Phi Theta Kappa is dedicated to providing members opportunities for intellectual growth and challenge through the Society’s Honors Program. The central focus of the Honors Program is an Honors Study Topic that offers chapters a platform for examination of a timely, interdisciplinary subject of vital importance to the human experience. This Guide serves as an introduction to the 2006-08 Honors Study Topic, Gold, Gods, and Glory: The Global Dynamics of Power. Students are encouraged to use this Guide to examine the human drive for power and the multiple dimensions of power. Students should explore the dynamics of power on various levels: personal, interpersonal, societal, and global. Students should also seek to understand the sources of power, considering specifically money and wealth (gold), religion and spiritual strength (gods), and personal motivators (glory).
Using the Honors Study Topic
Phi Theta Kappa chapters are encouraged to make the Honors Study Topic an
integral part of chapter activities. Colleges and universities are also
encouraged to use the Honors Study Topic as the foundation of an Honors
Program or Honors Course. Phi Theta Kappa provides many resources to
enhance exploration of the Topic. The Phi Theta Kappa International
Convention features a keynote speaker and various Educational Forums devoted
to the Topic. The Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Institute, called
the “crown jewel” in the Society’s honors programming agenda, provides a
week’s intensive study of the Topic through outstanding speakers, intimate
group discussions, field trips, and experiential exercises. The annual
Honors Satellite Seminar Series, co-produced by Phi Theta Kappa and the
National Collegiate Honors Council, is a series of interactive seminars led
by experts on Topic-related issues. The seminars are broadcast live via
satellite to college campuses across the country each fall. And finally,
Phi Theta Kappa partners with USA TODAY to sponsor an award competition that
supports student interest in the Honors Study Topic. The Honors Case Study
Challenge requires students to read the newspaper and conduct a Case Study
on an issue related to the Honors Study Topic for an opportunity to win
$500.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for community college
students. Since its founding in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has recognized the
academic achievements of students in associate-degree programs. The
International Honor Society has grown from eight charter chapters in
Missouri to more than 1,100 chapters located in all 50 of the United States,
Canada, Germany, and U.S. territorial possessions. Nearly 100,000 of the
most outstanding two-year college students are inducted into membership in
Phi Theta Kappa each year. Phi Theta Kappa offers students opportunities
for engaging in scholarly activities, earning academic scholarships,
providing service to the community, developing and practicing leadership
skills, and enjoying fellowship with other scholars.
Phi Theta Kappa Mission Statement: The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for the exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship of scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.
