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Arts and Communication

Humanities Course Descriptions

HUM 101: Studies in American Culture

Credits: 5.0

Examines values and assumptions in cultural texts that have helped shape characteristics called 'American.' Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate comprehension of print and visual texts.
  2. Discern and articulate explicit and implied cultural content in print and visual texts.
  3. Compare cultural content of print and visual texts.
  4. Apply course concepts to print and visual texts in discussion and in formal writings.
  5. Cooperate productively in groups to complete assigned tasks.
  6. Demonstrate comprehension of the concepts of mainstream and marginal in relation to American cultural texts.
  7. Analyze evidence of competing perspectives in diverse groups' cultural expressions in print and images.

HUM 105: Introduction to Film

Credits: 5.0

Analysis and appreciation of film techniques and aesthetics, including historical background of selected films, literary criteria and major cinematic movements. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL 99 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify and describe the basic elements of film and its particular vocabulary (narrative, mise en scene, cinematography, acting, editing, sound).
  2. Identify major films, theories and/or filmmakers, including characteristics of stylistic patterns in major directors' works.
  3. Analyze film techniques and dramatic and literary qualities.
  4. Write well-organized film analyses.
  5. Communicate effectively in discussions, group work and oral presentations.
  6. Evaluate and compare films within the cultural contexts in which they are made and viewed.

HUM 108: World Mythology

Credits: 5.0

Study of selected myths and epics found in diverse cultures across the globe with some attention to psychological analysis. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of mythological concepts and identify and disparate genres and forms of the works.
  2. Analyze and interpret psychological representations of the material, spiritual, cultural, and historical values/truths embodied in diverse myths.
  3. Evaluate and compare through written and oral means the distinctive ways diverse mythological texts shape and are shaped by cultural/historical/literary/political contexts and trends.
  4. Dramatize and interpret, through collaborative presentation, the imaginative experience and appeal of representative myths in contemporary culture.

HUM 109: Greek Myth

Credits: 5.0

Introduction to Greek myths: their nature and function in Greek society, history, and culture; different ways of interpreting them; their importance for the study of myth and literature in general. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Read, evaluate and analyze through written and oral means the nature of myths and their function in Greek culture and history by applying critical-reading methods/theories.
  2. Analyze and explain how myth can be exploited for social, political and ideological purposes.
  3. Identify the diversity of cultures, ethics, values, and ways of thinking across communities as embodied in selected myths.
  4. Compare and interpret, both individually and collaboratively, the importance and influence of Greek myth on world culture.

HUM 110: Origins of English: CD

Credits: 5.0

Studies diverse influences on English's evolution; explores cross-cultural borrowings and language variations; and examines the underlying reasons for English's quirky spellings and word forms. Dual listed as ENGL 110. Prerequisite(s): Placement into ENGL99 or instructor permission. Crosslisted as: ENGL 110.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Summarize the general prehistory and history of the English language, its evolution from localized dialects to a global language, and its growth into the many varieties of English(es) spoken today.
  2. Identify and analyze examples of diversity-related linguistic issues, including how English's evolution, cross-cultural borrowings, and language variations have influenced or have been influenced by political/historical trends (e.g., conflicts, injustices, artistic movements, and scientific/technical advances).
  3. Describe the basic principles of etymology and how/why new words are borrowed or developed for varied purposes, e.g., informal conversation, civic discourse, commerce, and scientific naming.
  4. Describe examples of historical and contemporary influences on English words/word parts and some of the major reasons underlying English's seemingly erratic spellings and word forms.

HUM 112: Drama and Culture: CD

Credits: 5.0

Introduces dramatic literature and theater performance practices in various traditions. Students will analyze formal elements of drama, including plot, character, setting, and dialog in relation to a play’s themes and its cultural/historical context. (Previously HUM& 116.) Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate understanding of drama as a literary genre by identifying and analyzing formal elements, including character, structure, and setting, of selected works.
  2. Identify and describe elements of theatrical performance in various traditions.
  3. Support analysis and interpretation of literary texts by locating, using, and citing relevant textual and contextual evidence.
  4. Explain how dramatic literature and theatrical performance reflect diverse cultural, political, and historical contexts.
  5. Demonstrate collaboration skills by working with classmates to share and build ideas about drama through discussions and activities.

HUM 155: Special Topics in HUM

Credits: Maximum of 5.0 possible

Topics and seminars of current interest in the humanities. Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of a specific topic related to Humanities Studies.
  2. Demonstrate other topic-specific objectives as determined by the instructor.

HUM 161: Events Production

Credits: 1.0 to 5.0

Under supervision of a faculty advisor, students earn credit for involvement in planning and implementing arts and cultural events sponsored by the college.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe, explain, and evaluate how they contributed to planning and implementing the event.
  2. Identify, explain, and evaluate knowledge and skills they used and/or developed as part of producing the event.
  3. Describe, analyze, and evaluate the event and how it did or did not meet the college's and participant's goals and expectations.
  4. Demonstrate other objectives as determined by the instructor.

HUM 170: Popular Genres: CD

Credits: 5.0

Studies a culturally diverse range of popular literature; film and game adaptations; and comic/graphic formats in various genres, including science fiction, mystery, and horror. Dual listed as ENGL 170. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL 99 or instructor permission. Crosslisted as: ENGL 170.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify, analyze, and compare how writers use genre-defining and genre-defying elements, techniques,and concepts in popular works.
  2. Describe and analyze the ways that popular works shape and are shaped by cultural/historicalcontexts, trends, attitudes, and beliefs about race, class, gender, sexual orientation, cultural identity, religion, etc.
  3. Analyze how or if popular genres incorporate a diverse, inclusive range of creators, perspectives, themes, representations, etc.
  4. Reason clearly by applying critical-reading methods/theories to popular works in order to analyze their features and recurrent themes and to develop plausible, supportable interpretations.
  5. Support analyses and interpretations of popular works by locating, using, and citing relevant textual and contextual evidence.

HUM 198: Individual Project in Humanities

Credits: 1.0 to 5.0

Selection, design and completion of project in the field of humanities. Student consults with faculty member in all aspects of the project. Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify and explore/research topic(s) relevant to Humanities studies for individual study.
  2. Support findings/analyses by locating, using and citing suitable materials.
  3. Communicate findings from the individual study through an agreed-upon means, such as a paper, a presentation, or a display.
  4. Demonstrate other project-specific objectives as determined by the instructor.

HUM 199: Special Project: Humanities

Credits: 5.0

Contact the English Department for more information. Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify and demonstrate a well-developed understanding of a specific topic related to Humanities Studies.
  2. Support independent analysis, interpretation, or explanation of topic by locating, using, and citing suitable materials.
  3. Communicate findings from the individual study of topic through an agreed-upon means, such as a paper, a presentation, or a display.
  4. Demonstrate other project-specific objectives as determined by the instructor.

HUM 201: American People: CD

Credits: 5.0

Explores literary and popular expressions of American culture in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate comprehension of course readings.
  2. Identify American cultural values, assumptions and characteristics as expressed in course readings.
  3. Explain how cultural expressions in course readings reflect their historical contexts.
  4. Apply course concepts to course readings in analytical essays and a major class project.
  5. Collaborate with others in producing and presenting the class project.
  6. Explain how texts read for the course and for the project reflect the experiences and perceptions of diverse groups within American culture at a particular time and place.
  7. Use visual images to demonstrate diverse perspectives in American culture.

HUM 202: Studies in Culture

Credits: 5.0

Study of a particular culture with emphasis on aspects of contemporary life. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL 99 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe and explain how specific individuals/groups and major geographical, historical, and political elements have affected the culture(s) being studied.
  2. Describe and explain current challenges that the culture faces.
  3. Describe, analyze, and explain significant cultural elements, such as language, symbols, norms, values, beliefs and customs.
  4. Describe, analyze, and explain expressions of the culture in art, music, literature, theatre, philosophy, and sport.
  5. Describe and analyze the culture(s) in relation to other cultures, especially in reference to power relations, cross-cultural influences, political alliances, trade practices, etc.
  6. Compare and contrast various elements (political, cultural, economic, historical, etc.,) of the culture(s) with those of the USA.
  7. Apply knowledge, awareness, and/or skills to identify and analyze issues related to diversity.

HUM 210: Francophone Cultures: CD

Credits: 5.0

Course will survey the history, culture, geography, and current political climate of selected French-speaking communities, including, but not limited to, Haiti, Quebec, Louisiana, North Africa, and West Africa. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101 or instructor permission. Crosslisted as: FRCH 210 and DIVST 215..

Course Level Objectives

  1. Acquire and enhance cultural sensitivity and competence of the French speaking world.
  2. Understand the impact of cultural differences within the French speaking nations.
  3. Develop necessary foundation and tools to become culturally competent and acquire better understanding of the cultural and political challenges facing the French speaking world and multicultural workplaces.
  4. Learn practical tools to reduce cross-cultural misunderstanding and encourage positive cross-cultural and working relationships.
  5. Apply knowledge, awareness, and/or skills to identify and analyze issues related to diversity.

HUM 235: Publications

Credits: 5.0

Students form the editorial staff of the literary magazine and learn how to critique literary and visual arts. Includes an overview of editing, design, printing, and marketing. Prerequisite(s): ENGL& 101 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Apply creative and analytic techniques and reasoning to create and critique literary and/or visual-art works.
  2. Apply principles of layout and design to create a literary and visual-art publication.
  3. Apply publication methods/principles to budget, produce, and market the publication.
  4. Identify, analyze and evaluate key historical issues in publishing.

HUM 255: Special Topics in Humanities

Credits: 5.0

Topics and seminars of current interest in humanities.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify and demonstrate thorough understanding of focused area of interest related to Humanities studies.
  2. Demonstrate other project-specific objectives as determined by the instructor.

HUM 298: Individual Project in Humanities

Credits: 1.0 - 5.0

Selection, design and completion of advanced project in the field of humanities. Student consults with faculty member in all aspects of the project.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Independently identify and explore/research topic(s) relevant to Humanities studies for individual study.
  2. Support findings/analyses by locating, using, and citing suitable materials.
  3. Communicate findings from the individual study through an agreed-upon means, such as a paper, a presentation, or a display.
  4. Demonstrate other project-specific objectives as determined by the instructor.

HUM 299: Special Project: Humanities

Credits: 5.0

Contact the English Department for more information.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Independently identify and demonstrate a thorough understanding of a specific topic related to Humanities studies.
  2. Support independent analysis, interpretation, or explanation of topic by locating, using, and citing suitable materials.
  3. Communicate findings from the individual study of topic.
  4. Demonstrate other project-specific objectives as determined by the instructor.
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