The Honors Congress: Overview and Requirements

During the fall and spring semesters, the College Honors Program sponsors the Honors Congress, a semester-long series of cultural and academic events that is an integral part of the honors program curriculum.  The focus of the Honors Congress changes from semester to semester.  Sometimes the Honors Congress is organized around a specific theme while other times the Honors Congress offers an array of presentations, lectures, films, theater, musical opportunities, field trips, etc.

All College Honors Program participants are required to complete three semester-long Honors Congresses during their eight semesters at Messiah.  First year students must complete a Congress semester during fall of their freshman year.   [The completion of an Honors Congress requires that a student attend three of the semester’s scheduled events.]  Participation in the Honors Congress is on an “honor” basis, meaning that each student is responsible for meeting and monitoring his/her own Honors Congress participation.  All participants should contact Lili Hagenbuch upon completion of their third event of the semester.  A record will be maintained of each completed semester in order to help students monitor this requirement.  Apart from the formal requirement, honors program participants are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities provided by as many Honors Congresses as possible.

The Fall 2008 Honors Congress Series will focus on the theme, "Movies that Changed America:  A Fall Film Series," with showings of each of the five films nominated for Best Picture at the 1967 Academy Awards.  Four of these five films were born out of the new generation's zeal to challenge traditional understandings of sexuality, race relations, economic relationships, and even good and evil itself.   These "pictures at a revolution" - as film critic Mark Harris has called them - represent a cultural marker that has influenced filmmaking and American cultural life ever since. 

We are also especially pleased to have Fred Barnes, FOX News political commentator and executive editor of The Weekly Standard, as a guest of the College Honors Program.  Mr. Barnes will be delivering a public presentation on the 2008 presidential election on Tuesday evening, September 30 in Brubaker Auditorium.  Tickets are free, but must be obtained from the ticket office. Click here for more information about the event.

In order to receive credit for the Fall ’08 Honors Congress, you must attend three of the twelve events listed in the schedule below.  Any questions about Honors Congress can be directed to Dr. Curry or Lili Hagenbuch.

Fall 2008 Honors Congress Schedule

Wednesday, September 10 [Frey 110], 7:00 p.m.

A book discussion of "The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness" with the author, Dr. Donald Opitz. First year participants are required to attend.  Open to all.  

Monday, September 15 [Parmer Cinema], 7:30 p.m.

Movies that Changed America Film Series: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Discussion to follow in Boyer 138.

Tuesday, September 16 [Hostetter Chapel], 7:00 p.m.

Peter Enns lecture co-sponsored by the College Honors Program and the Central Pennsylvania Forum for Religion and Science.

Chapel credit will be given.

Tuesday, September 30 [Brubaker Auditorium], 7:30 p.m.

Fred Barnes, FOX News political commentator and executive editor of The Weekly Standard, will be delivering a public presentation on the 2008 presidential election.  Free and open to the public.   Tickets are required and must be obtained at the ticket office.

Monday, October 6 [Parmer Cinema], 7:30 p.m.

Movies that Changed America Film Series:  The Graduate

Discussion to follow in Boyer 138. 

Closed alternate chapel credit given.

Wednesday, October 15 [Boyer 130], 4:00 p.m.

Interested in applying for the Rhodes, Truman, Fulbright or other top scholarships?  Dr. John Harles discusses opportunities and application procedures.

Sunday, October 26 [The Forum, Harrisburg], 3:00 p.m.

In keeping with our theme, enjoy an evening at the Forum with the Harrisburg Symphony as they present, "The Great Epic Film Scores."  Ticket information coming soon.

Monday, October 27 [Parmer Cinema], 7:30 p.m.

Movies that Changed America Film Series:  In the Heat of the Night

Discussion to follow in Boyer 138. 

Closed alternate chapel credit given.

Monday, November 10 [Kline 120], 7:30 p.m.

Christine Rosen lecture co-sponsored by the College Honors Program and the Central Pennsylvania Forum for Religion and Science.

Monday, November 17 [Parmer Cinema], 7:30 p.m.

Movies that Changed America Film Series:  Bonnie & Clyde

Discussion to follow in Boyer 138. 

Closed alternate chapel credit given.

Thursday, November 20 [Miller Auditorium], 8:00 p.m.

Messiah College Theater Department presents, "The Three Sisters" by Anton Chekhov.  Ticket information coming soon.

Monday, December 8 [Parmer Cinema], 7:00 p.m. (note earlier start time)

Movies that Changed America Film Series:  Doctor Dolittle

Discussion to follow in Boyer 138.

Note: Other events may be announced.  Be sure to check this site regularly.