Honors Program 2017–2018
Theme: Social Justice
Honors Program Theme
The Honors Program theme examines social issues within the United States and abroad. Honors students will be able to identify societal inequalities and challenges between law and science in a changing society and the relationship between police and all citizen groups in the United States. It explores current societal paradigm shifts and challenges on issues such as same-sex marriage, gender equality and inequality, LGBTQ challenges, socioeconomic class, and the relationship between police and society. Seminars will draw from interdisciplinary ideas and theories such as feminism theories, sociological theories, and criminological theories to help explain current news, policies, tragedies, and events.
Honors Program Goals
he Berkeley College Honors Program offers a voluntary and selective one- or two-year special academic experience within the School of Liberal Arts designed to:
Below is a list of all the information literacy concepts that are covered on this page. Click the links below to go directly to that concept or scroll down the page to view each one.
| Title: Police Brutality on African Americans | |
| Abstract: | Police brutality and the differences in treatment determined by race is an issue across the United States. The tensions that have risen between police and citizens of color, especially, African Americans, is one of the greatest challenges faced by all judicial institutions and police departments. The study of police brutality is of vital importance as it shows that many police are violating department regulations criminal statuses and acts of abuse to dehumanize and degrade victims who are predominately colored minorities. |
| Author & Campus: | Shelle- Leigh Wilson, Online |
| Paper Title: | Police Brutality on African Americans |
| Date Submitted: | 7/21/2018 |
| Tags: | Brutality ,Police Violence, Slavery, History behind Police Brutality African Americans, Equal rights |
| Title: Spare Change for Orange Jumpsuits: Exploring the Need for Improvement in America’s Correctional System | |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the various issues in America’s correctional system and how American inmates are processed and released. The issues include how prison overcrowding causes more problems for the inmates, as well as its adverse effect on society. Next, will be a detailed overview of how much it truly costs to incarcerate someone, and the reoccurring fees that follow that. Along with this, there will be an analysis of all the problems the American correctional system puts in place for all mentally ill and juvenile inmates. It will explore each system set up for sentencing a processing and what rehabilitation systems America has in place, and how they help. American inmates suffer every day from a new problem that arises in the correctional system. To fix these problems, we must further explore the correctional budget system, and where states allocate their money. |
| Author & Campus: | Stephanie Titus, Woodland Park |
| Paper Title: | Spare Change for Orange Jumpsuits: Exploring the Need for Improvement in America’s Correctional System |
| Date Submitted: | 7/26/2019 |
| Tags: | prison reform, prisons, incarceration, overcrowding, budget reform |
| Title: Failure of the Criminal Justice System of United States and United Kingdom | |
| Abstract: | Around the world there are many different societies with different norms. One common aspect and concept of every society is their criminal justice system. A criminal justice system consists of a structure that is designed to protect the citizens from any dangers they could potentially face in society. It also has some rules of law and punishments that accompany those potential threats. It has originated back in 3500 BC in the one first civilization of Sumeria. Sumeria was a well develop civilization where the idea of policing was adopted. The universal meaning and implementation of every criminal justice system shares an aspect of the Sumerian culture. It introduced some concepts that will protect society in the future. A criminal justice system is made up of a certain structure that society feels works most effectively to protect citizens from wrong doings. Different countries believe there are certain ways that their citizens have to be apprehended. Countries like the United States and The United Kingdom have criminal justice system structures that they believe gives them the safest place for their citizens. In the United States and the United Kingdom structures differ in the way people are apprehended, persecuted, and sentenced. In both justice systems, they are experiencing problems that are proving both systems to be ineffective. Both justice systems have been experiencing problems in the way they treat their citizens and the uneven distribution of rights given to every citizen. |
| Author & Campus: | Shean Buissreth, Online |
| Paper Title: | Failure of the Criminal Justice System of United States and United Kingdom |
| Date Submitted: | 7/19/2018 |
| Tags: | United States Justice System, United Kingdom Justice System, Justice Systems, History of the Justice System |
| Title: The Race for Success: Analyzing the Achievement Gap in the Southern United States | |
| Abstract: | The achievement gap is the difference in education success when it comes to minority students and their white peers. There is a huge spectrum in education, due to racial inequality, socioeconomic status and geographical location. We tend to see this more often in the southern region of the United States. Historically, the South has applied unequal opportunities that have lasted for hundreds of years and still continue. Things that affect the gap are summer school, the lack of having social works and laws that pertain to the school system. In order to fix the gap, we have to look at how we view teachers, schools, students, and the community in order to reestablish a better system. The achievement gap has caused the prison pipeline, summer slide and many more disparities pertaining to education. When it comes to the African American community, there are so many negative connotations that society has placed on them, which has made people believing in their stereotype. This is a leading cause of students not rising to their full potential. Social works can be one solution, by helping and improving the community to rise up the youths. The way we teach our students and show them what caring looks like can make them more encouraged to achieve higher learning. |
| Author & Campus: | Imani Morgan, White Plains |
| Paper Title: | The Race for Success: Analyzing the Achievement Gap in the Southern United States |
| Date Submitted: | 7/21/2018 |
| Tags: | prison pipeline, common core, No Child Left Behind, Social works, Disparity Achievement gap |
| Title: Conversion Therapy: The Truth, The Myth, & The Facts | |
| Abstract: | It is argued by numerous mental health professionals that ethical therapy does indeed encourages self-exploration, self-acceptance, and increase knowledge of ones self. The role of good therapists is to help individuals eliminate unhealthy beliefs they have about themselves as well as about others. However, conversion therapy typically persuades people to think they need to change or hide who they are by convincing them that their sexual orientation should be what is the “norm” and that is to be heterosexual. These individuals feel as if their sexual orientation or gender expression is a form of shame or danger. It is documented that this form of therapy leads to negative effects such as anxiety, suicidal thoughts, drug use and the sense of rejection. These are feelings teens and young adults don’t need. Parents have to do a better job with communicating with their children about their sexuality. This is a key element because if a child cannot communicate with their own families, this is where peer influence and the media come in handy. The issue of whether a person can change their sexual orientation has always been a controversial topic of discussion. When someone is comfortable in their skin, it does not matter what others think or feel they have the right to comment about your life. You are who you are: beautiful inside and out. |
| Author & Campus: | Jenelle Grant, NYC |
| Paper Title: | Conversion Therapy: The Truth, The Myth, & The Facts |
| Date Submitted: | 7/21/2018 |
| Tags: | Conversion, reparative therapy,ex-gay, sexual orientation, sexual identity, LGBT youths, LGBT community |
| Title: The Headless Woman: The Misrepresentation of Women in Marketing and Advertisements | |
| Abstract: | Women are constantly portrayed in advertisements and commercial campaigns, in negative segments that promote stereotypes and hinder women’s progression in society. Marketing and advertisements misrepresent women as overly sexualized or as only engaged in submissive traditional gender roles, spawning a movement toward more accurate representation of women in media. Advertisements display women as sexual objects and victims of abuse to promote often unrelated products. These advertising strategies are used to catch the attention of potential clients through image shock or fantasy. However, these images can leave many women feeling like they must adhere to the artificial standards being shown on billboards and in magazines. In turn, when women and girls feel they cannot meet these expectations, it can take a toll on their self-esteem; resulting in dire consequences to their quality of life, or even life itself. On the other hand, women are shown in advertisements which portray them in the role of a mother or housewife, and which often degrades their role in a different setting, such as in a career. The strategies that are used in advertisements are explained using examples throughout history, and in our modern world. These examples portray the contradiction between the relative progress of women in society versus the lack of progress in depiction of them in advertising. The paper argues that these hindrances are being combated by new female empowerment groups such as The Representation Project, Women’s Media Center, and #WomenNotObjects. These campaigns are effective in bringing awareness to the inequalities women face in advertising, and ultimately offer ways to change the conversation, so that women are fairly represented for the ways in which they contribute to society. Alongside these campaigns, women have empowered a movement to end the objectification and disrespect facing them through these advertising campaigns. Women deserve fair representation, and it is The Headless Woman 5 essential that awareness is spread about the negative consequences that women face due to advertising, to show that society will not support actions which negatively impact groups of people, and this outdated form of sales production has proven unnecessary. |
| Author & Campus: | Kaylan Healy, NYC |
| Paper Title: | The Headless Woman: The Misrepresentation of Women in Marketing and Advertisements |
| Date Submitted: | 7/21/2018 |
| Tags: | Marketing, Women, Misrepresentation |
| Title: What It Takes to be A Man: The Social Construct of Masculinity | |
| Abstract: | This paper discusses the social construct of masculinity and how it can lead to negative behaviors or ideologies in men in the future. These negative effects include violent behaviors, alcoholism, homophobia, and mental illness. In terms of mental illness, the paper focuses on how traditional masculine values are linked with depression and how in almost every country males commit suicide more often than females. In order to better understand where these behaviors are formed, the various factors that play a part in shaping a young man’s masculinity are discussed. Factors such as family, peers, and the media all play a big role in teaching children gender roles and how they should act in society. Families are the first people a person will have social interactions with, so it is very likely that the person will be taught specific values based on their culture. This paper discusses the possible solutions for this problem, such as newer forms of masculinities that have developed due to fathers being more active in parenting, and also how some solutions have already been implemented and how they appear to be working. Finally, counter arguments that suggest that traditional masculinity is not correlated with these issues are also addressed. |
| Author & Campus: | Alejandro Godinez, White Plains |
| Paper Title: | What It Takes to be A Man: The Social Construct of Masculinity |
| Date Submitted: | 7/21/2018 |
| Tags: | Masculinity, Gender Roles, Homophobia |
| Title: | |
| Abstract: | During a time where people celebrate individualism and identity above all else, it is shameful to hear that harassment of the LGBTQ+ community is as prevalent and common as it is. Bullying against homosexual students takes place in schools everywhere, and teachers and principals condone it. More than 50% of children and teens are bullied daily for their sexual orientation or gender identification. Mistreatment of LGBTQ+ continue once these children reach adulthood. Gay people are harassed for who they are in public, the workforce, and higher educational facilities. It is not only people outside of the LGBTQ+ community who harass members but people within the community as well. Instead of harassing community members for their sexuality or gender identification they are harassed for physical attributes or social status. People mistreat LGBTQ+ members because of ignorance to any sexuality that is not widely known. A very severe form of harassment towards homosexuals is conversion therapy, in which homosexuals are forced to undergo different tactics to try and make them heterosexual. LGBTQ+ people are harassed every day because of who they identify as. |
| Author & Campus: | Kimberly Kasley, Woodland Park |
| Paper Title: | Exploring the Harassment of and Hypocrisy Within the LGBTQ+ Community |
| Date Submitted: | 7/21/2018 |
| Tags: | LGBT harassment, LGBT bullying, harassment, bullying, LGBT, conversion therapy, homosexual, gender identification, sexual orientation |
| Title: Lessons from Horrendous Hurricanes: Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Adaptation of the National Response Plan Through Analysis of Hurricane Mitigation | |
| Abstract: | The Federal Emergency Management Agency has revised the National Response Plan as an answer to various missteps taking during disaster mitigation. Since FEMA was created in 1979, there was legislation in place to protect the United States in the event of natural disasters. Despite the legislation, FEMA was unable to create a perfect plan, which became evident through the management during Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Katrina. After each of these catastrophic hurricanes, FEMA worked to create a better National Response Plan. It was evident that the alterations to the National Response Plan were beneficial because FEMA was able to maintain better control over disaster mitigation as shown during Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Matthew. In preparation for the next potential natural disaster, FEMA has been adapting the National Response Plan, which provides more efficient recovery for communities that have been affected by hurricanes |
| Author & Campus: | Meghan Cloidt, Online |
| Paper Title: | Lessons from Horrendous Hurricanes: Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Adaptation of the National Response Plan Through Analysis of Hurricane Mitigation |
| Date Submitted: | 8/2/2018 |
| Tags: | Federal Emergency Management Agency , FEMA National Response Plan, Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy |
| Title: Winning the War on Opioids: Overcoming the Crisis | |
| Abstract: | This paper discusses the current and controversial topic of opioid addiction in American society. As one of the leading causes of death in teenagers today, this paper examines the psychological, social and physiological aspects of addiction in addition to presenting solutions to combat and prevent this problem. While there are many ways that this epidemic could be prevented, there are many warning signs to pay attention to and look out for. This paper also introduces the different types of treatment options that a person can access when going through this problem. This can include rehabilitation, treatment centers, therapies or other different approaches. It is almost always possible for a person to recover or to reach sobriety at any point, but a relapse can occur. This paper also discusses how this type of addiction could be prevented and how it can be introduced in the daily school lessons of the youth and educational programs of the primary and secondary schools, colleges, and graduate schools as well. It is continuously being contemplated if an opioid addiction can be classified as a choice or a disease. Despite this, it all depends on the type of person and how this problem occurred or started. |
| Author & Campus: | Isabella Boccadoro, White Plains |
| Paper Title: | Winning the War on Opioids: Overcoming the Crisis |
| Date Submitted: | 7/20/2018 |
| Tags: | Addiction, Choice, Disease, Epidemic, Opioid |
| Title: The Side Effects of Prescription Drug Pricing In America | |
| Abstract: | We pay a cost for everything and physician endorsed drugs are no exemption. All through the United States, we see that rising pharmaceutical expenses are powering pharmaceutical companies. Looking at the data in the United States and focusing on solutions proposed by the United States Government and the United Nations to solve this crisis, it is evident that prescription drug companies are targeting specific groups of people, the surrounding lack of legislative around these companies, has allowed for this companies to become more powerful than the United States Government. This paper explores the following factors, for which is affecting the rising cost of prescription drugs. |
| Author & Campus: | Nadira, Khan, Online |
| Paper Title: | The Side Effects of Prescription Drug Pricing In America |
| Date Submitted: | 7/21/18 |
| Tags: | prescription drug pricing, America |
| Title:The Damage We've Done: The Shortcomings of Corporal Punishment | |
| Abstract: | Corporal punishment has been used for decades despite failing to complete its purpose. It is not effective for changing or altering children’s behavior. Furthermore, it has many negative physiological and emotional effects on children. This paper explores the viewpoints on corporal punishment in the United States of America, the negative effects corporal punishment has on children, the long-term effects that continue into adulthood, and the ineffectiveness of corporal punishment. Also discussed are parenting styles and parent gender roles in relation to corporal punishment. Recommendations for alternative forms of discipline are provided. |
| Author & Campus: | Porsha Williams, NYC |
| Paper Title: | The Damage We've Done: The Shortcomings of Corporal Punishment |
| Date Submitted: | 8/2/2018 |
| Tags: | punishment ,physical punishment, physical discipline,corporal punishment, children |
| Title: A Drive Into the Future: The Positive Benefits of Electric Vehicles on the Environment | |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this paper and the accompanying research is to demonstrate how electric vehicles have the potential to improve the environment now and well into the future. Almost all vehicles today run on gasoline. Gasoline is both a fossil fuel and a nonrenewable resource, which means it is destine to disappear one day altogether. In addition, scientists have shown gas-driven automobiles are one of the key contributors to air pollution and climate change. Electric vehicles can change this. As stated in their name, they run on electricity. This method of propulsion does not release any harmful chemicals into the atmosphere and is much quieter and cleaner to operate. Many companies and governments around the world today see massive potential in electric vehicles and are preparing themselves for this next great leap forward. Before electric vehicle ownership reaches a significant amount, there are significant challenges that need to be overcome in order to make these cars practical and readily available to the masses. One of these is the humanitarian cost of acquiring the necessary resources needed to build the cars. Between recent technological advances and the drive to make the world a greener place, electric vehicles have the potential to put the brakes on pollution and to propel society towards making smarter choices. |
| Author & Campus: | Donald Hetmanski, Woodbridge |
| Paper Title: | A Drive Into the Future: The Positive Benefits of Electric Vehicles on the Environment |
| Date Submitted: | 8/3/2018 |
| Tags: | Electric vehicles, Environment, Clean Energy, Renewable Resources |
| Title: | |
| Abstract: | In the age of computers and smartphones, human-technology relations are becoming more intertwined than ever before. From social media to emails, online shopping to general browsing, society’s dependence on the World Wide Web is unarguably reaching levels of increased inseparability. As civilian consumers are adapting to new technologies, the United States government and multinational corporations are pioneering and utilizing these advancements for their own personal gain. In the world of capitalism and a booming economy, technology allows for these businesses and agencies to surveil the average Joe, gather and store any information he inputs online, and market goods and services to him. The world of technologically-driven surveillance and data gathering is crucial to the survival and continuation of America’s infrastructure, yet a staggering number of people have no idea as to how they are being monitored, who has access to their personal information, and why they are being watched in the first place |
| Author & Campus: | Joseph Pugliese, Woodland Park |
| Paper Title: | Somebody’s Watching Me: An Assessment of the Surveillance and Data Collection of Joe Schmoe |
| Date Submitted: | 7/19/2018 |
| Tags: | surveillance data collection, technology, government, corporations security, privacy terms and conditions |