What Makes a Course Honors
More Than a Label
An Honors course isn't just a harder version of a regular class. It's a fundamentally different way of learning. Honors classes don't require additional prerequisites than standard courses and the curriculum covers the same core material required for your degree — but the format, the pace, and the relationship between students and instructor are different from the ground up.
What to Expect in an Honors Classroom
- Small by design. Every Honors section is capped at 15 students. Small classes make real discussion, hands-on projects, fieldwork, and other exciting experiences possible.
- Discussion-driven. You're not a passive audience. You're a participant — encouraged to talk, debate, present, and teach.
- Student-led learning. Honors students often lead discussion, present concepts, or guide classmates through material they've explored in depth.
- Deeper exploration. Topics are covered with more nuance, more primary sources, and more emphasis on synthesis and critical thinking.
- Developing relationships. Because classes are small and expectations are high, Honors students and faculty develop strong working relationships.
What We Look for in Honors Faculty
- Sets high expectations and communicates them clearly from day one
- Treats students as intellectual partners, not just receivers of information
- Flexibility with pedagogy and willing to experiment
- Encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning, including sharing some of the teaching
- Participates in Honors Program events and contributes to community outside the classroom
- Is interested in mentoring students through academic goals, research, and transfer preparation
Subjects Offered
SF offers Honors versions of many required general education and transfer-track courses, including courses in English, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Fine Arts. Special topics and research courses are also offered on a rotating basis.