Windows to the World

Windows to the World is a unique seminar that offers scholars a head start in preparing for future scholarship competitions, graduate school appointments, and job opportunities. The course hones students' reading, writing, and speaking skills, using current events for context, as they share ideas and practice debating and interviewing---valuable tools for anyone.

A joint project of the Honors College and the Scholar Development Office, "Windows" is recommended to freshmen in their spring semester. The course encourages students to elevate their reading and communications skills, using current events for context.

"It's an effort to enrich outstanding students so they will be prepared for rigorous competition, academically or professionally," says class teacher Bob Graalman.

Each scholar is assigned a date as an "anchor person" for the day, summarizes news reports, and responds to questions in a manner that demonstrates quick thinking and polished interview techniques. Similar exercises focus on writing.

Another component, particularly valued by participants, is the community of scholars the class creates. Graalman concludes, "the class takes advantage of past scholar experiences. We are trying to broaden the view for more students, whether or not they win prestigious scholarships."