Current Students

Acquisition of Knowledge
IDH 2010 - 501
Instructor: Cayla Lanier
Tuesday/Thursday | 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. 

Acquisition of Knowledge, or AoK, is a literal, theoretical, and practical introduction to the Judy Genshaft Honors College at USF. In this class, all new first-year students will explore ways of knowing and ways of practicing knowing, which will provide a foundation for what you can expect from the rest of your Honors experience.

Honors Foundations
IDH 2930 - 501
Instructor: Peer Mentor
Day/Time: TBA

Honors Foundations welcomes all first-year student in a peer-led orientation to the Judy Genshaft Honors College and college life in general, covering topics such as long-term academic planning, short-term goal setting, honors curriculum requirements, and financial literacy.

Honors Music Ensemble
IDH 2930 – 502
Teaching Assistant: Alec Jimenez
Tuesday | 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Did you play an instrument in high school, or were you a member of your local youth orchestra or band? Have you been looking for an artistic outlet for your creative personality? Then you are in the right place! Join the Honors Music Ensemble this semester and explore the world of classical and popular music. The HME will aim to offer one concert during the semester and may perform at other events as needed. Participation in two semesters of HME may count as one Experiential Learning activity. This flexible and inviting group of musicians is open to all levels. 

Science of Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate
IDH 3350 – 501
Instructor: Ryan McCleary
Monday/Wednesday | 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.

Are you someone who won’t speak with others in the morning until after at least one cup of coffee? Are you a self-proclaimed “chocoholic?” We have a lot of terminology and personal interactions relating to various types of food and drinks, and this course will examine how a few of these arose in human culture. Very few food products have had as large an influence on human societies as coffee, tea, and chocolate. Interestingly, the origins of these three foods are extremely different, and their histories even more varied. In this course, we will explore the historical, cultural, economic, environmental, chemical, and biological aspects of these three highly prized foods. We will further examine the unique vocabularies associated with each (such as “orange pekoe”) and delve into the meanings behind such terms as “fair trade,” “ethically sourced,” and “organic” by examining methods of cultivation, harvesting, and processing. We will, of course, also conduct taste-testing on a variety of all three to understand how complex their flavors can be.

Virtualizing Sustainable Tourism: Technology, AI, and Global Innovation
IDH 4200-501 (Cross-listed with IDH 4950-501)
Instructor: Brooke Hansen
Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

This Honors course explores the intersection of emerging technologies and sustainable tourism, focusing on the role of virtualization, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital innovation in shaping the future of the industry. Students will examine how virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 360-degree video, and AI-driven analytics are transforming tourism marketing, visitor engagement, and destination management while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through global case studies, students will analyze real-world applications of these technologies, from heritage site preservation to immersive ecotourism experiences and AI-driven sustainability strategies.

The course features a hands-on, project-based component centered on Sarasota, Florida, a major tourism hub known for its cultural attractions, coastal ecosystems, and sustainable tourism initiatives. Students will collaborate with local stakeholders, tourism boards, and technology partners to develop innovative digital storytelling projects, virtual tourism experiences, or AI-driven solutions that support sustainable destination management. This interdisciplinary approach will provide students with practical skills in digital content creation, data-driven decision-making, and responsible tourism innovation, preparing them to be leaders in the future of sustainable and technology-enhanced travel.

Virtualizing Sustainable Tourism: Technology, AI, and Global Innovation 
IDH 4950 – 501 (Cross-listed with IDH 4200-501)
Instructor: Brooke Hansen
Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

This Honors course explores the intersection of emerging technologies and sustainable tourism, focusing on the role of virtualization, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital innovation in shaping the future of the industry. Students will examine how virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 360-degree video, and AI-driven analytics are transforming tourism marketing, visitor engagement, and destination management while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through global case studies, students will analyze real-world applications of these technologies, from heritage site preservation to immersive ecotourism experiences and AI-driven sustainability strategies.

The course features a hands-on, project-based component centered on Sarasota, Florida, a major tourism hub known for its cultural attractions, coastal ecosystems, and sustainable tourism initiatives. Students will collaborate with local stakeholders, tourism boards, and technology partners to develop innovative digital storytelling projects, virtual tourism experiences, or AI-driven solutions that support sustainable destination management. This interdisciplinary approach will provide students with practical skills in digital content creation, data-driven decision-making, and responsible tourism innovation, preparing them to be leaders in the future of sustainable and technology-enhanced travel.

Thesis I  
IDH 4970 - 501 
Instructor: Cayla Lanier

Students should enroll in Thesis I when they are in the final 2-4 semesters of completing their degree. Only juniors and seniors may enroll in thesis. Note: This section is for Sarasota-Manatee campus students only.

Thesis II 
IDH 4970 - 502  
Instructor: Cayla Lanier

Permit required. Only students who have completed Thesis I may enroll in Thesis II. Note: This section is for Sarasota-Manatee campus students only.