SYLLABUS (Under Construction)
Introduction to the Humanities I
Hum A211 sections 001 - Spring 2007
William Jamison, Maia Nolan, and Matthew Reed Instructors
THEME: Integrated exploration of fundamental principles of literature, music, philosophy, and visual arts.
Course
Description:
Explores how the arts can provide insight into
human experience, and how our knowledge of human experience can provide insight
into the arts. Introduces humanistic methods of inquiry and analysis by
examining examples of the arts representative of a range of world cultures and
individual artists. Considers the significance of variations in aesthetic form.
Investigates the meaning of specific works of art. Analyzes values implicit in
specific works of art and their relationship to larger value systems.
This course will be delivered in a combined lecture/discussion section format. On Thursdays students will meet for lectures. On Tuesdays, students will meet in smaller groups with discussion section instructors. William Jamison will lead section one in room ARTS 116, Maia Nolan will lead section two in room SSB 253, and Matthew Reed will lead section three in room ARTS 122. Section instructors will evaluate assignments.
Assumed Knowledge: This course is a writing intensive course which explores multiple artistic media. English 111 and a Fine Arts GER are strongly recommended as preparation for this course.
TEXTS:
The Arts/World Themes by Geraldine Nagle (Paperback - Jan 1998) (AWT)
Writing About the Humanities, Second Edition by Robert DiYanni (Paperback - Jul 1, 2003) (WH)
Optional: Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare, any edition is fine. (If you really don't want to buy this book you can find it free on-line.)
CLASS: Hours: TR 1:00 P - 2:15 P
Room: ARTS 116
OFFICE: Administration and Humanities Building Room 261 hours TBA or by appointment. Here is William Jamison's Current Schedule.
Phone: 786-4458 (office), 694-1023 (home). The best way to get a message to William Jamison is via e-mail. Please feel free to call my home phone. My web page is located at http://wsjamison.uaa.alaska.edu and my e-mail address is wsjamison@UAA.ALASKA.EDU. The best way to get a message to Matthew Reed is via e-mail and his email address is mpreed49@hotmail.com and Maia Nolan's email is mailto:maiaknolan@gmail.com. Please become familiar with the links from this syllabus to lecture notes and other sources for many of the topics we will discuss.
Course grades are based on:
Writing
Assignments
- 50% - nine essays showing an understanding of the materials covered in class
and the assigned readings in response to questions, each with a minimum of 300
words,
25%
of the grade will be based on a term
project or review of
Romeo et Juliette.
Attendance -15%.
Dialogue -10%.
January 16: ARTS 116
This lecture includes an introduction to the course and description of course requirements. We will discuss: the purpose of studying the Humanities.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 to p. 21
January 18: ARTS 116
This lecture includes a discussion of ideas, literacy, power and paradox, and world journeys in time.
For next class read: WH Preface and Chapter 1
January 23: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
This will be the first class meeting as sections. Discussion topics.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 2 pp. 22 - 42
January 25: ARTS 116
This lecture includes the Art of the Dead, Religious Art, and Mythical Art
For next class read: WH Chapter 2
January 30: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
Term paper topics due. They should be emailed to the section instructor.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 2 pp. 42 - 66
February 1: ARTS 116
First Written Assignment due.
This lecture includes Mythical Art, Portraits, and Society and Culture.
For next class read: WH Chapter 3
February 6: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
First Written Assignment discussed.
"Final" term paper topic and tentative bibliography due.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 2 pp. 67 - 89
February 8: ARTS 116
This lecture includes Environmental Scenes.
For next class read: WH Chapter 4
February 13: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
Term paper thesis statement and outline due.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 3 pp. 92 - 119
February 15: ARTS 116
Second Written Assignment due.
This lecture includes the Camera Arts.
For next class read: WH Chapter 5
February 20: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
Term paper first rough draft due.
Second Written Assignment discussed.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 3 pp. 121 - 153
February 22: ARTS 116
This lecture includes social realism perspectives.
For next class read: WH Chapter 6
February 27: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
Term paper second rough draft due.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 4 pp. 156 - 190
March 1: ARTS 116
Third Written Assignment due.
This lecture includes a look at architecture.
For next class read: WH Chapter 7
March 6: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
Term paper discussion groups assigned, third draft due. This draft will be shared with group.
Third Written Assignment discussed.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 4 pp. 191 - 223
March 8: ARTS 116
This lecture includes architecture for leisure and the workplace.
For next class read: WH Chapter 8
March 13: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
Term paper groups present initial concerns.
For next class read: AWT Chapters 4 and 5 pp. 224 - 257
March 15: ARTS 116
Fourth Written Assignment due.
This lecture includes Architectural Language and begin looking at Music.
For next class read: WH Chapter 9
March 18-24: Spring Break No classes
March 27:
Term paper groups readdress concerns.
Fourth Written Assignment discussed.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 5 pp. 258 - 276
March 29: ARTS 116
This lecture includes a discussion of mimesis and why Western drama might differ from those of other cultures. (Lecture will be by Matt Reed.)
For next class read: AWT Chapter 6 pp. 278 - 322
April 3: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
This lecture includes ...
For next class read: Romeo and Juliet Act 1
April 5: ARTS 116
How to write a review: Romeo et Juliette. (Lecture will be by Maia Nolan).
Fifth Written Assignment due.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 6 pp. 322 - 334
Anchorage Opera student rehearsal performance of Romeo et Juliette at 7PM at the Performing Arts Center (this is the one the free tickets are for).
April 10: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
This lecture includes a discussion of passion in art.
For next class read: Romeo and Juliet Act 2
April 12: ARTS 116
Sixth Written Assignment due.
For next class read: Romeo and Juliet Act 3
April 17: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
Seventh Written Assignment due.
For next class read: Jonathan Edwards Letter
April 19: ARTS 116
This lecture includes a discussion of stage directions and their effects. (Lecture will be by Matt Reed.)
For next class read: Romeo and Juliet Act 4
April 24: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in SSB 253. Section 3 meets in ARTS 122.
Eighth Written Assignment due.
For next class read: Romeo and Juliet Act 5
April 26: ARTS 116
Class summary and student survey.
Term Paper due.
May 1: ARTS 116
Ninth Written Assignment due.
Class meets for the last time from 1 P - 3:45P and we will watch uninterrupted the movie "Romeo and Juliet."
This syllabus may be adjusted at any time to meet the class or instructor’s requirements upon one week’s notice to students.