Humanities

A broad range of the arts, from a variety of historical periods and cultures, will be examined as expression and integration of self. Explore creativity as process, product, and attitude toward life. Study the artist as seeker of authenticity and the relationship between art and artist. Students will learn how to respond critically as well as to articulate their experience of great works of the human imagination. Explore foundational principles and theories in the various humanities disciplines. Alternate option: RELS 50

Introductory course in philosophy. Philosophy is an activity rather than a set of beliefs. It is thinking critically, systematically, and creatively about fundamental and important questions about knowledge, values, and reality that include the following and more: What do I know, and how do I know it? What is justice? Does God exist? Do I have free will? What is the nature of the mind and self?

Introduction to the study of religion by (1) surveying the world religions, stating basic principles of each as shown by fundamental scriptures, practices and works of art, highlighting underlying patterns, OR (2) exploring themes and concepts, using the world religions as examples. Themes may include: grace, sin, enlightenment, suffering, salvation. Alternate: PHIL 50

This course covers the origin and development of civilization in the Mediterranean and its expansion into Europe - the Near East, Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, Renaissance and the Reformation. Influences in religion, culture, technology and political structures that develop into European society of the early modern period will be studied.

Choose one course from the Options list below

History of the Modern Western World from the end of the medieval period to the present. The course develops the western world, (Europe and the Americas), as these societies develop modern ways of thinking and producing, and tracks the rise of the modern nation-state. Interaction with other civilizations, and globalization will be studied.

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This course presents a survey of world music and introduces the field of ethnomusicology. The cultural contributions and influences of music and traditions in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Indonesia, India, Latin America, and Native America are emphasized. Historical, cultural, philosophical and social conditions in which music exists, its relationship to cultural continuity and/or change, as well as the artistic conditions in which musics and cultures develop are explored through three primary lenses: sound, concept, and behavior. Attendance at world music concerts is required.

History of Western art from prehistoric times through Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Aegean, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, Early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval, Romanesque and Gothic civilizations. (Formerly ART 4; may not receive credit if ART 4 has been completed.)

Focuses on the relationship of theater to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. Introduces students to elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Students will also survey different periods, styles and genres of theater through play reading, discussion, films, and viewing and critiquing live theater, including required attendance at theater productions.

This course presents a chronological history of the West using iconic works of art and architecture that embody the conditions and values of the people who created them. We begin as Humanism cleaves the Early Renaissance away from a Medieval mindset, and conclude in recent times, as art is radically redefined by modern and contemporary artists to evocatively reflect our unpredictable, challenging times. This course is especially appropriate for visual learners.

The history, representation and contributions of various ethnic groups in American theater and the study of theater as an instrument for expressing and understanding cultural identity. The focus will be on at least three of the following cultural groups: African Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Latin Americans and Native Americans.

In this course significant works of human imagination and intellect are studied as students encounter a wide range of music from the Medieval period to American music of the 20th and 21st century, including American jazz. This course is designed to enable students to understand music as an art form within its historical context, primarily in Western Europe and the United States. Students will approach music as a form of expression that reflects personal creativity as well as social, political, religious, and cultural change. Further study includes the relationship of music to other forms of human expression, including art, architecture, philosophy, religion, and politics. Students will experience music through recordings, online video performances, and attendance at three concerts outside of the classroom.