Course Description

The humanities course is designed to be an integrated study of history, literature, language, philosophy, the visual arts, theatre, dance, and music. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, creativity, and the rights and responsibilities of the individual in a society. Students explore aspects of human behavior and human ideals. Instructional activities are interdisciplinary, drawing content examples, and resources from a variety of curriculum areas. Students engage in activities that focus on the arts, including theater the visual arts, dance music, architecture, film, and television. The course will provide opportunities for individuals to explore ethical and moral issues.

Image: A sculpture of the head of Icarus; Shutterstock.com

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the humanities course, students should be able to:

Understand Our Human Nature.

• To understand our physical nature.
• To understand our psychological nature.
• To understand our social nature.
• To understand our aesthetic nature.
• To understand our spiritual nature.

Understand Human Roles and Behavior.

• To understand that humans explore.
• To understand that humans think.
• To understand that humans lead.
• To understand that humans create.

Understand Human Ideals.

• To understand that humans seek truth.
• To understand that humans seek love.
• To understand that humans seek justice.
• To understand that humans seek beauty.

DoDEA Humanities Standards may be viewed by clicking the link.

Image: Classical white marble statue of a discus thrower isolated on black background; Shutterstock.com

Course Outline

• Art
• Aesthetics
• Human Nature
• Beliefs
• Values
• Religion
• Morals
• Art & Life
• Age & Perspective
• Heroes & Leaders
• Perfection
• Truth
• Justice
• Beauty
• Propaganda
• Rational Culture
• Holistic Cultures
• Ideals & Change
• Cultural Immersion
• Creativity
• Art Enhances Life
• Careers in the Humanities
• The Science of Art
• Science as Medium
• Gutenberg & Beyond

Image: Statue of Leonardo da Vinci. Statue outside the Uffizi, Florence; Shutterstock.com

Textbook and Materials

There is no textbook required for this course. All of the instructional content is available online within the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS).

Each of you will receive a copy of William Kamkwamba’s memoir, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, to use this semester. 

Image: William Kamkwamba’s memoir, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.