Chabot College
Fall 2006
Course Outline for Humanities 72
CONTEMPORARY HUMANITIES
Catalog Description:
72 - Contemporary Humanities
3 units
Visual, literary, and/or musical works of art that reflect the issues and concepts of their time. A
perspective through exploration of chosen works. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcome for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
become familiar with works in humanities that give perspective on contemporary concerns;
be able to connect shaping or contextual events or concerns with an artist’s works;
be able to define and discuss the humanities within and as they relate to contemporary culture;
be able to connect the effects of contemporary events to one’s own life and endeavors.
Course Content:
Specific content may change each semester. A subject will be chosen in advance by the instructor
and will be defined based on availability of works relating to contemporary issues. Examples: the
concept of humanity in drama and poetry; form in modern art and music; alienation in film and drama;
religious symbolism in humanities.
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lecture-discussion
2. Writing, performance, and criticism
3. Field trips to contemporary sites—museums, temples, dramatic events—are recommended.
Assignments and Methods of Evaluation:
1. Typical Assignments
a. In an essay, identify and differentiate what characterizes contemporary arts and letters from
earlier periods
b. Using research, create a tape or give a speech in which you discuss the themes of an artist’s
work in relation to contemporary life
c. In a researched speech or essay, show how contemporary events, thought, or issues
influenced an exemplar’s life and work
d. Create a song, poem or painting and accompanying it with a short paper explaining how
contemporary events, thought, or issues affect it
e. Maintain a newspaper journal showing connections between the arts and letters and current
events and issues
2. Methods of Evaluation
a. Assignments, quizzes, and examinations
b. Journal or audio- or videotape
c. Research paper
d. Final examination
Chabot College
Course Outline for Humanities 72, Page 2
Fall 2006
Textbook(s) Typical:
Tharp, Twyla. The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use for Life. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003.
Whyte, David. Crossing the Unknown Sea/Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity. New York; Riverhead Books,
2001.
Zinn, Howard. artists in times of war. New York; Seven Stories Press, 2003.
Special Student Materials:
None
PS Hum 72 Revised: 09/30/05