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F/CAI/DEI/HONR 204* 

Honors Seminar in the Fine Arts: Fictional Emotions in Art

Professor Jonathan Auyer (Philosophy Department)

Course Description

How can we have emotional reactions to things that aren’t real? Why do humans listen to sad songs and watch tragic films? Why do we read stories about terrible events and pay to stand in front of art that is emotionally upsetting? Art that contains so-called “negative emotions” raises at least two paradoxes from the philosophy of art: the paradox of fiction and the problem of tragedy. This course will begin by investigating what doesn’t seem like that strange of a thing: we respond emotionally to fiction. We will then turn to explore why it is that humans engage, again and again, with artwork that contains subject matter with negative emotions. Throughout the semester, students will read, listen to, and look at fictional art from a range of different mediums, and students should be prepared to experience emotional responses involving negative emotions. 

*This course satisfies both the Fine Arts General Education credit, the Creativity and Innovation (CAI), and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion GLOBE attribute credits.

CGC/DEI/HONR 206*

Honors Seminar: Authentic Leadership in a Diverse Society

Professor Beata Golec (Music Department)

Course Description

This class will cover the cornerstones of authentic leadership: self-awareness, empathy, discerning the purpose, difference between careerism and leadership, vulnerability, mindfulness, overcoming the loneliness of leadership, dealing with pressure and anxiety, resilience, confidence, persuasion and influence. Authentic leadership is based on vulnerability, honesty, accountability and treating other with compassion. It is exhibited through self-presentation, efficient communication, active listening but mainly through the way we treat others. Comparisons will be made between empathetic leadership based on understanding the needs of others and striving to meet them and critical, despotic and judgmental “leadership” which is short-lived, causes trauma, limits communication and collaboration, and prevents inventiveness and idea sharing.

*This course satisfies both the Contemporary Global Challenges (CGC) and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion GLOBE attribute credits.

Please note: the Edgar Fellows Program will sunset in 2027 and is no longer accepting new students. ������ offers all students a distinctive honors college learning experience.