1. 2008-2010
Phi Theta Kappa
2008-2010
Honors Program Guide
Featuring the 2008-2010 Honors Study Topic
The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges, and Consequences
The Phi Theta Kappa Experience:
Honoring Scholars, Building Servant Leaders

2. About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi TheTa KaPPa is the international honor society for community college Mission stateMent: The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be
students. Since its founding in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has recognized the academic to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college
achievements of students in associate-degree programs. The Society has grown students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide
from eight charter chapters in Missouri to more than 1,250 chapters located in all opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for
50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively
the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, British Virgin Islands, United fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing
Arab Emirates, and U.S. territories. Nearly 100,000 of the most outstanding two- academic excellence.
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 is committed to the elimination of discrimination based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and
cultural and religious backgrounds.
© 2008 by Phi Theta Kappa, Inc., in the United States and Canada. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of Phi Theta Kappa.
The name, logo, and various titles herein have been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The Phi Theta Kappa Honors Program Guide is published once
every two years by Phi Theta Kappa, 1625 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211, 601.984.3504.

3. Contents
The Phi Theta Kappa Experience
hONORiNG SChOLaRS, bUiLDiNG SeRVaNT LeaDeRS ...........................................................................................................................................................................Page 2
Creating the Phi Theta Kappa Experience
2008-2010 Honors Study Topic:
The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges, and Consequences
iNTeGRaTiNG SChOLaRShiP, LeaDeRShiP, SeRViCe, aND FeLLOwShiP...........................................................................................................................Page 3
hONORS iN aCTiON.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 4
JOURNaLiNG SUGGeSTiONS .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 5
eSSay...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 6
iSSUe 1: Definition ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 8
iSSUe 2: Fine Arts ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 0
iSSUe 3: Health........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 2
iSSUe 4: Economic Policy...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 4
iSSUe 5: Rise and Fall of Civilizations and Empires ................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 6
iSSUe 6: Political and Civil Liberties......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 8
iSSUe 7: Geography............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 20
iSSUe 8: Education...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 22
iSSUe 9: Individual, Family, and Community Life.....................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 24
iSSUe 10: Environment....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Page 26
Phi Theta Kappa Honors Institute Topics and Sites .....................................................................................................................Page 28
Phi Theta Kappa Honors Program Committee.........................................................................................................................................Page 29

4. The Phi Theta Kappa Experience
Honoring scHolars encouraged to use this Honors Program Guide to examine the paradox of
affluence and to incorporate the Honors Study Topic into their leadership
Phi Theta Kappa is dedicated to honoring student scholars for development activities and projects they initiate to serve their chapters,
outstanding academic achievement at associate-degree granting colleges, and communities.
institutions. Membership provides opportunities for public recognition Active chapters provide an educationally powerful environment,
and acknowledgement of superior scholastic accomplishment by supported by resources, award programs and events sponsored
faculty, college administrators and peers. Such acknowledgment bolsters by Phi Theta Kappa. Phi Theta Kappa offers two award programs to
academic motivation and enhances student success. honor the achievements of outstanding chapters, build a scholarly
community among students and faculty and engage in service to
Active membership offers much more than recognition. Phi Theta Kappa the college and community. The Five Star Chapter Development
has an array of educationally purposeful programs that bridge academic Program reflects the scholarly ideals of Phi Theta Kappa and serves
and co-curricular activities to foster intellectual and psychosocial as a blueprint for developing a strong chapter and for earning local,
development. Students participate in faculty-directed, challenging regional, and international recognition. Using this program, chapters
honors activities that integrate service and leadership components. This can build a foundation and establish a lasting legacy on campus.
convergence of educational and developmental experiences provides
practical applications for academic exercises and results in real-life Phi Theta Kappa’s competitive hallmark awards Program recognizes
experiences that prospective employers and college recruiters recognize outstanding chapters, regions and individuals. True to its name, the
and value. Participation enhances interpersonal and communication skills, program celebrates excellence in the Society’s Hallmarks of Scholarship,
expands intellectual and cultural competencies, and assists in clarifying Leadership, Service and Fellowship. Hallmark Awards are presented to
academic and employment goals and a sense of purpose. While exploring chapters that excel in Scholarship, Leadership, and Service. Scholarly
Phi Theta Kappa programs through the examinations of scholarly topics, fellowship is an inherent part of each of those entries, but there is no
experiencing leadership, and providing service to their campus and civic separate Fellowship category in the Hallmark Awards Program.
arenas, students become engaged in their communities, form effective
peer mentoring groups and enhance the campus environment. The Phi Theta Kappa international Convention is the largest
multinational gathering of community college students in the world. At
the Convention members engage with internationally known speakers
and interact with peers and faculty. Convention educational forums
Building servant leaders allow in-depth examination of the Honors Study Topic, offer leadership
and service workshops, and furnish resources for student development.
Phi Theta Kappa programs provide members with opportunities for Members will find transfer and career forums and opportunities to network
intellectual growth and challenge, as well as opportunities for leadership with transfer counselors and explore career options.
development and service. Members may explore programs independently
or through participation in their local chapter. The central focus of the The Phi Theta Kappa international honors institute, called the “crown
organization’s programs is an Honors Study Topic that offers a platform for jewel” in the Society’s honors programming agenda, provides a week’s
examination of a timely, interdisciplinary subject of vital importance to the intensive study of the Honors Study Topic through outstanding speakers,
human experience. Through analysis of issues related to the 2008-2010 intimate group discussions, field trips and experiential exercises. The
Honors Study Topic, The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges, and honors Satellite Seminar Series, co-produced by Phi Theta Kappa
Consequences, chapters will be able to develop honors in action activities and the National Collegiate Honors Council, is a series of interactive
that implement the Society’s ongoing 2008-2010 International Service seminars led by experts on Honors Study Topic-related issues. The
Program, Operation Green: Improving Our Communities, and employ Seminars are broadcast live via satellite to college campuses around the
the Society’s Leadership Development Program resources. Students are world each fall and are available as well via web download.
2

5. Creating the Phi Theta Kappa
Experience
2008-200 Honors study topic: integrating scHolarsHip, leadersHip,
tHe paradox oF aFFluence: cHoices, service, and FellowsHip
cHallenges, and consequences The Honors Program Guide includes resources devoted to the Honors
Phi Theta Kappa programs for chapter and individual participation reflect Study Topic and provides avenues for honors students to enrich their
the Society Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership and Service, and evoke scholarly endeavors with the interdisciplinary exploration of a timely topic
Fellowship through camaraderie and cooperation. Exploring the Honors and then apply their knowledge as servant leaders in the college and the
Study Topic creates opportunities for chapters and individuals to integrate community.
the Hallmarks in comprehensive, well-rounded initiatives effective in
contributing to academic stimulation and student development. The The broad categories of issues that relate to the Honors Study Topic and
following pages provide guidance for exploring the Honors Study study questions for each issue are designed to initiate interdisciplinary,
Topic and incorporating additional resources such as Phi Theta Kappa’s scholarly inquiry and research. Study of any of the issues related to The
Leadership Development Program and the 2008-2010 International Paradox of Affluence should include opportunities to lead and serve.
Service Program, Operation Green: Improving Our Communities.
scholarship Hallmark
Research and analyze the Honors Study Topic
to identify causes, needs, and potential solutions
Study contemporary
leadership and historical leaders
Hallmark build an
Develop leadership skills, effective
fulfill leadership research
positions and team
identify a
roles community Discover
need new needs
that require
further
research to
understand
Prepare and identify
leaders solutions
Support each other Fellowship
and multiply impact Hallmark
Interpersonal skills develop
Provide experience throughout the process
for emerging leaders,
helping them expose
needs for further
leadership development
service Hallmark
Work to improve the community
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6. Honors in Action
honors in action project ideas vary in scope and may be adopted by Humanities Approach, online leadership development readings, and online
individual honors students or Phi Theta Kappa members, honors classes, or information about the International Service Program, Operation Green:
Phi Theta Kappa chapters. Each honors in action project description is Improving Our Communities, can enhance honors in action projects by
the nucleus of an undertaking that can provide opportunities for learning creating balanced, comprehensive projects in which participants advance their
and growth in two, three, or all four of the Society’s Hallmarks. By combining knowledge and application of all the Hallmarks. For any honors in action
scholarly inquiry and research with leadership to increase awareness and projects, individuals or groups may develop different or additional ways to
service to the community, an individual or chapter can make a difference incorporate elements related to scholarly research, leadership, service, and
regarding the issue explored or discovered by studying the topic. Hallmark fellowship.
areas are indicated for all suggested honors in action projects.
Additional resources available online include a detailed Honors Study Topic
Comprehensive honors in action project descriptions involve materials annotated bibliography, film list, discussion grid, and a list of links to further
from Phi Theta Kappa’s Leadership Development Program and Phi Theta web resources, Phi Theta Kappa’s Leadership Briefs and other external websites.
Kappa’s International Service Program. These resources, such as the As you incorporate elements related to these Hallmarks, your honors in
leadership textbook, Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Development Studies: A action project can grow in depth and impact.
explore the honors Study Topic by integrating the Society hallmarks into honors in action projects.
Issue 10: Environment
How does tHe global
environment reflect tHe
paradox of affluence? Your honors in action project will
provide avenues for honors students to
enrich their scholarly endeavors with the
interdisciplinary exploration of a timely
Study QueStionS HonorS in Action
topic and then apply their knowledge as
1. To what extent is the world on the verge of environmental collapse? Create an environmental steering committee comprised of
servant leaders in the college and the community.
Scholarship students, faculty, and staff on your campus to research issues
2. To what degree does environmental policy affect health? Leadership
related to your campus’ environment. From that research, develop
3. To what extent does a nation’s affluence affect international Service
Fellowship projects for your campus that will beautify and improve your
policy on the environment and climate change? environment.
4. How might affluence affect a person’s ability and willingness to
embrace a “one child per human mother” policy to help reduce Track weather patterns in your community and research those
study questions inititate interdisciplinary, scholarly
Scholarship
patterns over time. Has the weather changed considerably in your
human impact on the global environment? Leadership
Fellowship
community? Are temperatures higher, lower, or similar to what
5. To what degree is conflict over natural resources (i.e., water, natural they have been for the last fifty years? Are there more extreme
gas) more likely to break out in less affluent nations? patterns such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes? What
6. In what ways does affluence determine the environmental
consciousness of an individual or community?
are the factors that contribute to the stability or change in your
community’s weather? Share your findings over a semester at your
inquiry and research into the The Paradox of Affluence.
chapter meetings.
7. To what degree is it true that affluent nations pollute to a greater
extent than poorer nations? Research your carbon footprint and the collective footprint of
Honors in action
8. In what ways is global warming a result of the paradox of affluence? Scholarship everyone on your college campus. What factors are most prevalent
Leadership
9. How can individuals, families, and communities work to neutralize in terms of causing environmental damage in your college
Service
their carbon footprints? Does affluence affect a person’s ability and Fellowship community? What will it take to erase those carbon footprints? Work
with a team of students, faculty, and staff on your campus to develop
willingness to do so?
10. Why, despite our potential overuse of the Earth’s resources as global
affluence increases, do scholars argue life will go on?
and implement a project on campus to erase your collective carbon
footprint. Invite members of the local National Honor Society to
work with you.
projects include the Hallmarks addressed.
Read Juliet Schor’s The Overspent American (1998). Contemplate
Scholarship
your own spending and its impact on the environment. Write an
project description
Leadership
Service
op-ed piece on the connection between consumerism and the
Fellowship environment for your college or community newspaper.
is the nucleus of an undertaking that provides learning and growth
opportunities in two, three, or all four of the Society’s Hallmarks.
26
4

7. journaling suggestions For the service Hallmark,
For an honors in action project to fully develop in each of the Hallmark record such components as
areas, intentional and purposeful recording, planning, and reflection are • Dialogues about possible projects directly related to the
essential. To assist members and chapters with intentional recording, International Service Program and how they connect to the
planning, and reflection to develop our Society’s Hallmarks, journaling Honors Study Topic
throughout an honors in action project is highly recommended. A • Contacts with potential partners whose missions your Honors in
variety of activities specific to each Hallmark may be recorded in a journal Action activities complement
or provide materials for reflection in a journal. • Whom or what is served by each project
• Impact of the project (specific accomplishments, contributions,
For the scholarship Hallmark, people participating, people served)
record such components as
• Study question(s) posed For the Fellowship Hallmark,
• Experts and sources consulted record such components as
• Notes about ways research can be transformed • Who participated
into projects • How the activity was inclusive
• Dialogues about the Honors Study Topic • What communication methods and tools encouraged
• Needs identified and possible solutions involvement and engagement (as well as less
• Analysis of research and how that research translated into successful methods)
Honors in Action projects • What was new or better about the interactions among
• Questions remaining for further research participants
• Ideas for expanding participation in the future
For the leadership Hallmark,
record such components as For all Hallmarks, record
• People who have led similar projects in the past and what can such components as
be learned from them • The strategic planning process and goal setting for Honors in
• Leadership lessons learned in the research of the issue Action activities
presented to the chapter, college, or community by advisors, • How the current Honors Study Topic relates to
partner organizations’ leaders, and other mentors the project
• Activities designed to develop leadership skills • Responsibilities and assignments for individuals
and abilities and committees
• How individuals or chapters overcame challenges and • Milestones achieved and feedback for improving the project as it
obstacles progresses
• Reactions from individuals in leadership roles about their own • Reactions from participants and reactions from those served or
leadership development impacted
• Details about effective goal-setting, group decision making, • How many people were involved or impacted and in what way
motivation and team building, delegating, and empowerment
• What emerged in activities’ debriefings: lessons learned, plans
to address development needs identified, or changes for future
projects
Recording these details can be indispensable! For Phi Theta Kappa chapters, journaling to track progress and activities throughout your honors in action
projects and to capture your reflections and thoughts on how you developed as individuals and as a chapter provides you with the detail you need to
achieve your goal in the Five Star Chapter Development Program and compose your entries in the hallmark awards Program.
Individuals can use journals to provide details about activities and impact for honors projects, scholarship applications, resumes, and cover letters.
5

8. Essay
The PaRaDOx OF aFFLUeNCe:
ChOiCeS, ChaLLeNGeS, aND CONSeqUeNCeS
Avner Offer, professor of economic history at Oxford University, maintains that It is fitting that we will spend the next two years studying the
the “paradox of affluence” is “richer is not (much) better.” Average people living paradox of affluence. If you insert the words “21st century” for the
in the 14th and 16th centuries might have agreed, though they may have liked 14th and 16th centuries, the descriptions may sound eerily familiar.
to test the theory. Like those centuries during which the words affluence and paradox
entered the English language, the 21st century is one of extraordinary
The word “affluence” was first change. We are witnessing an information and technology
used in the 14th century, a time revolution, dealing with war and the ability to annihilate the world’s
of unprecedented change and population. World debt is high and seen as an obstacle to human
expansion in Europe. It was a development. Advances in technology and knowledge about health
calamitous century that included two and hygiene have lowered global infant mortality and raised life
natural disasters, the Little Ice Age expectancy. More of us live away from our families than ever before.
and the Black Death, the Hundred The world’s population
Years War, Great Schism in the Roman has risen to nearly seven
Catholic Church, isolation of China by billion, taxing some of
the Mongols, and Muslim invasions the earth’s resources. The
of southern Europe. The concept of environment is in potential
affluence was fueled by the ways in danger.
which the Crusades changed Europe
and the relationship between East Still, middle class
and West. Though they had ceased Americans and members
by the end of the 13th century, the of the European Union,
Crusades helped develop world according to author Gregg
trade, triggered the rise of towns and Easterbrook, live better
dismantling of Feudalism in Western than more than 99% of
Europe, and sparked a revival of the people who have
Classical literature. ever lived. Most people in
By the time the word “paradox” the world live better than
appeared in the English language the average person who
in the mid-16th century, virtually lived in the 14th and 16th
every aspect of Europeans’ lives centuries and better than
had changed from what they had even their grandparents
been during the Middle Ages. lived.
This beginning of the modern era
recorded changes in mechanisms Yet, relative affluence has
of commerce, systems of finance, bred discontent. Affluence
development of centralized nation- and, to paraphrase Thomas Friedman, a flat world offer us more
states, creation of ocean-ready choices and more challenges. The choices we make as leaders will
trading fleets, and the invention of make all the difference in terms of consequences. Over the next
the printing press. The Black Death two years, you will have the opportunity to study the paradox of
had largely ceased, the Renaissance affluence in depth and to investigate and develop those leadership
expanded north beyond Italy, and skills necessary to deal with an age of change and tumult. We hope
Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation. Christopher Columbus as well you will use what you learn about the paradox of affluence to
“discovered” a new continent, and the Age of Exploration flourished as did, examine ways you can improve the environment at your college and
by the end of the century, the African slave trade. Perhaps fueled by this in your community, region, and beyond through Operation Green,
tremendous change, new fortunes were made and technological and artistic our International Service Program. In the end, we hope you discover
innovation flourished. By the end of the century, Europe was dealing with bad new intellectual treasures for your personal and professional growth
weather, poor harvests, low wages, high taxes, and high prices of food, fuel, as scholars and servant leaders and have a rich, fulfilling Phi Theta
and housing. National debts had soared due to a series of wars. Kappa experience.
6

9. Issue 1: Definition
hOw CaN The PhRaSe
“PaRaDOx OF aFFLUeNCe”
be iNTeRPReTeD?
study questions Honors in action
. What are the criteria we use to define affluence? As a chapter, research the background about and watch the
Scholarship Sergio Arau satirical film A Day Without a Mexican (2004). Invite
2. What are the criteria we use to define paradox? Discuss some examples Leadership
a social sciences faculty member and/or a member of the
of paradoxes. Fellowship
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to participate
3. How do different societies define affluence? in a forum dialogue on the film. Discuss the implications for
4. How can we distinguish between relative affluence and relative poverty? society if one part of the population is suddenly removed. What
5. How has the definition of affluence changed over time? does the film say about affluence in American culture? How
6. To what extent is the definition of affluence defined by one’s culture? are attitudes about affluence presented in the film? In what
ways are the paradoxes of affluence made apparent in the
. To what extent does technology define affluence in contemporary
film? Identify leadership lessons you can learn from the film.
society?
8. How has the pursuit of affluence determined the course of history? Consider the development of affluence and poverty in your local
Scholarship community. Using resources such as historical societies, museums,
9. To what extent has globalization been a force for change and Leadership
affluence in the modern world? local records, input from faculty in anthropology, economics,
Service
Fellowship sociology, and other disciplines, look at how these patterns have
0. What is meant by the phrase “paradox of affluence”? Is there a evolved over time. How have these patterns of affluence and
paradox of affluence? poverty in your community changed through the years? How
. What are some of the ramifications of affluence being a paradox? are these patterns changing today? How does understanding
2. What is an example of the paradox of affluence in your life? these patterns help you understand your community structure
and prepare you to be more effective leaders? Prepare a display
3. To what extent is affluence a prerequisite to leadership?
of your findings for presentation on your campus, and share
them with local groups. Organize a leadership and service
affluence “action team” to address one of the issues in your community.
Pronunciation: ‘a-( )flü- n(t)s also a-’flü- or -
e e
' Invite faculty members and local leaders to present at an open
1 a : an abundant flow or supply : PROFUSION b : abundance of
Scholarship forum on whether there is a paradox of affluence and, if so,
property : WEALTH
Leadership
2 : a flowing to or toward a point : INFLUX Service
how that paradox is reflected in your community. As a chapter,
Paradox Fellowship prepare some items for discussion during the presentation.
Pronunciation: ‘per- -”däks, ‘pa-r -
e e Film the forum and make it available for other groups to use, or
1 a : tenet contrary to received opinion post the forum on a website for later viewing. Identify an area of
2 a : a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to concern, based on what you learn from conducting this forum,
common sense and yet is perhaps true b : a self-contradictory which your chapter can address with a project that promotes
statement that at first seems true c : an argument that apparently both service and leadership development among members.
derives self-contradictory conclusions by valid deduction from
acceptable premises
3 : one (as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly
contradictory qualities or phases
8 Source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary - www.m-w.com/dictionary

10. Scholarship
As an organized chapter activity, discuss what you see as the
paradoxes of affluence in your lives. What patterns of commonality
BiBliograpHy
Leadership
emerge? What are some of the unique paradoxes each of you
Fellowship
face? What are the consequences of these patterns? What
challenges and choices do these patterns present? How does Clinton, Bill. Giving: How Each Of Us Can Change The World. 2007.
deeper understanding of your personal paradoxes prepare Clinton tells the stories of people who have changed the world
you to lead your life differently? How can you learn to be more and the global landscape by giving to others and how the choices
effective servant leaders by understanding these paradoxes? people make as servant leaders can genuinely affect the paradox of
affluence.
Explore issues of affluence and social status with two plays: George
Scholarship Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion (1916)* and Douglas Turner Ward’s Easterbrook, Gregg. The Progress Paradox: How Life Gets Better
Leadership
play Day of Absence (1965). As a single act, humorous, satirical play, While People Feel Worse. 2004.
Fellowship Easterbrook investigates the axiom “money doesn’t buy happiness”
a chapter could create their own presentation of Day of Absence
as a Reader’s Theater production. Pygmalion could be presented and finds, in many cases, it may be true. While many aspects of life in
similarly, or a chapter could show the musical film version, My the 21st century are improving, people have a pessimistic view of the
Fair Lady. The two plays interpret the paradox of affluence and world. He explores why we are more affluent, but less happy.
explore issues of affluence and social status in contrasting ways, El-Ghonemy, M. Affluence and Poverty in the Middle East. 1998.
one through illustrating the consequences of separation or removal
El-Ghonemy investigates the choices, challenges, and consequences
of a group and the other through describing the challenge of
of persistent poverty and economic inequalities in North Africa and
assimilation. Do the two plays also define the paradox of affluence
the Middle East.
in contrasting ways, or is the definition similar? What implications
do the different approaches – exclusion versus assimilation Friedman, Thomas L. The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-
– have for leaders concerned with issues of social class? first Century. 2006.
Friedman argues that cheap and readily available communication
Invite international students to a chapter meeting to speak about has removed the obstacles to global commerce and trade, making
Scholarship their definitions of relative affluence and relative poverty in their
Leadership
all parts of the world equally accessible. Outsourcing of services,
countries. How do their distinctions match or vary from traditional manufacturing overseas, and the potential to build new forms of
Fellowship
American notions? What are the indicators of affluence and poverty leadership in American business offer potential for new types and
in their nations? How do they view affluence and poverty in levels of affluence.
America? Discuss the leadership lessons you can learn from having
a working knowledge of the differing ways peoples and nations Galbraith, John Kenneth. The Affluent Society. 1997 (40th
have about the paradox of affluence. Expand this dialogue to reach anniversary edition).
Phi Theta Kappa members from around the world by hosting Galbraith discusses the meaning of affluence and economic security
an online forum on the issues raised in your chapter meeting. in an industrial age and the hazards of individual and societal
complacency about economic inequality.
As a chapter, read Thomas Friedman’s book, The Lexus and the Olive
Scholarship Tree: Understanding Globalization (1999). Host a dialogue on the book. Schwartz, Barry. The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less. 2005.
Leadership
What are some of the consequences for the development or decline Schwartz looks at the extraordinary choices people have in the 21st
Fellowship century and investigates how many of those choices are actually
of affluence Friedman explores in the global marketplace? Identify
leaders who understand globalization and the consequences distinctive choices and why they do not necessarily make people
and challenges that rising or falling affluence present. Are any of content.
these consequences or challenges present in your community?
What actions are the leaders you identify undertaking or
recommending? Work to raise awareness of these leaders and
how their efforts could also impact your community positively.
Research the Kyoto Protocol, the United Nations treaty to reduce
Scholarship greenhouse emissions by developed countries in order to combat
Leadership
global warming. Assign a country to teams of chapter members
Service
Fellowship to determine what the country’s stance is on the Kyoto Protocol
and why. Why is a heavier burden placed on developed nations in
reducing greenhouse emissions? Is this fair? Why, or why not? Host a
forum on campus or at a regional meeting to discuss your chapter’s
findings. Invite faculty members to moderate the discussion.
Research litter in your community to determine what role
Scholarship affluence plays in the amount of litter found in neighborhoods
Leadership
Service
or streets. To help with your research, consider using Keep
Fellowship America Beautiful’s Litter Index Tool, www.kabtoolbox.org,
a credible and simple tool that allows quick and reliable visual
assessment of the types of litter present in a community. Then * material is included in Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Development
organize a community cleanup event in a neighborhood plagued Studies: A Humanities Approach. This book is available online at
by litter. Be sure to include residents in the cleanup efforts. www.ptk.org/recognitions/catalog/
9

11. Issue 2: Fine Arts
hOw DO The FiNe aRTS
ShaPe aND ReFLeCT The
PaRaDOx OF aFFLUeNCe?
study questions Honors in action
. How do the fine arts reflect the paradox of affluence? Invite a representative from your local symphony, opera, theater,
Scholarship or ballet to discuss the concept of patronage and the role it has
2. How have civilizations defined “fine” arts? Leadership
3. Why is there a difference in support for sports teams and fine arts Service
played and still plays in the arts. To what extent do artistic directors
Fellowship and leaders in the arts also have to be fundraisers? How do these
organizations? leaders influence, persuade, and inspire others in order to fundraise?
4. To what extent are the fine arts a luxury good? What specific leadership skills and talents are required? How did
5. How has patronage, or the lack of it, affected the creation and the leaders in the arts develop these skills? What conclusions do
preservation of the fine arts? How has patronage changed you draw about the relative affluence of your community’s arts
organizations? Develop a plan to adopt one of your local arts groups
over time?
as a chapter service project. Find out what would best serve the
6. What did affluence have to do with the development and recognition group: leadership development workshops, fund raising and friend
of the Seven Wonders of the World? raising assistance, marketing, or event management. Reflect on the
. Investigate the relationship between affluence and the production experience and the leadership lessons individuals and the group
of fine art. Is there a positive correlation or an inverse relationship? learned as you examined the paradox of affluence by serving the arts.
What are the reasons for the relationship?
Organize a viewing of Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Babel (2006) on
8. In periods of relative affluence, why is so much art not fine? Scholarship campus, and host a discussion with faculty and students about the
Leadership
9. To what extent is it a paradox that we cut funding for the fine arts in many examples of the global paradox of affluence in the film.
Fellowship
public schools?
0. To what extent has affluence politicized fine arts funding? Research the types of materials recycled by your community.
Scholarship
Sponsor an art contest that uses only recycled material. Invite youth
. Should fine arts be privately or publicly owned? Leadership
from a local elementary or middle school to exhibit their work and
Service
2. To what extent can there be fine arts without affluence? Fellowship compete for prizes.
3. Who owns the fine arts — the nations and people who originally
owned them or the people who discover or acquire them? Conduct an Internet search for contemporary award-winning
Scholarship poets and short story authors who use the paradox of affluence
Leadership
as a theme in their writings. Select material from their works and
Fellowship
develop them into a Reader’s Theater production. Perform your
work for your college and community.
Fine arts: Art produced or intended primarily for beauty and
appreciation rather than utility. Categories include the Visual Arts Research the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, the natural
(painting, sculpture, photography, design, architecture), Performing Scholarship wonders of the world, and the New 7 Wonders Foundation’s selection
Leadership
Arts (music, theater, choreography, and dance), and Literary Arts for contemporary wonders of the world. Create a display or website
Fellowship
(poetry and literature). to share your research comparing and contrasting the ancient,
contemporary, and natural wonders with an emphasis of the role
affluence played in the creation of each wonder. To what extent do
these wonders reflect the affluence of their civilizations? In what ways
do they reflect the affluence and aspirations of their civilizations’ leaders?
0

12. Scholarship
Read and discuss a novel such as John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath*
or another featured book in the National Endowment for the Arts “Big BiBliograpHy
Leadership
Service
Read” program that addresses issues relevant to the paradox of affluence
Fellowship (www.neabigread.org). Explore the role of the fine arts in promoting
consciousness of the paradox of affluence and advocating for social change. Boon, Richard and Jane Plastow, eds. Theatre and Empowerment:
Organize a campus or community “Big Read” on a book involving an issue Community Drama on the World Stage. 2004.
relevant to the community and the paradox of affluence. Facilitate the Boon and Plastow explore the connection of theater to social change
development of a community action team for a project suggested at the and the cultural affluence of communities.
conclusion of the “Big Read.”
Chamberlain, Richard, Geoffrey Rayner, and Annamarie Stapleton,
Make a historical examination of the role of fine arts in advocating for social eds. Austerity to Affluence: British Art Design 1945-1962. 1998.
Scholarship change. Such an examination could begin with Sophocles’ Antigone*. This work is a series of essays about the evolution of British art and
Leadership
Identify additional works in different historical ages that advocate for civil design in an increasingly affluent society. Chapters cover furniture,
Fellowship
disobedience or issues of social justice. Make a timeline that highlights textiles, graphic design, haute couture, painting, sculpture, and other
authors and literary works and the social changes of their eras, and arrange areas of design.
to present it for World Literature and World History students.
Chevalier, Tracy. Girl With a Pearl Earring. 1999.
Develop a project to raise awareness among children of the value of fine This novel juxtaposes a young girl living up to the expectations of Jan
Scholarship arts. Gather children for “story time” to hear and see Leo Lionni’s Frederick Vermeer, Dutch Master Painter, only to be overcome and exiled from his
Leadership
and then help the children make their own art that will help others through affluent artistic life and denied the promise of her own potential.
Service
Fellowship a hard or dreary time or raise awareness about an issue important to them.
They might want to draw, write a poem or story, sing a favorite or new song. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. 1925.
Organize a recital for the community. This is a classic, elegantly written novel on the promise of affluence
in America and its effect on a young man whose complete belief in it
Research and develop biographies of the great patrons of the arts over paradoxically defies its loss to him.
Scholarship the past 5,000 years. To what extent did affluence determine the depth
Leadership Hemingway, Ernest. The Sun Also Rises. 1926.
and breadth of their work? What qualities beyond affluence made them
Fellowship
particularly effective leaders of the arts in their societies? Share your findings Hemingway creates a young man, who, as one of a group of affluent
during “Honors Hours” with your chapter. Invite other chapters to participate Americans in Spain, lives a glamorous but unfulfilled life, and struggles
doing research on the great arts patrons in their towns or their civilizations. to find a truthful significant life for himself.
Compare and contrast your findings during your “Honors Hours” and by
developing a blog in which members from all chapters can participate and Munro, Alice. Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage: Stories.
learn more about the world’s great patrons of and leaders in the arts. 2001.
Munro is generally hailed as one of the best contemporary short story
Using Keep America Beautiful’s Graffiti Hurts resources at writers. Works from this collection have been produced as a film entitled
Scholarship
www.graffitihurts.org, teach local high school students about the Away From Her.
Leadership
Service negative consequences of graffiti. Research the difference between graffiti
Fellowship and art and discuss those differences with the students. Proulx, Annie. Close Range: Wyoming Stories. 1999.
If the wide-open ranges of Wyoming reflect the freedom of nature,
Organize a tour of a local art museum for chapter members and local these stories reflect the sober realities of many of its inhabitants. This
Scholarship
National Honor Society members. Work with museum docents to develop a collection includes “Brokeback Mountain.”
Leadership
Service
tour that explores the paradox of affluence in the works of art showcased at
Fellowship the museum. Discuss your findings over a group lunch or dinner. Work with
museum docents to research and develop a tour based on the affluence
theme for younger students, and arrange to host a tour for the students at
the museum.
Research the budgets for athletics and the fine arts at your college and local
Scholarship high schools. Interview members of your Board of Directors and local School
Leadership
Board members, as well as college administrators, to determine their priorities
Fellowship
and funding constraints. Compare your findings to the programs delivered
by the schools. What leadership lessons can you learn about your community
and schools from your research? Invite the people you interviewed to a
Leadership Dialogue with your chapter, about making difficult funding
choices and how those choices relate to the paradox of affluence.
Research and develop biographies of artists, composers, and performers who
Scholarship did commissioned work. Did their talent or their affluence determine their
Leadership
Service
commissions? How was their non-commissioned art different or similar to
Fellowship their commissioned art? How much fine art is commissioned? Create poster
presentations of these artists and their works to share your findings with local * material is included in Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Development
elementary school students who have no arts program on their campus. Studies: A Humanities Approach. This book is available online at
www.ptk.org/recognitions/catalog/

13. Issue 3: Health
wHat is tHe relationsHip
Between aFFluence
and HealtH?
study questions Honors in action
1. What are the diseases of affluence? What diseases has affluence Invite members of the local health care community to
Scholarship your college to discuss the diseases of affluence. What has
eliminated? Leadership
led to problems of health associated with affluence? What
2. How has technology helped extend life and/or improve quality Service
Fellowship are the challenges and lifestyle choices needed to avoid
of life? these problems? What are the environmental contributors
3. What effects has affluence had on health care access and delivery? to these diseases? What are some of the personal and
4. In what ways does affluence affect our definition of health? societal consequences of not addressing these issues? Use
5. What impact does affluence have on the priorities for public health this information and your continued research to prepare a
PowerPoint presentation to share with other groups at your
resource allocations?
college, with local schools, and community groups. Post the
6. What influence has affluence had on the health of indigenous slide presentation on your chapter’s website for future access.
peoples?
. How do the indicators of health correlate with affluence? Research the ways in which affluent lifestyles contribute to
Scholarship a specific disease such as cancer and develop an awareness
8. To what extent is it a paradox that affluent nations do not provide Leadership
campaign for the campus or community. The American
health care universally? Service
Fellowship Cancer Society provides resources for education and awareness
9. What is the impact of immigration on health care systems of campaigns as well as guidance and resources for the chapter
affluent societies? to contribute to organizing and leading a team event to
0. In what ways does affluence affect a person’s ability to eat a fight cancer such as Relay For Life at www.cancer.org.
healthy diet?
Invite a biomedical ethicist to discuss the challenges of
. To what degree does the emigration of physicians and other health Scholarship
cutting-edge medicine in improving the quality of life. Open
Leadership
care workers from nations impact health care systems? Fellowship
the discussion to your campus and local community. Should
technologies such as stem cell research, cloning, and organ sales
be available only to the affluent? What lessons about articulating
a vision and managing conflict can you learn from researching
this issue? Invite a leader of the local religious community and
someone who teaches the philosophy of ethics to discuss the
ethical and moral challenges these technologies and research
in these areas present to individuals, communities, and nations.
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14. Scholarship
Research cigarette litter and its toxic effects on the environment
and ecosystems. Conduct an educational campaign based on your
BiBliograpHy
Leadership
Service
findings. Keep America Beautiful’s Cigarette Litter Prevention
Fellowship Program provides a step-by-step method for reducing cigarette litter.
Learn more at www.preventcigarettelitter.org. Then organize Goodman, John, Gerald Musgrave, and Devon Herrick. Lives at Risk:
a cigarette litter cleanup event on your campus or in your community. Single-Payer National Health Insurance Around the World. 2004.
Consider displaying the cigarette litter and sponsoring a contest The authors, favoring market-based solutions, address the problem of
for students and faculty to guess the number of cigarette paying for American health care. They address the myths about the
butts collected for a prize. single-payer national health care systems of Canada, Australia and the
U.K., investigate the politics and economics of health care systems, and
Research historical events related to the paradox of affluence and propose ways to develop a better system in the United States.
Scholarship
health issues, such as the Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the
Leadership
Tuskegee Syphilis Study*. What was the impact on health of these Harrison, Mark. Disease and the Modern World: 1500 to the Present Day.
Fellowship
historical events, and for whom? What are the ethical issues involved? 2004.
How were the ethical issues resolved? Is regulation always effective? Harrison traces the history of disease from the rise of nation-states,
Who were the leaders responsible for the events and what can illustrates the relationship between population growth, commerce,
we learn from their leadership? Are there legislative acts that have and political expansion and the impact of epidemic infectious diseases
been proposed or disease/drug studies underway for which raising during the past five centuries. He also examines the ways in which
public awareness would make a positive impact? Choose one and disease treatment and prevention have changed from the Renaissance
develop and implement a plan to educate and raise awareness. through the present era of scientific medicine.
As a chapter, look at health care systems in a variety of nations, both O’Neil, Edward, Jr. Awakening Hippocrates: A Primer on Health, Poverty,
Scholarship developed and emerging. How does the relative affluence of those And Global Service. 2006.
Leadership nations affect their notions of health and their health care systems? O’Neil explores the disparities of health care around the globe and
Fellowship
What are some potential implications for universal health care argues that health care professionals are the crucial elements in finding a
in the United States you can draw from these studies? Using the solution to the international paradox of affluence as it relates to health. He
results from your research, develop and implement a plan of action encourages people to become servant leaders in international health care.
to lobby local, state, national, and global leaders on the issue of
access to health care. Pollan, Michael. The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals.
2006.
Invite an anthropologist and/or a health care professional who Pollan presents a definitive account of the American way of eating
Scholarship works with immigrant populations to discuss traditional definitions by asking the question, “What should we have for dinner?” and
Leadership then explores our consumption of processed food, organic food,
of health. What are some of the effects of the traditional American
Fellowship
lifestyle on the nutrition and physical activity of these groups? What alternative food, and food we forage ourselves. He also explores the
access to health care do these groups enjoy? What new ethical co-evolutionary relationship between humans and the animal and plant
and moral concerns must health care professionals deal with in species we depend on for food.
working with these immigrant groups? Share your research with
science and social studies students at a local middle school. Seale, Clive. Media and Health. 2002.
Seale explores how health messages reported in the popular mass
Explore the green spaces for walking and outdoor activity on your media are important influences in our lives, exposes media bias about
Scholarship campus and/or in your community. Meet with your college health issues, and demonstrates the importance of media in our
Leadership understanding of health and health care.
administration or city officials to encourage the development of that
Service
Fellowship
and additional green space. Offer to restore a vacant lot and create a
community garden for neighborhood residents. Weil, Andrew. Health and Healing: The Philosophy of Integrative
Medicine and Optimum Health. 2004.
As a chapter, read Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s book, Chasing Life: New Discoveries Dr. Weil, a pioneer in integrative medicine, addresses the range of
Scholarship in the Search for Immortality to Help You Age Less Today (2006). Discuss the alternative healing practices, including homeopathy, holistic medicine,
Leadership osteopathy, chiropractic and Chinese medicine, presenting how they
choices, challenges, and consequences of lifestyle choices on life
Fellowship
extension. What changes can you make for you and your family to avoid differ from conventional allopathic approaches.
the health problems associated with an affluent lifestyle? Develop
and implement a personal plan to “chase life” over the course of the
next year.
Research health care in a global community similar in size to your
Scholarship community. What do citizens of your chosen community get in terms
Leadership
Fellowship
of care? How does their care and access to that care compare when you
consider the relative affluence of your communities? What characteristics
of your communities affect day-to-day good health? To what extent
do leaders in both your communities promote healthy lifestyles in
terms of policy as well as community choices? Share your findings with
fellow members by building a website that highlights your research. * material is included in Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Development
Studies: A Humanities Approach. This book is available online at
www.ptk.org/recognitions/catalog/
3

15. Issue 4: Economic Policy
whaT ROLe DOeS eCONOmiC
POLiCy PLay iN The PaRaDOx
OF aFFLUeNCe?
study questions Honors in action
. To what extent is it a paradox that the most affluent nations in the Invite Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian leaders and
Scholarship candidates to speak on campus about their economic policies
world do not produce anything from scratch and trade for much of Leadership
what they have? Service
and visions for the future of the nation. Ask them to discuss issues
Fellowship related to the environment. Compare the official party platforms
2. What is the relationship between affluence and embargoes? with the leaders’ answers. What can you learn about the paradox
3. To what extent does a pro-business economic policy have an impact of affluence and about leading with conviction from your
on the affluence of the average citizen? research? Develop a plan to educate voters about issues related to
4. Compare the economic policies and prosperity of emerging markets Operation Green.
since the 1970s. (examples: China, Ireland, India)
Research the per capita GDPs (Gross Domestic Product) of Japan
5. To what extent do affluent people support the economic policies Scholarship and Argentina and/or the United States and Great Britain circa
of the Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian parties? What is the Leadership
1900-2007. Examine attitudes, culture, leadership, and trade
Fellowship
difference between the stated economic policies and the practice of policies for each nation. How did the GDP for each nation change
these policies for each of these parties? over that time period? How can you explain the difference in
growth rates? Organize and host a college and community forum
6. How does immigration shape and reflect people’s perceptions for which professors of economics and political science discuss
of affluence? how affluence is reflected in each of these cultures.
. How has the changing economic policy of China affected the
affluence of the average Chinese person? How does China’s Research how much money is spent on litter cleanup in your city,
Scholarship county, and state. Get the word out about how much litter costs
increased affluence affect the rest of the world? Leadership
– money spent on litter cleanup is money not available for other
8. What has done more to create affluence: Wal-Mart or the War Service
Fellowship priorities such as education, roadways, public safety, etc. Volunteer
on Poverty? to help with litter prevention and cleanup efforts.
9. To what extent is American affluence dependent upon borrowing
funds from other nations? Host members of your college community for an Honors Satellite
Scholarship Seminar on the paradox of affluence as it relates to economic
0. What are the by-products of America’s investment in global Leadership
Fellowship
policy. Invite chapter members to work in teams with faculty
affluence? members to facilitate a series of discussions following the seminar
. To what extent has micro-lending revolutionized the development of broadcast.
affluence in developing nations? To what degree does this highlight
the challenges faced by developed nations and the World Bank? Using Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle* as a 20th century example
Scholarship describing the reasons workers sought to collectively bargain,
2. How will affluent nations with aging populations and low birth rates Leadership
but failed, and the leadership of César Chávez* to organize
sustain entitlements? migrant farm workers in California as a 20th century successful
3. To what extent does a provision for collective bargaining example, explore the importance of leadership for improving
affect affluence? work conditions for the less affluent. Compare this earlier labor
leadership with present-day union leadership.
4

16. Scholarship
Examine the policy debates concerning outsourcing and/or
immigration. What are the economic concerns of the parties in
BiBliograpHy
Leadership
Fellowship
the debate(s)? Is the affluence of employers or the affluence of
employees driving the debate(s)? Make and promote a presentation
on immigration policy options and invite a politician, an economist, Brooks, Arthur. Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About
and a historian to form a panel to field questions from the community Compassionate Conservatism — America’s Charity Divide — Who Gives,
about the options. Who Doesn’t, and Why it Matters. 2007.
Brooks examines the myths about charitable giving in the United States
Research the Easterlin Paradox. Invite a psychology professor to a and the forces behind that giving. He argues charitable giving is crucial for
Scholarship chapter meeting to explain the paradox using the adaptation-set point a sustained affluent society.
Leadership
hypothesis, the aspiration adjustment hypothesis, and the absolute
Fellowship
effect hypothesis. How does your research reflect each of these Harford, Tim. The Undercover Economist: Exposing Why the Rich are Rich,
hypotheses? Share your work in an article for your college’s newspaper. Why the Poor are Poor— and Why You Can Never Buy a Decent Used Car!
2005.
Research the effects on health of pollution that results from rising Harford investigates the connection between free market theory and
Scholarship affluence. How have the interests of economic growth, public health, free market forces to demystify such contemporary forces as Starbucks’
Leadership pricing system, high rents in London, Microsoft’s stock values, and Chinese
and environmental concerns collided in areas with harmful pollution?
Service
Fellowship Did the affluence of a community affect the outcome? Did the leaders sweatshops.
seeking to improve public health and accountability for the pollution
come from “inside the system” or outside of it? Is there a polluted Harvey, David. Spaces of Global Capitalism: A Theory of Uneven
area in your community that is known to have health repercussions, Geographical Development. 2006.
or might be impacting the health of the people living there? Contact Harvey looks at policies of the 1980s and 1990s and the turn towards
individuals or groups whom the chapter could work with to alleviate neo-liberalism that together have led to current economic problems and
the effects of the pollution on the public’s health. opportunities in China, Latin America, and elsewhere. Harvey argues the
main paradox of neo-liberalism is it does not result in fairly-distributed
Research the impact of economic policy on the elderly or disabled economic growth. Harvey also discusses and debunks the notion that
Scholarship in your community. Based on your research, locate a community “backwards” countries need to “catch up,” and how policies based on this
Leadership
member who needs assistance. Volunteer to help paint, fix-up, or notion have done more harm than good in aiding development.
Service
Fellowship green-up an elderly or disabled person’s home.
Landsburg, Steven E. The Armchair Economist: Economics Everyday Life.
Host a reading and campus dialogue about The New Americans by 1995, and More Sex is Safer Sex: The Unconventional Wisdom of Economics.
Scholarship Ruben Martinez and Joseph Rodriguez. Afterwards, interview your 2007.
Leadership Landsburg looks at everyday economic behavior to explain such things
family members about their ethnic and economic backgrounds.
Fellowship
Compare and contrast your findings to those discussed in The New as executive salaries, ticket prices for rock concerts, movie popcorn prices,
Americans. Chart your family’s economic position and compare it to the racial profiling, looting at Baghdad’s museums, and safe sex.
hypothetical model that Martinez and Rodriguez use to suggest where
different ethnic groups should fall. Do you notice any paradoxes of Levitt, Steven and Stephen J. Dubner. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist
affluence in your findings? Come back together as a chapter to discuss Explores the Hidden Side of Everything. 2007 revised and expanded
your findings. edition.
Levitt and Dubner explore the mysteries of everyday life to show they are
Organize a National Issues Forum (www.nifi.org/) and formal debate not so mysterious after all. They investigate the hidden side of everything,
Scholarship around the issues raised in Keith Melville’s Pocketbook Pressures: Who including such disparate issues as violent crime, incentives, perfect
Leadership parenting, naming practices, abortion, and drug-related gangs.
Benefits from Economic Growth? (1995). Determine the effects of Wal-
Fellowship
Mart and other chain stores and restaurants on the affluence of your
town and the global community, and share your results by hosting a Lindsey, Brink. The Age of Abundance: How Prosperity Transformed
brown bag luncheon dialogue. America’s Politics and Culture. 2007.
Lindsey investigates pessimism in contemporary culture despite the
Go to a local middle or elementary school social studies class. Work relative affluence of the average American. He looks at consumerism in
Scholarship with teachers at the school to organize a mock investment simulation the United States and at Americans’ affluence when compared to the
Leadership global community.
with students. Give each student an amount of play money to invest
Fellowship
for a semester. Using www.howthemarketworks.com, help
students develop their stock portfolios and chart their successes and McCraw, Thomas K. Prophet of Innovation: Joseph Schumpeter and
failures. Present the student who, at the end of the semester, has the Creative Destruction. 2007.
most money and strongest explanation for how he/she invested the McCraw paints a picture of Schumpeter, the man John Kenneth
money, a certificate of merit from your Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Galbraith called “the most sophisticated conservative” of the 20th century.
Schumpeter represents both the innovative ideas that lead to affluence
and the qualities of a charismatic leader.
* material is included in Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Development
Studies: A Humanities Approach. This book is available online at
www.ptk.org/recognitions/catalog/
5