spotlight on honors

A DAY IN THE LIFE...

STUDY ABROAD

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

HONORS FACULTY

NEWS

PHOTOS

honors faculty

Professor marilyn bisch

2008 honors faculty of the year

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Postgraduate study, Department of Classical Studies, Indiana University (Bloomington) Aug. 1998-June 1999

Indiana State University (Terre Haute) M.A. in Humanities (1996)
Masters Thesis: Oscar Wilde in Indiana

Indiana State University (Terre Haute) B.A. (1987)
       Major: Interdisciplinary Humanities
       Minor: Classical Studies in Greek & Latin
       Graduate of the University Honors Program

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research centers around the interdisciplinary study of ancient Greek and Latin language, literature, and culture with special focus on the influence of Classical societies in the modern world.

This interest in Classical influences on later humanistic thought led me to study of the life and works of the Victorian Irish author Oscar Wilde, who was himself an excellent student of Classical languages and literature. For 30 years, I have been researching and writing on Wilde, especially his 1882 American lecture tour and his belief in the redemptive value of beauty in everyday life. I am currently president of the Oscar Wilde Society of America.

HONORS BEGINNINGS

My involvement with Honors at ISU began during my undergraduate years. It was inevitable: my major advisor and Greek professor was long-time Honors director Dr. Donald Jennermann. I am proud to say that I am a graduate of the Indiana State University Honors Program.

While pursuing my master’s degree in Humanities at ISU, I worked as a teaching assistant with two professors who taught Honors classes on Classical Greece and Rome. When I began graduate study in Classics at Indiana University, one of the professors I had assisted retired and Dr. Jennermann asked me to step in as an adjunct instructor for “Classical Cultures of Greece and Rome.” It was the best invitation I ever had and I have taught this class for Honors every year for more than a decade.

I also lead periodic Honors study-abroad trips to Classical countries. Past study tours include: Rome & Pompeii (spring break 2006), Florence & Rome (spring break 2008), Greece & Rome (May 2009), and Italy & Sicily (May 2011). I'm currently planning an Honors student tour of Greece for May 2014.

TYPICAL CLASSES TAUGHT

Over the years Honors has also made it possible for me to teach a number of other classes on topics more “modern” yet grounded in my study of Classics – on Dante’s Inferno, the city of Rome, the ancient roots of modern democracy (The Quest for Democracy), academic research and Oscar Wilde.

Classical Cultures of Greece and Rome

The Aeneid

Classical Mythology

Fall of the Roman Republic

ADVICE TO HONORS STUDENTS

Always remind yourself that college isn’t something you have to do, it’s something you choose to do because you want to prepare yourself as well as possible for the wonderful adventure that will be the rest of your life. Learning is the most enjoyable thing we can do.

Come to every class – every day, on time – well prepared and with a serious intent to learn as much as you possibly can. Never let an “easy” class slide. There are no “easy” classes for students serious about learning and you should be serious about learning at all times. Falling behind in course work is the most dangerous thing you can do in college, no matter how smart you are.

That said, don’t be afraid to turn in work you know potentially could be better (if only you had more time.) Honors students are famous for being perfectionists. Trust me, I’ve been there. Respect deadlines and due dates. Great academic work is never over. You can always build upon a past project when you do the next.

And, don’t forget to have a good time. This is college. College is fun. Meet people, enjoy extra-curricular activities, but don’t overextend yourself by trying to be all things to everyone. Involve yourself with new friends and organizations but never be afraid to say, “Sorry, I have to study.”