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Course Descriptions—Humanities (HUMN)

HUMN 100 Introduction to Humanities (3)

An introduction to the humanities through a review of some of the major developments in human culture. The goal is to promote analysis of underlying assumptions about the way societies are formed and run and how they express their ideas through art, literature, architecture, music, and philosophy. Students develop the conceptual tools to understand cultural phenomena critically.

HUMN 351 Myth and Culture (3)

A presentation of reflections on the interrelations of myth, religion, and culture in which myths are evaluated as embodiments of ethnic and universal ideas. Religion is analyzed within American and non-American cultures. Ideas and symbols from mythology that provide background for literature, music, and art are introduced.

HUMN 375 Social History of Washington, D.C. (3)

A study of the uniqueness of Washington, D.C., through its artistic, architectural, cultural, social, political, and economic history. Washington is examined as a center of power and decision making, as well as the domicile of some of the nation’s least empowered citizens; as a home to monuments, museums, and statuary commemorating visionary leaders, as well as a seedbed of avant-garde artistic movements; and as an urban center built upon limited industrial growth. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HIST 351, HUMN 375, or HUMN 498C.

HUMN 486A Internship in Humanities Through Co-op (3)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in the humanities. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to the humanities and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

HUMN 486B Internship in Humanities Through Co-op (6)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in the humanities. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to the humanities and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

HUMN 495 Humanities Seminar (3)

(Intended as a final, capstone course to be taken in a student’s last 15 credits.) Prerequisites: at least 15 credits in humanitiesrelated courses. A study of the humanities that integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework and experience and builds on that conceptual foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking. A theme or topic (which varies each semester) is examined from an interdisciplinary perspective. Assignments include a major paper or presentation that demonstrates mastery of the subject matter and research and writing skills.