Man parachuting holding a selfie stick with a gopro camera on helmet

Instructor: Leah Holz

Offered Fall Semester.  Honors Constructive Communication Across Difference Foundation Course

Why do we post what we post? From Renaissance self‑portraits to selfies, stories, and TikToks, humans have always been experimenting with how to show who we are, and hoping to be understood. Starting college is a lot like that: you’re figuring out who you are, how you want to be seen, and how to connect with people who may be very different from you. What messages do our images, words, and choices actually send? What gets noticed, misunderstood, or missed entirely? And what happens when identities, values, and worldviews don’t line up? This foundational Honors seminar explores identity, self‑representation, and constructive communication across difference, especially during moments of transition and growth. We will examine how intersecting identities shape what we believe, how we communicate, and how we relate to others, both online and in everyday campus life. This course is designed to help you practice intentional communication skills that help you navigate uncomfortable moments and build relationships. Through discussion, reflection, low‑stakes conversations, and collaborative projects, you will build confidence in how to listen, ask questions, disagree respectfully, and navigate difference with curiosity and care. The goal: to help you communicate thoughtfully and build bridges across difference wherever you go.