The World of Ideas

These courses are intended to increase students’ awareness of basic human values—intellectual, social, literary, historical, ethical, and artistic—through an examination of the works and movements throughout history that both shaped and were shaped by Western Thought.  Attention is given to male and female voices that have accepted or rejected values and assumptions of their time.

The courses move chronologically from antiquity to the present, but each course may be taken independently.  Literature, art, film, music, and philosophy are examined in their cultural and historical contexts.  Courses combine discussion and lecture with an emphasis on the development of writing skills and both critical and creative thinking.  Students are encouraged to enroll in their freshman or sophomore year.

• Humanities 101  World of Ideas:  The Ancient World (IT)
  Introduction to the great thinkers of the ancient world, including sacred and secular poetry and prose; and to ancient art and architecture. Offered annually.
• Humanities 102  World of Ideas:  ca. 10th-16th Centuries (IT)
  The history of an idea or theme from the Western Middle Ages through the Renaissance. Offered annually.
• Humanities 103  World of Ideas:  17th-18th Centuries (IT)
  The important works and movements of the two centuries leading up to the modern era. Offered annually.
• Humanities 104  World of Ideas:  The Modern Era (IT, G)
  Important works and movements of the 19th, 20th, and the 21st Centuries in their historical and cultural context. Offered annually.

Also see Special Topics in the Humanities courses.