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Course description:

Introduction to the humanities through study of the elements and historical significance of films, drama, music, literature, painting, sculpture, and architecture. UC/CSU (3 units, no prerequisite)

Over the course of the term, the student will:

In the box below type the one objective that interests you the most from the list above and one reason why you took this class.

Martin & Jacobus, The Humanities Through the Arts (5^th ed.)* [HTA in schedule below]

Paul Johnson, Intellectuals [PJ in schedule below]

Critical thinking assignments will include examination of the major themes, movements, and personalities which (who) contributed to the development of the modern world; evaluation of works and understanding how they reflect (or help shape) the spirit of their times; and reflecting on the relationships between the arts, historical events, and religious and philosophical ideas.

Methods of instruction and evaluation will include the following, at least one of which will be required each and every week during the course (see the schedule below):

Postings of responses (of a half-page to two pages (single-spaced) in length) to questions raised in the Perception Key (PK) boxes throughout The Humanities Through the Arts (HTA) (comments on or debate on other postings are welcome, but common courtesy and tact must prevail in discussions);

Postings of links to interesting Websites on various aspects of the humanities or important artists, writers, philosophers, etc.;

Completion of open-book online quizzes, primarily to guide your reading and demonstrate comprehension of the material;

Submission by e-mail of a term paper (5-8 pages, MLA format), which may be either (a) a review of Intellectuals, (b) a research paper on an important person, period, or movement in the humanities, or (c) an expanded examination of questions raised in one or more of The Humanities Through the Arts’ Perception Keys.

Completion of a proctored or on-campus (closed book) final examination, which will include objective questions taken from the (item 3) quizzes as well as additional questions covering the major themes and personalities covered in the course, including some identification of artists and their works (picture ID). A ‘study guide’ will be included in a later lesson.

In the box below type, I understand and agree to abide by the methods of evaluation stated above.

Note on proctored exams: IF you are unable to take the final at the regularly scheduled on-campus meeting, YOU must arrange IN ADVANCE to take the exam under an approved proctor (librarian, military ed officer, clergy, school official, etc.) at an approved location such as a library, ed center, church, or school, to be returned (by the proctor) by mail or FAX to the instructor during the final exam week. (YOU must pay postage if necessary.)

There will be 200 total points, distributed as follows:

Points

Responses to Perception Key questions (your choice) – 4 @ 10 pts* 40

Posting links and comments on Humanities-related sites—2 @ 5 pts 10

Open-book unit quizzes 50

Term paper or book review** 50

Final exam (proctored or on campus, closed book) 50

Total Points: 200

Grade breakdown will be the standard:

A = 180 (90%) & up;

B = 160 (80%) & up;

C = 140 (70%) & up;

D = 120 (60%) & up

*Note that ANY Perception Key (PK) covered to that date in The Humanities Through the Arts may be addressed; it need not be from the assignment for that particular week but may be from earlier chapters, and if your response can integrate or tie together a couple of concepts or earlier Perception Key questions, so much the better.

**A book review, if that option is chosen, should not only summarize the key points made by the author, but also evaluate how well he achieved his purpose (as indicated on the first page and early in the first chapter), and how relevant knowledge gained from the book might be to you or to society.

See the Methods of Instruction and Evaluation section for more on term paper options.

In the box below type, I understand the methods of  grading and agree to abide by them.

Schedule

Schedule of topics, chapter readings, and assignments (responses may be prepared early but should be posted during the week required):

*HTA = The Humanities Through the Arts; PJ = Intellectuals

**The final exam will include questions from the online quizzes, questions over HTA chapters 11 & 12, and matching painters/sculptors/architects with their works (from the HTA book)—see Lesson 1 and list to be posted

Note that Week #8 allows you to post additional links, PK responses, or comments, to be sure you get all 50 points available from discussion postings.

Attendance policy for this Internet course requires that you:

(1) Read the posted "mini-lecture" lesson each week;

• Respond EACH AND EVERY WEEK WITHOUT FAIL to the assignment (per the schedule above), OR e-mail the instructor asking for an extension due to illness, laziness, etc.; and
• Either attend the final exam session or arrange for a proctor EARLY—do NOT wait until Week #7 or #8.

Perception Key (PK) and quiz responses must be posted during the week of the assignment to receive credit, unless extended per (2) above.

Instructor contact will be by e-mail, posted lectures and responses to assignments as outlined above, or by synchronous chat during online office hours posted in the discussion or lecture section of the course.

YOU are responsible for dropping the course if necessary; don’t just quit participating and expect the instructor to take care of it (that won’t happen).

YOUR WORK MUST BE YOUR OWN. Do not fail to give appropriate credit and cite sources in your research papers, per MLA guidelines. Plagiarism, or passing off the work of others (especially Internet downloads) as your own, constitutes grounds for dismissal from the class or a failing grade.

"Disclaimer:" This syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student but rather a guide to course procedures, requirements, grading, and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when circumstances dictate; students will of course be notified.