Humanities --- HUM

HUM 1110  The Ancient World to the Renaissance

4 cr

Examine written works, art, architecture and music in their cultural context from Ancient Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, e.g. such works as Greek Drama, the Acropolis, Roman satire and the Medieval Cathedral and such artists and writers as Giotto, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Shakespeare.

HUM 1111  From the Baroque Period to the Modern World

4 cr

Examine written works, art, architecture and music in their cultural context from the European Enlightenment to the Modern World; e.g. such artists and writers as Bach, Swift, Voltaire, Rembrandt, Stravinski and Yeats, and such movements as Baroque, Realism, Impressionism and Existentialism.

HUM 1115  Films of the Holocaust

3 cr

Visits the Holocaust -- the decade which historians proclaim as the 20th century's most vivid example evidencing man's inhumanity to man in an industrialized society -- through a chronology of films depicting both the horror and the hope. Films include award-winning, acclaimed stories and documentaries which demonstrate bravery, inhumanity, and the will to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to maintain human dignity. Films will be followed and preceded by discussion sessions, visits from speakers and survivors, and opportunity for students to participate with humanitarian organizations and with service learning participation.

HUM 1120  Chinese Culture: Ancient Period to 1644

4 cr

Surveys cultural heritage of China, examining the philosophy, language and literature, and fine arts of the Chinese tradition. Emphasis is on discussing cultural achievements of different eras within the context of social, political, and economic developments. Topics discussed include Myth, Legend & Ancient Cosmology; State Religion; the '100 Schools of Philosophy;' Classical Literature; Imperial Confucianism; Taoism; Poetry, Music, Art & Literary Criticism of Six Dynasties; Buddhism; T'ang Poetry; Neo-Confucianism & the Refined Life; the Great Age of Painting; and Vernacular Literature. First semester of one-year China Humanities Series.

HUM 1121  Chinese Culture: 1644 to Modern Era

4 cr

Continues survey of vast cultural heritage of China, examining the philosophy, language and literature, and fine arts of the Chinese tradition. Emphasis is on discussing cultural achievements of each era within the context of social, political, and economic developments. Topics covered in second semester include Neo-Confucianism & Imperial Patronage of the Arts & Literature; Western Influence; Decline of the Chinese Tradition; Revolution, the New Culture Movement, and the Rise of Modern Fiction; Communism and the Didactic Arts; and Tradition vs. the Modern. Second semester of one-year China Humanities Series. Prerequisites: None: HUM 1120 recommended.

HUM 1130  German Culture and Civilization

3 cr

An introduction to the geography, history, and culture of the German language area. Class is taught in English.

HUM 1135  Indigenous Cultures Of Ancient Middle America

3 cr

Examines indigenous cultures of Ancient Middle America. Explores the origin and development of the Maya, Aztec, Olmec, Toltec and Zapotec cultures between 3000 BC and the Spanish Conquest in 1521 AD. Lectures, discussions and readings will focus on key cultural characteristics and compare and contrast similarities and differences among the major cultural groups. Core topics will include religion, mythology, art, architecture, languages, calendar systems, and social & political life. Prerequisites: None. Previous introductory courses in Anthropology or Art History would be helpful but not required.

HUM 1140  Hispanic Cultures & Civilization

3 cr

Explores Latin American cultures beginning with the arrival of Columbus. Examines how religion, politics, economics, and immigration to the United States have shaped Latin American countries. Considers art and literature from a socioeconomic perspective. Examines contemporary immigration issues and the question of autonomy for Puerto Rico.

HUM 1150  French Culture & Civilization

3 cr

Introduces students to French Culture and Civilization from the ancient Gauls to the present day. Presents landmark events and famous people. Shows paramount achievements in art, architecture, film, literature, music, and philosophy. Acquaints students with French cuisine and some common French expressions. Taught in English.

HUM 1170  A Problem From Hell: Genocide & War Crimes From A Human Rights Perspective

4 cr

Explores the historical and sociological factors that have led to the haunting problem of genocide in the 20th and 21st centuries. Constructive and destructive ways that human beings have historically interacted will be critically analyzed. Film, art, literature, and personal accounts will be used to increase students' knowledge of how genocide and war-related crimes affect the everyday lives of people throughout the world. They will become knowledgeable of where these genocidal actions took place, who the principal stakeholders were, why they took place, how they were resisted, and what future actions need to be taken to make the frequently quoted phrase, "Never Again" a global reality.

HUM 1177  Holocaust Through Multiple Lenses

3 cr

Examines how the Holocaust has been remembered historically through different forms of media, including literature, drama, personal testimony, music, video, and art. Students will evaluate different media forms and participate in two field trips to determine how authentic and reliable their historical depictions have been and how they have varied over time.

HUM 2250  Special Topics in Humanities

cr

Study of a prominent theme, figure, period, or genre through art and literature and possibly philosophy, music or history. Topics will be determined in advance by the instructor and published in the class schedule.