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Course Descriptions — Humanities (HUMN)

HUMN 100 Introduction to the 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. Tools to critically understand cultural phenomena (such as art, music, drama, philosophy, and religion) are provided. The conceptual tools to understand cultural phenomena critically are also developed.

HUMN 102 Classical Foundations (3)

A study of aspects of the ancient Greco-Roman world (such as myth and religion, war and conquest, government and politics, social organization, and leisure activities) through examination of the words and actions of the protagonists. Original sources of history, philosophy, poetry, and drama are consulted. Focus is on individuals who contributed to the shaping of classical civilization. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CLAS 100 or HUMN 102.

HUMN 105 Introduction to Archaeology (3)

An introduction to the methods used by archaeologists to evacuate and date material and to the ancient cultures of the Near East, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Students may receive credit for only of the following courses: ARCH 100 or HUMN 105.

HUMN 204 Film and American Culture Studies (3)

Exploration of American film from a historical perspective, illustrating the motion picture’s role as an institutional phenomenon, a form of communication, and a source of cross-cultural study. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: AMST 204 or HUMN 204.

HUMN 311 Workplace Ethics (3)

Examination and discussion of normative ethical theory; moral reasoning; and the larger economic, social, political, and legal framework of the workplace within which ethical issues arise. Discussion covers workplace issues such as discrimination, harassment, the quality of work life, professional rights and responsibilities, and specific cases exemplifying these issues. Possible examples include cases in the areas of hiring, privacy, intellectual property, whistle-blowing versus loyalty, health care, ethics in advertising, consumerism in relation to product liability, economic globalization, and the common environment. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 310 or HUMN 311.

HUMN 334 Understanding Movies (3)

An analysis of one of the most important means of artistic expression of the 20th century—film. The goal is to acquire a deeper understanding of the aesthetic qualities of film by considering the stylistic elements of film as it has evolved throughout the century and weighing the special relationship between cinema and literature. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 334 or HUMN 498D.

HUMN 336 Ideas Shaping the 21st Century (3)

An overview of predominating ideas and philosophies that may govern and alter humanity and this planet in the early 21st century. Ideas and ways of living are evaluated insofar as they reveal the nature of intelligence and determine the uses of this planet. Topics include the rise of science, religions, and technoconsciousness; the development of systems of communication; prevailing perceptions of justice and human relationships; and “quality of life” as expressed in architecture and the arts.

HUMN 348 Religions of the East (3)

An overview and examination of the religions of East Asia. Topics include the religious traditions of India known collectively as Hinduism and Jainism, the development of Buddhism and its spread through Asia, Chinese indigenous beliefs, and the religions of Japan (particularly Shinto and Zen Buddhism). Discussion examines the interrelationships of these religious traditions through their history and main teachings. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 348 or HUMN 350.

HUMN 349 Religions of the West (3)

An overview and examination of the Abrahamic religions, with special attention to their common ancestry and relationships. Topics include the history and belief structures of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Discussion also covers the ethical systems of these religions, as well as their relationship to the cultures in which they developed and exist today. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: HUMN 349 or HUMN 350.

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 376B Social History of Baltimore (3)

A study of the artistic, architectural, cultural, social, political, and economic history of Baltimore. The fifth largest U.S. port, Baltimore is examined as an urban center historically connected by its harbor to Europe and the world and by canal and railroad to the interior. Topics include the creation of culturally distinct neighborhoods of rural and immigrant groups, early industrial operations in milling and canning, and the effects of fire and the Depression. The complex forces of urban revitalization are studied. Archaeological and preservation sites are toured.

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

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). 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. 246). 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).