As part of the Commonwealth Honors program at QCC, students are required to participate in an Honors Colloquium, which gives them an opportunity to dive into the world of academic research and critical thinking.
Over the last six years, Professor of English Amy Beaudry and Professor of Sociology Gaelan Benway have taught the Colloquium utilizing a topic entitled "The Future Is...?: Dystopian/Utopian Worlds in Literature and Contemporary Society." Over the summer, students read a dystopian novel around which they base a research project that connects the work of literature to a contemporary social issue.
Part of the project is working with a library mentor during this process which helps students become more versed in academic research.
"It’s actually exciting to see that my point is right because I have valuable information to back this up. It was a fun part of it. I also looked for things that might oppose my idea, but the lack of sources proved my point in a sense. It’s telling me that I took the right avenue in my research," said student Vivi Adams.
Students then present their findings at the Colloquium Showcase. Two showcases took place on December 5, 2022 and December 7, 2022 and students presented their research and analysis, as well as fielded questions from the audience. They touched on issues such as religion in the media, laws regarding abortion and mental health services.
Presenting at the conference-style setting allows for constructive criticism and developing skills beyond research and writing that help them on their academic and professional journey.
"We hear regularly from former students that they approach writing and presenting at the bachelor's and master's levels with greater confidence and that they are able to help fellow students grow their skills based on what they learned and practiced in the Colloquium," commented Professor Benway.
The following students participated in the Honors Colloquium, with the book they chose.
- Vivi Adams - The Program & The Treatment by Suzanne Young
- Ryan Butler - Lord of The Flies by William Golding
- Clay Dunlop - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick
- Alexander Guertin - Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
- Grace Jocson - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick
- Disha Khanna- Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
- Lindsey LeBlanc - Lord of The Flies by William Golding
- Grace Nixon - Attack on Titan series by Hajime Isayama
- Nate Rybicki - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick
- Hunter Sicard - Lord of The Flies by William Golding
- Myroslav Svyrydenko - Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
- Meaghan Waddell - Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
Honors Colloquiums are open to the entire QCC community.
"Having an audience for their presentations, especially such a professionally diverse one, elevates the experience for students and affirms the value of their work. That the same audience is also comprised of caring professionals invested in their success provides an additional boost to their confidence," Benway added.
For more information on the Honors Colloquium, contact Professor Beaudry at abeaudry@qcc.mass.edu or Professor Benway at gbenway@qcc.mass.edu.