Teaching an Honors Course

Teaching

A Different Kind of Teaching

Teaching an Honors section at SF isn't about a harder syllabus or more homework. It's about a different kind of engagement — with students who are ready to go deeper, and a class structure that makes that possible.

Honors classes are capped at 15 students. That changes everything: how discussion works, how well you get to know your students, how much you can experiment with format and assessment, and how much students take ownership of their own learning.

Criteria

What We Look for in Honors Faculty

  • High expectations, clearly communicated. Honors students rise to the bar you set. They should know what it is from the first day.
  • Flexibility in pedagogy. Honors teaching rewards experimentation. What would you do if you could design a class exactly the way you've always wanted?
  • Genuine investment in students. Honors students remember faculty who took them seriously. Office hours, research mentorship, and transfer advice make a lasting difference.
  • Community participation. Honors faculty are part of the Honors community — not just the classroom. Some attendance at Honors-sponsored events is expected.
  • Willingness to share the teaching. Honors classes frequently involve students leading discussion, presenting expertise, and peer-teaching. Faculty who are comfortable stepping back create the strongest Honors experiences.
Process

How to Propose an Honors Section

  1. 1
    Talk to Professor Keith. The best first step is an informal conversation about what you'd like to teach and how it might work in an Honors format. Email honors@sfcollege.edu to set up a time.
  2. 2
    Submit a proposal. You'll be asked to provide a brief written description of the course, your pedagogical approach, and the term you'd like to offer it.
  3. 3
    Coordinate with your department. Your department chair will need to be informed and supportive of the Honors section.
  4. 4
    Get on the schedule. Approved sections are added to the semester's Honors course schedule and published on the website.
Support

Support for Honors Faculty

  • Direct communication with the Honors Program Coordinator throughout the semester
  • Promotion of your course through the Honors website, newsletter, and student communications
  • Access to program events and community activities
  • Connections to Honors students interested in research mentorship in your field

Express Your Interest