Undergraduate Catalog 14-16 : School of Arts & Sciences

Humanistic Studies

Humanistic Studies

HUM 100 Conceptions of Society 3 SH
Selected readings in authors such as Socrates, Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Marx, Freud and Camus. Emphasis is given to the following topics: the origin and function of the state, the interaction of economic and political systems, the law and freedom, revolution and rebellion, happiness and the state, and the state and history. General Education: Humanities/Humanistic Studies.

HUM 101 Our Relation to Nature 3 SH
The central concern of this course is our relationship to nature primarily as it is understood by several scientific theories and religious conceptions. At the same time, the nature of science and the nature of religion are examined. The assumptions and limitations of these human endeavors are discussed, along with the relationships among science, religion and human values. General Education: Humanities/ Humanistic Studies.

HUM 102 Art and Experience 3 SH
The emphasis in this course is on relating art, literature, music, dance and drama to our lives. The course aims at uncovering the central problems of the arts, the relationship of the arts to our lives, the role of the arts in our society, the kind of arts we have produced and the conditions under which we have produced them, and some of the controlling ideas which have been given expression in our arts. General Education: Humanities/Humanistic Studies.

HUM 110 Moral Issues in Modern Society 3 SH
A critical introduction to some of the major moral issues facing us in modern society. Problems concerning the rights of the individual vs. the limits and obligations of government, sexual morality, and violence and war will be analyzed. General Education: Humanities/Humanistic Studies.

HUM 113 Comparative Religions 3 SH
This course employs a broad humanities approach embracing historical, aesthetic, psychological, philosophical and sociological aspects of religion. Major faiths such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confuciansim, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam will be studied and compared.  General Education: Humanistic Studies.

HUM 114 The Greek Experience 3 SH
A course designed to provide the student with a broad survey of ancient Greek culture through an introductory examination of its mythology, art, drama and philosophy.

HUM 115 Philosophical Issues in Literature 3 SH
A study of central philosophical problems concerning human nature, our relationship to society, and the desire for meaning as found in literature. General Education: Humanities/Humanistic Studies.

HUM 116 The Human Condition 3 SH
Reflection on the human condition as set forth in contemporary images of humanity in selected works of literature, philosophy, psychology and religious thought. Considers the work of important thinkers who have influenced humanity in their quest for an understanding of the self and for meaningful personal and social direction. General Education: Humanities/Humanistic Studies.

HUM 117 Love in Western Civilization 3 SH
A critical examination of major ideas and ideals of love as they have developed throughout Western history. General Education: Humanities/Humanistic Studies.

HUM 119 The Human Adventure: Journeys, Quests and Pilgrimages 3 SH
This course will explore the broad theme of the journey in a variety of readings ranging from mythology and adventure sagas through modern autobiography and spiritual allegories. The emphasis will be on specific humanistic issues, including the search for wisdom, the problem of evil, the vision of progress and the articulation of moral values. General Education: Humanities/Humanistic Studies.

HUM 120 The Search for Meaning in Contemporary America 3 SH
This course will explore the challenges that Americans face in creating a meaningful life and examine a number of possible solutions to this critical life task: narcissism, materialism, romantic love, work and community. General Education: Humanities/Humanistic Studies.

HUM 212 Technology and Humanity 3 SH
The exponential rate of technological advances in computer and biological sciences is beginning to blur the boundaries between man and machine. Innovations, like pace-makers, cochlear implants, insulin pump wristwatch, and brain-controlled prosthetic limbs, are extending and expanding our bodily capacities. In 2012, Oscar Pistorius ran in the Olympics on prosthetic legs and Dick Cheney appeared on The View carrying his heart in a suitcase. At the same time genetic engineering has created life with a DNA synthesizer, and is personalizing the treatment of many diseases with genomic based diagnosis. The cloning and genetic manipulation of mammals is proceeding unabatedly and with virtually no oversight. And from the machine side of this equation, disaggregated neural tissue has been organized into computational devices and insects and mammals are being hardwired for joystick controller and piloted like remote-controlled toys. A greater and more critical awareness of these advances and the moral and sociological issues that accompany them will better prepare students for the challenges our society faces. General Education: Humanities/Humanistic Studies.

HUM 226 EcoPhilosophy & The American Conservation Movement 3 SH
Using the American Conservation Movement as a starting point, this survey course will explore theories of human connection to nature and the socio-political and ethical issues associated with the environmental concerns future generations are likely to face. Students will examine concepts such as conservation and reclamation, environmental ethics and justice, ecofeminism, sustainability and economic development, biodiversity, ecology, and the biophilia hypothesis. This course will be supportive of more focused courses in biology, social science, political science, and history. Through a critical focus on the philosophic underpinning of the conservation movement and an examination of current theories and research into resource and environmental management, students will gain valuable insight into the demands our society is and will contend with in the future. General Education: Humanities/Humanistic Studies.

HUM 298 Faculty Developed Study 1-6 SH
HUM 299 Student Developed Study 1–6 SH