Seminar Styled Learning

A hallmark of the Commonwealth Honors Program are the seminars, which feature an interactive learning style that help create transformative experiences. Seminars provide a framework to examine and analyze ideas with students and professors engaging in rich dialogue within learning environments that are safe and evidenced based. To promote a high level of student engagement, the primary goal of our seminars is student engagement and discussion centered on research and careful reading of a variety of sources. While particular themes and the format of each seminar varies according to individual professors, here are two common features: 

  • Class Size: Seminars are generally limited to 18 students.
  • Student Engagement: Seminars are cooperative learning spaces and their success depends upon the full and active participation of each member of the class. Therefore, conscientious preparation and class attendance are required. You should expect to be fully -- actively -- engaged in the work of the seminar both in connection with class discussions and research. Regular writing assignments and discussions are common features of seminars and help refine verbal and written expression skills. 

Please Note: Enrollment in seminars is limited, so please enroll early during the advising/registration process. For more information about seminar styled learning or any particular questions about the honors program, please contact the Commonwealth Honors Office at honors@middlesex.mass.edu or call at 781-280-3553. Thank you.

Last Modified: 8/4/23