2010 2011 honors program guide

The Democratization of Information:
Power, Peril, and Promise
Honors Program Guide January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2011

The Phi Theta Kappa Experience:
Honoring Scholars, Building Servant Leaders

Additional Resources are
Available Online

Resources include a detailed Honors Study Topic annotated
bibliography, film list, and a list of links to further web resources,
Phi Theta Kappa’s Leadership Briefs and other external websites.

www.ptk.org
www.ptk.org/honors
http://leadership.ptk.org

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Contents
The Phi Theta Kappa Experience Honoring Scholars and Building Servant Leaders ..................................................................................Page 2

The Phi Theta Kappa Experience is Honors in Action ......................................................................................................................Page 3

Honors Study Topic: The Democratization of Information: Power, Peril, and Promise

Essay...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 6

Issue 1: Definition...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 8
Issue 2: Technology..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 10
Issue 3: The Individual and Community ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 12
Issue 4: Language and Communication............................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 14
Issue 5: Education..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 16
Issue 6: Economy and Business................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 18
Issue 7: Government and Public Policy...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 20
Issue 8: The Arts ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 22
Issue 9: Science....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 24
Issue 10: History and the Future .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 26

Phi Theta Kappa Honors Program Committee ...................................................................................................................................................Page 28

Phi Theta Kappa Honors Institute Topics and Sites...............................................................................................................................Page 29

1

General Introduction Other Opportunities To Enhance Your
Phi Theta Kappa Experience:
Phi Theta Kappa is dedicated to providing members with opportunities
for intellectual growth and challenge, as well as opportunities for Five Star Competitive Edge
leadership development and service through the Society’s Hallmarks. This is Phi Theta Kappa’s personal and professional development
The central focus of the Hallmarks is an Honors Study Topic that offers plan that helps members enhance the skills and abilities that transfer
chapters a platform for examination of a timely, interdisciplinary subject recruiters and employers are looking for – such as critical thinking,
of vital importance to the human experience. This Guide serves as an writing, professional etiquette and goal setting. Competitive Edge is
introduction to The Phi Theta Kappa Experience through the Society’s for ALL members, regardless of chapter size, activity level of chapter, or
four Hallmarks: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. The chapter location, and can be completed as an individual endeavor. The
Guide provides ideas for chapters to develop in each of the Hallmarks plan features five levels of activities – from one star to five stars – and is
through exploration of the 2010/2011 Honors Study Topic, The tracked completely online at http://ce-web.ptk.org/edge/. Activities
Democratization of Information: Power, Peril, and Promise. Through range from completing online courseware to gaining leadership
analysis of the issues related to the Honors Study Topic, chapters will be experience.
able to develop Honors in Action activities that incorporate leadership
roles, leadership development activities and service learning projects Annual Convention
they initiate to engage their chapters, colleges, and communities. The Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention is the largest multinational
gathering of community college students in the world. At the

Your Convention, members learn from internationally known speakers and
interact with peers and faculty. Educational forums offer in-depth
—Phi Theta Kappa Experience:
The
Honoring Scholars and
examination of the Honors Study Topic, leadership and service-learning
opportunities, college transfer, and career advice. Participants have called
Building Servant Leaders it a life-changing experience. Come prepared to gain a fresh perspective
on our world! Learn more at http://convention.ptk.org.
You’ve made the grade - now it’s time to reap the rewards. Phi Theta Kappa’s
primary mission is to recognize students for their academic achievement. Your Honors Institute and Honors Seminars
membership certificate entitles you to much more than recognition; it’s your Known as the crown jewel of Phi Theta Kappa’s honors programming,
ticket to building a better you. Phi Theta Kappa can help you achieve your the Honors Institute provides a week’s intensive study of the Honors
goals by an approach we call Honors in Action, based on our four Hallmarks of Study Topic through outstanding speakers, intimate group discussions,
Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. Simply put, Honors in Action field trips, and experiential exercises. Many Institute attendees make
provides you with opportunities to LEARN, LEAD and SERVE. friendships that last a lifetime.

Learn. Explore real-world issues through our Honors Study Topic. Currently, The Honors Seminar Series brings Honors Study Topic experts to your
we’re discovering the many facets of The Democratization of Information: campus via DVD and/or web downloads. Supplement your Honors
Power, Peril, and Promise. These are issues that affect your everyday life in Action research with a viewing and discussion of the seminar
– from social networking sites to scientific advances that can make the last presentations. Visit www.ptk.org/honors/seminars for speaker
decade’s innovations seem quaint. This Honors Program Guide asks provocative information, subscription rates, and promotional materials.
questions whose answers will determine our collective future. How do
educators prepare students for jobs that don’t yet exist? Can “sexting” be a Five Star Chapter Development Plan
crime? Should any information be censored on the Internet? Chapters are encouraged to use this Honors Program Guide as the
basis for their chapter programming. To help put all the (chapter) pieces
Lead. After exploring in detail the issue that means the most to you and your together, we’ve designed a step-by-step guide called the Five Star Chapter
chapter, you’re ready to plan an Honors in Action Project. This takes leadership Development Plan. Level by level, step by step, your chapter will be able
abilities – such as goal setting, teambuilding, organizing and motivating. As to follow a plan of activities that build chapter membership, administrative
you develop a project, you should seek out others as mentors and partners – support, and Honors in Action programming. And the best part is your
teachers, community leaders and colleagues. All of us have leadership strengths chapter determines how active you want to be – from one star to five stars.
and deficiencies. Phi Theta Kappa’s Leadership Development Studies All chapters who achieve any level in the Five Star Chapter Development
resources can help develop and advance your skills. For further Plan will receive recognition locally, regionally, and internationally. Read
information, visit http://leadership.ptk.org. more about the Five Star Plan at www.ptk.org/fivestar.

Serve. This is so much more than volunteering your time. Serving is the “action” Hallmark Awards
part of Honors in Action. It’s taking what you have learned and applying it to The Hallmark Awards are the Society’s competitive awards, designed to
make a positive difference. You’ll learn by serving, too. Reflection is a critical recognize the best of the best. Award categories recognize chapters,
component of service learning. A guide for effective reflection can be summed regions, members, officers, advisors, and even college administrators for
up in three questions: (1) What? (What occurred?), (2) So what? (What does it their demonstration of Honors in Action! For a complete list of categories,
mean?) and (3) Now what? (What does this mean for future actions?). entry forms and judging guidelines, visit www.ptk.org/hallmarks.

2

Chapter, Regional and International Officers The Honors in Action project descriptions in this Guide provide the initial
Members who are interested in taking an active leadership role within Phi ideas and guidance for comprehensive projects. They may vary in scope
Theta Kappa can aspire to officer positions at the chapter, regional, and depending upon the number of people involved – a single Phi Theta Kappa
international levels. The number and structure of chapter and regional member, a chapter, an honors class, an entire college community – but the
officer positions vary from chapter to chapter and region to region. See essence of the projects remains the same: focus on an aspect of the Honors
your chapter advisor and Regional Coordinator for more information. At Study Topic and integration of all the Phi Theta Kappa Hallmarks through
the Annual Convention, chapter voting delegates elect five members scholarly inquiry, leadership and leadership development, service and
to the International Officer Team, which consists of the International service-learning, and collaboration.
President and four Divisional Vice Presidents. More information is
available at www.ptk.org/directories/intofficers.htm.

The Phi Theta Kappa Experience Imagine the incredible potential for
is Honors in Action impact when thousands of Phi Theta
All of us – members, officers, advisors, as well as college faculty and
Kappa honor students focus their
administrators – contribute to the creation of the Phi Theta Kappa Experience attention and efforts in the same area:
through Honors in Action. “Honors in Action” means that scholars are
engaging with their communities using the Phi Theta Kappa Hallmarks of
Scholarship (defined as Scholarly Inquiry), Leadership, Service, and Fellowship Power, Peril, and Promise!
to seek solutions for the world’s challenges related to our Honors Study Topic,
The Democratization of Information: Power, Peril, and Promise.

Honors in Action
Putting the pieces together

Service Hallmark
Work to improve the community
Provide experience
for emerging
leaders, helping them
expose needs for
Leadership further leadership
development
Hallmark
Develop leadership skills,
Prepare
fulfill leadership leaders
positions and Discover
roles new needs
that require
further
research to
Identify a understand
community and identify
Build an need solutions
effective
research team
Support each other
Fellowship
and multiply impact Hallmark
Interpersonal skills
develop throughout the
Study
contemporary and process
historical leaders

Scholarship Hallmark
Research and analyze the Honors Study Topic
to identify causes, needs, and potential solutions

3

Issue 9: Science
Using this Honors Program Guide
What are the connections to Launch Honors in Action
between the scientific
process and information?
Your Honors in Action project will provide avenues for enriching your
academic and extracurricular endeavors by:
A space nebula and the sun l Sharing your knowledge and learning more about real-world, timely
Study Questions Honors in Action
issues with others from diverse backgrounds and academic experiences
1. How has the increased access to information altered our everyday Influenza
understanding of science?
2. What types of illness or new maladies may result from increased
time spent using personal technology?
Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Each year,
we witness a worldwide outbreak of the influenza, which comes in
l Creating leadership opportunities and growing your leadership skills
3. What role does increased access to information play in empowering
us to live healthier lifestyles or to gain better quality medical care?
4. Some developing countries accept electronic waste and then hire
many strains, but in 2009, the world was rocked by a strain called H1N1.
This strain was so significant that it garnered major media attention,
and the world braced itself for a highly lethal flu outbreak. Explore the
l Engaging in meaningful service to others and learning valuable lessons
locals to dismantle it for the recycling market, exposing them to
dangerous chemicals. Who should be responsible for the health and
epidemiology of influenza. Begin by gaining an understanding of what
influenza is and is not. Research the pattern of the annual flu outbreaks. that connect your classroom knowledge to real challenges
environmental impact of such practices? What makes H1N1 more significant than the usual annual flu strains (or is
5. What impact has the information gained from major scientific
endeavors, such as the Human Genome Project, had on our
it)? What does it mean for a disease to be given pandemic status? If H1N1
began as swine flu, why are humans concerned, and what role does l Building a team of collaborators who share a common desire to make an
understanding of who we are? genetics play in this potential threat? How is influenza spread? Research
6. In what ways can the pursuit of pure science merely to gain
knowledge improve the human condition?
the development of flu vaccines. We have flu shots each year—why are
they sometimes effective and sometimes not, and why do we need
impact
7. Given the brain’s plasticity, what impact do changes in the methods a new one for H1N1? Explore the media coverage of the origins of the
by which we gain information alter the way we think, learn and H1N1 strain and other potential worldwide threats, such as SARS. How

Using the Guide Step By Step
respond? has the media coverage affected public response? Where can one go for
8. In what ways are greater scientific knowledge and technology reliable information during a major health crisis? Does our current ability
blurring the line between man and machine? to access information help or hinder our ability to recognize serious
9. As our acquisition of scientific information increases, we gain the threats?
capability to do previously impossible feats, such as human cloning.
Does the fact that we can mean that we should? Who should make leadership Role(s): Talk to local health care experts (epidemiologists,

1. Read the essay introduction to the Honors Study Topic on page 6.
those decisions, and can the field of bioethics keep pace with public health department officials) and discover what action plan your
scientific advances? community has in place for handling a major disease outbreak. What
10. With the explosion of information resources that have a “scientific” information do you need from them? How will you use that information?
feel or sound, how do we distinguish valid science from
pseudoscience or myth?
Talk to your college administration. Who is responsible for your college’s
action plan for such events, and what is that plan? Are students and 2. Review the issue related to the Honors Study Topic, found on pages 8-27.
3. Engage in a dialogue about the issues that connect and resonate with
11. Based on the scientific method of inquiry, hypotheses cannot employees aware of the plan? Are flu vaccines easily accessible for the
be proved to be correct but can be proved incorrect. Why is that college and community?
statement true, and how has increased information through the
years led to changes in our scientific beliefs?
12. How do new discoveries in neurological sciences apply to the
development of artificial intelligence?
leadership Development: As a chapter, read “Enlist Others: Attracting
People to Common Purposes” in Leadership Development Studies: A
Humanities Approach. Invite an Allied Health or a nursing faculty member
the members of your chapter, campus, or community.
13. How might the development of artificial intelligence increase our
acquisition and analysis of information?
to facilitate a discussion about the lessons you learned from reading
the article and the ways you can use the information to develop your 4. Select an issue for your focus and explore the Study Questions more
14. How has neurobiological research influenced our understanding of influenza project.
learning disorders?
action: Each year, there will be a cold and flu season. What steps can be
deeply.
taken to minimize the spread of any flu strain? What does your college
5. Research the issue with academic, scholarly rigor (additional
bibliographies for each issue are online in the expanded, online Honors
24
1975 – Microsoft 1977 – Television signals are 1977 – Robert Greenleaf’s Servant Leadership: A Journey Into 1979 – First digitally 1980 – CNN 1981 – MTV
is founded. transmitted on optical fibers. the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness is published. recorded album released. is launched. is launched.

Program Guide, available at www.ptk.org/honors/guide/).
6. Share the research with others who may be motivated to collaborate
Your Honors in Action project will provide avenues for honors
with you to address challenges or concerns that you uncover through
students to enrich their scholarly endeavors with the interdisciplinary
your research.
exploration of a timely topic and then apply their knowledge as
7. Consider the Honors in Action project ideas related to the issue you
servant leaders in the college and the community.
selected for focus: Is there an issue that addresses the challenge
or concern on your campus and/or in your community that you
Study Questions initiate interdisciplinary, scholarly inquiry identified, or one that can serve as a model for how to proceed with
and research into the The Democratization of Information. another Honors in Action project?

Honors in Action project descriptions illustrate the learning and Beyond the Guide
growth opportunities in all four of the Society's Hallmarks. These
examples may be used "as is" OR can be the springboard for other 1. What are your specific and measurable goals for the Honors in
Honors in Action project ideas. Action project?
l Whom will you serve? How will they benefit?
Bibliography is a sampling of books and articles to promote further l How will you grow and benefit?
research of the issue. More resources are available online. l How will you review your goals during the year?
l How will you know when you have achieved these goals?
Timeline is the description of select historical events. 2. Describe and plan the strategies you will use to achieve the goals.
3. How will you ensure impact on your campus and/or in your
community?
l Who else needs to be involved?
l What leadership roles need to be filled?
l What new leadership skills can you develop?
l What else do you need to know that calls for further
investigation?
4. Record and reflect throughout the process of using the Guide and
planning and implementing your Honors in Action project.
Successful scholar-servant-leaders understand the value and importance of
thorough recording and reflection. It is indispensable for:
l Capturing the information you need for tracking progress
related to the Five Star Chapter Development Plan and to
prepare your Hallmark Awards entries
l Recalling action-oriented details that are significant additions
to scholarship applications, résumés, and cover letters
l Providing valuable information for successors to sustain or
4
grow the project

Keeping an
Honors in Action Journal
The following lists pose questions related to the four Hallmarks and can
guide your record-keeping and reflection as you use the guide and plan
and implement your Honors in Action project.

Scholarship Hallmark Service Hallmark
3 How and why did you choose a particular issue related to the 3 What are the different possible actions related to the Issue you chose?
democratization of information? 3 What specific actions will you take and why?
3 Who engaged in the research? 3 Whom will you serve? (demographics, numbers, location, etc.)
3 What study questions were the researchers investigating? 3 What organizations exist in the world and locally that are
3 What are the different disciplines involved in the issue and engaged in service similar to what you aim to do?
study questions? 3 How can you use what you learn from your analysis of their
3 What are the varied perspectives and points of view to explore? work to proceed with your project?
3 What are the details of your research plan (sources, deadlines, etc.)? 3 What is the specific impact you intend to make?
3 What sources did each researcher consult? 3 What are the details of your strategies and plan?
3 In what ways was the research challenging and how did you 3 How are you going to measure the impact (quantitative
overcome the challenges? measures and qualitative measures)?
3 How do you better understand what’s happening in the world 3 What are the specific results and impact of your service?
related to the democratization of information? 3 What are the reactions and feedback from the people and
3 How did the discussions on the topic, issues, and study organizations whom you serve?
questions proceed? 3 What is necessary for the project to be sustained and grow?
3 What are your research conclusions?
3 How were the studies, research, analysis, and conclusions shared?
3 What are the questions remaining for further research?

Leadership Hallmark Fellowship Hallmark
3 Who are the leaders on this issue and what can you learn from 3 Who are the different people and audiences with whom you can
their leadership and strategies? collaborate?
3 What processes did you use for setting goals, assigning 3 How can you maximize the diversity and inclusivity for your
roles, building a team, making decisions, staying motivated, project?
empowering group members, and recruiting people for the project? 3 What perspectives and points of view are represented in your
3 What leadership lessons did you learn? group? What challenges and benefits does diversity create?
3 How do you know that your leadership for the project was 3 What are your public relations and communication strategies?
effective? How will you measure success for these strategies?
3 What is the evidence for great teamwork, for example? 3 What are the details of meetings and events for planning,
3 Who are potential model leaders, mentors, and coaches for you information gathering, presentations, and debriefing and
on your campus and in your community? reflecting?
3 With whom did you make connections as mentors, coaches, 3 What feedback do you receive from meeting and event
and leaders on campus or in your community and what did participants about the connections they make with others? How
you learn from them? will you use the feedback?
3 Describe the details of your leadership development resources
and events that improved your leadership.
3 How did you and others overcome obstacles or threats to your
project?
3 What feedback did you receive from participants about the
leadership of the project and how will you use the feedback?

5

Essay
Power, Peril, and Promise
Each year since 1998 Beloit College in Wisconsin has published a surfers check updated clinical data, decipher medical formulas, and even
“Mindset List” compiled by Professor Tom McBride and higher education take an eye exam via a virtual chart. This shift in power has economic
communications expert Ron Nief. The list highlights the culture in implications for providers and the advertisers in search of the best sites
which incoming freshmen have lived and can reveal a lot about the for their ads.
democratization of information. The Class of 2013 has always been able
to read books on an electronic screen and always lived in a world in The power and promise of the ways information is disseminated on the
which they could watch wars, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, political Internet and through personal communication tools are extraordinary.
elections, and police arrests in real time on televison. The words “wymn” Jeffrey M. Stibel argues in the introduction to Wired for Thought (2009),
and “waitperson” have always been included in the dictionaries they “Never before has the idea of a thinking machine brought together a
consult, most likely online. They have always been able to migrate one greater confluence of thinkers and scientists…The Internet…will be
medium, such as radio, DVDs, and compact discs, to another. For the (and already is) capable of creating a collective consciousness.” People
Class of 2013, rap music has always been part of mainstream culture, and around the world watched uploaded video in horror as an Iranian
Natalie Cole has always sung with her father. The health care system has woman was killed by government thugs, and that focused the world
always needed an overhaul. Official race classifications in South Africa on Iran’s 2009 election results and the protests that followed them.
have always been outlawed. Babies have always had social security While the “net” can be a lifeline for people who are homebound, it has
numbers. Cristóbal Colón has always been criticized for “founding” the potential as well to facilitate unprecedented cooperation between
the Americas. Their world has been shaped by the democratization of scholars and practitioners around the globe to use technology and
information. shared information in finding cures for diseases such as cancer and AIDS.
Information technology has also helped organizations such as Kiva
Even for those of us who are not part of the Class of 2013, match entrepreneurs with people who have donated more
access to information has served as a powerful force than $100 million in $25 increments to help start businesses
for change in both our lives and in the world journalist in 185 nations.
Thomas Friedman described in his 2008 bestseller as
hot, flat, and crowded. We live in a world where five There is potential peril in the democratization of
years ago there was no Facebook or YouTube. Today, information as well. Identity theft has grown exponentially.
Facebook has 200,000,000 global users, and every Twenty-four-hour news outlets often report inaccurate
minute ten hours of video are posted on YouTube. information in an effort to get stories on air before their
Social networking sites are ubiquitous to the point competitors. Political candidates can get information
comedienne Wanda Sykes expressed the skepticism to potential voters, but governments can censor
some people feel about them on the “The Jay Leno information as well. As information becomes more
Show”: “If I didn’t want to speak with you in the fifth grade, accessible, critics charge that the tools with which
what makes you think I want to speak to you now?” These sites are now we access and disseminate it breed incivility and
popular enough with Baby Boomers and Generation Xers, parents and destroy formal language skills.
grandparents of the class of 2013, that younger people are considering
alternate sites like Multiply for their social network needs. Thirty years ago, futurists predicted we would use
portable computers and use telephones without
Media, including newspapers, mail, movies, phone calls, documents, cords. We would live in dormitories and travel in blimps.
and television are now all delivered in digital form. These changes Today, they predict lifespans of 150-200 years, electronic
shift power from providers to users. If we choose, for instance, contact lenses, and implantation of cybernetic chips for
to watch television shows on our own schedules, we can easily organ repairs. Commuters will wear video glasses that
do so. We can visit “Green Acres,” yearn to be part of the Cosby will allow them to watch television shows and films and
family, and watch "I Love Lucy" nearly every hour of every gather information as they travel to and from work. We may
day on television worldwide, despite the fact that the series increasingly “lifestream” by documenting all aspects of our
originally left the air in 1960. No time in our schedules to lives. We should, futurists suggest, be able to communicate
watch entire shows? No problem. We can watch video with our computers by merely thinking something.
clips such as Lucy’s audition for a Vitameatavegamin
commercial on YouTube. iPhone users have Over the next two years, Phi Theta Kappa members
downloaded one billion applications such as will have opportunities to examine in depth the power,
Whrrl v2.2, which helps people tell stories with peril, and promise inherent in the democratization of
their personal photos; Shazam, which helps identify information. We hope you will use what you learn to
songs users hear playing, even on another medium; grow as scholars and leaders as you develop Honors in
and BubbleWrap, which allows people to pop bubbles Action projects. May the promise of the democratization
with their fingers using their phones. There are even of information far outweigh the perils. Let’s show
websites that tell people which sites are the top ten free the power of Phi Theta Kappa members to do good
medical applications for their iPhones. These sites help web worldwide A3 AISB. ATB.*
6 *translation: anytime, anywhere, anyplace as it should be. All the best.

7
25,000-30,000 BP – Earliest 3,100 BCE – Cuneiform writing 8th or 9th Century BCE – Greek Epics The Iliad and Circa 425 BCE – Herodotus Circa 300 BCE – Travel begins on the Silk Road to
cave drawings are created. is developed in Sumeria. The Odyssey are transcribed from oral tradition to written. writes the first scientific history. connect Asia with Europe for an exchange of goods.

Issue 1: Definition
What does the phrase
“democratization of
information” mean?

Democratization Honors in Action
Pronunciation: di-ımä-krә-tә-ızā-shәn noun
1: To make democratic AROuND THE WORLD IN EIGHTy CLICKS
Democratic:
1: of, relating to, or favoring democracy Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Choose six
2: often capitalized; of or relating to one of the two major political nations that you would like to “visit.” Research those nations and learn
parties in the United States evolving in the early 19th century from about their language and culture and the ways in which information is
the anti-federalists and the Democratic-Republican party and disseminated. Investigate the climate, economy, food, clothing, and media
associated in modern times with policies of broad social reform and of the nations to determine the ways in which those factors influence
internationalism the democratization of information. How do these nations define the
3: relating to, appealing to, or available to the broad masses of the democratization of information? What can we learn from the different
people (democratic art) ways they define it? What is the power, peril, and promise inherent in
4: favoring social equality : not snobbish better understanding cultures that are different from our own?
Source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary – www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary
Leadership Role(s): Organize a “Virtual World Tour” and offer
opportunities for chapter members, students on campus who are not
Study Questions members of your chapter, fellow Phi Theta Kappa members at other
colleges, faculty, and community members to tour with you. Lobby your
1. What are the principles we use to define democratization? college administration to offer credit courses involving international
2. How do other societies define democratization? travel. Discuss the possibility of your college offering credit courses with
3. To what extent is there a democratization of information? a virtual travel component.
4. How has the democratization of information determined the course
of history? Leadership Development: Organize a workshop on articulating a
5. How have people acquired information through the generations? vision for your virtual tour guides, so they can effectively encourage
6. What are some historical examples of the democratization of college and community members to join the chapter’s tours. Plan
information? What are some contemporary examples of the a training session about professional presentations before speaking
democratization of information? with your college administration about developing credit courses that
7. To what extent has the democratization of information been a force highlight travel.
for change in the modern world?
8. How might the definition of democratization of information have Action: Organize a “Virtual World Tour” and, for your virtual visit,
changed over time? decorate your location to reflect the nation you are visiting. Serve local
9. To what extent has social networking altered the definition of the dishes and play local music. Invite a citizen of the nation to which you
democratization of information? are virtually traveling to share his or her experiences with your group.
10. What factors affect our ability to process and understand At the first virtual destination, distribute “passports” that you will stamp
information? each time a student takes a virtual trip with you. Organize an essay
11. To what extent is the democratization of information a prerequisite contest for students who travel with your chapter to the nations you
to leadership? researched. Formulate an essay topic that asks students to reflect upon
12. In what ways have the methods with which people disseminated their virtual travels, paying special attention to what they learned and
information changed over time? how the virtual trips have inspired them to conduct either more virtual
13. Does access to information ensure democratization? Are all citizens trips or to engage in real-time travel.
invested with equal power and do all enjoy legitimate liberties and
freedoms?

8
Circa 170 CE – Galen develops the Galenic doctrine, stating that 258 CE – The world’s first university 425 CE – The University of Constantinople, the 793 CE – Paper is first
health depends on a balance between bodily fluids or “humors.” is founded in Nanjing, China. first university in medieval Europe, is founded. made in Baghdad.

Collaboration: must take the position opposite from the one they originally selected.
l Chapter members Based on the number of debaters who accept, organize debating teams
l Students on your college campus and use what you have learned in your research of the democratization
l Fellow Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your chapter who of information to help them prepare for the event.
participated in the virtual tours and the essay contest
l Staff of your college or local newspaper Hold and film the debate. Arrange to share your findings with middle
l College administrators who discussed international education with school students. Discuss civility with these students. Model civil
the project’s leadership team discourse to them and strategize on how they can become civil
l Community members from nations selected for your virtual tour participants in society. Assist the middle school students in writing a
pamphlet on civility that they can share with others.
Reflection: At the end of each virtual trip and at the end of the project,
discuss the idea of virtual travel. How much information were you able Collaboration:
to glean from your virtual travels. Did virtual travel encourage you to l Chapter members
engage in actual travel? What was lost that can only be experienced l Students on campus beyond the chapter
through real-time travel? What did you learn about the democratization l Fellow Phi Theta Kappa members from other local chapters
of information from your virtual travel? What would you change if you l Campus faculty and administrators
were to organize the project again? l Middle school students in your community

THE GREAT DEBATE Reflection: Have the debaters ask themselves: Did my methods of
evaluating information change once my position had to change?
Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Organize What preconceived notions do we bring to the table when evaluating
a research team to explore issues related to the Honors Study Topic information? Can we ever approach information from a “value neutral”
to determine which topic or topics best represent the ways in which perspective?
students are affected by the democratization of information. What do
we mean by the democratization of information? Which issues most Afterwards, hold a roundtable discussion and talk about the process of
affect the lives of students? Which issues are most likely to garner interest preparing for the debate. How did the debaters gather their information?
among students? What are the intersections between the issues that Did they find it difficult to research a position they did not hold? How
most affect and would most interest students on your campus? Develop many debaters who originally signed up to debate did not go forward
a bibliography of potential sources for debaters to consult. with the project? Did anyone change his or her mind about the issue
because of the research? How uncomfortable is it to argue for a position
Leadership Role(s): Organize the elements of the debate, including one does not hold personally? Focus the discussion on the idea of
articulating your vision, inviting students on campus and fellow Phi Theta civility. Did the debate remain civil or uncivil? Did the twist thrown at the
Kappa members beyond your campus to participate in the debate, debaters increase or decrease the level of civility?
forming research teams to work with debaters as they prepare for the
event, securing permissions from college administrators and support Compare your debate with the debates that take place on cable. Was your
from campus faculty, and promoting both the debate and the panel debate more or less civil than the typical television debate? Are television
discussion. Work with local middle school officials to share your results debates unnecessarily uncivil? Request to go on a local television news
and organize a discussion of your topic and the concept of civil discourse broadcast to share your results with others.
with their students.
Bibliography
Leadership Development: Invite a faculty member from the
Speech Communications Department and one from the Government Stross, Randall. Planet Google: One Company’s Audacious Plan to
Department to conduct a workshop for chapter members and Organize Everything We Know. 2008.
debaters on research and debate methods. Ask them to help you better Stross takes a look at Google’s plan to organize the known information
understand ways to organize an effective debate and to ensure the in the world for access by Internet users and raises questions about
panel discussion afterwards furthers your appreciation of civil discourse. ambition, access, copyright, privacy, and the power of the company’s
technology and vision.
Organize a workshop for your debate leadership team on goal setting
and planning a major event. Work on a timeline that will help your team Sunstein, Cass R. Infotopia: How Many Minds Produce Knowledge. 2006.
work on the elements of the project in a timely manner that allows Sunstein’s work is a good synthesis of the history and promise of the
members opportunities to enhance their leadership skills. Internet and the ways in which the worldwide web has exceeded early
expectations in terms of the democratization of information.
Action: Announce a debating competition to be held at your school.
Select a timely and controversial topic, and draft a position statement Weinberger, David. Everything is Miscellaneous: The Power of the
concerning the topic. Debaters will then sign up to argue the pro or con New Digital Disorder. 2007.
position of the statement. Contact participants and tell them that they Weinberger explores the ways in which the new digital order is reworking
have been accepted to participate in the debate with one caveat: They what we know and learn about the world.

9
Circa 820 CE – Al-Ma’mun builds 9th century – In Persia, the Banū Mūsā brothers invent Circa 1230 - Vincent of Beauvais 1492 - Columbus finds North America, leading to
observatories in Iraq and Syria. the earliest known mechanical musical instrument. compiles an encyclopedia. the Columbian Exchange between continents.

Issue 2: Technology
How has technology influenced
the spread of information?

Array of large radio telescopes in New Mexico, USA

1. What is the digital divide and how has technology helped to fill or LIVE WITH THE MET
create it?
2. How has the development of technologies helped increase Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Examine
information access for citizens of developing regions? the websites for the Metropolitan Opera Company (Met), the National
3. What role do cell phones play in opening communications in Endowment for the Arts and other resources about opera. What are the
developing areas? demographics of people who attend opera? What are the implications
4. How does this increased access affect communication in our region? of this demographic for opera companies like the Metropolitan Opera
What differences exist in regions throughout the world? in New York City? What steps has the Met taken to increase its audience?
5. How has the development of information technology systems How has technology played a significant role in the efforts to expand
influenced information availability to global audiences? the Met audience?
6. Why do some people make conscious decisions to avoid
information technologies? Leadership Role(s): Organize a workshop on opera that relates general
7. In what ways does technology limit information access and information to specific operas being broadcast by live stream by the Met.
distribution? Go to www.metoperafamily.org to access the annual Met schedule
8. How vulnerable are information technologies to disruptions in and classroom materials for each performance. Work with a member of
service? the music faculty or someone who is learned about opera to choose a
9. What technologies that we enjoy today had their origins in scientific performance to study from the schedule. Who was the composer? Who was
and military applications? the librettist? Who staged notable performances of the work? Who were the
10. How do we determine that information technologies become notable performers who sang roles in the opera?
obsolete and what happens to them?
11. How has technology increased our ability to collect and mine data If there is no live streaming performance in your area, work with the Met
to make it more useful? to see if it is possible to have your college included as a Met Live in HD
12. How has technology contributed to online voyeurism and site. Or you may work with a local movie theater to bring the Met Live
addictions? in HD series to your community. Independent venues such as colleges
13. How did technological advances result in the development of the may submit applications online by filling out the form found on the Met
Internet? website: www.metoperafamily.org/broadcast/hd_events_current.aspx.
14. How do advances in information acquisition lead to the perceived Click on the box labeled “Cinema Operators” found on the lower left
need for more technology? side of the page.
15. How do information technologies promote the study and
preservation of languages? Leadership Development: Host a workshop with arts and social
sciences faculty to develop a pre- and post-questionnaire for Met Live
in HD attendees to be sure the questions asked will result in valid and
reliable outcomes.

Action: Using what you have learned about opera and Met Live in HD
performances, visit classrooms on your college campus and in local high
schools to promote the event, and talk about ways attendees can better
appreciate the experience. Work with faculty to develop ways the Met
Live in HD performance can be used in classrooms on your campus and
in local high schools.

10
Circa 1512 - Copernicus shares in a manuscript his beliefs that 1545 - Sebastiano Serlio creates the first artificial theatrical lights 1590 - Zacharias and Hans Janssen combine 1636 - Galileo finishes
Earth is a planet that rotates daily and revolves around the sun. using candles and polished barber’s basins as reflectors. convex lenses in a tube, making the first telescope. his final book.

Collaboration: Reflection: After the project is over, spend some time reflecting on
l Chapter members the project impact, what you learned as scholars and leaders and about
l Fellow Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your chapter who technology and sustainability. How could you improve the project if you
participated in the Met Live in HD performance were to continue it or repeat it?
l Students on your college campus

l Students at your local high school Bibliography
l Faculty on your college campus
l College administrators with whom you can work to determine Carr, Nicholas. The Big Switch: Rewiring the World, From Edison to
whether your campus would be an effective Met Live in HD site Google. 2008.
l Community members who view the Met Live in HD performance Carr explores the impending shift that computer utilities will replace
personal in-house computers much in the way that electrical utilities
Reflection: Have attendees complete a pre- and post-questionnaire replaced onsite power generators in the past. He explains how our lives
addressing their attitudes and impressions of opera and the use of will center around one planetary World Wide Computer and examines
technology to deliver what is often seen as an “elite” art form. Discuss the benefits and disadvantages of this inevitable future.
together as a chapter what you learned about the arts and the ways
technology can help democratize information. How did you grow as Eco, umberto. Turning Back the Clock: Hot Wars and Media Populism.
scholars and leaders? What would you change if you were to organize 2006.
the project again? In this series of essays, novelist and philosopher Umberto Eco looks at
media presentations of topics like 9/11, anti-Semitism, European politics,
CAN yOu HEAR ME NOW? globalization, manners, religion, Harry Potter, and a host of topics. In
this translation by Alastair McEwan, Eco challenges notions of privacy
Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Investigate and speech, abilities and responsibilities of individuals, groups, and
the role that cell phone technology plays in opening communication governments with respect to communication, and how ideas and
in developing areas. Search the literature to examine the history of attitudes evolve over time.
communication needs during your country’s development, discover how
these technologies improved communication and the effects they had Hassan, Robert. The Information Society. 2008.
on social, economic and cultural growth. Investigate the implications of This work provides a valuable resource for understanding the nature of
improved communications for developing countries. the information society and its impact on globalization. Hassan engages
the contemporary debates around the network effect, singling out two
Leadership Role(s): Develop an educational forum to present your processes: commodification and acceleration.
research to the college and community. Invite additional speakers
from among immigrant faculty, students, and citizens of developing Tapscott, Don. Growing Up Digital: The Rise of the Net Generation. 1998.
countries to share their experiences with the impact of cell phones in Tapscott profiles the Net Generation, which is using digital technology
their homelands and how this technology has affected life there. Invite to change the way individuals and society interact. This book makes a
representatives from cell phone companies and other organizations compelling distinction between the passive medium of television and
that played a role opening these frontiers to share the benefits and the explosion of the interactive digital media, sparked by the computer
constraints of these projects. and Internet. The author shows how children empowered by technology
are taking the reins from their boomer parents and making inroads into
Leadership Development: Organize a chapter team to lead this all areas of society, including our education system, government and
project and a goal-setting workshop to help the team learn how to economy.
determine measureable goals, develop a project management plan and
implementation timeline, organize committees, and collaborate with Tapscott, Don. Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is
community groups, businesses and public safety agencies. Changing Your World. 2009.
Tapscott takes a look at the Net Generation and how it consumes
Action: Apply your learning to local underserved populations information. Inspired by a private research study involving surveys
(women’s and family shelters, elderly, crime victims, disabled, etc.) that of 11,000 young people, Tapscott discovered a remarkably bright
need communication access. Find local organizations that collect or community with revolutionary ways of thinking, interacting, working,
recycle cell phones and work with them to provide cell phones to the and socializing. His research suggests how the Net Generation processes
underserved groups in your area. Have your college serve as a collection information, ways to engage and attract young talent in the workforce,
point and invite fellow Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your chapter and ways for educators to tap the Net Generation potential.
to participate with you.
Wright, Alex. Glut: Mastering Information through the Ages. 2007.
Collaboration: This fascinating exploration of the ways humans have collected,
l Chapter members organized, and shared information shows how the information age
l Students on your college campus started long before microchips or movable type.
l Fellow Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your campus
l Faculty members on your college campus
l Community cell phone manufacturers and recycling organizations
11
1662 – The first public high school 1718 – Mary Wortley Montagu promotes the 1751 – Benjamin Franklin publishes 1771 – Encyclopedia 1773 – The Complete Library of the Treasures project
opens in colonial America. inoculation against smallpox in Turkey. Experiments and Observations on Electricity. Britannica is first published. attempts to compile the literary heritage of China.

Issue 3: Individual and Community
How does the dissemination
of information influence the
individual and the community?

1. To what extent does an individual have a right for his/her personal SENSORy GARDEN
information to remain private, and who is responsible for its
protection? Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Conduct
2. How do individuals use information to represent or misrepresent general research on blindness and the democratization of information.
themselves online? What is the percentage of the population that is blind or vision impaired?
3. How has the democratization of information led to more or less How do the sight challenged use email, navigate the Internet, etc.?
civility, and what role does anonymity play? What are the ways different groups experience sensory information?
4. What impact has increased access to information had on informed What are the special challenges the vision impaired face regarding the
debate? democratization of information? How are they active participants in it?
5. With increased access and sharing of information, who owns the Set up a meeting with honor students at your local school for the blind.
rights to what, and how has that changed with time? As you get to know each other better, begin discussing how the vision-
6. To what extent should employers be able to prescreen employees impaired students receive and process information.
by accessing their social networking communities?
7. To what extent should individuals and/or communities have the Leadership Role(s): Meet with administrators from the school for
unfettered ability to disseminate hateful or potentially dangerous the blind with your proposal for the sensory garden and to receive final
ideas? approval to proceed with the garden. Invite members of the local press
8. Through the years, how has increased access to information affected to the opening of your garden. Share your results with other chapters
our awareness of the world around us or our civic engagement? at your regional Phi Theta Kappa convention and encourage those
9. With today’s shared information, is any work ever truly “original,” and chapters to develop sensory gardens in their communities.
how can we know?
10. What impact has the democratization of information had on our Leadership Development: Organize a workshop on diversity and
time management and quality of life? working sensitively with blind and vision-impaired students for chapter
11. Have social networks engendered new forms of bullying or simply members.
increased the opportunity for an age-old activity?
12. If individuals develop online addictions (pornography, shopping, Action: Plant a “sensory” garden that could be experienced and
gambling), should communities be expected to respond and, if so, enjoyed by all. To prepare for planting the garden, visit your local
to which addictions? botanical garden with vision-impaired students. Work in teams, with
13. To what extent do we live our “real” lives versus our “cyber” lives, and each blind student accompanied by one “blind for a day” blindfolded
who are we in each? Phi Theta Kappa member and a second Phi Theta Kappan serving as a
14. In what ways are we more inclined to use information to become helper for each pair. Ask the blind students to guide the “blind” Phi Theta
more informed and aware or to support our entrenched beliefs and Kappa members and explain how to “see the garden” through sound,
positions? smell, and touch. Based upon your experiences in the botanical garden,
plan and plant your own garden. Select garden flowers for their fragrant
and tactile qualities. Add a water fountain for aural enhancement, and
plant a vegetable garden so that students can use their sense of taste to
enjoy the garden.

12
1774 – The first 1776 – Thomas Paine’s 1789 – Antoine Lavoisier proves that mass is conserved in chemical reactions 1807 – Robert Fulton builds the first 1809 – Sir Humphrey Davy
telegraph is built. Common Sense is published. (Law of Conservation of Matter) and designs the first list of chemical elements. commercially viable paddle-wheel steamboat. invents electric arc stage lighting.

Collaboration: Collaboration:
l Chapter members l Chapter members
l Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your chapter l Students on your campus
l Faculty from your college campus l Faculty on your campus
l Community members from the school for the blind and local media l Fellow Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your chapter

Reflection: Work with a faculty member from your local school for Reflection: Before students begin work on their position papers,
the blind to develop a reflection writing exercise for participants from conduct a “pre-survey” to gain information on the audience members’
the school and your chapter. Compare experiences and discuss ways current understandings of accessing and evaluating academic sources
everyone grew as scholars and leaders. What would you do in a different when conducting scholarly research. Conduct a "post-survey” to
way if you were to organize the project again? discover what audience members learned about finding and evaluating
sources. Compile the results of your symposium and seek to have them
published in an academic education journal. Track the students who
THE TRuTHINESS PROJECT attended the symposium to see if their approaches to using sources in
academic research and writing have changed.
Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Organize
a research team to investigate the ways in which members of your Bibliography
community access information. What newspapers are most read? Which
news broadcasts are number one in terms of viewers in your area? Which Bauerlein, Mark. The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age
radio shows draw the most listeners? What websites are most visited Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future (Or, Don’t
by students on your campus? To what extent do you have access to Trust Anyone Under 30). 2009.
information from a variety of sources with different interpretations of Bauerlein begins by addressing the assumption that the digital age
news and events? and the “information superhighway” were supposed to revolutionize
knowledge as we know it, producing more informed, astute, and
Leadership Role(s): Organize your research team as well as the team engaged citizens. Instead, he argues that during the current information
that will develop the “truthiness” Academic Forum on campus. Invite age, young people are more intellectually disengaged, professionally
faculty members to work with participants to better understand how unmotivated, and civically uninterested than ever.
to analyze sources of information and ask all faculty members to bring
their classes to the forum. Meet with your college librarian before the Jacoby, Susan. The Age of American Unreason: Revised and
symposium begins to discuss the goals of the session. Updated. 2009.
Drawing on the work of Richard Hofstadter’s Anti-Intellectualism in
Leadership Development: “How do we know what is true?” Have a American Life (1963), Jacoby skewers what she perceives to be a decidedly
faculty member and/or research librarian present to conduct a workshop anti-intellectual, anti-rational approach to life in modern-day America.
for chapter members and other students who plan to participate in "The She argues that not only is anti-intellectualism accepted, but it is actually
Truthiness Project" on how to find and evaluate valid sources. encouraged and even celebrated as people who are “just folks” are
somehow more authentically American than intellectuals or experts.
Action: Organize “The Truthiness Project” on campus. Invite students Jacoby examines the Internet, among other things, as a source of this
and fellow Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your campus to anti-intellectualism and discusses the consequences of this growing
participate. Have each project participant partner with a faculty member trend.
on campus to draft two statements. One statement for each paper will
be demonstrably true, but one will be clearly false. Have each student Klingberg, Torkel. The Overflowing Brain: Information Overload
write two “position papers” using sources found from books and journals and the Limits of Working Memory. 2009.
in academic libraries and/or from Internet sources. Convene a panel Klingberg points out that today’s average person is inundated with vastly
of faculty and students to select the top two students to present their much more information than members of past generations received;
papers. After the top two students present their papers, hold short however, physiologically and cognitively, human brains have not
discussions about the information gleaned from each presentation. What changed much since the Stone Age. Klingberg posits that our “Stone-
questions do audience members have about the work? Reveal which of Aged brains” may be reaching their limits to absorb this seemingly
the papers supported valid claims and which papers used “truthiness” to limitless amount of information, producing a sense of disconnect among
support invalid claims. Ask audience members, “How do we know what individuals; and he suggests strategies for “exercising” our brains to
is true?” and “What is our responsibility as information consumers to better meet the challenges of receiving today’s levels of information.
seek a variety of sources before formulating our beliefs?” Write a research
guide to be placed in your college’s library that will assist students in Manjoo, Farhad. True Enough: Learning to Live in a Post-Fact Society. 2008.
evaluating sources. Conduct source evaluation workshops in individual In the age of eyewitness accounts and instant technological
classes. Offer information to the college assessment team. documentation, the truth is more verifiable than ever. However, Manjoo
argues that facts are becoming less and less important as people simply
interpret events through the lens of previously held beliefs.

13
1820 – The first commercially successful 1833 – Karl Friedrich Gauss 1848 – The Seneca Falls Convention issues 1853 – Florence Nightingale first recommends a strict regimen of
calculating machine is developed. invents the electric telegraph. the Declaration of Rights and Sentiments. cleanliness, triggering a dramatic drop in the hospital mortality rates.

Issue 4: Language and
Communication
How do language and
communication shape
information and vice versa?

Macedonian political poster

1. To what extent are the conventions of text messaging and tweeting IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME
altering spoken and written language?
2. In what ways has the 24-hour news cycle had an impact on the Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Languages
reliability of information? are a natural part of cultures and typically reflect the realities and needs
3. To what extent do public figures and celebrities have a right to of their host culture. With exploration, colonization, and modernization
privacy? To what extent does the media have the right to cover and technology, some languages have begun to disappear. Some groups
them? are making concerted efforts to preserve languages and to promote
4. Why has “spin” become a pervasive part of mass communications? their heritage (i.e. “Cajun” French, Gaelic languages, transcribing verbal
What roles do public relations professionals and publicists play in languages to written formats, etc.). Likewise, certain technologies that
mass communications? were once cutting edge and then the norm for communication are
5. What are the standards and responsibilities of citizen journalists and disappearing—reel-to-reel tape, celluloid films, punch cards, early floppy
the media outlets that use their material? discs, photographs, paper tapes, amateur radio, analog systems, and so
6. Why have “fake” and satirical news gained popularity? on. As a chapter, study the history of communication and storage forms.
7. To what extent has mass communications increased or decreased What were the technological advances of previous years? Which of these
literacy in the world? technologies are no longer used, and which are virtually impossible to find?
8. How has media affected language and culture around the world?
9. How can newspapers remain relevant in a digital world? Leadership Role(s): Determine your leadership team for the project.
10. What role does the author’s anonymity play in the context of What limitations are there in putting together a display or lecture
discussion boards and blogs? series? Which groups and individuals can be invited to participate in the
11. To what extent do appearances on YouTube and reality television project? Determine the preferred venue for presenting your research and
lead to lasting careers? do so. Invite local organizations, historical groups, amateur radio relay
12. How and why has technology such as email and texting affected leagues, local schools and the like to participate in the presentation.
conversation arts, journaling, and formal letter writing and why does
that have an impact? Leadership Development: Organize a workshop on speaking with
community members and groups. Invite a speech/communications faculty
member to work with members to hone their communication skills.

Action: Invite retirees and others who worked with these earlier
technologies to discuss how they were used and the impact these
technologies had at their time. Search local shops, museums, and
collections for examples of these lost or rare mediums. As a chapter,
prepare a plan for presenting information on the history of these
communication mediums. As a part of the project, look at questions of
how to best present these items.

Collaboration:
l Chapter members
l Students on your campus
l Community members from a variety of organizations

14
1859 – Charles Darwin publishes On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural 1862 – Louis Pasteur published the "germ theory," which stated that infection is caused by self- 1866 – The first successful
Selection or the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life. replicating microorganisms and that exposure to attenuated cultures of viruses confers immunity. Trans-Atlantic cable is laid.

Reflection: What were the successes of your project? What were the
challenges? Make plans for future events based on the ways in which
Bibliography
you have grown as scholars and leaders who serve your community. Bohannan, Laura. Shakespeare in the Bush. 1966.
A classic in anthropology and communication studies, this piece by
GENERATIONS anthropologist Laura Bohannan discusses her attempts to discuss
Shakespeare’s Hamlet with a group of Tiv elders during her fieldwork in
Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Every West Africa. For many, this piece opens the dialogue on language and
generation has its stories, and as the populations age, the number of meaning. What we think we mean and how we communicate those
these stories declines. As a chapter, select a group from whom you’d meanings are not universally consistent, and are good starting points for
like to chronicle (for example, men and women who served during the discussions on language and cross-cultural communication.
Korean War, former faculty at your college, faculty preparing to retire,
local political or civic figures, etc.). Look to family members, friends, local Curtis, Drew. It’s Not News, It’s Fark: How Mass Media Tries to Pass
people in the community, veterans groups, retiree groups, local care Off Crap As News. 2007.
homes, and so on who would agree to speak with you. In what ways has FARK website founder and editor Drew Curtis takes a critical look at news
language usage changed over time? How does language affect the way media in the 21st century, with a special focus on how 24/7 coverage
stories are communicated? What are the non-verbal ways generations has watered down content. In a time when anyone can be a journalist,
communicate? What stories and themes transcend generations? and when news channels are on continuously, who decides what is
important and what is not?
Leadership Role(s): Identify local or regional groups who may be
working on similar programs, or groups who may be interested in Glassner, Barry. The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of
sponsoring the project or working with your team. Prepare a plan to the Wrong Things. 2010.
present the collected information, inviting the participants to be a part of Do we really live in more dangerous times? In the updated revision of
a seminar series. Identify other organizations at your college who might this text (originally released in 2000), sociologist Barry Glassner looks
be interested in working with you on the project. at perceptions of fear endemic in many groups, particularly in America
since 9/11. Glassner discusses the agencies and agents of fear and their
Leadership Development: Invite a speech/communications faculty manipulations of information, and the notion that it is our perceptions
member to help members learn to effectively articulate a vision and a that have changed, not the actual levels of threat.
historian to conduct a workshop for members in creating oral histories.
Pinker, Steven. The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates
Action: Work with a faculty member or local history group to develop Language. 1993.
an effective oral history project. Determine which types of media to use, In this solid discussion of how we create language and grammars, Pinker
how the collected information will be stored, presented, and displayed discusses how language development is based on instinct. At each
(self-published booklet, video display, airing on local television or level, he notes, we are “experts” in our language development and rules.
radio programs, etc.), and who will have future access to the materials. Pinker also discusses how language development plays a role in the
This project may include workshops on public presentation, ethical varying ways in which cultures view the world and plays a part in cultural
responsibilities to the interviewees, their families, and to the community, and technological development. Pinker also discusses how so-called
archival work, copyright, fundraising to offset costs, and similar topics. “language experts” typically grossly underestimate the language skills
and prowess of the average individual.
Collaboration:
l Chapter members Ravitch, Diane. The Language Police: How Pressure Groups
l Faculty on your campus Restrict What Students Learn. 2004.
l Community members willing to share their stories for your oral A noted educator and former Assistant Secretary of Education, Diane
history project Ravitch examines the forces and groups who determine what is and
what is not appropriate for students in our public and private schools.
Reflection: Reflect on the project’s successes, problem areas and Ravitch notes “that educational materials are now governed by an
solutions, and impact to refine potential future collections. What intricate set of rules to screen out language and topics that might
have you learned about other generations? What do you hope other be considered controversial or offensive.” Her review of how these
generations learned about you? governing rules came about and the groups that produced them
offers an important insight into how communication can be, and is,
manipulated to produce unclear or inaccurate presentations, and how
this impacts society as a whole.

15
1866 – Gregor Mendel publishes 1877 – Thomas Edison’s machinist, John 1879 – Thomas Edison invents an 1881 – The Savoy Theater in England becomes 1888 – Nicola Tesla patents
his work interpreting heredity. Kruesi, constructs the phonograph. incandescent light bulb that burns for 13 hours. the first completely electric theater. alternating electric current.

Issue 5: Education
What is the relationship between
information and education?

1. How do educators decide what to teach and how to teach it? ONE HuNDRED POINTS OF HITES
2. Is it more important to know, or to know where to look?
3. How do educators prepare students for jobs that don’t yet exist? Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): How do
4. What have we learned about learning and learning styles that has community colleges increase access to information? How, when,
changed education? and why were community colleges established? What is the history
5. To what extent do we all have the potential to be experts now? of community colleges in your state? What is the history of your
6. It has been said that the master’s degree is the new bachelor’s degree community college? What does it cost to attend your college for a
and the associate degree is the new high school diploma. Will this year? Investigate the scholarships available to you and fellow chapter
trend continue in the current information age – why or why not? members who plan to continue taking community college courses.
7. What is gained and what is lost in online education? What scholarships does Phi Theta Kappa have for members? How are
8. As technological literacy becomes more important in education, each of these things communicated to your student body and fellow Phi
who is left behind? What are the ramifications? Theta Kappa members?
9. In what ways can personal technology devices be tools of education
rather than distractions? Does technology change the boundaries Leadership Role(s): Work with college administrators to gain
between students and teachers? permission to place a copy of your Hites Booklet in the college
10. To what extent has the expansion of public education in the world president’s office and in the admissions office. Send copies of the
been the result of the democratization of information? booklet to your local newspaper and arrange a meeting with your state
11. What is the history of “academic freedom” and how does it differ representative and senator to share the booklet with them to help them
around the world? learn more about the impact your community college has had on a
12. How has the democratization of information increased or decreased wide variety of students.
the level of discourse in scholarly debates?
13. In the information age, to what extent is it realistic to define a “core Leadership Development: Invite your college president to a meeting
curriculum”? to help members learn ways to effectively communicate with college
14. To what extent is it a good use of resources for scholars to study administrators and public officials.
arguably obsolete subject matter?
Action: Since the Hites Scholarship Fund will support scholarships for
community college students, raise funds for the Hites Foundation and
donate $1.00 for each member inducted into your chapter this year. To
determine the impact your community college has had on students,
interview single parents, adults returning to school, traditional and
online students, and GED students to gain unique perspectives on how
the community college has made a difference in the lives of students.
From these interviews, pull out one especially strong quotation from
each interviewed student and place the quotes on your “Hites Page.”
With the permission of the interviewees, compile a “Hites Booklet” that
showcases each student’s photograph and quotation. Have the pages
show that a donation has been made to the Hites Scholarship Fund in
the interviewee’s name. Finally, create a “One Hundred Points of Hites” kit
to give out to other chapters.

16
Circa 1890 – Herman Hollerith invents a punch-card counter, used in the 1893 – New Zealand becomes the first independent 1895 – Guglielmo Marconi sends longwave 1895 – Louis Lumiere invents the
1890 U.S. Census, and founds the company that would later become IBM. nation to give universal suffrage to women. wireless telegraphic (radio) signals over a mile. first motion picture camera.

l Students on your college campus l Students on your campus
l Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your chapter l College administrators on your campus
l Community members who are former community college students l Local public officials
l College administrators
l State political leaders Reflection: Discuss what you learned about censorship and how it
affects your lives as students and community activists. What were the
Reflection: Discuss what you learned about community colleges and challenges you faced while working on the various aspects of your
their role in the democratization of information. How did you grow as project? How did you overcome those challenges? How did you grow as
scholars, leaders, and community activists? Share what you have learned scholars and leaders?
with other chapters, so they can replicate and expand on it according to
the chapter’s needs. Bibliography
THE BANNED BOOK CLuB Battles, Matthew. Library: An Unquiet History. 2003.
Battles explores how libraries have accumulated, preserved, shaped,
Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Research inspired, and obliterated knowledge. The author reveals how the library
the history of book censorship. How often are books challenged? On has been the battleground of competing notions of what books mean
what basis are they usually challenged? Why do challengers want the to us and how throughout its many changes, the library has served two
books removed from school reading lists … classrooms … libraries? contradictory impulses: the urge to exalt canons of literature – to secure
How do various communities respond to calls for censorship? Host a and worship the best and most beautiful words – and the desire to
panel discussion on censorship at your campus. Invite individuals such contain and control all forms of human knowledge.
as authors, publishers, and school administrators to serve on the panel.
Other participants could include school board members, parents, Bloom, Allan. The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher
or students. Encourage an honest discussion surrounding issues of Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of
censorship, working hard to ensure that, in your setting, divergent voices Today’s Students. 1987.
are heard. Bloom discusses concerns that Americans have become too narrow in
their focus and worldview. As higher education moved toward increased
Leadership Role(s): Meet with your college president, the chair of your specialization in the 20th century, Americans were ill-served. He believes
local school board, or your mayor and discuss your concerns regarding every student should read the works of the great philosophers who asked
censorship. Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper or to your the question, “What is man?” in preparation for living philosophical lives.
state representatives expressing your opposition to censorship.
Gruwell, Erin. Teach With Your Heart: Lessons I Learned From the
Leadership Development: Conduct a workshop on developing a Freedom Writers. 2008.
personal philosophy of leadership. Use what you have learned to guide Gruwell updates her work with Long Beach, California, students and
your exploration of the impact censorship has on the democratization of discusses the lessons she learned about America’s educational system
information. and about life while working with the Freedom Writers.

Action: Organize a book club on your campus. The club’s major rule Ravitch, Diane. The Language Police: How Pressure Groups
will be that all of the books on the club’s list will have appeared on Restrict What Students Learn. 2003.
American Library Association’s Top 100 List of Banned Books. Read one Ravitch offers an analysis of the causes of censorship. She suggests
banned book every month and meet to discuss the text. Why was the solutions for ending it, which will improve the quality of books for
book challenged? Do your group members agree or disagree with the students.
challenge to the book? Is it ever appropriate for a book to be censored
in one setting but supported in another? Is there a difference between Ravitch, Diane. Left Back: A Century of Battles over School Reform.
removing a book from a reading list versus a library? 2000.
Ravitch describes the ongoing battle of ideas and explains why school
Sponsor a “Read-In” where students, faculty members, and community reform has so often disappointed. She recounts efforts that diminished
members will gather and read “objectionable” passages from banned the schools’ ability to provide a high-quality education for all children.
books. Discuss why the passages were deemed by some to be
objectionable and how the passages could have merit.

Sponsor a “Self-Censored” day when students will refuse to speak for
the entire day to show solidarity with censored artists. (Students could
even consider taping their mouths shut for visual effect.) After the “Self-
Censored” day, record your experiences and share them through your
chapter’s website or blog.

17
1901 – The first radio message is sent 1903 – Orville and Wilbur Wright 1905 – Svante Arrhenius expresses concern 1906 – The Food and Drug 1907 – Albert Einstein puts forth the equivalence of mass
across the Atlantic in Morse code. successfully fly air machine. about global warming from burning fossil fuels. Administration begins operations. and energy, now known by the equation E=mc2.

Issue 6: Economy and Business
What roles does information play
in business and economics?

1. Much of the information on the Internet appears to be free. Who is WHERE DO yOu WEAR?
making money and how are they making it?
2. Information technology, such as computer-aided manufacturing, Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): The
has increased productivity and automated many job functions. How United States has access to an abundance of inexpensive clothing. It is
does this affect under-employment, job security and income? inexpensive because it is produced in factories in developing countries
3. How have global marketing and the importation of inexpensive where workers are paid low wages and frequently do not have the same
goods affected our economy? working conditions and employment protections that we enjoy in the
4. Moore’s Law states that computer capacity doubles every two years. United States. Research the clothing market and gather information about
What effect does this have for obsolescence of equipment? factories in developing nations. What is the cost of manufacturing clothing
5. How has increased access to information affected global markets? compared to the retail cost? What is the average wage of third world
How have global markets affected local economies? factory workers? Trace the making of a garment from the origination of its
6. What entrepreneurial opportunities have arisen as a result of the material to the final distribution channel. Consider the role retail outlets
democratization of information? such as Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, and others play in the importation
7. What effect did access to information have on the worldwide of clothing made overseas. Invite an economics professor to give a
financial institutions? presentation on the implications of global markets for clothing to students
8. Glocalization is a term that means “thinking globally while acting and community members.
locally.” What does the democratization of information have to do
with this effort? Leadership Role(s): Discuss the development of “Where do you
9. The ability to buy and sell directly through the Internet has Wear” Day with your college administration and ask their advice on
eliminated the “middle man.” What businesses have been affected making it an effective all-campus activity. Work with faculty to allow
both positively and negatively? faculty members to make announcements at the beginning of classes
10. One proposed method of making healthcare more affordable on campus to encourage widespread student support. Share what
is the centralization of medical information. How might this be you have learned with fellow Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your
accomplished and what might be involved? What are the trade-offs chapter and encourage them to replicate “Where do you Wear” Day on
with this information being centralized and available to third parties? their campuses.
11. What type of information is collected about us as we transact
business over the Internet? Leadership Development: Organize a workshop on understanding
12. What is meant by a “secure site,” and how is information kept secure? ethical leadership. Focus particularly on how ethical leadership can
13. Some futurists say the career for which you are studying may not inform decisions about what clothing to wear and how to support just
exist when you are ready to enter it. How does this affect career economies at home and abroad.
choice and preparation?
14. We are constantly presented with Internet marketing and Action: Organize a “Where do you Wear” Day on campus. Create posters
advertising. Does this make us more likely to buy or does it and signs for display around campus on “Where do you Wear” Day. Use the
desensitize us to advertising’s appeals? information about where clothing is made garnered from your research
for your posters. Encourage students to investigate where their clothing
was made. Ask students to use push pins to identify on a map the nations
where their clothing was made. At locations around campus, have chapter
members write sticker labels with the names of the countries where
students’ clothing was manufactured and place them on each article of
clothing or accessory for which the country of origin can be determined.

18
1916 – Jazz 1920 – The Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is 1927 – Television 1929 – Frank Whittle 1936 – Conrad Zuse creates one of the first binary
sweeps the U.S. ratified, giving women the right to vote in all state and national elections. is invented. invents jet propulsion. digital computers controlled through a punch tape.

Collaboration: from this experience to utilize in developing other Honors in Action
l Chapter members activities?
l Students on your college campus
l Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your chapter
l Faculty members and administrators on your campus
l Local retailers Bibliography
Reflection: Develop an evaluation form to see what students who Canton, James. The Extreme Future: The Top Trends That Will
participated in “Where do you Wear” Day learned about global Reshape the World in the Next 20 Years. 2006.
clothing markets. How did what they learned affect their clothing Canton examines the major trends such as globalization, climate change,
choices? Consider how your research and actions in the community war, and anti-government thought, which will shape our economic
have informed your choices about the clothing you buy. What did you future. What might these trends look like? Canton makes suggestions
learn about global markets? What did you learn about making ethical and challenges readers to take an active role in shaping the extreme
leadership decisions? How have you grown as scholars and leaders? future of the globe.

LOCAL MARKETS Friedman, Thomas. Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green
Revolution and How It Can Renew America. 2008.
Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Examine the Friedman explores the interconnections between nations and peoples
materials created by The Institute for Local Self Reliance to determine the and the ways in which by saving the world, America can save itself as
extent to which buying locally affects the economy and local businesses. well. He calls for a Green Revolution that utilizes technology and business
How does choosing to shop at local businesses benefit your community’s innovations that he believes will create a sustainable economy for the
economy? What are the benefits of shopping at chain stores? What are the 21st century.
hidden costs of opting for chain stores?
Gladwell, Malcolm. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without
Leadership Role(s): Work with college administrators to identify Thinking. 2005.
community businesses to survey about local products and to determine Gladwell looks at the power of intuition, the knowing in the first two
to what extent your college can use locally grown and locally available seconds of seeing something that comes without thinking through an
items. Work with faculty to construct a valid and reliable survey, consider issue or development. He explores the power of “blink” in everyday life
distribution methods, and analyze survey data. Work with chapter and business and warns about the dangers of reading the wrong cues
members to determine how you can become more informed shoppers. and from those cues making decisions that may be faulty.

Leadership Development: Develop a workshop in which chapter Gonthier, Giovinella. Rude Awakenings: Overcoming the Civility
members use the Intergroup Model Building: A LEGO Creature exercise Crisis in the Workplace. 2002.
to create a strong team. Use what you learn in the workshop to help you While designed as a reference for the workplace, Gonthier’s book
more effectively work as a team on your research and Honors in Action has applications in a broader world. Communication is a key part of
activity. civil discourse and behavior. A former ambassador, Gonthier offers
suggestions and models for avoiding and correcting the “civility crisis.”
Action: Survey the companies in and around your community who
offer their products for local sale. Compile this information and make Tapscott, Don and Anthony D. Williams. Wikinomics: How Mass
it available to the community. Work with graphic design students to Collaboration Changes Everything. 2006 and 2008.
design a publication detailing the buy-local opportunities, including Tapscott and Williams explore the new world of “quick” global
store locations and hours of operation. Invite companies listed to donate collaboration by companies such as Microsoft, Proctor & Gamble, and
a portion of the cost of copying the publication for distribution. On your the Human Genome Project. The authors look at the power and promise
own campus, inquire whether the college food service uses local sources inherent in such collaborations as well as the perils of collecting and then
for produce and dairy products that may be available. If not, advocate guarding the information gleaned by mass collaboration.
with food service and college administrators for using local products on
campus.

Collaboration:
l Chapter members
l Local business leaders

Reflection: What did you learn about the consequences of your
shopping choices? To what extent is there a need to turn the tide of
chain retail expansion and rebuild our local economies? How did you
grow as scholars and community leaders? What lessons will you take

19
1939 – Vannevar Bush proposes the "Memex" associative information 1940s – Guitarist Les Paul, working with Ampex 1946 – Willard Frank Libby develops 1946 – ENIAC, the world’s first
retrieval system, which leads to “hypertext” and the ”World Wide Web.” Corporation, creates the first multi-track sound recorder. radioactive carbon-14 dating. electronic computing machine, is built.

Issue 7: Government
and Public Policy
How does information affect
governments and public policy?

Dallas, Texas, USA, a protest at City Hall, April 15, 2009

1. How does information contribute to civilization building? SMART ENERGy uSE
2. What factors contribute to transparency in governmental decision
making? To what extent is an open society a prerequisite for Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Smart meters
transparent governance? are energy meters that provide more information than traditional
3. How has access to information affected formal political meters. Since deregulation of the electrical industry, government
organizations versus grassroots political organizations? regulators have been looking for ways to make energy use match
4. How much information does a government have the need to energy generation. The smart meter is a first attempt to give consumers
collect, keep, and track on private individuals and businesses and for some ability to address that situation. Many power companies are
what reasons or purposes? installing meters or have plans to do so. How will the installation of these
5. Does the public have a right to know everything about public meters affect the information about our energy use available to business
figures? and local governments?
6. Does the world need an “Information Clearinghouse” to counter
such things as terrorist threats or information warfare? Leadership Role(s): Work with college administrators and public utilities
7. How has information driven regime changes around the world? officials to determine the ways you can best reach members of your college
8. How has access to information engaged people in governing and community to share what you learn about smart meters.
processes? Does information overload prevent effective
participation in governance? Leadership Development: Work with your chapter advisors to
9. What’s the difference between “spin” and misinformation or consider “A Question of Leadership: What Can Leaders Do to Avoid
propaganda? How are the parameters set for public figures Groupthink” from Phi Theta Kappa’s Leadership Development Studies: A
regarding responsible dissemination of information? Humanities Approach. Discuss what you have learned about thinking
10. How is the balance between civil liberties and state interests creatively and utilize the skills you develop from your workshop as you
determined? develop your Smart Energy Use project.
11. When is it okay to censor information? What are the legal arguments
for and against censorship? What are the ramifications of censorship Action: Determine the extent to which smart meters are present in
for citizens and for a government? When is access to information your community. If they are not, organize an energy forum and invite
considered harmful and who decides? a representative of the local power provider to address your campus.
12. To what extent should governments assist victims of identity theft if If from your research you determine there is an opportunity for
they have been careless? influencing the decision, research smart meter technology and cost and
13. Can policies be too “data-driven”? make a determination if it is economically feasible to advocate for wide-
scale installation in your community.

If meters are in place, become familiar with the type of information
the meters provide and develop materials to supplement power
company brochures or rewrite them for a different audience. If you
have a large Latino population, join forces with the Hispanic Students
Club or Spanish classes on your campus to translate information for that
community. If there is no near-term plan for smart meters to be installed
in your community, research and present information on energy-saving
practices that will fit easily into a family’s lifestyle or a business’s routine
with a minimum of adjustment.

20
1948 – Television is 1949 – George Orwell publishes 1950 – Ernst Wynder and Evarts Graham publish data 1951 – The first commercial computer 1953 – Simone de Beauvoir publishes the
commercially available. Nineteen Eighty-Four. indicating a correlation between lung cancer and smoking. is built in Manchester, England. landmark feminist book, The Second Sex.

l Students on your campus l Students on your campus
l Community members and utility company officials l Members of Phi Theta Kappa beyond your chapter
Reflection: Organize a forum for chapter members and students on l Community officials
your campus to discuss the ways in which learning more about smart
meters has changed the way you view and use energy on a daily basis. Reflection: What did you learn about the power and peril of the
What challenges did you face when talking to people about smart democratization of information? Discuss what you have learned about
meters? How did you grow as scholars and leaders? Where will you go protecting your documents and personal information. Share the
from here with your research and community action? personal plans you have developed to safeguard your identity.

WHO MIGHT BE BEING yOu? Bibliography
Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Explore the Friere, Paulo. Pedagogy of Freedom: Ethics, Democracy, and Civic
significance of identity theft and plan an informational talk on campus. Courage. 1998.
Determine the logistics—when, where, who? Develop a timeline. What all Friere calls for a universal code of ethics to help establish better
needs to be done before hosting the event? Research identity theft—how communications and education in the 21st century. He looks at the
prevalent is it, how at risk are we, what is the economic impact? What is reasons people should feel optimistic about change as well as the
the penalty for those who steal other people’s identities? What role does reasons we should never rest in the quest for greater freedom and the
government play in the prosecution of these crimes? Research ways to uptapped possibility in all of us.
keep your personal information more secure, including the information
that you put on social networking sites. How is your personal information Gosling, Sam. Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You. 2008.
kept secure on campus, online, and by various institutions with whom you Gosling explores what the things we collect and keep with us at home
have working relationships? How secure is this information really? By what and work say about us, including our political leanings, intellectual
means can our personal information be hijacked and used for fraud? What interests, and personal lives. Gosling contends our stuff even reveals not
information is the most valuable to criminals? With whom on campus could only the image we hope to present to the world, but our personal fears
you meet to discuss this topic and campus cyber security? about ourselves and our world as well.

Leadership Role(s): Meet with local banking officials to discuss their Siegel, Marc. False Alarm: The Truth about the Epidemic of Fear. 2008.
procedures and safeguards. Plan for these meetings by determining what H1N1, terrorist attacks, looming financial meltdowns, and who knows
questions you should ask. What information are you seeking? Meet with the what else? In a world with so many alleged dangers, how do we make
manager of a local store to discuss how identity theft affects that business sense of what is and what is not a threat? In this solid companion piece
and, in turn, its customers. Contact the local police department to determine to Barry Glassner’s The Culture of Fear, Siegel looks at and deconstructs the
who is in charge of identity theft crimes and meet with him or her to discuss culture of fear and the ramifications involved.
these issues. How common is this crime in your area? What is the usual
scenario? If you are a victim of identity theft, how much will it likely cost you Shirky, Clay. Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing
to clear your record? What steps must you take? Out of the experts with Without Organizations. 2008.
whom you have met, determine whom to invite to be your speaker. What Shirky discusses the ways in which social networking, blogs, and other
information will you use to determine who would be the most effective new forms of mass media are changing the way people organize
speaker? themselves politically. He explores the role of the tools used to organize
people without formal organization, the success of those tools in
Leadership Development: Organize a workshop on creating a leadership bringing people together, and the perils and promise inherent in such
journal in which you will keep a matrix and regular schedule for monitoring methods of organization.
personal information. Share what you learn as you develop your Honors in
Action project. Sunstein, Cass R. Republic.com 2.0. 2009.
Sunstein examines the effects of mass media, 24-hour news cycles, and
Action: Design an informational flier for your campus and have an expert other forms of technology on public discourse. He looks at the effect
check it for accuracy. Distribute your flier at the discussion. Provide copies to of the changes in that discourse on the political landscapes, particularly
the people with whom you met so they may also distribute your flier at their what he considers a move from democratic solidarity to polarization.
locations. Ask your college administrators if the information can be posted to
the college website. Evaluate your own situation. Are you doing all that you Wright, Lawrence. The Looming Tower: Al Qaeda and the Road to
can to avoid identity theft? Encourage members to check their credit reports 9/11. 2006.
every six months to check for fraud. Organize a workshop at a regional Phi Wright examines the successes and failures of Islamic militants in the
Theta Kappa conference to share what you have learned about identity theft post-World War II era. He discusses the communication failures and lack
with fellow members. of communication between agencies that led to 9/11 despite sloppiness
on the part of Al Queda and its operatives.

21
1954 – CERN, the European Organization 1954 – The Brown v. Board of Education of 1955 – The term “artificial 1956 – Sony exports its first 1956 – Elvis Presley 1957 – IBM introduces first
for Nuclear Research, is established. Topeka, Kansas, decision is handed down. intelligence” is coined. products, to Canada. records his first record. transistor-based computer.

Issue 8: The Arts
How do the arts convey
information?

Musicians in LaBoca, Argentina

1. How are the arts used as a record of culture and history? THE DEMOCRATIzATION OF INSTRuMENTATION
2. Who has traditionally had access to the arts and how has that
changed? Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): To what
3. How are the arts democratized? extent is music an important part of a young person’s education? How
4. How do traditional crafts (pottery, quilting, tapestry) transfer do music studies affect the way students perform in their other classes?
information through generations? What is the relationship between music studies and excellence in
5. Technology has provided more people with the means to create mathematics? How many schools in your community have regular music
art. How has this changed the type of art produced and information education classes? Are there programs for students who would like to
communicated? take music lessons but cannot afford to rent or own instruments?
6. Social networking tools have provided the means for artists to
collaborate across time and distance. What implications does this Leadership Role(s): Once you have completed your research and
have for the future of art forms? determined a need, promote the collection of musical instruments and
7. Musicians and authors can now self-produce, self-publish, and self- locate and gain necessary permission from your college administrators
distribute their work. How does this affect access to more and varied for collection sites and times. Leaders learn how to recognize those who
music and literature? support them. Design and print t-shirts acknowledging those who gave
8. How does live streaming of the Metropolitan Opera’s performances time and resources. Provide them to the instrument donors. Working
to local theaters convey information about art and culture? In what with band directors, organize a concert for which students perform
ways is it different to view a performance via technology, rather than using the instruments collected and distributed by your chapter. Attend
in person? and invite instrument donors to attend with you.
9. How do online museum collections increase access to information
about artists and their works? Leadership Development: Organize a workshop on “Leading by
10. Controversial artists’ exhibits, such as Robert Mapplethorpe’s “The Serving.” Use the selections on Harriet Tubman and becoming a servant
Perfect Moment,” have caused politicians to call for cutting funding leader from Phi Theta Kappa’s Leadership Development Studies: A Humanities
for the National Endowment for the Arts. How does this relate to the Approach to help you enhance your skills as community leaders.
democratization of information? When is this censorship and when is
this legitimate public/political response? Action: Determine the level of funding and the amount of need for
11. NetFlix, iTunes, on-demand video, and Sirius Radio have replaced music in your local school system. Create a used-instrument recycling
the traditional distribution of entertainment arts and made them program and provide instruments to aspiring young musicians who
more accessible, yet we must purchase new equipment for access. cannot otherwise afford them. Many of these instruments will need to
Has this made entertainment art more or less accessible? be cleaned, repaired, or refurbished. Identify people who are willing
12. How has the phenomenon of “Famous for Being Famous” altered to do this work at reduced or no cost. After the instruments have
our concept of celebrity as it relates to the entertainment arts? been collected and made ready for distribution, work with school
13. American Idol has provided a new path to music-artist success. Does band directors to determine an appropriate method for getting the
this democratize music or diminish it? instruments to the students who most need them.

Collaboration:
l Chapter members
l Middle school and high school students, teachers, and administrators
l Students and faculty on your campus

22
1957 – Sputnik is 1958 – The first microchip 1958 – President Dwight Eisenhower’s Christmas 1962 – The first industrial robot 1963 – T.G. Evans’ program, ANALOGY, proves that computers
launched by Russia. is demonstrated. address is the first voice transmission from a satellite. company, Unimation, is founded. can solve analogy problems like those on IQ tests.
.

Reflection: How did learning more about being a servant leader affect
your experience working to gather information and instruments to help
Bibliography
students in your community afford the tools necessary to study music? Carson, C. “Theatre and Technology: Battling with the Box” in
How did you turn what you learned into action? How did you grow as Digital Creativity (September 1999): 129-134.
scholars and leaders? How can other Phi Theta Kappa chapters replicate The computer is an essential tool in both theatre and theatre research
your project in their communities? practices. This article explores technologies currently in use as well
as what the future might hold. Carson concludes, “The fundamental
SuPPORTING THE ARTS conclusion is that any move towards reducing the spontaneity of what
takes place on stage and the sense of community which takes place
Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): A study from in the theatre, thereby creating a more rigid, universalized or solitary
the University of California at Los Angeles found a direct correlation experience, seriously threatens the integrity, and also the point, of the
between students with high arts involvement and performance on live theatre experience.”
standardized achievement tests. In times of economic crisis, to what
extent is public funding for the arts cut in your community? If funding Crossley, S. “Metaphorical Conceptions in Hip-Hop Music” in
for the arts is cut, how does it affect arts education? To what extent are African American Review (Winter 2006): 501-512.
there alternative programs in your community where students can gain Crossley examines Hip Hop as a musical art form developed in a culture
valuable information about and training in the arts? What are the model that had limited access to the traditional tools of music making. Its
programs in other communities worldwide that may be useful in your metaphors are often specific to the culture in which it is created.
own community?
Kania, A. “Making Tracks: The Ontology of Rock Music” in Journal
Leadership Role(s): Survey performing arts organizations in your area of Aesthetics & Art Criticism (Fall 2006): 401-414.
to determine their need for assistance with maintaining or increasing Kania explores similarities and differences between rock music
attendance and public support. Identify one or two organizations your performance and classical music performance and the role of the
chapter is interested in supporting. recording studio in the performances and the ways the music is
experienced by people listening to the recordings.
Leadership Development: Conduct a workshop on setting
measurable goals, focusing on fundraising and working with your Schwab, Gabriele. The Mirror and the Killer-Queen: Otherness in
student activities administrators and student government association as Literary Language. 1996.
well as arts organizations in your community. Contemporary and classic literature offers us gateways to understanding
others. In this text, Schwab presents foundations for utilizing literature
Action: Find the annual schedule of the arts organizations you have to understand other cultures and our own through examining what
decided to support, and choose two performances for support and literature can bring to the discussion. Things outwardly repressed in
study. Work with the student activities director and student government cultures may be understood through its literature, and what may seem
association on your campus to secure funds for a block of tickets for normal or routine may take on new meanings as we learn to read more
students to attend the selected performances. Study the performance deeply and fully literature from our own and other cultures.
piece and become familiar with aspects of the work, its creator, its
history, and social significance. Use this knowledge to promote the event Siegel, W. and Jacobsen, I. “The challenges of interactive dance: An
across your campus. Use your understanding of the work to organize a overview and case study” in Computer Music Journal. 22 (4), 29. 1998.
discussion with fellow students to help them get the most out of their Siegel and Jacobson discuss how the development of a digital dance
experience. Arrange for performers to meet with your group to discuss interface that tracks a dancer’s movements can allow for dancers to
the work after the performance. Support the company by volunteering collaborate across barriers of time and distance.
as ambassadors or ushers for the performance or the season.
youngs, A. “The Fine Art of Creating Life” in Leonardo (October
Collaboration: 2000): 377-380.
l Chapter members Youngs discusses how biological life and works of art are combining to
l Students on your campus blur the line between life and art as artists begin to create digital works
l Student activities administrators that “engage in the processes of life and biological works that exist as art
l Arts organizations administrators and actual life.”

Reflection: Ask participants to complete pre- and post-performance
questionnaires. Work with a statistics professor or institutional researcher to
develop this assessment questionnaire. What did members and students
on campus experience by studying and attending performances? How and
why do the arts help democratize information?

23
1965 – Hypertext 1969 – First International Joint Conference 1970 – INTEL introduces 1972 – Ray Tomlinson creates the 1974 – Henry Jay Heimlich, in Emergency Medicine, describes
is developed. on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) is held. the first microprocessor. first electronic mail (email) program. the Heimlich Maneuver, which reduced choking deaths.

Issue 9: Science
What are the connections
between the scientific
process and information?

A space nebula and the sun

1. How has the increased access to information altered our everyday INFLuENzA
understanding of science?
2. What types of illness or new maladies may result from increased Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Each year,
time spent using personal technology? we witness a worldwide outbreak of the influenza, which comes in
3. What role does increased access to information play in empowering many strains, but in 2009, the world was rocked by a strain called H1N1.
us to live healthier lifestyles or to gain better quality medical care? This strain was so significant that it garnered major media attention,
4. Some developing countries accept electronic waste and then hire and the world braced itself for a highly lethal flu outbreak. Explore the
locals to dismantle it for the recycling market, exposing them to epidemiology of influenza. Begin by gaining an understanding of what
dangerous chemicals. Who should be responsible for the health and influenza is and is not. Research the pattern of the annual flu outbreaks.
environmental impact of such practices? What makes H1N1 more significant than the usual annual flu strains (or is
5. What impact has the information gained from major scientific it)? What does it mean for a disease to be given pandemic status? If H1N1
endeavors, such as the Human Genome Project, had on our began as swine flu, why are humans concerned, and what role does
understanding of who we are? genetics play in this potential threat? How is influenza spread? Research
6. In what ways can the pursuit of pure science merely to gain the development of flu vaccines. We have flu shots each year—why are
knowledge improve the human condition? they sometimes effective and sometimes not, and why do we need
7. Given the brain’s plasticity, what impact do changes in the methods a new one for H1N1? Explore the media coverage of the origins of the
by which we gain information alter the way we think, learn and H1N1 strain and other potential worldwide threats, such as SARS. How
respond? has the media coverage affected public response? Where can one go for
8. In what ways are greater scientific knowledge and technology reliable information during a major health crisis? Does our current ability
blurring the line between man and machine? to access information help or hinder our ability to recognize serious
9. As our acquisition of scientific information increases, we gain the threats?
capability to do previously impossible feats, such as human cloning.
Does the fact that we can mean that we should? Who should make Leadership Role(s): Talk to local health care experts (epidemiologists,
those decisions, and can the field of bioethics keep pace with public health department officials) and discover what action plan your
scientific advances? community has in place for handling a major disease outbreak. What
10. With the explosion of information resources that have a “scientific” information do you need from them? How will you use that information?
feel or sound, how do we distinguish valid science from Talk to your college administration. Who is responsible for your college’s
pseudoscience or myth? action plan for such events, and what is that plan? Are students and
11. Based on the scientific method of inquiry, hypotheses cannot employees aware of the plan? Are flu vaccines easily accessible for the
be proved to be correct but can be proved incorrect. Why is that college and community?
statement true, and how has increased information through the
years led to changes in our scientific beliefs? Leadership Development: As a chapter, read “Enlist Others: Attracting
12. How do new discoveries in neurological sciences apply to the People to Common Purposes” in Leadership Development Studies: A
development of artificial intelligence? Humanities Approach. Invite an Allied Health or a nursing faculty member
13. How might the development of artificial intelligence increase our to facilitate a discussion about the lessons you learned from reading
acquisition and analysis of information? the article and the ways you can use the information to develop your
14. How has neurobiological research influenced our understanding of influenza project.
learning disorders?
Action: Each year, there will be a cold and flu season. What steps can be
taken to minimize the spread of any flu strain? What does your college

24
1975 – Microsoft 1977 – Television signals are 1977 – Robert Greenleaf’s Servant Leadership: A Journey Into 1979 – First digitally 1980 – CNN 1981 – MTV
is founded. transmitted on optical fibers. the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness is published. recorded album released. is launched. is launched.

do? Identify appropriate partners on campus to increase awareness. research in your college or local newspaper. Use your scholarship to
Launch an informational poster campaign about influenza and its host a public forum on the topic and include bioethicists, theologians,
prevention. Research the efficacy of different types of hand sanitizers geneticists, physicians, and citizens who have diseases that have
and choose the best one, then place hand sanitizer stations around been helped by stem cell research or might be helped by it. Provide
campus. What resources will be needed, and where will you get them? opportunities for attendees to lobby local, state and federal politicians
Bring speakers to campus to discuss the facts and myths about influenza regardless of their viewpoints.
and H1N1. Whom will you select for your speaker, and why? Bring a flu
vaccination program to campus. With whom would you work towards Collaboration:
this goal, and what logistical concerns do you have to address? Develop l Chapter members
a timeline. How will you promote the event, what will it cost, and who l Students on your campus
will be eligible? Share what you learn with fellow Phi Theta Kappa l Faculty members and administrators on your campus
members beyond your chapter by developing an educational forum and l Medical personnel, theologians, and medical researchers in your
presenting your findings at a regional conference. community
l Fellow Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your chapter
Collaboration:
l Chapter members Reflection: Share your survey findings with fellow Phi Theta Kappa
l Students on your campus members at a regional convention. Survey members and compare the
l College administrators on your campus results of those surveys with the general student population of your
l Community health officials campus. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are the results
different? How have you grown as scholars and leaders from your
Reflection: What did you learn about working with chapter, college, investigation of stem cell research and from the organization of your
and community members about articulating your vision of sharing vital Honors in Action project?
information about ways to protect your health? How will you take what
you learned about influenza and replicate your research methods to Bibliography
monitor and share information about other health issues? To what extent
can the democratization of information help stem pandemics? Carson, Rachel. Silent Spring. 1962.
This classic is widely credited with launching the environmental
STEM CELL RESEARCH: THE ANSWER TO ERADICATION movement. Carson documents the damaging effects of pesticides on
OF DISEASE OR MISGuIDED uSE OF FuNDS? the environment, especially on birds by thinning their eggshells, believed
to have almost led to the extinction of our national symbol, the Bald
Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): As the global Eagle. She also indicts the chemical industry for their campaigns of
population increases and healthcare costs rise, cures for human diseases misinformation and the U. S. government for its too-ready acceptance of
may be found through the use of stem cells. Stem cell research as a that information.
means of finding cures for human disease is a highly charged issue with
significant implications. This subject is one associated with accurate Mindell, David A. Digital Apollo. 2008.
information and misinformation that people need to understand in order This book explores the relationship between the astronauts and the
to make informed decisions about legislation and public policy. Much of automated technology that led to six Apollo moon landings, and
the debate centers around the suitability of embryonic and adult stem considers the implications for our futures, whenever human roles are
cells in curing disease and the bioethics of using them. Investigate the threatened by automation—man vs. machine.
biology of stem cells and use your research as the basis for examining
bioethical issues associated with this matter: moral, social and religious. Pollan, Michael. In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto. 2009.
Scientific advances have revolutionized agribusiness and the food
Leadership Role(s): Work with faculty and administrators on your industry. But what impact have the technological advances had on the
campus to organize your forum on stem cell research. Work with nutritional value of what we eat and on our overall health?
statistics faculty to develop a valid and reliable survey which you will use
to gather information about the perception of students on your campus Powers, Richard. Generosity: An Enhancement. 2009.
about stem cell research. In this novel, a perpetually happy student is believed to possess a
rare euphoric trait called hyperthymia. She falls into the hands of
Leadership Development: Invite a communications faculty member a charismatic entrepreneur and his genetics lab, which is intent on
to conduct a workshop on how to effectively facilitate a discussion on a developing a programmable genome that regulates one’s sense of well-
controversial topic and allow for the substantive contributions of people being. The book asks the questions, “If happiness genes are discovered,
with varied viewpoints. who will own the patent?” and “What are the implications to our species
if we develop programmable genomes?”
Action: Conduct a college survey to determine student understanding
of stem cell research and perceptions on what others think about these
issues and their connection to the democratization of information.
Compare perception with individual understanding and publish the

25
1981 – Programmers at Microsoft Corporation 1981 – WordPerfect is introduced 1983 – China population 1984 – IBM introduces 1984 – Alec John Jeffreys develops
develop computer operating system, MS-DOS. as the first word processing application. reaches 1 billion. first portable computer. “genetic fingerprinting.”

Issue 10: History
and The Future
How has the sharing of
information evolved and
what might be its future?

Mayan pyramid in Mexico

1. How has the exchange of information affected the development BACK TO THE FuTuRE
of cultures and civilizations? How has the evolution of information
changed the world? Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Research how
2. How have events like the Agricultural, Industrial, and Information information was shared and gained in the early 1960s. What sources of
Revolutions shaped our information systems? (Consider cave art, information do you use in your daily lives today that were not available
alphabets, manuscripts and carvings, movable type, telegraph, then? How would going without them affect your daily existence now?
telephone, etc.) Invite speakers who recall that era to discuss how they got by without
3. How does information affect our understanding of history? today’s access to information. Consider what types of information
4. How do we define “information age?” What are some of the key technology that you use today that will be obsolete in the next decade.
information ages of history? Research the availability of this technology in your area. Who lacks
5. How will the growth of technological innovation be perceived by access? Plan a community electronics redistribution drive. Does your
future generations? community have a recycling program? If so, meet with its coordinator
6. How many of the predictions of science fiction and the to discuss the logistics. Prepare for the meeting through research and
entertainment industry have come true? How do they continue to determining what information you want to gain from the meeting. Plan
shape our view of the future? a timeline. With whom will you need to work? Where will it be held?
7. How can studying past and current events prepare us for the future? How and who will delete personal information from the items before
8. How has access to information changed language and they are redistributed? Who will get them? Will they be able to use
communication styles or venues? them? What will become of any unusable items? Keep records of how
9. How is a “connection to our past” enhanced and shaped by access many items you take in and how many you redistribute. Report your
to information (return to vinyl records, genealogy, scrapbooking, etc., results on campus and to Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters.
the so-called “lost arts”)?
10. How have advances in information technology changed historical Leadership Role(s): Explore the feasibility of sponsoring this
interpretation? “technology blackout.” How long will it last? Is there any way members
11. What types and formats of information sharing have we lost or are who are in online courses can participate and still fulfill requirements
losing? of their classes? Are there any essential functions that your members
12. What is the Information Revolution, and how are we learning from/ might need to complete during the period that would require the use
using the new information and information formats created? of modern means and, if so, how can they plan around them? Who in
13. What does the future hold? your life needs to know in advance of your intent? How will the chapter
monitor participation and compliance?

Leadership Development: Invite a historian to conduct a workshop
about historical methodology and the ways students can learn about
their own lives and about the future from studying history. Share what
you learn with students who will join your Honors in Action project and
were not able to participate in the workshop.

Action: Organize your chapter to conduct a trip back in time by going
without accessing or sharing information through any means that would
not have been available in the early ‘60s. Invite other organizations and
individuals to join you. During the week, have participants keep a journal

26
1990 – The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and 1992 – CERN releases their hypertext for physicists to 1997 – Ian Wilmut and Keith Campbell 1998 – Google
the European Space Agency (ESA) launch the Hubble Space Telescope. the public, renaming it the World Wide Web. clone a sheep, Dolly, from adult cells. is founded.

about their experiences. How does it affect their normal functioning of the future. Compare and contrast the predictions from the past to
in the world? What impact does it have on their interpersonal the realities of current and emerging technologies. How much of “The
communications? Did they feel as connected to others or less so, and Future” has become real? Invite international chapters to work with you
in what ways? How aware were they of what was happening in the on the project and to share information about the ways in which the
world? What tasks could they not do? Challenge fellow members of future has been portrayed in science fiction across cultures. What are the
Phi Theta Kappa beyond your chapter to join you in this technology similarities and differences? Prepare your findings for presentation at a
blackout. Replicate the technology with middle school students in your Phi Theta Kappa regional event and publication.
community. In what ways did the middle school students react to the
exercise that were similar to and different from the reactions of college Collaboration:
students? l Chapter members
l Students on your campus
Collaboration: l Faculty and administrators on your campus
l Chapter members l Local engineers, scientists, agricultural researchers, and futurists
l Students on your campus l Fellow Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your chapter and region
l Fellow Phi Theta Kappa members beyond your chapter
l Middle school students Reflection: Develop a chapter blog to share your findings and thoughts
about the democratization of information and what we know about the
Reflection: Have participants type synopses of their reactions to the past and speculate about the future. Invite your Phi Theta Kappa partners to
week and submit them, then publish them on a chapter website, school blog with you and readers to share their ideas about the future from their
publication, or local newspaper. Host a discussion on campus about personal perspectives as well as the perspective of the cultures in which
your “Back to the Future” project. Decorate with a 1960s theme. Discuss they grew up. Discuss online how the blog has helped you grow as scholars
what ways of gaining and sharing information are essential in your daily and prepare to be effective leaders in the future.
life. What were your reactions and feelings? How significant was the loss
of your cell phone or computer? How is our ability to gain and share Bibliography
information different today, and what impact does this have on our
quality of life? Aslan, Reza. How To Win a Cosmic War: God, Globalization, and
the End of the War on Terror. 2009.
SCIENCE FICTION Aslan examines the “good and evil dualisms” on both sides of the war
on terror and explains why it is in the best interests of people on all
Investigation of the Honors Study Topic (Research): Science sides to look beyond demonization of enemies. He explores the history
fiction and popular entertainment have offered their views of “The of religious, political, and military conflicts in the Middle East and the
Future” for decades. Each group has built its own particular reality, with Western response to the conflicts as well as Islamic extremists’ distortions
descriptions and displays of technology, opinions on culture and society, of their own religion and history.
and variations on the future of humanity. At a series of chapter meetings,
watch old episodes of "Star Trek" or early 1940s and 1950s sci-fi films. McNeely, Ian F. Reinventing Knowledge: From Alexandria to the
Discuss how the future is portrayed in each. What types of technology Internet. 2008.
and societies did they predict we would have? How is leadership Ian complicates the notion that the current Information Age is unique.
presented? What lessons are inherent in these presentations? Invite Instead, he argues that “information ages” have existed throughout
faculty members who are scholars in science fiction to discuss how the history and that previous cultural and technological advancements
view of the future has evolved. have spawned information explosions similar to the one we are
currently undergoing. Topics addressed include the rise of libraries, the
Leadership Role(s): Contact local engineering schools or companies, development of monasteries as repositories of knowledge, the rise of
NASA, scientific and agricultural research groups, and others who are the university, the popularity of letters circulated among the intellectual
planning for and working on future technologies. Work with your elite, the rise of the discipline, and the development of the scientific
college’s administrators to determine what steps you should follow to laboratory.
organize your film series on campus.
Norton, Jeremy. M. From Gutenberg to the Internet: A Sourcebook
Leadership Development: Organize a series of lessons for chapter on the History of Information Technology. 2005.
members and other students on campus regarding planning for Norton traces the history of technologies from the 15th through the 21st
research, putting together presentations, exploring legal issues with film centuries with a concentration on discoveries made during the 19th and
presentations in an academic setting, and working with academic and early-to-mid-20th centuries. A timeline designed to encourage research
non-academic entities as partners. and development is included.

Action: Put together a film series, invite students and community
members to attend, and have a speaker address the themes in the films.
Survey audience members about their perceptions about the evolution
of technology and how the entertainment field has influenced our views

27
2001 – Craig Ventner of Celera Genomics and Francis Collins of the Human 2002 – American 2003 – The Human Genome Project, a public endeavor, is officially completed
Genome Project jointly publish their decoding of the human genome. Idol debuts. ahead of schedule and only 50 years after the structure of DNA was discovered.

Phi Theta Kappa Honors
Program Committee
The Phi Theta Kappa Honors Program Committee is responsible for
making recommendations to Headquarters staff about the new Honors
Study Topic every two years and for assisting with the compilation of the
Program Guide. Made up of Phi Theta Kappa advisors, Headquarters staff,
and consultants, the Honors Program Committee is selected for its broad
knowledge of the democratization of information and Phi Theta Kappa’s
integrated approach to the Hallmarks as well as its balance in academic
disciplines.

Dr. Randal Allison Dr. Joan Fedor
History and Social Sciences Representative Honors Consultant
Blinn College Sun City West, Arizona
Bryan, Texas

Monika Byrd Lori Garrett
Dean of Leadership Development Service Learning Representative
Phi Theta Kappa Parkland College
Jackson, Mississippi Champaign, Illinois

Cindy Carbone Dr. Liesl Ward Harris
Ohio Regional Coordinator Humanities Representative
Leadership Development Representative Jefferson State Community College
Central Ohio Technical College Shelby Campus
Newark, Ohio Birmingham, Alabama

Robert Carey Dr. Ken Kerr
Science/Math/Technology Representative Fine Arts Representative
Pima Community College Frederick Community College
Tucson, Arizona Frederick, Maryland

Susan Edwards, Chair Jennifer Stanford
Dean of Academic Affairs and Honors Programs Dean of Service Learning
Phi Theta Kappa Phi Theta Kappa
Jackson, Mississippi Jackson, Mississippi

28
2003 – MySpace 2004 – Facebook 2004 – Wikipedia 2005 – YouTube 2006 – No Child Left 2007 – Apple releases 2007 – Twitter
is founded. is founded. is founded. is founded. Behind Act is implemented. the iPhone. is founded.

Phi Theta Kappa Honors Institute Topics and Sites
Established in 1968, Phi Theta Kappa’s Honors Institute is an intensive exploration of the Honors Study Topic, featuring internationally recognized
speakers, small group seminars, educational field trips and experiential activities.

1968 Our Cultural Heritage: 1800-1860 1990 Civilization at Risk: Challenge of the ‘90s
Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts Adelphi University, Long Island, New York
1969 The Changing Nature of American Society: A Challenge to Government 1991 The Paradox of Freedom: A Global Dilemma
Marymount College of Virginia, Arlington, Virginia University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
1970 A Study of Twentieth-Century Drama 1992 1492-1992: The Dynamics of Discovery
Bennett College, Millbrook, New York College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts
1971 Man, A Part of Nature/Man, Apart from Nature 1993 Our Complex World: Balancing Unity and Diversity
Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
1972 The State of Our Nation: Toward Responsible Contributory Citizenship 1994 Science, Humanity and Technology: Shaping a New Creation
American University, Washington, D.C. Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan
1973 Voices of Human Experience, I 1995 Rights, Privileges and Responsibilities: An Indelicate Balance
Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts Chapman University, Orange, California
1974 Voices of Human Experience, II 1996 The Arts: Landscape of Our Time
Ferrum College, Ferrum, Virginia Bryant College, Smithfield, Rhode Island
1975 Franklin and Jefferson: Apostles in ‘76 1997 Family: Myth, Metaphor and Reality
University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington
1976 William Faulkner: The Man, His Land, His Legend 1998 The Pursuit of Happiness: Conflicting Visions and Values
University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
1977 Music: The Listener’s Art 1999 The New Millennium: The Past As Prologue
Cumberland College, Lebanon, Tennessee The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
1978 Man Alive: Can He Survive? 2000 In the Midst of Water: Origin and Destiny of Life
Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado The University of San Diego, San Diego, California
1979 The Brilliant Future of Man: Problem Solving Time 2001 Customs, Traditions, and Celebrations:
Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, North Carolina The Human Drive for Community
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
1980 A Time for Truth: America’s Need for Governmental Renaissance
Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts 2002 Dimensions and Directions of Health: Choices in the Maze
Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
1981 Man in Crisis: A Quest for Values
State University of New York, Purchase, New York 2003 Dimensions and Directions of Health: Choices in the Maze
The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
1982 The Short Story: Mirror of Humanity
University of Southern Mississippi, Long Beach, Mississippi 2004 Popular Culture: Shaping and Reflecting Who We Are
University of California, Los Angeles, California
1983 Signed by the Masters
C.W. Post College on Long Island, Greenvale, New York 2005 Popular Culture: Shaping and Reflecting Who We Are
University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
1984 America, A World-Class Citizen: Image and Reality
University of Southern Mississippi, Long Beach, Mississippi 2006 Gold, Gods, and Glory: The Global Dynamics of Power
University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
1985 Ethics and Today’s Media: An Endangered Alliance?
Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado 2007 Gold, Gods, and Glory: The Global Dynamics of Power
Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois
1986 The American Dream: Past, Present, and Future
Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas 2008 The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges, and Consequences
San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
1987 The U.S. Constitution: Assuring Continuity Through Controversy
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 2009 The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges, and Consequences
University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia
1988 The Character and Climate of Leadership:
Old Frontiers and New Frontiers 2010 The Democratization of Information: Power, Peril, and Promise
Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington Chapman University, Orange, California
1989 The Americas: Distant Neighbors Building Bridges 2011 The Democratization of Information: Power, Peril, and Promise
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada To Be Announced 29

About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society for community college
students. Since its founding in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has
recognized the academic achievements of students in
associate-degree programs. The Society has grown from eight
charter chapters in Missouri to approximately 1,250 chapters
located in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, the
Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the
Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the
United Arab Emirates, and U.S. territories. Approximately
100,000 of the most outstanding two-year college students
are inducted into membership in Phi Theta Kappa each year.
Phi Theta Kappa offers students opportunities for engaging in
scholarly activities, earning academic scholarships, providing
service to the community, developing and practicing
leadership skills, and enjoying fellowship with other scholars.

Phi Theta Kappa Mission Statement
The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize
and encourage scholarship among two-year college
students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall
provide opportunity for the development of leadership
and service, for an intellectual climate for the exchange of
ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship of scholars, and for
stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.

Phi Theta Kappa is committed to the elimination of discrimination based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and
religious background. © 2010, 2011 by Phi Theta Kappa, Inc., in the United States and Canada. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent
of Phi Theta Kappa. The name, logo, and various titles herein have been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The Phi Theta Kappa Honors Program Guide is
published once every two years by Phi Theta Kappa, 1625 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211, 601.984.3504.

2010 2011 honors program guide

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2010 2011 honors program guide