Humanities

pcc.edu/programs/humanities/

Description

Studying the humanities provides you with opportunities to explore the human experience through a variety of approaches called “disciplines” such as: art and architecture, philosophy, literature, music, history, and languages. In Humanities courses, we use these disciplines to better understand a wide variety of topics: the influence of cultural values and world views, forms of political and social order, the origins and ongoing impacts of gender roles, and the effect of historic and environmental events on how individuals and societies perceive and project themselves. In effect, the Humanities ask the “big questions”: What does it mean to live a good life? How does the individual relate to culture? What does it mean to be human, and what makes us unique? 

Specific careers humanities students pursue may include: teaching, business consulting, archaeology, literary criticism, cinematography, television, radio, or internet personality, writing, journalism, and talent acquisition; essentially any field that requires an understanding of the “human condition” is an option for the humanities major. But, broader than specifics: all jobs require human skills, and the Humanities are the disciplines best poised to teach those: cultural competency, effective communication, intercultural awareness and sensitivity, social justice, inquiry, and analysis. 

At PCC, the Humanities program includes a broad-based introductory course, a sequence in technology, and a leadership course.

 

HUM 100. Introduction to Humanities. 4 Credits.

Introduces humanistic inquiry and the academic disciplines collectively known as the humanities, including literature, theater, art, art history, religious studies, music, film, architecture, and philosophy. Explores a broad range of topics such as artistic creation, human expression, cultural innovation, intellectual ideas and exchanges, political structures, and religious ideologies in different cultures around the globe in their historical context. Focuses on the ways human thought, creativity, and imagination reflect the cultures in which they arise as well as how they change through intercultural exchange and influence. Explores the answers to life's enduring questions and invites a sense of wonder about the meaning of life. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Arts and Letters/AL, Cultural Literacy/DIV

HUM 201. Humanities & Technology: Exploring Origins. 4 Credits.

Introduces concepts and approaches used in study of humanistic disciplines and surveys visions and perspectives that our culture has inherited from literature, philosophy, theology, visual arts, music, history, and mythology of Western and non-Western traditions. Focuses on selected historical periods and themes. Demonstrates quest for knowledge as a synthetic activity, relating various disciplines, traditions, and historical periods to each other. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

HUM 202. Humanities & Technology: Contemporary Issues. 4 Credits.

Offers critical examination of the relationship between people and technology. Uses insights derived from a study of the Humanities in conjunction with those from the Social Sciences to inquire into the appropriate use and possible misuse of technology in contemporary society. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

HUM 203. Humanities & Technology: Future Directions. 4 Credits.

Looks for ways in which technology can be applied in new, socially and ethically responsible forms. Recommended: Courses should be taken sequentially. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

HUM 221. Leadership Development. 4 Credits.

Develops leadership skills. Provides a basic understanding of leadership principles and group dynamics and helps students develop a personal leadership philosophy and style. Integrates readings from classic works of literature, contemporary multicultural readings, films, and experiential exercises. Explores issues of diversity, personal growth and interpersonal relationships within the context of leadership development. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Arts and Letters/AL, Cultural Literacy/DIV