Pacific Lutheran University

Program Information

In the spring of 2007, PLU proudly launched the International Honors Program. Welcoming a diverse body of highly achieving students, this academically rigorous program allows students to fulfill General University Requirements through challenging, creative, and interdisciplinary coursework. International Honors, or IHON, is for students who demonstrate an exemplary record in academics and service, as well as an interest in pursuing their studies in an international context. Rooted in the university’s liberal arts foundation, International Honors challenges students to engage in PLU’s mission of providing thoughtful inquiry, service to others, leadership in public life, and care for the earth’s diverse communities and natural resources.  

This multi-year program consists of seven required courses that explore contemporary issues and their historical foundations through an interdisciplinary, transnational approach. Through this curriculum, IHON students will complete 32 of the 48 credits required by the General Education Program. As a distinctive curriculum within a university that challenges students to discover their meaning and purpose through study both here and abroad, International Honors asks students to consider the ways in which their unique interests and intellectual gifts can be of service to those around them. Through purposeful and engaged learning, students are challenged to consider their vocation as leaders within both local and global communities.

Eligibility

In order to be considered for admission to the International Honors Program, students must be admitted to the University, as well as complete a separate application form. Students with a 3.6 GPA and higher are encouraged to apply.

March 1, 2010 - Application Deadline

Those students who would like to be evaluated for acceptance into the International Honors Program must complete the separate online application form by March 1, 2010. Honors Program faculty members will read applications and determine those admitted to the program. Students will be notified of their status no later than April 1.

International Honors Requirements:

Seven courses, 28 semester hours distributed as follows:

1. International Honors 111-112 (190): Origins of the Contemporary World (eight semester hours)
   Normally taken sequentially in the first year. These courses explore the historical roots and global elements of contemporary events, values, and traditions.
2. Four 200-level International Honors courses (16 semester hours)
   Normally taken in the second and third year. A wide range of these courses are offered every semester, and during J-Term.
3. One 300-level International Honors course (four semester hours)
   Taken after or with the last 200-level course.

Policies and Guidelines:

The three levels of IHON courses are built sequentially upon one another in terms of content and learning objectives. In order to acquire a common background, IHON students take the required IHON 111, 112 (190) sequence in their first year before taking their 200-level courses. Exceptions to this sequence can be made for transfer students, or for students who are accepted into the Honors Program during their first year at PLU.

With prior approval by the IHON chair, an appropriate semester-long course abroad may take the place of one 200-level IHON course. Such a course must focus on a contemporary issue, be international in scope, be interdisciplinary, and require honor’s-level critical thinking and writing. One 301 modern language (Chinese, French, German, Norwegian, Spanish) course intentionally designed to meet program objectives may also replace one 200-level IHON course when the student completes supplementary IHON expectations.

Multiple sections of IHON 111 are offered every Fall semester; and sections of IHON 112 (190) every Spring semester; varying IHON 200-level courses will be offered every semester and often in J-Term; IHON 300-level courses will be offered every semester. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the required seven courses in the IHON Program by the end of their junior year in order to focus on completion of majors and related research during their senior year.

Course Offerings:

Visit the course catalog.