Col·lo·qui·um [kəˈlōkwēəm], plural - colloquia: An academic conference or seminar. From Latin, late 16th century, denoting a conversation or dialogue. Colloqui - 'to converse' ; col - 'together' + loqui 'to talk.'
Clark Honors College colloquia are like a special treat that you get to reward yourself with for making it through your first two years. You should not enroll in colloquia until you have completed HC 301H: Research and Writing. For most students, this means waiting to take colloquia until the beginning of your third year.
Award-winning faculty from across UO apply each year, and undergo a competitive review process, to teach these courses on topics that are near and dear to their hearts. Where else can you find a course on "Emerson and Einstein, Interdisciplinary Artist Activists: An Inquiry into Genius," or "Arctic Ice in Science, Policy and the Imagination"?
Most upper-division classes you take will likely be in your major and will likely be with other students also majoring in that field. Honors college colloquia are very special because they bring together students from a wide variety of majors. When students from architecture, human physiology, English, anthropology, education, and economics come together for rigorous study and close discussion, something magical happens. Clark Honors College graduates say that colloquia were one of the greatest highlights of their college experience.
You must complete five colloquia: one in each of the following three categories, and two elective colloquia in subject areas of your choosing.
HC 421H: Arts & Letters HC 431H: Social Science HC 441H: Science
In addition to regular courses, you may substitute 4 independent study credits of thesis-related work in place of one elective colloquium. Colloquia requirements may also be fulfilled with study abroad coursework. Travel the world and satisfy a couple of graduation requirements? Sounds like a plan!
Satisfying Your Cultural Literacy Requirement
The University of Oregon requires all students to complete cultural literacy courses prior to graduation, one in each of two categories. In order to make your life easier, many colloquia can also satisfy this requirement. If you have questions about how this requirement applies to you, we recommend that you meet with your advisor.
HC 434H: Global Perspectives colloquia HC 444H: US: Difference, Inequality and Agency colloquia
HC 434H and HC 444H sections are both also given subject area designations—HC 421H: Arts & Letters, HC 431H: Social Science, or HC 441H: Science. Please see the colloquium course descriptions on the CHC website to find out how each cultural literacy colloquium offered is cross-listed with one of the three subject areas available.
Students can also satisfy the cultural literacy requirement with other classes: UO’s cultural literacy course list.