4 Goal Areas for Introduction to Humanities

It is the goal of this resource to introduce you to a transformative learning experience as you examine your ideas and values in relationship to the ideas and values of other humans.

Goal Area: Humanities and Fine Arts

Formally, the goal of this resource is to expand students’ knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behavior, ideas and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature, philosophy and the fine arts, students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments and develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. Students should have experiences in both the arts and humanities.

Take some time in a notebook or in a digital document, write down some answers to these questions. As you do, think about your experiences and thoughts. Write down some examples of humanity. You’ll return back to these questions throughout the course, so make sure you save them and add to them as we progress though the class.

• What do you know about the human condition and human cultures?
• What do you want to know about the human condition and human cultures?
• What are the behaviors, ideas and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought?
• Is it important to engage in critical analysis and form aesthetic judgments about the arts?
• How do we develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society?

Goal Area: Global Perspective

To increase students’ understanding of the growing interdependence of nations and peoples and develop their ability to apply a comparative perspective to cross-cultural social, economic and political experiences.

• What do cultures around the world contribute to humanity?
• What do we see that comes from where?
• How can I expand what I value?
• What makes these contributions strong?