Humanities & Arts
The courses listed below are general humanities courses and are intended to provide conceptual introductions to the major disciplines within the humanities. Students will encounter the basic methods of critical analysis and discussion required for the future investigation of the specific area they choose for their humanities and arts Sufficiencies. These courses emphasize patterns of thought, methods of inquiry, appropriate vocabulary, and critical attitudes needed to appreciate most fully various areas in the humanities; they are not intended as surveys or historical overviews. Consequently, in each course the subject matter used to develop and illustrate key concepts and approaches will change regularly. Practice in analytic thinking and writing will be a significant part of each course. The skills generated by these courses will greatly aid students in developing their themes and will be essential for the completion of the Sufficiency in the final IS/P seminar.
HU 1401. Introduction to Humanities & Arts, I.
Cat. I
This course is open to students enrolled in the Project-based Learning Community. The course focuses on developing basic skills of humanistic inquiry: careful analysis of complex arguments and evidence; accurate description and assessment of texts; and appreciation of the diversity of opinions and interpretations of materials. Students examine core readings in history, literature, or philosophy, and participate in team-oriented projects concerning real-world problems that cross the boundaries of the humanities, sciences, mathematics and technology. Projects vary and may include areas such as the history of science, contemporary affairs, international relations, and quantitative analysis of social issues.
HU 1402. Introduction to Humanities & Arts, II.
Cat. I
This course is open to students enrolled in the Project-based Learning Community and is a continuation of HU 1401. Students continue to read, analyze and write about core readings in history, literature, and philosophy, and complete team-oriented projects that examine real-world problems at the intersection of the humanities, sciences, mathematics, and technology. Recommended Background: HU1401, Introduction to Humanities and Arts I.
HU 1411. Introduction to American Studies.
Cat. II
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to three or four basic American Studies methodologies. Emphasis will vary according to the instructor, but usually the course will cover the following: the particular historical, cultural context (at the community and/or national level) of a few literary texts; the relationship of American art to literature in a specific time period; analysis of popular culture entertainments in market-and-message terms of production and reception. This course provides a beginning for a Sufficiency in American Studies. For a description of the American Studies sequence and offerings, see the Sufficiency section of the Undergraduate Catalog.
Suggested background: an interest in American history and American expression.
This course will be offered in 2009-10 and in alternating years thereafter.
HU 1412. Introduction to Asia.
Cat. I
This course will explore Asia through an interdisciplinary approach. We will examine tradition and modernity in some or all of four cultural regions - South Asia (India), East Asia (China), Southeast Asia (Vietnam or Thailand), Inner Asia (Tibet) - and globalization in Japan and/or Hong Kong. We will explore the cultural traditions of these various regions, paying special attention to history, religion, society. We will also consider modern developments in these same regions. The impact of colonialism, nationalism, revolution, industrialization and urbanization on the lives of Asian peoples will be illustrated through films and readings. No prior knowledge of Asian history or culture is expected.
HU 2441. African History and Culture.
Cat. II
This survey course uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine fundamental issues in African political, social, and cultural history. The course may include various topics, such as ancient African kingdoms, the influence of Islam, the Atlantic slave trade, imperialism and decolonization, contemporary democratization, or African literature and art.
Suggested background: HI 1341 Introduction to Global History.
This course will be offered in 2009-10 and in alternating years thereafter.
HU 3411. Pro-Seminar in Global Perspectives.
Cat. II
This course examines the fundamentals of intercultural communication to prepare students to live and work with people from other cultures. It explores how different patterns of thinking and behavior, assumptions and values, have arisen from different cultural traditions and divergent histories in the world. Racism, prejudice, and bigotry - often the result of cultural, social, and technological differences in human experience - are among the concerns of the class. This course cannot teach students how to behave and think in all parts of the world, but it raises questions about ethnocentric assumptions often taken for granted by those working or studying in another culture. It is excellent preparation for an international IQP or educational exchange.
Suggested background: Previous courses in Humanities.
This course will be offered in 2009-10 and in alternating years thereafter.
HU 3900. Inquiry Seminar in Humanities and Arts.
Cat. I
This seminar serves as the culmination for a student’s Humanities and Arts requirement. The seminar provides opportunities for sustained critical inquiry into a focused thematic area. The seminar seeks to help students learn to communicate effectively, to think critically, and to appreciate diverse perspectives in a spirit of openness and cooperation through research, creativity, and investigation. The specific theme of each seminar will vary and will be defined by the instructor. Prior to enrolling in the seminar, a student must have completed five courses in Humanities and Arts, at least two of which must be thematically related and at least one of which must be at the 2000-level or
above.
HU 3910. Practicum in Humanities and Arts.
Cat. I
The practicum serves as the culmination for a student’s Humanities and Arts requirement. The practicum provides opportunities for sustained critical inquiry into a focused thematic area. The practicum seeks to help students learn to communicate effectively, to think critically, and to appreciate diverse perspectives in a spirit of openness and cooperation through research, creativity, and investigation. The specific theme of each practicum will vary and will be defined by the instructor. Prior to enrolling in the practicum, a student must have completed five courses in Humanities and Arts, at least two of which must be thematically related and at least one of which must be at the 2000-level or
above. Consent of the instructor is required for enrollment.
HU 4411. Senior Seminar in International Studies.
Cat. I
This course is designed to integrate each student's international courses, projects, and experiences in a capstone seminar in International Studies. Students will reflect on what they have learned in their previous courses and international experiences. They will assess what happened to them overseas, why it happened, and how it might be understood. They will also prepare a paper with an instructor in their area of international studies that integrates their previous academic courses. Students will also explore how they might translate their courses and experiences into future personal and professional opportunities.
Recommended background: previous courses in international studies, such as HI 1341 and HU 3411, and completion of an international IQP or an international educational exchange.
HU/AAS-50. American Antiquarian Seminar.
ISP
Each fall the American Antiquarian Society and five Worcester colleges sponsor a research seminar at the Antiquarian Society library. The seminar is conducted by a scholar familiar with the Society's holdings in early American history, and the seminar topic is related to his or her field of research. Selection is highly competitive. The ten participating students are chosen by a screening committee made up of representatives of the five participating colleges: Assumption College, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, WPI, and Worcester State College. The seminar topic and research methods combine several disciplines, and students from a wide variety of majors have participated successfully in this unique undergraduate opportunity.
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