HUM 100 Humanities Through the Arts

The Humanities through the Arts offers an exploratory approach to the humanities, focusing on the special role of the arts. Examining the relation of the humanities to values, objects and events important to people, is central to this course. A major goal of the course is to provide a means of studying values as revealed in the arts, all the while keeping in mind the important question "What Is Art?". This course is intended to provide the necessary tools for students to think critically when exploring the arts and the other humanities. Online mediums are used to enrich and enhance the topics covered.

Credits

4

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior. Identify myriad links between the understanding and appreciation of art and the understanding and appreciation of ourselves. Trace historical as well as contemporary social trends and movements through the observation and analysis of parallel artistic movements in painting, sculpture, music, architecture, drama, and more recently, film
2. Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live. Develop a greater understanding of the historical influences of political, cultural and scientific values upon art and how these values can help us understand ourselves as well as the social contexts in which we reside. Learn how to apply this understanding to our own perceptions of the world around us
3. Understand the role of individuals and institutions within the context of society. Course will examine the local, regional, and worldwide impacts of artistic expression. The deliberate and unintended influences of "legitimate" social institutions upon our definition and acceptance of art will be considered as well as the sometimes surprising and powerful sway an individual or small group can hold over larger elements of society through their art
4. Assess different theories and concepts, and understand the distinctions between empirical and other methods of inquiry. Instill knowledge and appreciation of the basic elements and tools an artist uses to create a work of art. Increase awareness of the different ways of "seeing" and interpreting a work of art. Develop skills and understanding regarding the processes of artistic criticism and evaluation
5. Utilize appropriate information literacy skills in written and oral communication. Weekly in class and/or online forum discussions and required graded written analysis of a wide range of relevant topics is designed and intended to hone communication skills
6. Understand the diversity of human experience and thought, individually and collectively. Examine the historic origins of current schools of artistic thought and expression as well as the origins and evolution of current modes of art. Be familiar with the processes by which individuals and peoples change within a context of the artistic expression of "being human" over time
7. Apply knowledge and skills to contemporary problems and issues. Delve into case studies of current human problems and dilemmas, identify potential opportunities for positive change within current artistic frameworks of expression as well as consider future issues and how to approach them by means of artistic tools, strategies, and movements. Heighten the appreciation of the too often untapped potential of art to change our world