spotlight on honors

A DAY IN THE LIFE...

STUDY ABROAD

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

HONORS FACULTY

NEWS

PHOTOS

honors faculty

Dr. linda maule

2007 honors faculty of the year

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

B.A. Washington State University (1991)
M.A. Washington State University (1993)
Ph.D. Washington State University (1996)

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Dr. Maule generalizes her research interests by saying, “I love big ideas.” She enjoys exploring ideas and themes that are both significant and meaningful across time boundaries. When she looks at issues, she tries to focus on both the trees, or individual components, and the forest, the bigger picture.

Not surprisingly, most of her interests lie in realms where analytical thinking is crucial. Some of Dr. Maule’s specific research interests include studying the evolution of case law, examining process and product of faculty and administrator action, and investigating social justice. For Dr. Maule, being involved is key, and students in her classes are typically required to participate in service learning activities or discover the wider implications of course material though campus and community activities.

“I believe that we’re a citizen of whatever community we’re in.” - Dr. Maule

HONORS BEGINNINGS

Dr. Maule was introduced to teaching Honors classes when her students began converting her classes for Honors credit. She creates all of her classes to be challenging for even high-achieving students, but she does admit that she can provide less scaffolding and buffer points in Honors courses. Honors students allow the class to move more quickly and explore new areas of the course topic. According to Dr. Maule, doing well in her classes, as well as other classes requires, “habits of mind and the habit of practice.”

TYPICAL CLASSES TAUGHT

- Poverty, Hunger, and Homelessness

- US Diversity: Contemporary Issues

- Intro to the Great Works - Utopia the Quest.
Dystopia the Price.

- Citizenship and Civility

- Quest for Democracy

- Departmental Honors courses: PSCI107H, PSCI 317H,
PSCI 418H, and WS450H

ADVICE TO HONORS STUDENTS

"Honors students have to be willing to take risks." -Dr. Maule

Dr. Maule maintains that Honors students have to be willing to take risks. She understands that Honors students do everything they can to eliminate uncertainty about their grades and achievements; they play the game well. However, Honors students can learn from not doing as well as they typically do. Dr Maule’s advice to prospective and current Honors students is listed below:

Take a class and earn a B rather than taking a class that you know will result in an A.
Go outside your peer group to connect with both Honors and non-Honors students. Don’t isolate students who are not in the Honors program.
If you never worked hard in high school for your good grades, be prepared to develop your study skills and time management.
If you have always been a hard worker, give yourself time to play and explore. College is about more than a good GPA.