Understanding Honors TRACTS Courses

These courses build well-rounded leadership and strategic insight.

• In HNRS 2000, a student might analyze the ethical implications of tax incentives for corporations relocating to Louisiana, weighing economic development against community impact—directly relevant for careers in corporate strategy or economic development.
• In HNRS 2009, they could study the role of science in shaping sustainable business practices, such as evaluating the viability of carbon capture technologies in the energy sector—critical knowledge for future ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) analysts.
• HNRS 2100 sharpens global thinking by engaging with works like Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations or Plato’s Republic, helping students understand the philosophical roots of economics, leadership, and justice.
• Through HNRS 1010, a business student might intern with a nonprofit or startup, gaining real-world experience in social entrepreneurship or community finance.

These courses add vital context and communication skills to technical training.

• In HNRS 2000, a student might explore the ethics of AI surveillance infrastructure or the impact of engineering projects on coastal erosion in Louisiana, preparing them to lead responsibly in sectors like civil or software engineering.
• HNRS 2010 might involve studying biomedical advancements like CRISPR or energy technologies such as nuclear fusion, equipping future engineers to navigate scientific innovation with an ethical compass.
• In HNRS 2100, reading texts like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or writings by Leonardo da Vinci can spark conversations on the responsibilities of inventors and the unintended consequences of technological advancement.
• Through HNRS 1010, an engineering student could collaborate on service-learning projects—such as designing water purification systems for rural communities—developing teamwork, communication, and civic engagement.

This curriculum offers essential historical and ethical context for scientific work.

For example, in HNRS 2406: Renaissance to Enlightenment, students study the intellectual revolutions that gave rise to modern science, including figures like Galileo and Newton—providing insight into the origins of the scientific method. Later, an Honors Advanced Seminar in History of Science might explore how scientific discovery has shaped and been shaped by political, religious, and ethical forces. This equips a chemistry student not only with technical skills but with the ability to understand and communicate the societal implications of their work—whether in pharmaceuticals, environmental science, or materials research.

These courses illuminate the evolving role of music, healing, and human connection throughout history.

HNRS 2402: Classical Antiquity might include study of ancient Greek theories of music and medicine, helping students understand how early civilizations conceptualized the link between sound, mind, and body. In HNRS 2408: The Modern World, students could examine how movements like Romanticism or modern psychology influenced the therapeutic use of music. An Honors Advanced Seminar in Leadership and Scholarship or Comparative Civilizations could offer frameworks for understanding music therapy’s role in global or cross-cultural contexts—vital for someone whose career centers on empathy, communication, and healing.

Foreign language proficiency can open access to international design trends, theory, and markets.

Studying a language like French or German, for example, could allow a student to explore influential design movements like the Bauhaus or Swiss Design in their original cultural context. A study abroad experience in a design hub like Berlin or Tokyo can deepen artistic sensibilities and expose students to global visual communication standards—an asset when working with international clients or on multicultural campaigns.

Foreign language skills are invaluable for engaging with global environmental issues, research, and policymaking.

Mastering Spanish, for instance, could enable students to work with communities in Latin America where environmental health and justice are critical concerns. It also allows access to scientific literature, collaboration with international research teams, and participation in global conferences focused on toxicology, climate change, and sustainability. Study abroad opportunities can offer field experiences in diverse ecosystems, enriching their scientific perspective and cultural competence.

These electives allow students in applied fields  to connect their work to global challenges, ethical considerations, and cross-disciplinary innovation.

• HNRS 3035: Personalized Medicine: Health and Technology in the 21st Century – This course explores how data is transforming healthcare and personalized medicine. A data science student could engage with real-world applications of predictive modeling and health informatics, considering not just the technical side but also ethical and human implications.
• HNRS 1035: Environmental Issues: Underlying Causes and the Role of Humans – Provides insight into how large-scale data is used in environmental monitoring and climate modeling, helping data science students see the role of analytics in public policy and sustainability.
• HNRS 2020: Magic, Religion, and American Culture – While seemingly unrelated, this course can strengthen critical thinking and cultural literacy—important skills for data analysts who must interpret data in social, economic, and behavioral contexts.

Honors courses help you understand how construction intersects with the world—preparing you to build smarter, safer, and more equitable spaces.

• OCS 1006: Honors Introduction to Oceanography – Useful for students interested in coastal infrastructure, flood mitigation, or environmental sustainability in construction. Understanding natural systems is critical when building in vulnerable or regulated areas.
• MGT 3831: Honors Strategically Managing Organizations – Directly supports leadership development and project management skills, both crucial for overseeing large construction projects and coordinating teams.
• HNRS 2000: Critical Analysis and Social Responsibility – Reinforces ethical reasoning and civic responsibility, helping future construction managers consider how their decisions affect communities, labor, and the environment.
  
  

The Capstone sequence offers the opportunity to investigate issues like foster care outcomes, access to mental health services in underserved communities, or the impact of poverty on child development.

In HNRS 3800, a student might work with a mentor to explore current literature on trauma-informed care. In HNRS 3900, they could draft a case study or policy proposal based on interviews with local practitioners or data from social service agencies. In HNRS 4000, the final project might include a research paper and presentation with practical recommendations for improving community support networks—experience directly applicable to real-world social work.

The Capstone can be a platform for exploring topics like media literacy in the digital age, the ethics of political advertising, or representation in film and television.

In HNRS 3800, they might build a reading list on media framing or communication theory. In HNRS 3900, they could begin analyzing primary sources—such as ad campaigns, social media data, or news coverage—to develop a research argument. By the end of HNRS 4000, they might produce a long-form article, media analysis, or even a multimedia portfolio that blends scholarship with creative work—skills they’ll use in journalism, public relations, or digital strategy.

An Honors TRACTS student also majoring in political science who minors in environmental studies would apply credit from those courses that intersect government policy and sustainability, to complete another major and/or minor.