Current Students

Acquisition of Knowledge
IDH 2010-601
Tuesday/Thursday | 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Acquisition of Knowledge
IDH 2010-602
Tuesday/Thursday | 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Acquisition of Knowledge
IDH 2010-603
Monday/Wednesday| 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

Art + the Environment
IDH 3100 – 601
Instructor: Tina Piracci
Friday | 11:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.

With rising sea levels and global temperatures climbing, our earth is in need of immediate regenerative action. This studio art course will propose various forms of restorative design and art activism to address climate change, threatened ecosystems and the environment. Utilizing design, fine art, and other creative modes of expressive solutions, we will research potential calls for creative action, whether via art activism and awareness or design implementation and fieldwork. This class does not require previous art experience and various mediums will be open for exploration. Through community partnerships, we will investigate opportunities for impact design with a focus on local oyster restoration via 3D-printing ceramic habitat brick or propose and implement a mural project in collaboration with the USF Botanical Gardens. Our oyster brick restoration project is done in collaboration with Dr. William Ellis from the Marine Biology department at USF St. Petersburg, and will involve research, partnerships, and field work. With opportunities to ideate and develop design proposals with the environment in mind, we will collaborate with community researchers and organizations to take creative action for a cleaner tomorrow and bring awareness to sustainability.   A permit is required for Tampa or SM students to register; request a permit here.  

Ocean Life and Why They Matter
IDH 3350-601
Instructor: Teresa Greely
Tuesday | 12:30 - 3:15 p.m.

The main purpose of this course is to advance the ocean literacy and environmental stewardship of students. The ocean is essential for a healthy planet and human well-being. Students will learn about the fascinating diversity of ocean life and their odd strategies for living in the ocean. We will focus on the biology of ocean life, as well as how geological, chemical, and physical processes are essential to understanding ocean life. We will attempt to answer the questions about, “How life in the ocean contributes to human health, food security, and climate?”

This course includes outdoor field trips to explore beyond the classroom. Students will learn to formulate reasonable answers to questions related to ocean life and ecosystems, living marine resources, and how ocean life contributes to our global society. A permit is required for Tampa or SM students to register; request a permit here. 

Negotiations in Work and Life – Or, How to Buy a Car, Get a Raise, and Divide Chores
IDH 3400-601
Instructor: Nikki Stowell
Monday | 2:00 – 4:45 p.m.

This interactive, simulation-based course introduces students to the fundamentals of negotiation, blending theory with real-world application. Designed for those with little to no prior experience, the course explores key concepts such as distributive and integrative bargaining, persuasion techniques, conflict resolution, and cross-cultural negotiations. Through hands-on exercises, role-playing simulations, and case studies, students will develop essential skills in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. By the end of the semester, students will be equipped to confidently navigate negotiations in business, law, diplomacy, and everyday life. A permit is required for Tampa or SM students to register; request a permit here.  

Food, History, and Culture 
IDH 4200-601
Instructor: Gary Mormino 
Tuesday/Thursday | 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

"Tell me what you eat," wrote a French gourmand 200 years ago, "and I will tell you who you are." This class examines history through the lens of food. The way we eat/ate is always changing. We will discuss how invaders, wars, immigrants, ethnic groups, technology, the media and politics change our food habits. Students will maintain food journals and write a mini-term paper.  A permit is required for Tampa or SM students to register; request a permit here.

Healing Arts
IDH 4950-601
Instructor: Catherine Wilkins
Wednesday | 2:00 – 4:45 p.m.

In this collaboration between the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College and the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, Honors students learn by experience how particular methods of engaging with art can help people access and express memories, improve communication skills, externalize emotions, relieve stress and anxiety, increase observation abilities, and promote positive feelings. We will consider how these benefits relate to people dealing with a range of medical conditions, providing therapeutic relief. We’ll practice facilitating these methods ourselves, in preparation for helping our community partner, the James Museum, deliver their Art in Mind program. Community members diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related conditions will come to the museum to receive therapeutic tours from us, as a class! Finally, this capstone course will allow students to participate in furthering the research at the intersection of art, medicine, and community engagement.

Please note: this class will be primarily held at the James Museum in downtown St. Petersburg, a 10-minute walk from campus (.5 miles). Please allow time in your schedule for traveling to and from the museum. A permit is required for anyone to register; request a permit here. 

Honors Thesis
IDH 4970-601
Instructor: Catherine Wilkins
Monday | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

A permit is required for anyone to register; request a permit here.