Honors College Research Course

Housing is more than shelter. It shapes health, education, economic opportunity and community life. This interdisciplinary Honors colloquium examines housing in Arkansas through the perspectives of history, sociology, economics, public policy, architecture, environmental studies, law and public health.

Drawing on the expertise of faculty and community leaders, students will explore issues such as housing affordability, rural and urban development, neighborhood change, homelessness, sustainability and the relationship between housing and social equity. Designed for students from all majors, the course highlights the connections between academic research and the housing challenges facing communities across Arkansas.

In addition to attending lectures and participating in discussion, students will complete an independent research project on a housing issue affecting the state. With faculty mentorship, they will investigate a topic of their choice using scholarly and community-based sources, culminating in a research paper and presentation.

By combining interdisciplinary study with original research, the course encourages students to think critically about housing as a fundamental issue shaping the lives of individuals, the well-being of communities and the future of the Natural State.