HUM-101: Introduction to the Humanities

School
Liberal Arts
Division
Humanities
Department
Humanities
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Humanities
Course Number
101
Course Title
Introduction to the Humanities
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Eligible to take ENG courses at HFC.
Catalog Course Description

Introduces the study of global humanities using an interdisciplinary approach. Focuses on the central concepts and the fundamental nature of the visual arts, music, drama, religion, philosophy, literature, and architecture. Stresses appreciation of the humanities through the study of individual works as well as group approaches. Focuses on the aesthetic and technical aspects of the humanities, as well as the understanding of the humanities in light of historical and cultural conditions.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement

To increase students’ knowledge of the humanities and introduce students to the major figures, historical periods, and themes in the history of humankind.

Core Course Topics
  1. Disciplines within the humanities
  2. The various genres of music, literature, the arts (visual, dance, theater), and architecture.
  3. Major religious and political structures present in the time-periods studied
  4. Major leaders, philosophers, artists, and figures of the time-periods studied
  5. The inter-related nature of politics, the arts, and culture throughout history
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Examine how the arts, philosophy, religion, and/or language reflect and shape humanity and the values of cultures.
  2. Explain major terms and concepts of the humanities from the various time periods.
  3. Identify and appraise major artistic and philosophical works from representative cultural periods and social movements.
  4. Develop an understanding of cross-cultural intersectionality as reflected in languages, the arts, religion, or philosophy.
  5. Critically evaluate artistic, literary, and philosophical works and their contribution to the human experience.
  6. Contrast the changing genres and styles of the humanities that marked different historical periods and cultures

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
  1. Students should have a variety of assessments including written essays, oral presentations, and/or multi-media/multi-genre projects.
  2. Students will complete at least one project critiquing a work of visual, musical, or literary art
  3. Students will complete at least one project comparing two different time-periods
  4. Students will write at least one essay (which may meet one of the requirement of the projects above).
General Course Requirements and Recommendations
  1. This course is to be an interdisciplinary study of humanity throughout its existence.
  2. While an instructor can choose a specific timeframe or theme to focus upon, there should be an emphasis on using multiple disciplines and various media to explore with students the story of humankind.
  3. Instructors should consider focusing on a given time periods or cultural themes. (For example: Renaissance, Medieval, Enlightenment, Ancient or “Death and Dying”, “The Nature of Humankind”, “Technology and the Root of Humanity”)
  4. An emphasis should be placed on the interconnectivity of disciplines in the humanities and the natural progression and evolution of philosophical and/or social movements.
Texts

Please see the department chair for text options.

Outcomes

General Education Categories
  • Humanities and Fine Arts
MTA Categories
  • Category 5: Humanities and Fine Arts
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Effective Term
Winter 2022