Humanities

HU103 World Civilization (Modern) (3 credits)

This course is a study of world history since 1500 with a focus on the factors leading to the emergence of a global society. A key theme of the course will be the impact of modernization on traditional societies, addressing questions such as: What is modernization? What are its causes and consequences? Why did it begin in Europe? What has been the reaction of different cultures to this process? How have non-Western cultures created their own paths to modernity? Students will also be introduced to the discipline of history, historical methodology, and use of primary and secondary sources.

HU106 History of Art to 1495 (3 credits)

This is an introductory course in the history of Western art from the Paleolithic period through the Renaissance. An historical context provides students with knowledge and appreciation of art as an expression of culture and values and an understanding of trends in taste and style in the arts from each period. Students will have the opportunity for in-depth study of topics of their choice. Museum and gallery visits are an essential component of the course.

HU107 History of Art from 1495 (3 credits)

This is an introductory course in the history of Western art from the Renaissance to the present. An historical context provides students with knowledge and appreciation of art as an expression of culture and values and an understanding of trends in taste and style in the arts from each period. Students will have the opportunity for in-depth study of topics of their choice. Museum and gallery visits are an essential component of the course.

HU111 Introductory French, Part I (3 credits)

This course offers students an introduction to the French language. Students will learn the basic structures and vocabulary of French, as well as the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In addition, students will learn about French culture. The goal is to help students achieve a basic level of linguistic proficiency in French.

HU112 Introductory French, Part II (3 credits)

This course builds upon the fundamentals of the French language learned in HU 111 Introductory French, Part I. Additional vocabulary and grammar are introduced, and reading and writing skills are developed. Aspects of French culture will continue to be explored. PR: HU111 or placement.

HU113 Introductory Spanish, Part I (3 credits)

This course offers students an introduction to the Spanish language. Students will learn the basic structures and vocabulary of Spanish, as well as the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In addition, students will learn about Hispanic culture. The goal is to help students achieve a basic level of linguistic proficiency in Spanish.

HU114 Introductory Spanish, Part II (3 credits)

This course builds upon the fundamentals of the Spanish language learned in HU 113 Introductory Spanish, Part I. Additional vocabulary and grammar are introduced, and reading and writing skills are developed. Aspects of Hispanic culture will continue to be explored. PR: HU113 or placement.

HU120 Introduction to International Film (3 credits)

This course focuses on the study of the international narrative film. Through viewing, discussion, and analysis, students will study film as an expression of social, political, cultural, and aesthetic values. The course explores how global influences, regional concerns, and universal themes are realized through an underlying artistic aesthetic. Films from the United States may be used to cross reference artistic and technical developments. PR: EN105.

HU123 History of Film (3 credits)

This course covers the development of American film from an historical perspective. Through written and oral analysis, students will discuss the development of film as a distinct artistic medium. Films from the silent era to the present day will be discussed. Elements of the classic Hollywood narrative, the studio system, and the star system are studied. Instruction may focus on a particularly significant era or genre in the development of the Hollywood style. Films will be viewed, discussed, and analyzed.

HU135 World Religions: An Historical and Comparative Study (3 credits)

Students will become familiar with the worldviews, religious beliefs, and spiritual practices of the major religious traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In addition to studying the sacred texts and the historical developments of those traditions, students will learn how the great religious traditions have influenced the arts and social customs of the world, and will pursue the larger goal of preparing for citizenship in a global community. PR: EN105 & HU103.

HU152 Introduction to Western Philosophy (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the major streams of philosophical thought and inquiry within the history of western philosophy from the ancient to late modern, with some exploration of broader philosophical traditions including Hinduism and Sufism. Students will read excerpts from a variety of classical texts, examining the philosophical traditions of metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Major schools of thought including existentialism, pragmatism, philosophy of religion, philosophy of politics, and philosophy of science will also be discussed.

HU203 Technology and Social Change: Historical Perspectives for the 21st Century (3 credits)

In the last 2000 years, cultures have sometimes determined whether and how to use certain technologies. At times, technologies have changed almost all social relations and social structures. This course affords students the opportunity to examine the effects of various technologies (such as weaving, metallurgy, agriculture, irrigation, printing, global navigation, steam engines, and electricity) in order to develop historical and critical perspectives on the social effects of technology today. PR: EN206.

HU303 United States History Since 1945 (3 credits)

As a result of World War II, the United States moved to the center stage of world affairs as one of the world’s two superpowers of the second half of the twentieth century. Conflict and disagreement over public policies and social and cultural change within American society, however, marked much of the period. In this course we will examine the major developments of the period, including the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Korean War, Vietnam, Civil Rights, the 1960s protest movements, the Women’s Movement, Watergate, the Reagan Revolution, and the end of the Cold War. PR: HU103.

HU305 Ethics (3 credits)

How do we decide what is right or wrong? How do we know what we ought to do? What do virtue and character have to do with our choices? We will reflect on these questions and the main ethical theories (ethical egoism, divine command theory, utilitarianism) that form a framework for making moral judgments. We will apply these theories to contemporary issues in individual, social, and professional ethics. We will review cases that help develop analytical skills and enhance the capacity for making sound, moral judgments in different situations. PR: junior status.

HU310 Culture and Cuisine Seminar (3 credits)

This course offers a detailed examination of the nature of food and its relationship to various cultures and religions throughout the world. Culture and food are closely inter-related, and an understanding of the importance of cuisine to a society is essential to a well-rounded food service professional. Through discussions, readings, lectures, films, eating, and visiting markets, the students will explore world culture through the lens of food. (Also offered as CU310). PR: junior status.

HU317 Food in U.S. History (3 credits)

This course will focus on food as a way to examine U.S. history. It will identify the foods of the Native Americans, colonists, and slaves, and will illustrate the influence that colonization, war, food reformers, food preservation, transportation, restaurants, immigration, politics, legislation, and food conglomerates have had on food during the history of the United States. (Also offered as CU317) PR: junior status.

HU4xx Life of the Mind Seminar (3 credits)

This course will explore a specific topic, its epistemology, and the dynamic nature of our evaluation of it. Definitions of "objective" and "subjective" with respect to the topic will be explored through readings, writings, and discussion. Topics will change from semester to semester and may include truth, beauty, goodness, justice, equality, and freedom. Students will be required to engage in extensive reading, research, and writing. Throughout the semester, students will share the progress of their research with peers and faculty. The research will culminate in a final project. This course may be team-taught by members of the Arts, Science & Design faculty. PR: EN106, HU152, & junior status.

PR = prerequisite(s)