CALL FOR COURSE PROPOSALS
Humanities I B: The Arts
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 IB: The Arts. 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 Arts subgroup. The following is the description of The Arts subgroup as it
appears in the UP Basic Document Set.
These studies include a focus on the aesthetic dimension of human creative
activity. Emphasis in these studies is placed primarily upon the development
of aesthetic sensitivity, both intellectual and emotional, based upon critical
analysis of the structure and the execution of works of art.
Learning Outcomes
Students taking courses within The Arts subgroup will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetic dimensions of artistic works and
performances;
2. Apply critical methodologies to the analysis and interpretation of artistic works and
performances;
3. Identify and explain the significance of major works and artists from a range of cultural,
historical, and aesthetic traditions;
4. Identify and explain the significance of key features or techniques characterizing major
periods, genres, or traditions of art;
5. Explain the relationship between artistic creations and their aesthetic, sociocultural, and
historical contexts;
6. Identify and interpret various ways in which the arts function in contemporary society.
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 IB: The Arts.
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 that
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 IB: The Arts content area:
a. These studies focus on the aesthetic dimension of human creative activity.
b. These studies primarily emphasize the development of aesthetic sensitivity,
both intellectual and emotional, based upon critical analysis of the structure
and the execution of works of art.
3. Briefly show, with reference to the master course syllabus, how this course prepares
students to attain the following outcomes.
a. Demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetic dimensions of artistic works and
performances;
b. Apply critical methodologies to the analysis and interpretation of artistic works and
performances;
c. Identify and explain the significance of major works and artists from a range of cultural,
historical, and aesthetic traditions;
d. Identify and explain the significance of key features or techniques characterizing major
periods, genres, or traditions of art;
e. Explain the relationship between artistic creations and their aesthetic, sociocultural, and
historical contexts;
f. Identify and interpret various ways in which the arts function in contemporary society.
g. 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
Arts subgroup, submit the following materials to the General Education Committee, Academic
Senate Office, Ronan Hall, Room 280 no later than 09.30.12. 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.