SYLLABUS
Introduction to the Humanities I
Hum A211 sections 601 and 602 - Fall 2006
William Jamison 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 one discussion section and Matthew Reed will lead another section. 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 1:00P – 2:15P
Rooms: For lectures on the first class and subsequent Thursdays ARTS 116
For Tuesdays starting September 12: section 1 meets in ARTS 116 and section 2 in ENGR 332
OFFICE: MWF 12 - 2 PM in Administration and Humanities Building Room 261 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. 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.
Attendance -15%.
Dialogue -10%.
August 29: 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
August 31: ARTS 116
This lecture includes a discussion of ideas, literacy, power and paradox, and world journeys in time.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 2 pp. 22 - 42
September 4- 5: Labor Day Holiday (no classes)
September 7: ARTS 116
This lecture includes the Art of the Dead, Religious Art, and Mythical Art
For next class read: WH Preface and Chapter 1
September 12: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
This will be the first class meeting as sections. Discussion topics.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 2 pp. 42 - 66
September 14: ARTS 116
Term paper topics due. They should be emailed to the section instructor.
This lecture includes Mythical Art, Portraits, and Society and Culture.
For next class read: WH Chapter 2
September 19: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
First Written Assignment due.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 2 pp. 67 - 89
September 21: ARTS 116
"Final" term paper topic and tentative bibliography due.
This lecture includes Environmental Scenes.
For next class read: WH Chapter 3
September 26: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
First Written Assignment discussed.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 3 pp. 92 - 119
September 28: ARTS 116
Term paper thesis statement and outline due.
This lecture includes the Camera Arts.
For next class read: WH Chapter 4
October 3: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
Second Written Assignment due.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 3 pp. 121 - 153
October 5: ARTS 116
Term paper first rough draft due.
This lecture includes social realism perspectives.
For next class read: WH Chapter 5
October 10: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
Second Written Assignment discussed.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 4 pp. 156 - 190
October 12: ARTS 116
Term paper second rough draft due.
This lecture includes a look at architecture.
For next class read: WH Chapter 6
October 17: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
Third Written Assignment due.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 4 pp. 191 - 223
October 19: ARTS 116
This lecture includes architecture for leisure and the workplace.
For next class read: WH Chapter 7
October 24: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
Term paper discussion groups assigned, third draft due. This draft will be shared with group.
Third Written Assignment discussed.
For next class read: AWT Chapters 4 and 5 pp. 224 - 257
October 26: ARTS 116
This lecture includes Architectural Language and begin looking at Music.
For next class read: WH Chapter 8
October 31: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
Term paper groups present initial concerns.
Fourth Written Assignment due.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 5 pp. 258 - 276
November 2:
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: WH Chapter 9
November 7: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
Term paper groups readdress concerns.
Fourth Written Assignment discussed.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 6 pp. 278 - 322
November 9: ARTS 116
This lecture includes ...
For next class read: Romeo and Juliet Act 1
November 14: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
Fifth Written Assignment due.
For next class read: AWT Chapter 6 pp. 322 - 334
November 16: ARTS 116
This lecture includes a discussion of passion in art.
For next class read: Romeo and Juliet Act 2
November 21: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
Sixth Written Assignment due.
For next class read: Romeo and Juliet Act 3
November 23:
November 28: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
Seventh Written Assignment due.
For next class read: Jonathan Edwards Letter
November 30: 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
December 5: Section 1 meets in ARTS 116, Section 2 meets in ENGR 332
Eighth Written Assignment due.
For next class read: Romeo and Juliet Act 5
December 7: ARTS 116
Class summary and student survey.
Term Paper due.
December 12: Final meeting is Tuesday in 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.