HUM 2020 Introduction to the Humanities will introduce students to the ways that the Humanities shape and are shaped by the human experience. This course approaches ‘Humanities’ as cultural expression that includes, but is not limited to: visual arts, performance art, literature, music, philosophy, film & cinema, theory, and religion. It will address a wide range of meaningful themes and ideas expressed within the Humanities such as love, truth, happiness, nature, freedom, representation, oppression, gender & sexuality, identity, morality & ethics, power, religion & spirituality, cultural connections and collisions, history, and more. Special emphasis will be given to human diversity and cross-cultural analysis of international contexts.
Course Objectives
By the end of the semester, students shall be able to;
- define Humanities and discuss the significance of the Humanities as an expression of the human experience (individual and collective, personal and historical),
- demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of cultural expression in all its forms and contexts,
- identify how different themes are represented through multiple modes of expression in culturally diverse ways,
- draw from a wide range of forms and genres within the Humanities to produce unique and personal reflections and expressions of the human experience
Course Design
This course is organized into thematic topics outlined in the course schedule in Canvas. The class is organized into three main modules consisting of multimedia weblessons with corresponding discussion activities, three assessments, one final project, and extra credit exercises to make up missed work. Students are expected to complete the corresponding weblesson prior to engaging in online discussion and to produce written and expressive submissions that identify, analyze and/or express ‘meaning’ within different contexts and mediums in the Humanities. At the end of the semester, students are expected to draw upon these exercises as well as additional research in the Humanities to produce and present a final project that expresses a unique and personal perspective on a specific shared human experience.
Discussion Exercises: Students will be expected to compose essays answering a specific question using terms and concepts from the weblesson and to respond to at least two other student posts using terms and concepts to receive credit. Submissions will be graded according to 1.) spelling, composition and grammar, 2.) use of terms and concepts, 3.) content, and 4.) meeting criteria established in the discussion description. Late submissions are not accepted.
Expressive Exercises: Students will be expected to engage in and produce expressive pieces related to the thematic topic. Expressions will be graded according to the criteria specified in the description within the weblesson. Each expressive piece must be an original production. Late submissions are not accepted.
Assessments: Each module will end with a timed 10-minute quiz consisting of five true/false and multiple choice questions about the terms and concepts presented within the module. The quizzes are not cumulative. Students are discouraged from taking the assessments at the last minute to avoid technical difficulties. In the event of technical difficulties, students must contact Canvas to troubleshoot and notify me immediately of the problem. Late submissions are not accepted.
Final Project: Students will be expected to draw from the material presented in the weblessons and independent research to produce a final project comprised of an expressive representation and accompanying one-page single-spaced typed prospectus that communicates a personal perspective on a shared human experience. The course website includes detailed assignment description. Submissions will be graded according to 1.) spelling, composition and grammar, 2.) use of terms and concepts, 3.) content, and 4.) meeting criteria established in the discussion description.
Missed Work and Extra Credit: Late work is not accepted. This course includes extra credit online activities and experiential exercises that may be used as a substitute for missed work.
Materials:
- All course materials are available on the course website: https://www.anthrocervone.org/introtohumanities/
- Fiction book (from list of selected books or authors)
- Unlined Sketchbook or journal (optional)
- Art Supplies (optional)
Grading and Assessment
Final letter grades are based on the total number of points earned by the end of the semester; they are NOT based on percentages. The sum of all points earned calculates into one Total column in Canvas. The letter grade scale is based on 100 points, but there are 15 extra credit points available to make up lost points. The points are distributed in the following categories.
Point Distribution
- Participation = 30
- Assessments = 30
- Final Project = 40
- Extra Credit = 15
Grading Scale – based on 100
90-93.9= A-, 94-97.9 = A, 97-100 = A+,
80-83.9= B-, 84-87.9 = B, 88-89.9 = B+
70-73.9= C-, 74-77.9 = C, 78-79.9 =C+,
60-63.9=C-, 64-67.9 = D, 68-69.9 =D+,
< 60 = F
Due to the significant amount of extra credit, grades are never ‘bumped’ and late work is not accepted without documentation of extensive and re-occurring hardship.
Online Etiquette
All points of view are welcome, yet they must be expressed in an intelligent and non-offensive manner and framed within an academic context. Students who revert to slurs and/or insults will be asked to leave the classroom. Please refer to the Santa Fe College Student Conduct Code: http://dept.sfcollege.edu/rules/studentconductcode.pdf. In addition, the use of cell phones and laptops is forbidden while class is in session.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Under Section 504 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, postsecondary institutions have an obligation to provide auxiliary aids and services that enable effective communication for qualified students with disabilities. Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Disability Resource Center. Visit http://www.sfcollege.edu/student/drc/index.php?section=policies/policies_procedures for more information.
Academic Honesty
All submitted words and ideas must be original, and authenticity of student work will be verified. Plagiarized work will receive a failing grade, and evidence of plagiarism will be submitted to the Department. For information about plagiarism and how to avoid it, visit: http://dept.sfcollege.edu/library/doingresearch/doingresearch_plagiarism.htm
International Studies Certificate
Santa Fe College’s International Studies Certificate provides a multidisciplinary opportunity, designed to produce globally-competent workers and engaged world citizens. This course offers students a unique opportunity to study culture beyond the borders of the United States and is currently under consideration to satisfy the requirements for completion of this certificate. For more information: http://www.sfcollege.edu/international/index.php?section=international_certificate
General Education Learning Outcome
The final project will assess student’s ability to meet the GELO for Critical Thinking: Students in this course must demonstrate the skills necessary for analysis, synthesis, evaluation, decision-making, critical and creative thinking, and the creative process.
Discrimination / Harassment Policy
SF prohibits any form of discrimination or sexual harassment among students, faculty and staff. For further information, refer to College Rule 2.8 at https://www.sfcollege.edu/Assets/sf/rules/pdfs/Rule_2/2_8.pdf
Student Rights & Responsibilities
The purpose of this document is to provide students with a general overview of both their rights and responsibilities as members of the Santa Fe Community. For a complete list of students’ rights and responsibilities, go to http://www.sfcollege.edu/studentaffairs/?section=policies/student_rights