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Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title HUM 1131: Introduction to Humanities

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements Recommended: College level reading and writing
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts

Course Description

This course, an introduction to the methods, techniques, and scope of the study of the humanities surveys a range of artistic expressions and emphasizes both the relationship between form and interpretation as well as the development of critical and analytical skills. Recommended: College level reading and writing.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2022

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Critical interpretation of art.
  2. Historical and social contexts for the production and reception of art.
  3. Art disciplines and forms, both Western and non-Western: literature, art, music, theater, musical stage, dance, cinema, and others.
  4. Art themes: religion, morality, happiness, love, life-affirmation, nature, freedom, and others.
  5. Art periods and movements that may include Greek and Roman, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Enlightenment, Romanticism, Modernism, Postmodernism, and others.

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Identify disciplines, forms, themes, periods, and movements.
  2. Master conventional terminology and ideas in discussion of the humanities.
  3. Exhibit proficiency in the major intellectual / philosophical impulses underlying artistic expression in the humanities.
  4. Understand representative works in the humanities by comparison of medium, style, artistic philosophy, and social / historical context.
  5. Communicate value of humanities through written expression.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  2. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  3. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  4. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

Additional fees may be charged for off-campus performances.