List of Explorations
Click Here to Declare an Exploration
The following Explorations are available to RC students:
- Creative Writing
- Environmental Studies
- Ethics
- European History
- Gender & Women's Studies
- Germanic Studies
- History
- History of the Americas
- History of Western Philosophy
- Literature
- Middle Ages
- Modern History
- Modern Intellectual History
- Music
- Peace & Justice
- Philosophy
- Pre-Modern Arts & Culture
- Public History
- Race and Ethnicity
- Religion
- World of Greece & Rome
CREATIVE WRITING
An exploration in Creative Writing requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a substantial focus on Creative Writing. In addition to the courses listed below, other appropriate courses (INQ/HNRS or disciplinary) may be counted with the approval of the chair of English and Communication Studies. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
- CRWR 215—Fiction
- CRWR 216—Poetry
- CRWR 230—Reading as a Writer
- CRWR 315—Advanced Fiction
- CRWR 316—Advanced Poetry
- CRWR 317—Special Topics
- CRWR 330—Forms and Genres
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 110—Poetry: What is it Good For?
Questions? Contact Dr. Wendy Larson-Harris.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
An exploration in Environmental Studies requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a primary focus on the environment. This includes all courses offered under the ENST or ENSC designators. Appropriate courses from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or environmentally-themed courses in other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the chair of Environmental Studies. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current INQ/HNRS courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 110—Natives, Newcomers, and Nature
- INQ 120—Thinking Animals
- INQ 120—2050: 10 Billion
- INQ 250—Biology on a Changing Planet
- INQ 251—Resources and Risks
- INQ 270—Myth, Philosophy, and Nature
- INQ 300—The Human Footprint
- HNRS 120—Beyond Sustainability
- HNRS 251—Chemistry for a Sustainable Future
- Any IL course with a focus on the environment.
Questions? Contact Dr. Kathy O'Neill.
ETHICS
An exploration in Ethics requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a substantial focus on ethical reasoning. In addition to the courses listed below, other appropriate courses (INQ/HNRS or disciplinary) may be counted with the approval of the chair of Religion and Philosophy. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
- ARTH 224—Encyclopedic Museum and Archaeological Ethics
- ENST/PHIL 212—Environmental Ethics
- ENST 240—Environmental Justice
- PHIL 111—Contemporary Issues (as appropriate)
- PHIL 191—Introductory Topics (as appropriate)
- PHIL/SOCI 223—Ethics & Medicine
- POLI 245—Ethics and Public Policy
- RELG 141—Buddhism
- RELG 170—Introductory Issues in Religious Traditions (as appropriate)
- RELG 220—Christian Ethics
- RELG 270—Explorations in Religious Traditions (as appropriate)
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ/HNRS 120—Living an Examined Life (any)
Questions? Contact Dr. Jennifer Berenson.
EUROPEAN HISTORY
This exploration requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a primary focus on European history. Appropriate courses from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the chair of the History Department. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current courses that may be counted for this exploration include:
- HIST 212—Ancient Greece
- HIST 213—Age of Alexander
- HIST 214—Ancient Rome
- HIST 223—Medieval England
- HIST 230—The Renaissance
- HIST 231—The Reformation
- HIST 233—History of Tudor and Stuart England
- HIST 235—Witch-Hunts in Early Modern Europe
- HIST 241—Modern Russia
- HIST 243—Modern Britain
- HIST 244—History of Ireland
- HIST 246—Holocaust
- HIST 290 (with approval from the coordinator)
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 270—Exploration and Discovery
- INQ 270—Black Death
- INQ 270—Islamic Spain
- Any IL travel course to Europe taught by faculty in the History Department
Questions? Contact Dr. Rob Willingham.
GENDER & WOMEN'S STUDIES
An exploration in Gender and Women’s Studies requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a substantial focus on gender. In addition to the courses listed below, other appropriate courses (INQ/HNRS or disciplinary) may be counted with the approval of the chair of Sociology and Public Health Studies. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current courses that may be counted for this exploration include:
- GNDR 150—Introduction to Gender and Women’s Studies
- ENGL 212—Connections: Social Justice and Literature
- ENGL 213—Connections: Gender and Literature
- ENGL 356—Gender in Asian Cinema
- ENST 371—Sex and Earth
- HIST 235—The Witch-hunts of Early Modern Europe
- HIST 262—U.S. Women’s History
- SOCI 226—Intimate, Marital, and Family Relationships
- SOCI 229—Sociology of Sex and Gender
- SOCI 329—Global Perspective on Families
- SOCI 338—Women’s Lives Around the World: Global Perspectives
- SPAN 312—Civilization and Culture: Spanish America
- SPAN 323—Introduction to Literature: Spanish America
Current INQ/HNRS courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 260—Anthropology of Fashion
- INQ 277—Sociology Goes to Bollywood: Gender in Indian Cinema
- INQ 277—Restoration Comedy: Sex, Text and Performance
- INQ 270—Men, Women, and Monsters
- INQ 270—Gender and Literature
- INQ 270 —Gender across Cultures
- INQ 271—Women Playwrights
- INQ 271—Chicano Novel in Action
- INQ 271—Transgender History
- INQ 300—LGBTQ Storytelling
- HNRS 260—Gendered Experiences of Poverty
Special Topics courses with concentration-appropriate context, especially
- ENGL 202—Foundations in Fiction
- ENGL 203—Foundations in Oral Traditions
- ENGL 220—Special Topics
- ENGL 301—Focus: Special Topics
- ENGL 308—Focus: The Author Studies
- ENGL 356—Focus: Film Studies
- PHIL 111—Contemporary Issues
Questions? Contact Dr. Meeta Mehrotra.
GERMANIC STUDIES
An exploration in Germanic Studies requires the completion of three units chosen from the courses below. In addition, appropriate special topics courses as well as those from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the chair of the coordinator, Dr. Adam J. Toth. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
At least one German language course on cultural content:
- GRMN 311—German Culture and Civilization
- GRMN 314—The Cultures of German-Speaking Countries
- GRMN 315—The Post-War Germanies
- GRMN 320—The Age of Goethe: Faust
- GRMN 321—Survey of German Literature
- GRMN 380—Special Studies in German Language, Literature and Culture
At least one course in History:
- HIST 246—The Holocaust
- HIST 231—The Reformation
- HIST 290 (with approval from the coordinator)
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 120—The Daily Lives of Nazis
- INQ 270- The Black Death
- INQ/HNRS 271—Why Hitler?
Questions? Contact Dr. Adam J. Toth.
HISTORY
An exploration in HIstory requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a primary focus on history. This includes all courses offered under the HIST designator. Appropriate courses from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the chair of the History Department. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current INQ courses that may be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 110—Women's Suffrage
- INQ 110—Age of the Model T
- INQ 110—Finding Kennedy
- INQ 110—Black Lives Matter
- INQ 120—American Civil War
- INQ 120—Humanitarianism in Africa
- INQ 120—Ethical Traditions and the Good Life
- INQ 120—Civil Politics
- INQ 260—Anthropology of Law
- INQ 260—History of Hawaii
- INQ 270—Power in Ancient Latin America
- INQ 270—Exploration and Discovery
- INQ 270—Black Death
- INQ 270—War and Peace in Asia
- INQ 270—The Silk road
- INQ 270—Islamic Spain
- INQ 270—Native North America
- INQ 271—Living with the Past
- INQ 271—Dear Old Roanoke
- INQ 271—Henry VIII
- INQ 271—Why Hitler
- INQ 271—Transgender History
- INQ 271—American Teenager
- INQ 271—Race and Neighborhood in the US
- INQ 277—A New Deal for Roanoke
- INQ 277—History Detectives
- INQ 277—African Cultural History
- INQ 277—Japanese History and Film
- Any IL travel course taught by faculty in the History Department
Questions? Contact Dr. Rob Willingham.
HISTORY OF THE AMERICAS
An exploration in this field requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a primary focus on the history of the Americas. Appropriate courses from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the chair of the History Department. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current courses that may be counted for this exploration include:
- HIST 200—United States History
- HIST 205—Introduction to Public History
- HIST 207—American Material Culture
- HIST 261—Civil War
- HIST 262—US Women's History
- HIST 263—Post-1945 US History
- HIST 264—American Presidents and the Presidency
- HIST 266—Modern American Diplomatic History
- HIST 268—The Vietnam War
- HIST 272—Latin America
- HIST 273—Latin American Revolutions
- HIST 290 (with approval from the coordinator)
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 110—Women's Suffrage
- INQ 110—Finding Kennedy
- INQ 110—Black Lives Matter
- INQ 270—Power in Ancient Latin America
- INQ 270—Exploration and Discovery
- INQ 270—Native North America
- INQ 271—Transgender History
- INQ 271—American Teenager
- INQ 271—Race and Neighborhood in the US
- INQ 177—History of Hawaii
- INQ 277—The American Tourist in Rome
- INQ 277—A New Deal for Roanoke
- INQ 277—History Detectives
Questions? Contact Dr. Rob Willingham.
HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY
An exploration in the History of Philosophy requires the completion of the 3 units below.
- PHIL 251—Early Western Philosophy
- PHIL 253—Medieval Philosophy
- PHIL 255—Modern Western Philosophy
Questions? Contact Dr. Brent Adkins.
LITERATURE
An Exploration in Literature requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a substantial focus on literature. In addition to the courses listed below, other appropriate courses (INQ/HNRS or disciplinary) may be counted with the approval of the chair of English and Communication Studies. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
- ENGL 202—Foundations in Fiction
- ENGL 203—Foundations in Oral and Performative Traditions
- ENGL 204—Foundations in Poetry
- ENGL 212—Connections: Social Justice and Literature
- ENGL 213—Connections: Gender and Literature
- ENGL 214—Connections: Community and Literature
- ENGL 220—Special Topics in Literature
- Any 300-level ENGL literature course
Current INQ/HNRS courses that could be counted for this Exploration include:
- HNRS 110—Narratives of Urban Space
- INQ 110—Other People's Stories
- INQ 270—Men, Women, and Monsters
- INQ 270—Gender in Early World Literature
- May Terms courses that are primarily focused on literature may also count.
Questions? Contact Dr. Wendy Larson-Harris.
MIDDLE AGES
An exploration in the Middle Ages requires completing 3 courses from the following list. At least 2 of the courses in the exploration must be outside the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current courses that may be counted for this exploration include:
- ARTH 150—Art, Culture and Society I: Ancient and Medieval
- ARTH 236—Medieval Art
- ENGL 350—Studies in Genre (as appropriate)
- FREN 311—Building a Nation: French Civilization and Culture I
- HIST 120—The Medieval World
- HIST 223—Medieval England
- HIST 244—Ireland
- HIST 320—Issues in the Middle Ages
- INQ/HNRS 270 (as appropriate)
- One course in Latin (LATN 101, 102, 201, 202)
- PHIL 253—Medieval Philosophy
- SPAN 311—Spanish Civilization and Its Plural Nationalities
- SPAN 320—Introduction to Literature: Spain
- Any independent study or topics course dealing with the Middle Ages
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 270—The Black Death
- INQ 270—Exploration and Discovery
- INQ 270—Gender in Early World Literature
- INQ 270—Men, Women, and Monsters
Questions? Contact Dr. Rob Willingham.
MODERN HISTORY
An exploration in Modern history requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a primary focus on history after 1500. Appropriate courses from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the chair of the History Department. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current courses that may be counted for this exploration include:
- HIST 140—Modern World
- HIST 200—United States History
- HIST 241—Modern Russia
- HIST 243—Modern Britain
- HIST 246—Holocaust
- HIST 254—Africa from 1850
- HIST 255—South Africa
- HIST 256—Black Political Thought in Africa
- HIST 262—US Women's History
- HIST 263—Post-1945 US History
- HIST 266—Modern American Diplomatic History
- HIST 268—The Vietnam War
- HIST 272—Latin America
- HIST 273—Latin American Revolutions
- HIST 282—Modern East Asia
- HIST 283—East Asian HIstory in Films
- HIST 284—Modern Middle East
- HIST 285—South Asia
- HIST 290 (with approval from the coordinator)
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 110—Women's Suffrage
- INQ 110—Age of the Model T
- INQ 110—Finding Kennedy
- INQ 110—Black Lives Matter
- INQ 120—Humanitarianism in Africa
- INQ 120—Civil Politics
- INQ 260—History of Hawaii
- INQ 271—Transgender History
- INQ 271—American Teenager
- INQ 271—Race and Neighborhood in the US
- INQ 277—A New Deal for Roanoke
- INQ 277—History Detectives
- INQ 277—African Cultural History
- INQ 277—Japanese History and Film
- Any IL travel course taught by faculty in the History Department with a focus on the modern era.
Questions? Contact Dr. Rob Willingham.
An exploration in the Modern Intellectual History requires the completion of 3 units chosen from the courses below. In addition, other appropriate courses (INQ/HNRS or disciplinary) may be counted with the approval of the coordinator, Dr. Brent Adkins. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
- ARTH 256—Baroque, Popes, Kings & Businessmen in 17th-century Europe
- ARTH 266—From Courtly Art through Revolution
- ECON 347—History of Economic Thought
- ENGL—Assorted course numbers; topics as appropriate
- HIST 130—Early Modern World History
- HIST 140—The Modern World
- HIST 256—Black Political Thought in Africa and the African Diaspora
- MUSC 262—Music History II: 1700 to 1900
- PHIL 255—Modern Western Philosophy
- POLI 244—Liberalism and Conservativism
- POLI 246—Justice, Revolution, and the Good Society
- PSYC 390—History of Psychology
- RELG 295—Methods & Theories in the Study of Religion (soon to be 301)
- SOCI 350—Social Theory
Questions? Contact Dr. Brent Adkins.
MUSIC
An exploration in Music requires the completion of 3 units in relevant coursework. In addition to the courses below, appropriate special topics courses as well as those from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the Fine Arts chairperson. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
At least two courses from the following:
- MUSC 150—Fundamentals of Music
- MUSC 240—Music in Culture
- MUSC 251—Theory and Composition I
- MUSC 252—Theory and Composition II
- MUSC 273—Western Music through the Age of Revolution
- MUSC 274—Western Music after Beethoven
- MUSC 325—Issues and Techniques in Arranging
- MUSC 375—Popular Music
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 110—Myths of Musical Genius: An Inquiry into Originality in Music
- INQ 271—Jazz, Media, Race in 20th Century U.S.
- INQ 271—Music as Mirror
- INQ 271—Global Pop: Musical Authenticity and Transculturation
Questions? Contact Dr. Gordon Marsh.
PEACE & JUSTICE STUDIES
An exploration in Peace and Justice Studies requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a substantial focus on nonviolent approaches to building a more just world. At least one of PEAC 201 or 301 is required and two other courses from the list or other appropriate courses can be counted with the approval of the Co-Coordinators of the Concentration. In fact, we strongly encourage students to select courses that inspire them and to make connections with Peace and Justice Studies. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current courses that may be counted for this exploration include:
- PEAC 201—Introduction to Peace and Justice Studies
- PEAC 301—Seminal Figures and Issues
- EDUC 300—The Inclusive Classoom
- ENGL 212—Connections: Social Justice and Literature
- ENST 240—Environmental Justice
- HIST/RELG 246—The Holocaust
- I.R./POLI 231—International Politics
- I.R./POLI 232—International Organizations
- SOCI 201—Social Inequality
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 271—Race and Disability
- INQ 300—LGBTQ Issues
Questions? Contact Dr. Srikanth Mallavarapu.
PHILOSOPHY
An exploration in Philosophy requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a primary focus on philosophy. This includes all courses offered under the PHIL designator. Appropriate courses from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the chair of Religion and Philosophy. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 110—Mind and Body
- INQ 120—True Freedom
- INQ 120—Happiness and Goodness
- INQ 270—Myth, Philosophy, and Nature
Questions? Contact Dr. Brent Adkins.
PRE-MODERN ARTS & CULTURE
An exploration in Pre-Modern Arts & Culture requires the completion of three units of relevant coursework. In addition to the courses below, appropriate special topics courses as well as those from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the Fine Arts chairperson. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
At least one course from the following:
- ARTH 150—Art, Culture, & Society I
- ARTH 220—Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology
- ARTH 222—The Archaeology of Death in the Ancient Near East
- ARTH 236—Medieval Art
- ENGL 330—Chaucer
- ENGL 334—Studies in Medieval Literature
- RELG 202—New Testament Christianities
- RELG 201—Israelite Patriarchs, Prophets, Princes, and Priests
At least one course from the following:
- HIST 110—Ancient World
- HIST 120—Medieval World
- HIST 211—Origins of War
- HIST 212—Ancient Greece
- HIST 213—Age of Alexander the Great
- HIST 214—Ancient Rome
- HIST 223—Medieval England
- HIST 281—Early East Asia
- PHIL/RELG 141—Buddhism
- PHIL/RELG 241—Religions and Philosophies of China
- PHIL/RELG 243—Religions and Philosophies of India
- PHIL 251—Early Western Philosophy
- PHIL 253—Medieval Philosophy
One additional course from either of the above listed groups or one of the following INQ/HNRS courses:
- INQ 270—Ancient Royalty
- INQ 270—Ancient and Classical Heroes and Heroines
- INQ 270—Gender in Early World Literature
- INQ 270—Greek Cults & Mystery Religions
- INQ 270—Islamic Spain
- INQ 270—The Maya World
- INQ 270—Men, Women, and Monsters
- INQ 270—Silk Road-Global
Questions? Contact Dr. Gordon Marsh.
PUBLIC HISTORY
This exploration requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a primary focus on Public history. Appropriate courses from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the chair of the History Department. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current courses that may be counted for this exploration include:
- HIST 205—Introduction to Public History
- HIST 206—Historical Archaeology
- HIST 207—American Material Culture
- HIST 209—Introduction to Digital History
- HIST 218—Introduction to Archaeology
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 277—History Detectives
Questions? Contact Dr. Rob Willingham.
RACE AND ETHNICITY
An exploration in Race and Ethnicity requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a substantial focus on critical investigation of race and ethnicity. In addition to the courses listed below, other appropriate courses (INQ/HNRS or disciplinary) may be counted with the approval of the Director of the Center for Studying Structures of Race. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
- ANTH 101—Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- ANTH 240—Race and Human Evolution
- ENGL—Assorted course numbers; topics as appropriate
- HIST 206—Historical Archaeology
- HIST/RELG 246—The Holocaust
- HIST 256—Black Political Thought in Africa and the African Diaspora
- SOCI 201—Social Inequality
- SOCI 215—Social Movements
- SOCI 224—Race and Ethnicity
- SOCI/CJUS 240—Inequality in Criminal Justice
- PHST 201—Health and Society: Introduction to Public Health
- PHST 302—Social Determinants of Health
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 110—Race & Media: What do we see?
- INQ 260SO—Social Justice
- INQ 271—Jazz, Media, Race in 20th Century U.S.
- INQ 271—Race, Ethnicity, and the Art of the United States
- INQ 271—The Hispanic Caribbean: Nationhood, Race, Gender and Culture
- INQ 277—Coloring Outside the Lines: Children’s Literature as Resistance
Questions? Contact Dr. Jesse Bucher
RELIGION
An exploration in Religion requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a primary focus on religion. This includes all courses offered under the RELG designator. Appropriate courses from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the chair of Religion and Philosophy. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 110—Myth, Rituals, and Gods (formerly, Who or What is God?)
- INQ 110—Strange Tales from the Bible
- INQ 120—Life & Death in Medical Ethics
- INQ 120—Theologians Under Hitler
- INQ 270—What’s True about the Bible?
- INQ 270—Greek Cults & Mystery Religions
- INQ 300—Violence and Religion
Questions? Contact Dr.Jennifer Berenson.
WORLD OF GREECE & ROME
This exploration requires the completion of 3 units in courses with a primary focus on the history of Ancient Greece and Rome. Appropriate courses from the INQ/HNRS curriculum or other disciplines may be counted with the approval of the chair of the History Department. Per College requirements, at least 2 of the units offered must be outside of the INQ/HNRS curriculum and a student’s major, minor, or concentration.
Current courses that may be counted for this exploration include:
- HIST 212—Ancient Greece
- HIST 213—The Age of Alexander
- HIST 214—Ancient Rome
Current INQ courses that could be counted for this exploration include:
- INQ 110—Classical Athens and Us
- INQ 277—Pausanias' Tour of Greece
Questions? Contact Dr. Rob Willingham.