Rasmussen HUM2023 All Weeks Discussions Latest 2020 August

HUM2023 Humanities

Week 1 Discussion

Social Media

Over the years, one of the main focuses of the Humanities has been the "struggles" of many of the historical figures and all that they had to go through to become the giants that they were destined to be. Some of these figures suffered from mental illness, depression, and drug addiction. They had to overcome a number of obstacles. Overall, they suffered as they created the art that we have come to know and love. Some of those figures include, Vincent van Gogh, Emily Dickinson, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, Ray Charles, and Elvis Presley. In addition to struggling with their personal demons, some of these artists were only recognized posthumously (after their deaths).

Many would argue that today's artists, entertainers, and writers have to face few struggles, if any. Today's entertainers became overnight sensations because of vehicles like YouTube and shows like The Voice and American Idol. Instead of spending years as a "starving artist," one million views on YouTube can catapult a virtual unknown person into the spotlight. Once a video goes viral on the Internet, life for the featured "star" of that video will forever be changed.

In light of today's technology, is there such a thing as a "struggle" anymore? Explain your reasoning by giving examples.

HUM2023 Humanities

Week 2 Discussion

A Literary Adventure Options Menu: Forum       

The written word has had an impact on the human condition for centuries. We have all been touched in some way or another by literature. This week, you will take a literary journey by searching the Internet for the pieces below. In addition to reading the story, you should find out something about the author of your chosen piece as well. After making your choice, come back and share your impressions of the story and explain how it contributes to our discussion of the Humanities.

Choose one of the following options (or find a piece of literature of your choosing to report on):

"A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner

"Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid

"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

"Exodus" by James Baldwin

HUM2023 Humanities

Week 3 Discussion

How Does Music Move You?

Often times, we as humans tend to gravitate to music that is familiar to us. Although we have a variety of music to choose from, rarely to do we try a genre of music that is new to us.

Option 1:

Listen to a song from a genre of music that you are not familiar with (Country, Classical, Rap, Pop, R&B, etc.) and share what you were most surprised about regarding this genre.

Option 2:

After listening to a song or piece from a genre that is new to you, explain why you would be open to hearing more music from this genre.

For both options, remember to share the:

Title of the song or musical piece

Artist or composer

Year the song or piece was made

Genre of music the piece falls under

HUM2023 Humanities

Week 4 Discussion

Reality TV and the Theater

"Today's generation didn't want to watch ancient actors reciting the same tired lines. They wanted to see themselves reflected onscreen - rude, raw, entitled. These kids needed to believe that they themselves were only one daring, controversial act away from being up on that screen themselves. "

- Melissa Jo Peltier, Reality Boulevard

Within the past few years, Reality TV has become a staple in the homes of people not just in America but around the world. Many celebrities have given in to the undeniable effect of Reality TV, choosing to have their own lives played out in front of the lens. The term "Reality TV Star" has been coined and is now being uttered on the lips of millions. However one feels about Reality TV, this wave of entertainment seems to be here to stay.

While form of low art achieves wild popularity and brings in significant profits to networks, attendance to Broadway theater performances is also at an all-time high. Perhaps low art and high art can thrive simultaneously.What do you think will be the lasting impact that Reality TV has on the Humanities and how we see ourselves as humans? Based on what you learned about the theater (which was not always considered high art) in this week's readings, what may be some future similarities and differences between Reality TV and the theater?

HUM2023 Humanities

Week 5 Discussion

Notes on Religion

Describe a religion that is not your own.

Choose from one of the following religions: Ancient Egyptian belief, Hinduism, Greek or Roman Polytheism, Native American Religion, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. You must choose a religion that is not your own.

Describe three features or tenets of the chosen religion.

Mention any written works and prophets.

Share how this religion compares to your religion or beliefs, even if you do not have a chosen "religion."

HUM2023 Humanities

Week 6 Discussion

My Hero

Choose a heroic figure you have read about. Examples might be: Theseus, Oedipus, Calaf in Turandot, King Arthur, Siddhartha, Moses, Mohammed, a cowboy hero, or Frodo from The Lord of the Rings.

Other examples may include people who are/were known for their humanitarian efforts, or who have led a movement (such as Mother Teresa or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.).

Or, choose a heroic figure from a book, a film, or a comic/cartoon series with which you are familiar.

Introduce your chosen hero at the beginning of your response, and apply at least two of Campbell's characteristics as you elaborate on the person's life.