Spring 2026 MHC Special Topics and Colloquia
MHC colloquia classes offer a distinctive academic experience, combining the depth of specialized study with the breadth of interdisciplinary exploration. These courses are designed to engage intellectually curious students in intensive discussions, research, and critical analysis of complex topics. Unlike traditional lecture-based classes, honors colloquia emphasize interactive learning, encouraging students to actively participate in debates, collaborative projects, and experiential learning opportunities.
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Performance Anxiety: Concepts, Theories, Assessment, Regulation, & Contextual Differences
From public speaking to music recitals to everyday classroom presentations, performance anxiety affects nearly everyone at some point. This course explores the psychology, physiology, and cultural dimensions of performance anxiety, offering strategies to manage and overcome it. Through readings, discussions, and applied activities, students will gain both a deeper understanding of anxiety and practical tools for performing with confidence in academic, artistic, and professional settings.
From public speaking to music recitals to everyday classroom presentations, performance anxiety affects nearly everyone at some point. This course explores the psychology, physiology, and cultural dimensions of performance anxiety, offering strategies to manage and overcome it. Through readings, discussions, and applied activities, students will gain both a deeper understanding of anxiety and practical tools for performing with confidence in academic, artistic, and professional settings.
Fearless Leadership: Unleashing Creativity and Innovation Through Taylor Swift's Influence
Taylor Swift is more than a pop star—she’s a cultural phenomenon. This course examines her music, lyrics, and public persona as windows into questions of gender, celebrity, authorship, and fandom. Students will analyze Swift’s role in shaping contemporary conversations around identity, power, and storytelling in popular culture.
Taylor Swift is more than a pop star—she’s a cultural phenomenon. This course examines her music, lyrics, and public persona as windows into questions of gender, celebrity, authorship, and fandom. Students will analyze Swift’s role in shaping contemporary conversations around identity, power, and storytelling in popular culture.
Star Wars: The Course Awakens
Explore the philosophy, history, and cultural impact of one of the most influential sagas of all time. From ancient myths and religious symbolism to political allegories and pop culture, this course examines Star Wars beyond the big screen. Students will analyze the films, books, comics, and more to understand how “a galaxy far, far away” reflects timeless human struggles and today’s world.
Explore the philosophy, history, and cultural impact of one of the most influential sagas of all time. From ancient myths and religious symbolism to political allegories and pop culture, this course examines Star Wars beyond the big screen. Students will analyze the films, books, comics, and more to understand how “a galaxy far, far away” reflects timeless human struggles and today’s world.
Hemingway
This course dives into the works of Ernest Hemingway, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Students will read his fiction alongside cultural and historical contexts, analyzing themes such as war, identity, gender, and the human condition. The colloquium will also explore Hemingway’s distinctive writing style and its impact on literature and popular culture.
This course dives into the works of Ernest Hemingway, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Students will read his fiction alongside cultural and historical contexts, analyzing themes such as war, identity, gender, and the human condition. The colloquium will also explore Hemingway’s distinctive writing style and its impact on literature and popular culture.
10-Min Plays
In this creative and collaborative colloquium, students will study, write, and perform ten-minute plays. The format is fast-paced and accessible, offering opportunities to develop storytelling skills, explore dramatic structure, and bring ideas to life on stage. By the end of the course, students will present original works in a public performance, experiencing the full process from concept to curtain.
In this creative and collaborative colloquium, students will study, write, and perform ten-minute plays. The format is fast-paced and accessible, offering opportunities to develop storytelling skills, explore dramatic structure, and bring ideas to life on stage. By the end of the course, students will present original works in a public performance, experiencing the full process from concept to curtain.
The Science of Yoga
oga is more than just physical postures—it's a scientifically supported practice that integrates movement, breath, and mindfulness to enhance overall well-being. Research shows that regular yoga can reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels, improve flexibility and strength, and even boost brain function through increased blood flow and neuroplasticity. Its meditative aspects activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and emotional balance. In essence, yoga offers a holistic approach to health, blending ancient wisdom with modern science.
oga is more than just physical postures—it's a scientifically supported practice that integrates movement, breath, and mindfulness to enhance overall well-being. Research shows that regular yoga can reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels, improve flexibility and strength, and even boost brain function through increased blood flow and neuroplasticity. Its meditative aspects activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and emotional balance. In essence, yoga offers a holistic approach to health, blending ancient wisdom with modern science.
History of Higher Education in the United States
This course traces the evolution of American higher education from the colonial colleges to the 21st century. Integrating history, sociology, political science, and education studies, the course examines how colleges and universities have shaped—and been shaped by—social movements, public policy, economic forces, and cultural change.
This course traces the evolution of American higher education from the colonial colleges to the 21st century. Integrating history, sociology, political science, and education studies, the course examines how colleges and universities have shaped—and been shaped by—social movements, public policy, economic forces, and cultural change.
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