Spring 2027 Honors Explorations

The Art and Science of Overwintering

Dr. Kelly Clemens, Assistant Professor, Psychology
Tuesdays, 4 - 6 pm; Honors Program Building 015 (Birds Burrow)

• January 26
• February 2
• February 9
• February 16
• February 23

Winter is a hard time for humans. Short days, cold weather, and disrupted routines can make it harder to feel motivated, connected, and well. The Art and Science of Overwintering aims to create a welcoming and supportive space where students will not only explore why winter can be difficult but also practice moving through it with more warmth, steadiness, and care. During each session, students will consider cross-cultural and historical ways that people have endured long, dark winters, explore evidence-based strategies for wintertime coping and resilience, and then put those ideas into practice. Classes will include time for reflection in intentionally cozy spaces, low-pressure opportunities to connect with others, and guided activities that develop skills in reflection and active rest — such as gentle movement, creativity, or mindful routines that support restfulness without slipping into isolation or bed rot. This course is centrally focused on learning to create comfort and coziness in accessible, sustainable ways. Coziness here is not about buying aesthetic products or curating a “perfect winter vibe.” It’s about using space, light, routine, community, and attention in ways that are free or low-cost and supportive to mental and physical health. Students will also participate in a field trip to an indoor public space (e.g., a library), practicing how to identify free, welcoming places that can become part of their own winter survival strategy. Students will leave the Exploration with practical strategies, practiced habits, and an understanding of how to overwinter effectively — not by hiding or powering through, but by learning how to rest, reflect, and connect.

Climbing Up: The History and Culture of Rock Climbing

Alex Perronne, Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventure, Campus Recreation
Mondays, 6 - 8 pm; McCormick 260

• January 25
• February 1
• February 8
• February 15
• February 22

Rock Climbing has taken the world by storm. Starting as a sport for social outcasts, rock climbing can now be seen at the Olympics and even in dedicated gyms in flat areas, like Normal. However, its journey to the modern spotlight is complicated, messy, and violent at times. In this Exploration, we go from rock climbing's humble beginnings to today to discuss innovations, conflicts, and social change that have led the sport to where it is today. By the end of the Exploration, students will have developed their own perspective on key issues in climbing, how its impact can be felt in our society, and even try climbing themselves.

Mental Game, Public Stage: Sport Psychology in Media & Leadership Contexts

Ellie Cain, Adjunct Professor, Kinesiology and Recreation
Mondays, 2 - 4 pm; Honors Program Building 113

• January 25
• February 1
• February 8
• February 15
• February 22

This interdisciplinary Honors Exploration dives into how psychological principles shape athletic performance, leadership development, and public perception in a media-saturated world. Students investigate core concepts in sport psychology—including motivation, confidence, focus, resilience, and group dynamics—while analyzing how these processes unfold within high-pressure environments and diverse cultural contexts. Through case studies of athletes, teams, and sport leaders, the Exploration examines how media narratives, digital platforms, and cultural expectations influence performance, identity, and leadership behaviors both on and off the field. Each class, students will examine a piece of media and discuss how the concepts of sport psychology come into play.

Mistakes & Mugshots: America’s Youth Navigating the Justice System

Cristina Prestin, Instructor, Honors Program
Wednesdays, 3 - 5 pm; Honors Program Building 113

• January 27
• February 3
• February 10
• February 17
• February 24

This Exploration will examine multiple aspects of the juvenile justice system in the United States. This will include (but is not limited to): sentencing regulations and US Supreme Court decisions impacting youth, the school-to-prison and abuse-to-prison pipelines, theories of youth deviant behavior, comparing the adult and youth justice systems, how America outlawed adolescence, and the pushout movement.

Make Art, Stress Less

Peggy Finnegan-Boyes, Teacher Education Assessment Coordinator, Lauby Teacher Education Center
Tuesdays, 5 - 7 pm; Honors Program Building 113

• January 26
• February 2
• February 9
• February 16
• February 23

Artmaking in community settings can help reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and refocus attention to the present moment. Explore the ways that drawing and collage can transform the way you view daily life by creating 2D artworks in a group setting. Learn how artists find inspiration from different cultures, places, and times, and how artists use moments from their everyday lives to create works of art. Students will create four small 2D artworks based on inspiration from daily life, one 2D artwork based on a visual artist of their choice, and a final project. Basic supplies will be provided, and no prior drawing experience is necessary.

Honors Service Exploration

Stuart Palmer, Senior Academic Advisor, Honors Program
Thursdays, 5 - 7 pm; Honors Program Building 113

• January 28
• February 4
• February 11
• February 18
• February 25; meet at the Hammitt School on Willow St.

The Honors Program values the chance for students to participate in service learning, as well as the opportunity to build a stronger community. While you’re on campus, Bloomington-Normal is just as much your home as it is ours, and as such we should promote community and service throughout the whole town. This Exploration includes four sessions to discuss the importance and relevance of service learning and giving back to the community, while also focusing on self-reflection as a way to facilitate personal growth. We will spend the final session volunteering with The Baby Fold, a local non-profit that assists children and families. The service will take place at the Hammitt School on Willow St., and will include work in the building to benefit the students. We will not be working directly with children/students. 

Due to the structure of this experience, students may only participate in the Honors Service Exploration one time; it may not be repeated.