Faculty Opportunities
Honors Program Faculty Opportunities
Request for Proposals
3-credit Honors Study Abroad Course
Since 2015, the NJCU Honors Program has run short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs, embedded within 3-credit semester courses. Using this model, we have taken students to China, Peru, The Bahamas, Ireland, Germany, Turkey, and Mexico. All students who travel are required to take the affiliated course, preserving the academic integrity of the itinerary. In past years, we have been grateful for instructors and/or faculty leaders from BIO, EESC, ETHN, HIST, MATH, PHIL, POLI, PSYC, and LATI.
The Honors Program Committee requests proposals for one course of this nature to be taught, as a 300-level HON course.
The 8 to 10 day travel experience can be in January, March (spring break), or May, as long as it is embedded in the curriculum. We welcome proposals from all four colleges/schools. Anyone with questions is invited to contact a member of the Honors Program Committee (2022-23 HPC: Dr. John Bragg, Dr. Reed Carroll, Ms. Courtney Chambers, Dr. Allan DeFina, Dr. Amparo Fabra, Dr. Lukas Helikum, Dr. Rick Lee, Dr. Melanie McDonald, Dr. Jorge Medina, Dr. Esther Nir, Dr. Scott O’Connor, Dr. Erin O’Neill, Dr. Michael Rotenberg-Schwartz, and Dr. Peri Yuksel).
Proposal Details
Course overview:
(1) Describe the course, (2) state learning outcomes, (3) map out 15 weeks of instruction, (4) list graded assignments, and include a (5) bibliography of 15 books/articles. A full CIM-style course proposal is not required, but the overall shape of the course and the value of embedded travel must be apparent from the five components above. Existing courses are eligible, but the same five components must be submitted, with the added travel experience featured prominently. (approx. 1000 words, 25 pts.)
Scoring rubric:
|
25 – 18 pts. |
17 – 10 pts. |
10 pts. and below |
|---|---|---|
|
All 5 components are included, and within these components the value of the travel is made very clear. |
Most of the 5 components are complete, and the value of travel is addressed. |
Not all components are completed, and the value of travel is unclear. |
Itinerary & experiential learning:
(1) Outline a basic itinerary of what students would do, see, and engage with while abroad. (2) Explain how field work, tours, museum visits, site visits, or other experiential learning activities would benefit student learning, in ways not possible in the home classroom. (approx. 500 words, 25 pts.)
Scoring rubric:
|
25 – 18 pts. |
17 – 10 pts. |
10 pts. and below |
|---|---|---|
|
Positive impact of experiential learning activities is apparent and well-articulated. |
The positive impact of experiential learning activities is addressed. |
Positive impact of the experiential learning activities is unclear. |
Proposer’s research/professional experience:
Explain how the proposer’s research, professional, language, or personal experience make them ideal to lead the program. (approx. 250 words, 25 pts.)
Scoring rubric:
|
25 – 18 pts. |
17 – 10 pts. |
10 pts. and below |
|---|---|---|
|
Experience is highly relevant to proposed destination. |
Experience is somewhat relevant to destination. |
Experience is not strongly related to destination. |
Logistics, Safety, and Cost:
Briefly address the viability and practicality of the travel in terms of (1) travel logistics, (2) safety (address State Dept. Level if needed), and (3) cost considerations (hotels, flights, transport, guides). This portion will be scored by colleagues from NJCU Global Initiatives. (approx.. 250 words, 25 pts.)
Scoring rubric:
|
25 – 18 pts. |
17 – 10 pts. |
10 pts. and below |
|---|---|---|
|
These three aspects of the itinerary are smooth and achievable. |
Logistics, safety and cost of itinerary are workable. |
One or more of these aspects is problematic. |
Points to Consider Regarding Your Short-Term Faculty-Led Course
- Since the travel is embedded into the course, please note that class enrollment minimums must meet University requirements.
- Only one faculty member will be assigned to teach each course. The second group leader will not receive compensation for teaching.
- Housing, airfare and group costs (tours, etc.) are built in the program costs. Faculty will receive a per diem for meals.
- The NJCU Office of International Programs will manage all trip logistics and provide support to both students and trip leaders for the program abroad. The faculty will be asked to be actively involved in all travel arrangements, and participate in mandatory pre-departure meetings and orientations. This arrangement is a partnership and your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
To obtain sample syllabi, a sample itinerary, and get questions answered, please email the Honors Program Director.