Introduction to the Humanities

The course examines the creative achievements of humanity in order to increase the student’s awareness and understanding of his/her unique value by investigating historical periods in the humanities. Topics include defining core terms within the humanities, tracing historical backgrounds, and discussing elements of art and design principles.  Additional activities include analyzing aesthetic concepts, describing arts media, and writing a formal critique of aesthetic qualities of works of art. 

UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:

• Defining the term humanities.
• Tracing the historical background of major periods in the humanities.
• Discussing the elements of art for each of the arts media.
• Discussing the principles of design for each of the arts media.
• Discussing the major aesthetic theories that have influenced the creation and evaluation of Western Art.
• Discussing the assumptions and interests the viewer brings to a work of art, which may influence appreciation of the work.
• Researching the human need for art and the importance of art to the life of an individual.
• Describing the sources of art subjects.
• Analyzing the aesthetic concepts that influence the production of specific works of art.
• Analyzing a work of art in terms of form, content, function, medium, style and organization of elements.
• Describing the various artistic media, including two and three-dimensional design, theater, opera, film, and architecture.
• Writing a formal critique that describes, analyzes, and evaluates the aesthetic qualities of a work of art.
• Recognizing how an artist’s style influences the creation of the work of art.
• Appreciating works of art as universal icons of human consciousness.
• Describing how a work of art affects the viewer emotionally and intellectually.
• Using Artificial Intelligence to increase knowledge about the humanities and as an aid in writing on particular topics in the humanities.  

ACQUIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of Western Culture Architecture
• Knowledge of Western Culture Artists
• Knowledge of Major Aesthetic Theories