The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges, and Consquences

General Introduction

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 2008-10 Honors Study Topic, The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges, and Consequences. Students are encouraged to use this topic to examine the historical incongruity that richer is not always better. We are witnessing an information and technology revolution, dealing with war and the ability to annihilate the world's poulation. World debt is high and seen as an obstacle to human development. Advances in knowledge and technology about human health and hygiene have lowered infant mortality and raised life expectancy, raising the world's population to nearly seven billion and taxing the earth's resources. 

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 1,250 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.

Source: http://www.ptk.org/honors/guide/