USM Honors College students work hard all year, and the sophomores had the opportunity to show what they learned in their seminar class. That hard work was on full display during the Spring 2026 Sophomore Showcase, where students presented projects that reflected a semester of exploration, discussion and hands-on learning.
The University Honors College hosted the showcase to highlight the eight different seminar classes offered this semester, each centered on a unique and thought-provoking topic. These courses included incarceration in Mississippi, the disability revolution, space, American cinema, science fiction and war. The wide range of subjects allowed students to engage with material that both challenged and interested them, creating a dynamic academic environment.
Student Jordan Ros emphasized the importance of having such a diverse selection of courses, explaining.
“It lets people that are from different backgrounds pick what they specifically want to learn about and helps them dive into a topic that they’re really not familiar with or they are curious about,” Ros said. “And it really just opens their eyes to new opportunities.”
This diversity is a defining feature of the Honors College experience, giving students the ability to explore new perspectives while also deepening their understanding of familiar interests.
Each seminar offered a distinct academic experience. In “Worlds Elsewhere: Science Fiction and Encountering the Other,” students examined how speculative fiction imagines new worlds and raises questions about society, culture and human understanding. The course encouraged students to think critically about how science fiction reflects reality while also envisioning new possibilities.
“The Disability Revolution: Are You Ready to Make an Impact?” focused on understanding the disability community, which remains one of the largest yet often misunderstood groups in society. Students explored the history of the disability movement, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, while also learning about current advocacy efforts and opportunities for community involvement.
In the “Space” seminar, students studied space not only as the vast expanse beyond Earth but also as a fundamental concept tied to everyday life. The course examined how humans understand and interact with space, from scientific exploration to the organization of cities and communities.
The class “Incarceration in Mississippi: Past, Present, and Beyond” took a deep dive into the state’s history of incarceration and its connections to systemic issues such as racism and inequality. Students engaged with a variety of materials, including literature, film and firsthand accounts, to better understand the complexities of the justice system. This class ultimately earned the top honor at the showcase, receiving recognition for the best overall presentation.
“The Stories of American Cinema” explored how films both reflect and shape society. Students analyzed different genres, historical movements in film and the work of influential directors while also considering how movies influence cultural and political narratives. Reflecting on this course, Ros shared what stood out most to her.
“I learned about movies and how they impacted society and how those movies specifically were portrayed in their time frame but how it can also be relevant in our time currently,” Ros said. “It definitely opens your eyes and makes you question everything about society and how films can portray us.”
Other courses, such as “Man’s Inhumanity to Man: Conflict and War in History,” examined the role of war throughout human civilization. While “Introduction to Fan Studies” explored the cultural significance of fandoms and their growing influence on media and society. Each class provided students with opportunities to conduct research, engage in discussions and think critically about the world around them.
What made the showcase particularly unique was the way students presented their work. Without direct assistance from their professors, students created presentations that not only explained their findings but also invited audience participation. Each group incorporated a game or hands-on demonstration, allowing attendees to actively engage with the material and gain a deeper understanding of the topics.
Ultimately, the Sophomore Showcase serves as both a celebration of student achievement and a reflection of the Honors College’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning. Each presentation demonstrated not only what students learned but also how they applied that knowledge in creative and meaningful ways.
Each semester, there are different seminar topics, so every showcase is unique. Students and faculty alike look forward to seeing what future classes will bring. For those interested in witnessing the results firsthand, make sure to go see the hard work of the Honors sophomores in the fall.
