CALL FOR COURSE PROPOSALS
Humanities: Human Events and Ideas
Introduction
The General Education Committee at Central Michigan University is seeking curricular
proposals for courses that meet the requirements for inclusion in the University Program
Humanities IA: Human Events and Ideas. The goal is to repopulate the area with courses that
meet the criteria specified in The University Program: A Basic Document Set. The University
Program Basic Document Set uses the following description to define the Humanities:
Historically, “the Humanities” has designated study of the classical Greek and
Latin heritage; in polemical usage, it spoke for a strictly human, as opposed to
supernatural or divine, standard for measuring and valuing human affairs. In
current academic affairs, the term still carries both of these older
significances: it expresses the importance of the study of cultural and artistic
heritage; and it affirms the need for consideration of the human being per se,
and only secondarily as measured by scientific or institutional standards.
Therefore, as a group, the Humanities are defined as those areas of
knowledge and study which examine and explore human experience and
achievement, in order to attain a deeper understanding of the essential
characteristics of the human condition.
The General Education Committee is specifically seeking proposals that meet criteria for
inclusion in the Human Events and Ideas subgroup. The following is the description of the
Human Events and Ideas subgroup as it appears in the UP Basic Document Set.
These studies involve concern with discerning coherence, order, meaning and
significance in human events and ideas. The focus is upon substantial and
significant aspects of human experience and upon the development of ideas
and ideals. The subject matter may range from the examination of broadly
general or universal propositions to the examination of human thoughts and
actions in various contexts over a period of time.
Learning Outcomes
Students taking courses within the Human Events and Ideas subgroup will be expected
to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of significant figures, ideas, or movements that
have shaped human experience and/or achievement in at least one area
(literature, visual arts, philosophy, religion, music, and theatre) and place
these materials in an historical, cultural, or intellectual context;
2. Employ basic humanities methodologies to analyze, critically evaluate,
and/or interpret issues, themes, literary or musical compositions, works of
art, etc. from the domain of at least one humanities discipline;
3. Engage in significant debates on issues in the humanities, demonstrating
an ability to recognize diverse points of view.
The next page contains specific requirements that should prove helpful in developing a
proposal. Additional information can be obtained by contacting George Ronan, Director of
General Education (phone: 989.774.7217; e-mail: ronan1gf@cmich.edu) or the Chair of the
General Education Committee.
Specific Requirements
The master course syllabus must list the subgroup name along with the numerical designator in
the course description. For example, at the end of the course description the following would
appear: University Program Group IA: Human Events and Ideas.
A cover letter should address the following:
1. Briefly explain how this course meets the general goals for UP courses in the
Humanities: “As a group, the Humanities are defined as those areas of knowledge and
study which examine and explore human experience and achievement, in order to attain
a deeper understanding of the essential characteristics of the human condition.”
2. Briefly explain how this course complies with each of the following University Program
Group IA: Human Events and Ideas content area:
a. “These studies involve concern with discerning coherence, order, meaning and
significance in human events and ideas.
b. “The focus is upon substantial and significant aspects of human experience and
upon the development of ideas and ideals. “
c. “The subject matter may range from the examination of broadly general or
universal propositions to the examination of human thoughts and actions in
various contexts over a period of time.”
3. Briefly show, with reference to the master course syllabus, how this course prepares
students to attain the following outcomes.
a. “Demonstrate knowledge of significant figures, ideas, or movements that have
shaped human experience and/or achievement in at least one area (literature,
visual arts, philosophy, religion, music, and theatre) and place these materials in
an historical, cultural, or intellectual context.”
b. “Employ basic humanities methodologies to analyze, critically evaluate, and/or
interpret issues, themes, literary or musical compositions, works of art, etc. from
the domain of at least one humanities discipline.”
c. “Engage in significant debates on issues in the humanities, demonstrating an
ability to recognize diverse points of view.”
d. If appropriate, explain how course addresses applications to and implications for
diverse populations.
Material to be Submitted and Routing
To initiate a priority review to determine whether a course meets the criteria for inclusion in the
Human Events and Ideas subgroup the following materials must be received by the General
Education Committee, Academic Senate Office, Ronan Hall, Room 280 no later than
01.30.2012. Submissions received after that date will be reviewed by the General Education
Committee as time allows.
1. A rationale detailing how the course meets the outlined focus and requirements.
2. A copy of the master course syllabus that was approved by the relevant college
curricular committee.