, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Korean pop culture and develop the analytical skills to navigate its complexities. No Korean language skills are required."

The science and practice of hu

"The Science and Practice of Humor" is an interdisciplinary course that explores the complex question of what makes something funny. Through the lens of various scientific disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, sociology, and anthropology, this course examines the cognitive and social mechanisms underlying humor. The curriculum is designed to split evenly between theoretical study and practical application. Half of the course focuses on the scientific exploration of humor, where students delve into theoretical frameworks, cultural and historical aspects of comedy, and the role of humor in everyday life. The other half is dedicated to the art and practice of humor, particularly through an improvisational course aimed at building confidence. Students will engage in step-by-step improv exercises designed to enhance their ability to think quickly, creatively, and humorously, culminating in in-class performances that put theory into practice. With a mix of lectures, readings, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between the science and art of humor, and learn how to apply this knowledge in their personal and professional lives. This course is not just about studying humor from a distance; it's a hands-on, interactive journey that will equip students with the skills to create and appreciate humor in all its forms."

The Art and Politics of Walking: Migrants, Marchers, Pilgrims, Madmen

"Wild things happen when we place one foot in front of the other. Strangers meet, kingdoms fall, and lives change. The history of humankind is a history of wanderlust, that particularly human propensity to wonder what’s on the other side of the horizon and determine to find out come what may. It’s the basic stuff of everything from Biblical adventures to horror films. In this course we will consider the world-changing power of the simple act of walking, of hopping on a bike, taking a road trip, or traversing a border. We will follow the footpaths of epic heroes, medieval pilgrims, and shipwrecked conquistadors, and march in metaphorical step with political revolutionaries, bereft mothers, and desperate immigrants. We will read, we will write, and, yes, we too will walk. As we do so we will reflect on the art of those walks and their political possibilities or impossibilities, as the case may be. We will see the apparently endless capacity of human movement across space to change lives and change the world. Building on weekly communication exercises (writing, speaking, etc.), this “workshop” seminar will culminate in a significant project in wandering via writing and/or media. Students will embark on a virtual journey across Argentina, from the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the serene landscapes of Patagonia, exploring the country's vibrant cities, stunning natural wonders, and cultural traditions. Through lectures, discussions, readings, multimedia presentations, and guest speakers, students will broaden their understanding of the country. "

How Internet is Changing Language

Never before has language changed at such a dizzying pace than in the age of the internet, with new slang and jargon emerging each day alongside innovative uses of punctuation and emojis. The feverish speed of this change provides a fascinating laboratory for the study of language variation, which will serve as the focus of this class. Throughout the semester, students will analyze the patterns that govern linguistic forms on the internet and compare online language to the way we speak and behave irl. By the end of the class, students are able to explain general principles and terms related to language variation and change online and irl; analyze the relationship among variation, social factors (class, race, gender, region, etc.), and stance; connect scholarship on variation and change to society, popular culture, and their own life; and demonstrate expertise in an area of personal interest related to internet language.

"Food Tour of Italy” is a course that allows students to examine critically: 1) the origins of Italian cuisine and the reality of regionalism; 2) the composition of daily meals in Italy; 3) the importance of gastronomy to Italians; and 4) the various interpretations of Italian dishes in our own culture(s). Along the way, students will read accounts from Italian literature and oral history, look at art and watch Italian films that feature food. Students will hear from guest speakers (many originally from Italy) who will discuss their own experiences with Italian food culture. Finally, students will research Italian Feast Day foods for a FINAL PROJECT -- POT LUCK. Class discussions will encompass not only food as nourishment, but food in its representation of national identity, food as political power and food as entertainment (celebrity chefs, YouTube channels, food blogs). As we examine cookbooks, oral history and texts devoted to Italian food culture, we will make use of the on-campus kitchen in the Rec Center for: a pasta-making workshop, a classic pasta sauce workshop and a bread-making workshop. BUON APPETITO! "

Germain Daily Culture 1

Experiential learning component: To experience the holiday topic first-hand, students would attend Wurstfest in New Braunfels (November) and a traditional German Christmas market in Fredericksburg (December). Alternatively, students can conduct interviews with people currently living in Germany about course topics (holidays, clothing, housing, and housework) and incorporate their findings into class presentations.

Practical italian: Language and Culture

Experiential learning component: Honors students will attend Tavola Italiana twice a month (Italian conversation hour with native Italian speakers and snacks) to engage in conversations about specific aspects of culture and keep a journal to reflect on these conversations.

Introductory Microeconomics

An introduction to the economic theory of decision making by consumers and business firms; an analysis of the domestic and international market systems and their roles in allocating goods and services; and problems of market failure. May be applied toward the core curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Honors 101

A series of weekly, one-hour classes and peer coaching on how to excel in the Honors College. Taught by Honors College Dean and Academic Counselors. Each section has the same curriculum and instructors. Classes in the A section are offered during the first 8 weeks of the semester while B section classes are offered in the second 8 weeks. This is a 0 SCH course. Honors 101 is required and at no cost. Sign up on ASAP just as you would for any other course.

Honors 101

A series of weekly, one-hour classes and peer coaching on how to excel in the Honors College. Taught by Honors College Dean and Academic Counselors. Each section has the same curriculum and instructors. Classes in the A section are offered during the first 8 weeks of the semester while B section classes are offered in the second 8 weeks. This is a 0 SCH course. Honors 101 is required and at no cost. Sign up on ASAP just as you would for any other course.

Special Scholars Seminar F'25

Civic Ethos

A weekly, one-hour course that covers different approaches, philosophies and ethics to civic engagement. This course introduces the primary ethos of the UTSA Honors College curriculum. Classes in the A section are offered during the first 8 weeks of the semester while B section classes are offered in the second 8 weeks. This is a 1 SCH course. This course counts as the Civic Ethos requirement in the Honors College curriculum.

Civic Ethos

A weekly, one-hour course that covers different approaches, philosophies and ethics to civic engagement. This course introduces the primary ethos of the UTSA Honors College curriculum. Classes in the A section are offered during the first 8 weeks of the semester while B section classes are offered in the second 8 weeks. This is a 1 SCH course. This course counts as the Civic Ethos requirement in the Honors College curriculum.

Elementary Russian I

Fundamentals of Russian offering the opportunity to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Introduction to Russian culture. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Language, Philosophy and Culture. Experiential learning component: Visit a Russian food store in San Antonio, learn how to cook Russian food, and paint your own Russian-nesting (matryoshka) doll.

Freshman Composition II

Building on the skills introduced in Freshman Composition I, Freshman Composition II focuses on persuasive communication and critical thinking. The course provides intensive writing practice in developing argumentative claims, addressing logical fallacies, and understanding bias and assumptions to help students write clear and effective arguments. Students will further develop the ability to communicate with professional and academic audiences through written, oral, and visual methods by means of individual and team projects. Freshman Composition II continues to develop quantitative literacy skills and to promote ethical decision-making through responsible methods of data analysis and research. The course develops students’ critical thinking skills through the analysis and evaluation of primary and secondary sources in order to create source-based arguments. The course also encourages students to think critically through self-reflection. Students may enroll in a discipline-specific section of the course, such as business, communication (documentaries or internet arguments), environmental issues, quantitative literacy, science/pseudoscience, or social sciences. This course, or an equivalent, is required to fulfill the Core Curriculum requirement in Communication.

Freshman Composition II

Building on the skills introduced in Freshman Composition I, Freshman Composition II focuses on persuasive communication and critical thinking. The course provides intensive writing practice in developing argumentative claims, addressing logical fallacies, and understanding bias and assumptions to help students write clear and effective arguments. Students will further develop the ability to communicate with professional and academic audiences through written, oral, and visual methods by means of individual and team projects. Freshman Composition II continues to develop quantitative literacy skills and to promote ethical decision-making through responsible methods of data analysis and research. The course develops students’ critical thinking skills through the analysis and evaluation of primary and secondary sources in order to create source-based arguments. The course also encourages students to think critically through self-reflection. Students may enroll in a discipline-specific section of the course, such as business, communication (documentaries or internet arguments), environmental issues, quantitative literacy, science/pseudoscience, or social sciences. This course, or an equivalent, is required to fulfill the Core Curriculum requirement in Communication.

How Art Culture Drives Change

This course considers the role of local artists and cultural institutions in shaping San Antonio's civic identity. Students will explore how San Antonio's arts and culture scene has changed over time, engaging with concepts of placemaking, urban revitalization, and gentrification.

Socially Sustainable Public Spaces

In Socially Sustainable Public Spaces adapts an interdisciplinary lens to explore the creation of socially-sustainable urban public spaces around the globe. We begin by questioning whether the concern for the social sustainability of cities is anything new. Through a critical historical and contemporary review of the ways in which the concept of social sustainability has been developed and practiced in international contexts, we identify and appreciate various relations to making socially-sustainable cities and community-powered public spaces. We experience public spaces first hand – in San Antonio, San Marcos, and Austin. Relying on our own lived-experiences and the theoretical framework learned in this class, together, we explore, examine, and evaluate the fundamental elements that bring such places to life and equip people to fuel lasting change.

Power, Identity & Naming

Have you ever wondered how and why parents decide on particular names? Do you know the story behind your own name? Selecting a name for a child represents an important symbolic and cultural decision. Naming babies is a social practice that occurs regardless of parents’ class, ethnic, racial, gender, and religious background, or where they live in the world. However, how names are chosen, and the meaning of names are deeply informed by social and cultural norms. Names also have consequences. As social labels, names serve as identity markers that influence how their bearers are perceived and treated. In this course, we will explore core topics in sociology - power, culture, gender, class, race/ethnicity, family, politics, and inequality – through the lens of naming.

HON Sem: Peace & Justice

How can peace and justice be most effectively pursued both personally and communally? Is peace primarily the absence of conflict or something more? To what extent is justice a process, an outcome, or an objective standard? By studying approaches to conflict transformation, restorative justice, and transformative justice, students will explore models for pursuing peace and justice in situations of conflict and in the aftermath of severe harms. Students will participate in a learning exchange with students at Dominguez State Jail as part of the UTSA Philosophy and Literature Circle. This course counts as an Interdisciplinary Seminar Experience in the Honors College curriculum.

The Courage of Truth

How do writers tell stories about experiences and phenomena that defy explanation, and seem impossible? Stories of personal experiences, apparitions, encounters with ghostly presences or non-human entities, sightings of anomalous aerial phenomena abound in every cultural tradition. How do we prepare to write about such things? Using literature, history, media, and weekly writing practice, this seminar will develop strategies for creating narratives that confront the impossible.

Media and Media Theory

Beginning with the inception of cave painting 64,000 years ago, and earliest forms of writing, humanity’s evolution has been coeval with the development of ever-evolving forms of inscription and transmission, all aimed at telling stories of who we are and the world we find ourselves in. This seminar will trace the historical emergences of ever more complex technologies and platforms of alphabetic writing and pictorial communication, along with theoretical understandings of our increasingly myriad media tools and the mass culture they can help us to see and fathom.

HonSem: Medical Gross Anatomy

Imagine caressing a human femur in your hand and examining the delicate bony prominences where human flesh once anchored a human being’s movements. Gross Anatomy examines the form and function of the human body at a macroscopic level. This course offers a uniquely immersive opportunity for students to appreciate the human body, replete with state-of-the-art technologies, including virtual reality that offers a fascinating 3D perspective of the human body’s anatomical architecture. The gross anatomy lessons will be buttressed with guest practicing physicians who will assess the anatomical skill level of the students, nephrology nurses, who will humanize the growing chronic kidney disease epidemic, which will reinforce the lessons in renal anatomy, mortuary science professionals, that will present a unique embalming perspective that will highlight the different tissues of the human body, and medical ethicists that will discuss the timeless value of the altruistic acts of those who have donated their bodies for the furtherance of medical knowledge to truly appreciate the meaning of the words Mortui Vivos Docent. Enrollment requires faculty approval. Email Dr. Hernandez (hector.hernandez@utsa.edu) to request approval

Mind and Matter

Have you ever wondered about the nature of consciousness? Exactly what is it? Is it something only humans possess? Or do all living beings have it? Perhaps just some? Maybe you believe your dog is just a ‘little conscious’. (After all, he knows what you’re thinking). If this is true then maybe consciousness is a sort of graded phenomenon, as on a continuum rather than all-or-none. Whatever it is and whoever has it, there remains the mystery as to how it arises. Western biology assumes that consciousness is an emergent property arising from a sufficiently evolved central nervous system. It ‘resides’ in your brain. Matter gives rise to mind. But this is not at all a foregone conclusion in much of the rest of the world which holds quite the contrary view, that consciousness is primary. That is, consciousness exists prior to the material world. In this view, consciousness is the ground state from which all matter arises. Even within Western science, such an idea was debated following the bizzare observations made from within a newly developed physics of the quantum realm. In fact, this debate persists. Such questions and ideas are explored in this course. While it will not offer up many definitive answers, it promises to be an exciting journey into this ultimate of mysteries.

HonSem: Intro To Clinical Med

Mankind has endured human diseases for thousands of year. However, the past 100 years have brought on an explosion in our understanding of the mechanisms of human diseases fostered by revolutionary techniques such as molecular biology, clinical imaging, and gene therapy, and we have found many new ways to treat them. This honors course is designed as an introduction for students interested in human health into the world of clinical medicine and the pathology of important human diseases. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about basic pathological mechanisms of human diseases at the level of the cells, organs, and organ systems, and how to recognize these diseases and current treatments. Requirements for this course are a sharp mind, compassion, and willingness for active participation. It may just happen that after this course you may want to become a health care worker or a clinical researcher.

Learning to Lead

In this 1 SCH discussion-based course of 15 students, students learn with HCaP Dean Cossman, Vice Provost for Honors Education Fleuriet, and university and city leaders about leading through crisis. We use the case study of San Antonio’s mayor and Bexar County’s judge leading our city through COVID, and guest speakers who are leaders from across our university and city talk about their own leadership through COVID and other massive change in their industries. With feedback from these leaders, students develop their own leadership philosophies about leading during crisis and change.

Making The Leap

Students develop a career portfolio, do a Group Mock Interview, attend career events, and complete informational interviews with professionals in their field. A portion of the course would be devoted to skill building for success once they've been hired: research, writing, communications, workplace conflict resolution, etc. I would likely develop a community based research option for the experiential component.

First and 15: Preparing for College, Career, and Civic Life

"First and 15 is an innovative first-year experience course designed to equip students—including transfer students, first-year college students, and student-athletes—with the tools they need to thrive academically, professionally, and civically. Rooted in experiential learning, this course emphasizes leadership development, career readiness, and civic engagement to ensure students maximize their collegiate journey while preparing for their future roles as professionals and active citizens. Through guest speakers, hands-on projects, and real-world applications, students will: • Enhance their collegiate experience by exploring leadership opportunities, global engagement, and campus involvement. • Accelerate their career development through networking, personal branding, and exposure to internships and professional organizations. • Cultivate civic responsibility by learning about local governance and participating in community-based initiatives. With a strong foundation in interdisciplinary learning, First and 15 fosters a supportive environment where students develop critical soft skills, build meaningful connections, and position themselves for long-term success at UTSA and beyond. "

HONIntAch: Storytelling For Life

We are utterly shaped by the stories we hear, and the stories we tell. It has been said that while there have been great societies that did not use the wheel, there have been no societies that did not tell stories. During the semester we will explore stories at UTSA from students, faculty and staff as way to study the human experience, cultivate empathy, actualize identity, preserve history, provide social testimony, encourage social responsibility, and generate knowledge through engaging and sharing narrative. Special emphasis will be given to cultivating the skills of interviewing, transcription, script writing/creative writing, editing, and storytelling in the oral tradition. The final project for this course will be live performances of the students’ original creative work, engaging with a local elementary school. No prior experience necessary.

Orality and Literacy in the 21st Century: Creating Mind, Identity and Voice that Communicates in a Global World

"We will study the readings of Giants—who are theorists examining the nature of Oral and Written Language Development, research studies that support their claims and evidence for their assumptions and propositions. This course offers a unique apprenticeship experience, where students actively engage in research, record observations, and present their findings both orally and in writing. By bridging theory and practice, students will develop a deeper understanding of the role of language in shaping knowledge, identity, and communication across disciplines."

HonCultExpl: Sex, Gender & Repr

What is culture? Who "belongs" in U.S. culture? Who does not? How do you know? In No Shame, students will examine how cultural attitudes toward sex, gender and race are made visible through advertisement, comic books, television and film, and other mediums. We will also investigate how those manifestations create and affirm social expectations of behavior and identity and how groups outside of those expectations historically create cultures of their own. Topics include, but are not limited to consent, Hip-Hop, ideas of God, the "Cult of Domesticity", Drag, and intersections in between.

US Work Culture & Meaning

Did early humans work? Do all societies have a hustle culture like the US? What will future jobs look like? Why are certain forms of work valued more highly than others? By the end of our working lives, many of us will have spent more time at work than anywhere else, but the definition, meaning, and purpose of work varies widely over time and across cultures. This class is a rigorous interrogation of the concept of work in contemporary America in which we will explore what work means, why it exists, and what it will look like in the future using classic and contemporary social scientific texts. As we consider the meaty issues about work and humanity, we will also delve into the practical dimensions of work–the unspoken rules, hidden codes, and implicit norms of the workplace–so that students can have more fulfilling experiences in the workforce.

HonEngLvg : Day of the Dead 

Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is not Halloween. It’s a lavish multi-day celebration of remembrance to honor loved ones who have passed. This course will use the study of Dia de Los Muertos/Dia de Muertos to explore cultural and psychological themes of grieving and remembrance customs as well as the commodification and commercialization of tradition. Interactive course materials include videos, movies, online courses and readings, site visits, guest speakers, and a class creation of an exhibit for the university and San Antonio community. This course does not have prerequisites, and is open to all majors.

Effective Messaging in Public Health

Reviews the basic concepts of publich health- specific communication, including technical and professional writing and how to leverage the use of mass media and other emerging technologies. Students in this course will define public health, analye messaging failures, explore branding, engage in social media messaging, present and defend public health messages, and learn from media experts. Students will leverage tools like ChatGPT for message refinement, R Studio for data visualization, and Notebook LM for AI-driven content creation.

Migration, Demoracy, and the American Experience

From a variety of perspectives, this course will analyze the foundational principles of democracy and its intersection with migration, citizenship, and belonging. Students will explore these concepts by analyzing the origin of democracy and migration patterns throughout World and American History. This seminar will explore the themes of freedom and citizenship in ancient, early modern, and contemporary texts, including ancient Greek writings, 17th and 18th century texts in the Anglo-American tradition, and 19th and 20th century texts that bring the issues of earlier works into contemporary American context. Students will then apply this knowledge as they evaluate current policies and their relationship to government, freedom, and democracy.

Principles of Information Systems for Management

An overview of fundamental MIS concepts within a framework for describing and analyzing managerial/organizational information needs. Includes coverage of hardware and software tools, information structures, various types of information systems, and formal problem-solving techniques. Issues related to organizational controls, security, globalization, collaboration, and ethics as a result of changing technologies are discussed. A variety of assessment methods will be assigned to illustrate the use of specific tools and techniques for problem-solving.

Intro to Org. Theory, Behavior, and Management

This course considers the role of local artists and cultural institutions in shaping San Antonio's civic identity. Students will explore how San Antonio's arts and culture scene has changed over time, engaging with concepts of placemaking, urban revitalization, and gentrification.

Management Science and Operations Technology

This is an introductory course in management science that emphasizes model building as a foundation for rational decision making and problem solving across disciplines and functional areas. Topics include, but are not limited to, mathematical programming, network models, project management, multi-criteria decision making, inventory management, service operations and queuing models, Markov analysis, and simulation. Computer software is used to apply these techniques in the analysis of a wide variety of decision problems.

Statistical Quality Control

Statistical methods are introduced in terms of problems that arise in manufacturing and their applications to the control of manufacturing processes. Topics include control charts and acceptance sampling plans

Cook.Eat.Write. Repeat

Why spend time watching cooking shows when you can create your own cooking experiences? "Cook. Eat. Write. Repeat." (WRC 4123) provides the setting for you and your fellow chefs (read: classmates) to plan the menu, kitchen-test the recipes in the UTSA Rec Center Demo Kitchen, and then write, design, and produce a customized cookbook. And then there's the 15 minutes of fame as you star in your own cooking segment hosted by The Paisano's YouTube channel. You may not be able to create culinary masterpieces, but you'll create a semester of memorable cooking and writing experiences. Bon appetit! This course counts as a Skill Development Experience.