HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 1 Discussion
DQ1 The Value of the Humanities
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 1
Lesson
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, address the following:
What is the value of studying the humanities in the field of health professions?
How might a topic such as art, literature, music, dance, etc. from other time periods enhance your career and personal life in the present?
Select one aspect of the humanities that is meaningful to your personal life and one for career. Explain how is each meaningful.
In addition, include a specific example of a work (a specific work of art, literature, theater, or music) that you feel is meaningful to your personal life and/or career. Explain the connection.
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
DQ2 What Is a Work of Art?
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 2
Lesson
Minimum of 1 scholarly source
Initial Post Instructions
If art lacks a clear definition, what criteria are used to determine what a work of art is? Please look at several works on any museum website to discuss what constitutes "art." Some major museums include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Art Institute of Chicago, or National Gallery of Art, or consider finding a local museum. The permanent collection is normally under the Collections link, but feel free to explore the entire website for your selection.
For the initial post, address the following:
What approaches should we take in responding to a work of art?
Select an example of art that fits your definition of art and provide an example of non-art (either from the site or in the world around you).
Determine how line, color, texture, and/or composition are part of your definition.
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 2 Discussion
Critic of the Arts
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 3, 4
Lesson
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
Initial Post Instructions
Select a work of art from any of the chapters in our textbook, and write a response that analyzes the art through the lens of a descriptive critic, an interpretive critic, and an evaluative critic. What different things would these critics have to say? Use the following guidelines:
Descriptive Critic: Address at least 3 different elements of art and/or principles of design.
Interpretive Critic: This will require research so that you can understand the subject, meaning, and intent of the work.
Evaluative Critic: Use the standards of perfection, insight, and inexhaustibility (as described in the text).
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification. Provide feedback on whether you agree or disagree with their criticism. Explain why. Build on their posts by providing additional insight of your own. If your peer selected the same artwork as you, make sure to address new point or develop existing points in more depth.
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 3 Discussion
Influences of Ancient Architecture
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 6
Lesson 2
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
Initial Post Instructions
This week you will read about architecture. The lesson includes information on Roman architecture, which was greatly influenced by the Greeks and Etruscans.
Locate at least two architectural works that were influenced by Greco-Roman architecture. These can be from any time period after the Greco-Roman period but should be from different periods themselves (e.g., one from Renaissance and one from Baroque). Then address the following:
What is the function of each structure?
How does each work exhibit influence of the Greco-Roman period? Is the influence specifically Greek, Etruscan, or Roman – or a combination?
How would you compare the two selected works? Take the role of the evaluative critic.
Use examples from the text, the lesson, and the library to help support your answer. Please remember to provide images and citations to help illustrate your points.
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 4 Discussion
Literary Movements
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 7, 8
Lesson
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook – for historical/political influences)
Initial Post Instructions
Choose one of the literary movements that you read about this week and at least one work from that movement. Movements, authors, and famous works are discussed in the lesson as well. You do not have to choose authors or works discussed in the lesson, but you may. For your initial post, address one of the following:
Option 1: Examine the movement and specific work in relation to historical and political influences of the movement. Include a one paragraph summary of the plot before moving on to the examination of the work in relation to the movement.
Option 2: Examine a specific artwork influenced by a literary work and how the artist captured the subject or story. Here are a few examples, but you are not restricted to this list:
Asher B. Durand's Thanatopsis (influenced by William Cullen Bryant's "Thanatopsis")
John William Waterhouse's The Lady of Shalott (influenced by Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott")
Sir John Everett Millais's Ophelia (influenced by Shakespeare's Ophelia from Hamlet)
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Apollo and Daphne or The Rape of Prosperina (influenced by ancient myths)
Ancient Greek vase painting (influenced by various ancient myths)
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Respond to one peer who chose an option different from yours. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 5 Discussion
Music and Dance
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 9, 10
Minimum of 1 primary source (from artist)
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook – from critic)
Initial Post Instructions
Choose one of the music or dance movements that you read about this week and at least one work from that movement. Then, address the following:
Examine the movement and specific work in relation to historical and political influences of the movement.
Identify characteristics of the movement and how the work reflects these characteristics.
Include a statement from the artist and one from a critic.
Include a link to the lyrics and/or video depending on your choice.
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 6 Discussion
Photography and Cinema
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 11
Lesson 1, 2
Minimum of 1 primary or scholarly source (from photographer or critic – either will count as your scholarly source requirement for discussions)
Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, address one of the following options:
Option 1: In the 19th century, the camera was a revolutionary invention, and many artists were concerned about the effect that photographs would have on the art world.
Did the invention of the camera change the arts? Why or why not?
Choose an artistic movement that you believe was influenced by the camera and discuss how the movement was affected.
Include at least one example of an artist and artwork in your response.
Include a statement from a current photographer or critic to support your points.
Option 2: In the 21st century, the smartphone camera changed the way we use and view photography. In addition, apps and social media have changed the way we share photography.
How has the invention of the smartphone camera changed photography?
How have apps and social media changed the way we share photos? Are they positive and/or negative changes? Explain.
Include a statement from a current photographer or critic to support your points.
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Respond to one peer who chose an option different from yours. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 7 Discussion
TV as Art
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 13, 14
Lesson
Minimum of 1 primary or scholarly source (from actor/director or critic – either will count as your scholarly source requirement for discussions)
Initial Post Instructions
Many people would say that the 1999 premier of The Sopranos was a turning point in the development of television as an art form. Choose a television or streaming show that you feel perpetuates the idea that television is indeed a form of art. For the initial post, address the following:
Include the name of the show and the director.
Explain why you think this program is art.
What impact does the example have on viewers' lives?
What were some influences of this work?
Include a statement from an actor, director, or critic of the program that supports your points.
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Respond to one peer who chose an option different from yours. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 8 Discussion
Interdisciplinary Works
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 15
Lesson
Minimum of 1 primary source (from artist)
Minimum of 1 scholarly source
Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, select and address one of the following options:
Option 1: Choose a work to discuss from one genre that interprets a work from another genre.
Include the title, artist, and description of both works.
Examine how the artist of the second work captured the subject or story of the first.
Support your point(s) with a statement from the second artist that discusses the influence, reasoning, or interpretation of the original work on the second work.
Click on the following link for examples:
Link: Examples
Option 2: Choose a work that is interdisciplinary (incorporates two or more disciplines), such as Hamilton from our lesson this week.
Include the title and artist(s).
Examine the genres that are intermingled to create the work.
How effective is the blending of genres in the work?
Why do you think the artist used different disciplines in the work?
Support your point(s) with a statement from the artist and one from a critic.
Option 3: Choose a work of art from any genre that depicts or tells the story of a real life event from any time period, such as The Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon and the Coronation of Empress Joséphine on December 2, 1804 by Jacques Louis David.
Include the title and the artist and some background of the event.
What is the relationship between the work of art and the event?
Did the artist depict the event accurately?
Does the artist make changes regarding the event? If so, why do you think the artist made these changes?
Examine the artist's message in the depiction.
Support your point(s) with a statement from the artist.
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 2 Assignment
Essay – Painting Analysis & Reflection
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 4
Lesson
Minimum of 3 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook)
Instructions
As part of the discussion this week, you made a brief exploration of a work of art to understand its subject, meaning, and intent. In this assignment, you will explore an artwork in more depth to consider the context in which it was created. Choose any painting, and address the following:
Explain the artistic movement associated with the work of art.
Describe the style of the artist (How is the artist unique within the movement?)
Examine in some depth the influences that shaped the work. Address at least 2 of the following:
Stylistic influences
Subject/content influences
Cross-disciplinary influences such as literature, philosophy, music, science, technology, etc.
Historical influences
Political influences
Reflect on your learning.
How did your research enhance your appreciation of the artwork?
How does understanding the context of a work help in interpreting it?
Include the following in your paper:
Name of the painting
Name of the artist
Date created
Image of the painting
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 3 Assignment
Art Creation & Reflection – Sculpture, Painting, or Drawing
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Lessons: Week 1, 2, 3
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
Instructions
This week you will use your readings from the past two weeks as a point of departure to create your own artistic production and a reflection paper.
Part 1: Art Creation
Select one of the visual art pieces from Chapters 1-6 or the lessons from Weeks 1-3 to use as a point of inspiration. Create a painting, sculpture, drawing, or work of architecture inspired by your selected art piece.
Part 2: Reflection
Write a reflection about the relationship between your art production and the inspiration piece. Include the following in the reflection paper:
Introduction
Inspiration Piece
Include image.
Record the title, artist, year, and place of origin.
Briefly explain the background of the inspiration piece.
Your Art Piece
Include image.
Provide a title.
Explain the background of your piece.
Connection
Explain the thematic connection between the two pieces.
How are they similar and different?
Are they the same medium? How does the medium impact what the viewer experiences?
How do the formal elements of design compare to one another?
Original Artwork Requirements
Methods: paint, watercolor, pencil, crayon, marker, collage, clay, metal, or wood (Check with your instructor about other methods you have in mind.)
No computer-generated pieces
Writing Requirements (APA format)
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 4 Assignment
Week 4 Assignment: Essay – Play Analysis
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 8
Play from the Internet, YouTube, DVD, iTunes, Amazon, Netflix, etc.
1 primary source (written version of selected play)
Instructions
Plays are meant to be performed, rather than read. The purpose of dramatic arts often extends far beyond the words written on a page; staging, lighting, costumes intonation, expression, and audience experience are all part of the experience of a theatrical production. To develop your understanding of the cultural role of the dramatic arts, you will view a production of a play this week and write a reflection to explain your viewing experience. Choose a play that you would like to view and find a version online, YouTube, DVD or iTunes, Amazon, Netflix, etc. You can also choose to see a play live if you prefer.
Play Suggestions:
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Romeo and Juliet
As You Like It
Taming of the Shrew
The Tempest
Much Ado About Nothing
The Comedy of Errors
Macbeth
King Lear
If you have another idea, please ask your instructor to approve it.
Then, select and address one of the following options:
Option 1: Write an analysis of the play that you viewed. Include at least one quote from the play in your essay. In your essay, address the following:
Identify the performance that you have selected.
Describe the staging, lighting, costumes, and characters of the performance. How do these match or revise the written version of the play? You do not need to read the entire play, but you should skim the text.
What type of mood and tone does the performance create? How?
What parts of the play are easier to understand through performance? What are some details that stood out through performance?
What are your feelings about this performance? What did you take away from viewing it?
Option 2: Find an adaptation or transformation of a play. Choose an adaptation with some significant differences from the original, such as transposed plots and characters into a variety of different settings and historical contexts. Here are some examples:
A Midsummer Night's Dream - A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999) or A Midsummer Night's DREAM (2018)
Romeo and Juliet - Romeo + Juliet (1996) or West Side Story (1961) or Romeo Must Die (2000)
As You Like It - As You Like It (2006)
Taming of the Shrew - 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) or Kiss Me, Kate (1948)
Much Ado About Nothing - Much Ado About Nothing (2012)
The Comedy of Errors - The Bomb-itty of Errors (2012)
King Lear - A Thousand Acres (1997)
Othello - O (2001)
Hamlet - The Lion King (2019 or 1994) or Hamlet (2000)
Twelfth Night - She's the Man (2006)
If you have another idea, please ask your instructor to approve it.
Watch the original version and the adapted version. In your essay, address the following:
How is the adaptation the same as the original? Discuss plot, characters, theme, conflict, language, etc.
How does the adaptation differ from the original? Discuss setting, time period, characters, plot, language, etc.
Does the original story translate well in the adaptation? Why or why not? Did the adaptation work in a different setting, time period, etc. Why or why not?
Why do you think Shakespeare's plays are adapted so often?
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 5 Assignment
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 9, 10
Lesson
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
Instructions
This week you will use your readings from the past week as a point of departure to create your own artistic production and a reflection paper.
Part 1: Art Creation
Select a poem, musical piece, or dance piece to use as a point of inspiration. Create a work of poetry, lyrics, music, or dance, inspired by your selected art piece. Video or audio recordings should be no longer than 5 minutes and must be in MP4 format.
Note: If your art creation requires a separate file submission, please submit in the Art Creation Submission (Recordings) area following this assignment.
Part 2: Reflection
Write a reflection about the relationship between your art production and the inspiration piece. Include the following in the reflection paper:
Introduction
Inspiration Piece
Include the inspiration poem, lyrics, or recording of musical or dance piece within the document. Use a link in the case of a recording.
Record the title, artist/author/composer, year, and place of origin.
Briefly explain the background of the inspiration piece.
Your Art Piece
Include your original poem or lyrics within the document. If you selected a musical or dance piece, submit as a separate file in the Art Creation Submission (Recordings) area following this assignment.
Provide a title.
Explain the background of your piece.
Connection
Explain the thematic connection between the two pieces.
How are they similar and different?
Are they the same medium? How does the medium impact what the viewer experiences?
Original Artwork Requirements
Methods: typed poem or lyrics, or recording of musical or dance piece
No computer-generated pieces
Writing Requirements (APA format)
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 6 Assignment
Art Creation & Reflection – Photography/Cinema
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 11, 12
Lesson
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
Instructions
This week you will use your readings from the past week as a point of departure to create your own artistic production and a reflection paper.
Part 1: Art Creation
Select a photograph or film art piece to use as a point of inspiration. Create an art piece of photography or cinematography inspired by your selected art piece. Videos should be no longer than 5 minutes and must be in MP4 format.
Note: If your art creation requires a separate file submission, please submit in the Art Creation Submission (Recordings) area following this assignment.
Part 2: Reflection
Write a reflection about the relationship between your art production and the inspiration piece. Include the following in the reflection paper:
Introduction
Inspiration Piece
Include the inspiration photograph or cinematography within the document. Use a link in the case of cinematography.
Record the title, artist/director, year, and place of origin.
Briefly explain the background of the inspiration piece.
Your Art Piece
Include your original photograph within the document. If you selected cinematography, submit as a separate file in the Art Creation Submission (Recordings) area following this assignment.
Provide a title.
Explain the background of your piece.
Connection
Explain the thematic connection between the two pieces.
How are they similar and different?
Are they the same medium? How does the medium impact what the viewer experiences?
For photography, how do the formal elements of design compare to one another?
Original Artwork Requirements
Methods: photo or video
No computer-generated pieces
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 7 Assignment
Controversial Art and Censorship
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 14
Lesson
Minimum of 1 primary sources (artist statement)
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook – from critic)
Instructions
Although controversial art is not a topic exclusive to the 20th and 21st centuries, the distribution of information regarding controversial art has increased with the proliferation of media. Choose an example of a controversial work of art from the 20th or 21st centuries from any discipline of the humanities (music, literature, sculpture, film, television, etc.). Then, address the following:
Identify the work and the medium.
Based on your example, to what extent does this work of controversial art make a social contribution?
What aesthetic value does the work have? How does it reflect the human condition? How does it relate to your life?
Has this work ever been censored? If so, explain the circumstances.
Are governments ever justified in censoring art? Why or why not?
Examine some of the influences of this work of art.
Argue whether or not this work should be considered art. Explain why using terms learned in this course.
Include an accompanying statement from the artist(s) and a statement from a critic to support your points.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
HUMN303N Introduction to the Humanities
Week 8 Assignment
Essay – Interrelationships Reflection
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 15
Lesson: Week 1, 8
Minimum of 1 scholarly source
Instructions
As we learned in Week 1, there is a difference between being educated and simply trained. The purpose of education is not only to determine what someone can do, but also what kind of person they become as a result of their education. Studies in the humanities will advance the communication skills, empathy, self-awareness, judgment, and professionalism of students, and they help students with becoming skilled at the social and cultural context of working with people.
In addition, studying the humanities can help students in the following ways:
Literature can introduce students to life situations with which they may not be familiar.
Drama can teach oral communication.
Philosophy can teach skills of analysis and argument.
Art, literature, drama. and music are expressions of human creativity, and taking part in some form of artistic activity, either as reader or viewer, is part of what makes us human.
For this assignment, choose a work of art that made an impression on you during this course. Then, address the following:
Include an image of or link to the work.
Identify the artist, the title, date completed, and the medium.
Explain how learning about the work will help you in your life and career. Consider the context in which the work was created and the meaning of the work.
Explain how one or more specific disciplines (literature, drama, philosophy, art, music) influenced you.
Examine the effect that you think this class could have on your career and personal life.
