Humanities (HUM)

Introduces students to at least five disciplines in the humanities, such as art, literature, dance, drama, cinema, philosophy, music, architecture, religion, and mythology. Explores distinctions and relationships between the disciplines through study of their basic methods, themes, and forms. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

This interdisciplinary course is intended as a general introduction to the nature, scope, and methodology of Peace Studies, with a view toward the future. It will explore the history of non-violent movements to effect social change, the role of women in the attainment of peace and protection of life, the tie between social justice and the environment, and the resolution of conflict between individuals, groups, societies, and nations. The course includes the study of activists such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, and Dorothy Day. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces the study of the oral and written literature of Native American peoples, emphasizing the cultural and historical context in which it was composed. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Analyzes literary texts and other artistic expressions to reveal aspects of Latino cultures such as identity, immigration, indigeneity; relates literary developments and movements to the cultural, political, and religious experiences of Latinos in the U.S.; examines connections between minority writing and mainstream literary works. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

Presents a cross-cultural and historical approach to the oral and written works by major Black writers of Africa. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Analyzes literary texts, memoirs, film, and other artistic expressions of the Holocaust to focus on the cultural and political events that caused the Holocaust; examines how subsequent people represent what happened; explores the consequences of the Holocaust in terms of ethical and human rights issues; examines how issues of racism and religious intolerance occurred prior to and since the Holocaust; addresses the Holocaust in a comparative perspective to prior and subsequent acts of genocide in other countries. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

Presents an inter-disciplinary introduction to Appalachian history, economy, geography, politics, and culture, primarily through exploration of texts about the region, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Emphasizes geography, Appalachian identity, works, values, and communication. May also include exploration of regional music, traditional arts, drama, photography, film, and, where applicable, community-based explorations of the Appalachian experience. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Presents an inter-disciplinary introduction to Appalachian history, economy, geography, politics, and culture, primarily through exploration of texts about the region, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Emphasizes migrations, economy, belief, expression, politics and government, and environment. May also include exploration of regional music, traditional arts, drama, photography, film, and, where applicable, community-based explorations of the Appalachian experience. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Examines in detail one or more issues pertinent to the Appalachian region. Topics may include but are not limited to: cultural diversity, religious expression, politics and government, trends in Appalachian literature, or trends in regional sociological scholarship. Topics may vary from semester to semester. This course may be repeated once for credit with a different topic. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Provides an introduction to the history of violence and peace movements. Examines the anthropological, political, cultural and technological forces contributing to the frequent occurrence of war throughout history. Explores the history of movements and organizations, both religious and secular, intended to minimize warfare and oppression. Examines literature and visual arts to enhance and elaborate on the themes presented in the anthropological and historical sections of the course. Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces the effects of modern-day warfare and the countervailing trends, actions, and movements to create peace. Focuses on aspects of peace and war such as the role of women, the perspectives of notable scientists, philosophical perspectives, the role of economic globalization in social justice, the environmental impacts, and conflict resolution. Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Presents traditional and contemporary aspects of Japanese culture as reflected in both cultural studies and literature. Examines daily life as revealed in the themes and motifs of Japanese fiction, poetry, drama, and film. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Surveys significant texts about Appalachia from native populations and early European settlement to the end of the twentieth century. Emphasizes texts by writers living and working in the region, though perspectives from outside of the region may be examined. Focuses on historical, social, political, and cultural contexts, as well as analysis of literary forms and techniques. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Examines significant texts by Appalachian writers of the last twenty-five years. Emphasizes the development of contemporary Appalachian literary voice and identity. Examines connections or challenges to "traditional" Appalachian heritage and cultural identity. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces the study of movies as a narrative art and a cultural document. Requires viewing of films outside of class. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Enhances student awareness of how cinema has been used as a multicultural tool for observing/analyzing various aspects of a broad range of societies. Includes critical analysis and interpretation of films from various cultures. Explores the films' countries of origin and the cinematic impacts upon the society and the world. Lecture: 3 credits(45 contact hours).