BRAZOSPORT COLLEGE

Division of social sciences

Humanities 1301: INTRODUCTION TO HUMANITIES

Instructor: Dr. AV “Doc” Petrovich

Quick RefeRence Table of conTenT

Course Description…………………………………I

Student Learning Outcomes……………………...II

Course Prerequisites……………………………....III

Text Book(s) Information……………………….....IV

Students with Disabilities…………………………V

Academic Honesty………………………………….VI

Student Responsibility…………………………….VII

Attendance and Withdrawal………………………VIII

Online Classes..……………………………………..IX

Course Requirements: Tests……………………..X A.

Extra Credit……………..X B.

Discussion Boards….…X C.

Papers/Fine Arts……......X D.

Writing Hints…………………………………………XI

Required Readings…………………………………XII

Calendar………………………………………………XIII

Grade Distribution………………………………….XIV

Help! I’m Drowning…………………………………XV

Other Important Phone Numbers………..………XVI

RequiRed Book: Bishop, Adventures in the Human Spirit (7th edition) ISBN-13:978-0-205-88147-5. 5th or 6th editions are acceptable. Please note we do NOT have access to myartslab.

Recommended Book: Sayer, Writing About Art ISBN: 020564578-X

E-Mail: Alisa.Petrovich@brazosport.edu

Phone: 979-230-3659 (turnaround time 24 hours)

Office: G-220. Hours: M, W-7:30-9:00 am; T, Th- 11:00 1:00pm, Virtual Office Hours: 8pm-10pm T,Th

BE SURE TO READ EVERYTHING IN THIS SYLLABUS AND UNDER CONTENT! YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OF IT.

NOTE: I do not accept emailed work, including discussion responses.

I. Course Description:

This course is a multi-perspective assessment of cultural, political, philosophical and aesthetic factors critical to the formulation of the values that have shaped the historical development of the individual and society. The focus is predominantly on Europe and America, although other cultures in the Middle East, India, Africa, and Asia are given some attention. In this course you will learn about people and the creations they wrought, both for and glorification and despair of humans.

Student Learning Outcomes:

A. The student will demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities

B. The student will understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.

C. The student will respond critically to works in the arts and humanities and offer an informed personal reaction to these works.

D. The student should develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principals that guide or govern the humanities and arts.

E. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts or inter cultural experiences.

III. COURSE PREREQUISITES: College-level reading and writing.

IV. Textbook Information: Please note we DO NOT have access to MyArtsLab in this course.

To purchase the books, contact the Brazosport College Bookstore with a credit cards. Phone 979-230-3651. Fax: 979-230-3653. Email:bookstore@brazosport.edu

Website: http://www.brazosport.edu/bookstore

A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college bookstore. The same textbook is/may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. You are welcome to use electronic and loose leaf versions if you wish.

V. Students with Disabilities: Brazosport College is committed to providing equal education opportunities to every student. Brazosport College offers services for individuals with special needs and capabilities including counseling, tutoring, equipment, and software to assist students with special needs. Please contact the Special Populations Counselor at 979-230-3236 for further information.

VI. ACADEMIC HONESTY:

Brazosport College assumes that students eligible to perform on the college level are familiar with the ordinary rules governing proper conduct including

academic honesty. The principle of academic honesty is that all work presented by you is yours alone. Academic dishonesty including, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, and collusion shall be treated appropriately. please refer to the Brazosport College Student Guide for more information. This is available online at http://www.brazosport.edu. CLICK on the CATALOGS AND SCHEDULES link under STUDENTS.

Academic dishonesty violates both the policies of this course and the Student Code of Conduct. In this class, any occurrence of academic dishonest will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for prompt adjudication and will, at a minimum, result in a 0 for the plagiarized work in this course. Sanctions may be imposed beyond your grade in this course by the Dean of Student Services.

I tolerate nothing over 9%. At 10% plagiarism I will report you to the Dean of Students and flunk your work.

Self-Plagiarized or Recycled Papers: You cannot recycle written work for this course from other courses UNLESS you get my prior written approval AND the prior written approval of the professor under whom you wrote the paper. This means you cannot use more than 9% of another paper you wrote or are writing to fulfill any requirement in this course. If you recycle your own paper in this course, I will not accept it and you will receive a 0 for the paper. Also, I will report you to the Dean of Students for self-plagiarism.

VII. Student Responsibilities:

Students are expected to participate fully in this course. The following criteria are intended to assist you to be successful in this course:

A. Understand the syllabus requirements

B. Use appropriate time management skills

C. Communicate with your professor

D. Complete coursework on time, and

E. Utilize online components (such as D2L and Turnitin.com) as required.

VIII. ATTENDANCE AND Withdrawal POLICY:

Sometimes we mean well but life gets in the way. A student plans to take a course and things happen to prevent work being completed. If that happens, please contact me. Let me help. If I do not hear from you, and you have more than one 0 as a grade, I may drop you.

So if things happen and you cannot make a deadline, let me know. Otherwise, I will figure you are having a rough time and might drop you as a kindness.

Online Classes:

A. This class is completely on-line.

We have no meetings.

B. If you have never taken an on-line course, stop right here! To make sure an on-line course is right for you, please go to http://www.brazosport.edu/distancelearning/Pages/onlinestudentreadiness.aspx

This is the Online Tutorials link to explain to you what Online is all about.

X. Course Requirements:

A. TESTS: There are four tests: Test 1, Midterm, Test 2, and Final. The midterm covers all of the assignments up to the midterm date. The final covers all of the information since the midterm.

1. Each of these requirements is worth 1/6th of your course grade. I drop your lowest test grade, so that is how I come up with 1/6th. I DO NOT drop any other grades.

2. Exams are take-home, open book essay examinations.

Exams are essay and taken online. Exams are found under CONTENT on D2L in the folder called “All Tests Are Here.” On the day of the examination, you will able to click on the name (such as Test 1) and begin. You will have more than 48 hours to complete it and submit it to the DropBox here on D2L.

Look under Assessments and click on DropBox.

3. Test Dates:

Test 1: February 10 Midterm: March 9 Test 2: April 7 Final: May 5

I drop a test so I do not give early or make up tests.

4. Make-Ups

Since I drop your lowest test grade, I do not give make ups.

Late Work Excluding the Fine Arts Analysis Paper AND the Final: I accept late work, but I take a penalty. The penalty is -10 points a day. If the work is one minute past the due date, is receives -10 automatically. The -10 points compounds to -20 points at 12:01am the next day and continues. Therefore, do NOT be more than two days late. Late work MUST be placed in the proper folder in the DropBox. It has a cut-off date and time. You will find this noted on the individual dropbox. I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE Fine Arts ANALYSIS PAPERS OR FINALS FOR ANY REASON.

B. Extra Credit:

1. Extra Credit #1: When you log onto D2L go to CONTENT. There you will see a folder called ALL EXTRA CREDIT. Click on it. Select Extra Credit #1. Please follow all directions! Due January 24. This assignment is optional.

2. Extra Credit #2: For five extra bonus points added to your lowest grade (my choice) see go to All Extra Credit under CONTENT on D2L. Click on Extra Credit #2. This is due no later than February 27 at 11:59pm. Please submit to turnitin.com. You will instructions under Content on D2L.

3. Extra Credit #3: Art or Cooking. See Content, ALL EXTRA CREDIT for instructions. Due February 27

4. Extra Credit #4: Participate in all 3 GATOR Sessions for 3 points added to your lowest grade. You need to sign in and put my name down to obtain credit. See Content "Gator" for more information and a schedule.

C. Discussion Boards:

1. This is where I teach. Instead of having to listen to recordings or watch me on video (not a treat), you can look on the discussion boards, respond, read, and study at your pleasure. They do having opening and locking dates, so watch for them! I have a question to generate discussion, but go from there! You do not have to answer that question; ask one of your own on the material! I take test questions from the study questions AND discussion board!

2. These discussions are REQUIRED. THIS IS WHERE I TEACH MY CLASS. You can ask me questions, make comments, or even answer the self-test questions and see what the class and your professor have to say! I check the discussion board M-Th and I interact with students. Each test has a special discussion attached to it. Using the discussion board can give you an edge on your tests, and allow you to ask me questions about material. Each student is responsible for interacting in each discussion. This is worth 1/6th of your grade. I DO NOT DROP ANY OF YOUR DISCUSSION GRADES.

3. I know they look intimidating and confusing. Please give them a chance. We have a lot of fun on them!

4. Discussions do lock. They lock at 7am the day BEFORE the test. You CANNOT post late for any reason. I do NOT accept emailed posts. When the discussions lock you can still view the content.

Please note: I update discussion grades. So if you have a 75 at 9:00AM, you might have an 85 by noon!

5. How I grade discussions:

a. If you post once, I give you a 65-70. If you post more than once, depending on the quality and frequency, you will make between 1 and 10 points.

b. Are you asking intelligent questions and responding properly to other questions? What is the quality of your response? (“Yes, I agree with you.” “How interesting.” are examples of POOR quality).

c. Are you posting 12 hours or less before the discussion closes? If so, I grade much more harshly and I DO NOT reply unless you ask me a direct question or get something wrong.

d. Please use the spell checker! So far, I have not had to grade on writing. However, if I begin to get a lot of text message abbreviations, I will have to begin grading on writing. Please write clearly and try to spell as correctly as possible. I often used my tablet and my spelling can be in error and we can all just try our best!

e. How many times must you post? That depends on your quality. A minimum is four

f. Be aware that I grade on post quality as well as interaction. Read other posts, including mine!

g. Also, DO NOT copy and paste discussion posts or paraphrase from outside sources. I want them in YOUR words.

D. Papers:

There are TWO (2) papers due. Choose TWO (2) of the following:

Paper 1

Paper 2

Fine Arts Analysis Paper

Each choice has a specific due date and you cannot submit after the due date. So be sure to choose wisely.

1. Paper 1 will be:

a. A comparison and contrast between two different works of science, philosophy, religion, or fiction. You may choose Choice 1, Choice 2, Choice 3, or Choice 4 from the below list. These are PAIRS and you will work with just one Choice. Therefore, if you wish Choice 1, your paper will discuss required selections from the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Bible. On-line versions are available, as noted. YOU ARE FREE TO USE ANY TRANSLATION OR EDITION YOU WISH. THE ONLINE SOURCES ARE SUGGESTIONS.I have indicated the chapter(s), act(s), or verse(s). The paper is due by 11:59PM February 26!

b. Directions:

From this list, select one pair and write a paper in formal academic style.

Consider what each work says about its respective society in which it was written. For 25 points, you need to answer this question in the body of your paper: What does it say about gender relations, class relations, or violence in its specific society? Each work reflects its own particular society in a unique fashion. You will need to consider how it does that and how the pieces show the differences between their respective societies. For example, what makes the Epic of Gilgamesh expressly Babylonian and Genesis expressly Hebrew? Why is Pride and Prejudice Regency England and "A Doll's House" Victorian? You will need to read in Bishop about the works, their eras, and their societies.

c. Choices:

Choice 1: Epic of Gilgamesh/Genesis

Epic of Gilgamesh, www.ancienttexts.org, (11th Tablet: The Flood). Click on Library to access, the click on Mesopotamian

Holy Bible, “Genesis” Chs. 6-9 http://holy-bible-online.com

Choice 2: Pride and Prejudice/”A Doll’s House”

Pride and Prejudice, Chs. 1-7 http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog Choose A, then scroll down to

Austen, Jane. Select Pride and Prejudice (English). Select read on-line.

Ibsen, “A Dolls House” read Acts I and II http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog . Choose I, then scroll down

to Ibsen, Henrik. Choose “A Doll’s House-Play” (English) Select read on-line.

Choice 3: On the Revolution of Heavenly Spheres, The Origin of the Species

On the Revolution of Heavenly Spheres, Forward, Letter, To His Holiness, Book One http://webexhibits.org/calendars/year-text-Copernicus.html

The Origin of the Species, Introduction, Ch. 1

http://www.darwin-literature.com/The_Origin_of_Species/1.html

Choice 4: The Social Contract, Republic

Social Contract, Book 3, chapters 1-4, http://www.constitution.org/jjr/socon.htm

Republic, Book One, http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/republic.2.i.html

2. Paper 2 will be

a. An analysis of ONE (1) of the following artists and paintings (these are in your book):

Bosch, “The Creations of Eve…” (7th edition, pg. 236-237)

Rubens “The Garden of Love” (7th edition pg. 277)

Chardin, “Boy Spinning Top” (7th edition, pg. 305)

Lange, "Migrant Mother" (7th edition, pg. 384)

Or a composer and piece of music from this list (You can use the links below or find your own version)

Purcell, "”Dido’s Lament” http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=dido's%20lament&qs=n&form=QBVR&pq=dido's%20lament&sc=8-13&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&mid=B466E630ED70173BBCEBB466E630ED70173BBCEB

Vivaldi, "Four Seasons” excerpt

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=mercury%20baroque&qs=n&form=QBVR&pq=mercury%20baroque&sc=7-15&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&mid=B819353A440717E1D143B819353A440717E1D143

Beethoven, “Moonlight Sonata”

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=beethoven%20moonlight%20sonata&qs=VI&form=QBVR&pq=beethoven&sc=8-9&sp=4&sk=VI3#view=detail&mid=54D492015DF7090EAE0954D492015DF7090EAE09

Duke Ellington, “Mood Indigo”

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=duke+ellington+mood+indigo&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=0326C200975A861689D90326C200975A861689D9

b. For this paper, you will explain, in detail, how the work or art or piece of music reflects the person who created it, and how it exemplifies the specific era in which it was created. This section is worth 25 points, so be explicit! You must give a brief biography of the artist/composer, as well. You will need to use your book and outside sources. Be sure to provide a bibliography. Look under Content for helpful suggestions.

c. Due March 26 by 11:59pm!

3. Fine Arts Critique

A. Select a live fine arts event. A fine arts event is theatre, dance, concert, opera, or a visit to a museum. Email a link to it and ask my permission. Once I give permission, do the following

1. buy a ticket or, if free, show up

2. Have someone there (Ushers/dosens are always willing) take a picture of you there somewhere identifiable or with a playbill/museum brochure in your hand

3. Enjoy

4. Write a detailed analysis. Include the photo or you can send the photo to me. The analysis must be in proper essay form (paragraphs) without slang or contractions. You may use personal references. It should contain:

a. a brief description of the event

b. explain if it engaged you. How? Why?

c. discuss strong points. discuss weak points

d. Overall, how would you rate it? Why? Would you recommend it to classmates? Why or why not?

Submit to turnitin.com or the DropBox by April 23 at 11:59PM. I WILL NOT ACCEPT A LATE PAPER FOR ANY REASON.

I have recommendations and links under Content: Fine Arts Analysis. However, please do not ask me to find an event for you. Locating an event is up to you.

XI: Writing Hints:

Papers and essays are to be written in formal academic style. This means these are formal papers. The Fine Arts Analysis is less formal. See it for details.

The recommended book, Writing about Art, is recommended for students with limited knowledge about writing about art and music, as well as students who need a refresher on how to document, cite, and even put together a cohesive essay. This book is NOT required, but if you need extra help, you might wish to consider purchasing it.

Do NOT:

Use contractions (don’t, isn’t, wouldn’t, it’s)

Use personal references (I think, in my opinion, you, me, I)

Slang

Offensive language

Never plagiarize! When in doubt, use a citation. These would look like this: (Austen, 21).

Contact me if you need further help.

Please limit the number of quotes you use. No more than 10% of your paper should be quotes.

XII. Reading Requirements:

For the Midterm and the Final:

Philip Bishop, Adventures in the Human Spirit (Seventh Edition).

Chapters 1-8

For the Final

Bishop, Adventures in the Human Spirit (7th Edition)

Chapters 9-15

XIII. Calendar of Readings and Assignments

Please note: self-study and review questions are not turned in. They exist to help you understand the most important points of the reading. You are welcome to post your answers to them on the discussion board or ask for help with them.

Week One: January 17-22

____Read Chapter One: Humanities and Introduction to the Adventure (skim this chapter)

____Read Chapter Two: The Ancient World

____Get on First Discussion Board and post

______________________________________________________

Week Two: January 23-29

____Read Chapter Three: Ancient Greece

____Post on First Discussion Board

____Work on Paper 1

____Extra Credit #1 due January 24. Optional

_____________________________________________________

Week Three: January 29-February 5

____Read Chapter Four: Ancient Rome

____Post on First Discussion Board

____Work on Paper 1 if chosen

______________________________________________________

Week Four: February 6-12

____Read Chapter Five: The Spirit of Monotheism (will be on Test 1)

____Post on First Discussion Board. Locks February 9 at 7:00AM

____Test 1: Opens February 10 around 7:00AM. It is due February 12 by 11:59PM in Test 1 DropBox

____Self Study and Review Questions for Chapters 1-4

1. What are the Humanities? Why study them?

2. Consider the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. How are they similar? How do they differ? What role does religion play?

3. Ancient Athens dominated politics, art, philosophy, and architecture. Explain how each of these differs from earlier civilizations

4. Compare and contrast everyday life in ancient Athens and Rome. What was life like for women, children, the rich, and the poor?

5. Compare and contrast art, architecture, philosophy, and the arts in ancient Rome and ancient Greece.

Review Question for Chapter 5:

1. How does religion shape civilizations? Consider Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

_____________________________________________________________

Week Five: February 13- 19

___Read Chapter Six: The Early Middle Ages

___Post on Second Discussion Board

___Check my comments on Test 1.

______________________________________________________

Week Six: February 20-26

____Read Chapter Seven: The Late Middle Ages

____Post on Second Discussion Board

___Paper 1 due February 26

_____________________________________________________

Week Seven: February 27-March 5

____Read Chapter Eight: The Renaissance Spirit in Italy

____Check my comments on Paper 1

____Post on Second Discussion Board

____Self-Study and Review Questions for Chapters 6, 7, 8:

1. What elements make medieval life unique? Consider arts, politics, and religion

2. How much of the Medieval World comes directly from ancient Rome? What, specifically comes from it? Why?

3. Compare and contrast the Early and Late Middle Ages. Which was more stable and why?

Review Questions for Chapter Eight:

4. What makes the Renaissance a rebirth?

5. Explain the importance of humanism to the Renaissance

_____Extra Credit #2 and #3 Due February 27 by 11:59pm

____Post on Second Discussion Board. Locks March 2 at 7:00AM

____Midterm: Opens March 3 at 7:00AM on D2L. It is due March 5 by 11:59pm in the Midterm DropBox

__________________________________________________

Week Eight: February March 6-12

____Read Chapter Nine: Reformation and Late Renaissance

_____Check my comments on Midterm

____Post on Third Discussion Board

_____________________________________________________

Week Nine: March 13- 19

SPRING BREAK

___Read Chapter Ten: The Spirit of the Baroque

____Work on Paper 2

____Post on Third Discussion Board

Week Ten: March 20-26

____Read Chapter Eleven: The Spirit of Enlightenment

____Post on Third Discussion Board

____Paper Due March 26 in the Paper 2 Dropbox

______________________________________________________

Week Eleven: March 27- April 2

____ Read Chapter Twelve: Revolution and Romanticism

____Post on Third Discussion Board

____Self Study and Review Questions for Chapters 10, 11, 12

1. What was life like in the Northern Renaissance world? How does the Reformation touch that life?

2. Compare and contrast the Renaissance and the Baroque. How do politics play a role in each era?

3. The Enlightenment is often called the era of reason. Is this accurate, when looking at its humanities? Why or why not?

4. What makes the Romantic Movement unique?

______________________________________________________

Week Twelve: April 3-9

____ Read Chapter Thirteen: The Industrial Age

___Self Study and Review Question for Chapter 13

1. Why is the era called the Industrial REVOLUTION? What was revolutionary about it?

____Post on Third Discussion Board. Locks April 6 at 7:00AM

____Test 2: Opens April 7 at 7:00AM. Due April 9 by 11:59PM in the Test 2 DropBox

______________________________________________________

Week Thirteen: April 10- 16

____Read Chapter Fourteen: The Spirit of Modernism

____Post on Final Discussion Board

____Read my comments on Test 2

______________________________________________________

Week Fourteen: April 17-23

____Read Chapter Fifteen: The Contemporary Spirit

____Post on Final Discussion Board

____Fine Arts Paper due on April 23 by 11:59pm in the Fine Arts Paper DropBox

Week Fifteen: April 24- April 30

___Post on Final Discussion Board

___Get ready for the Final

_______________________________________________________________________

Week Sixteen: May 1-7

_____Final Discussion Board closes 7:00AM May 4.

____Final Examination opens around 7:00AM on May 5. You must submit it by 11:59PM, May 7 in the Final DropBox.

____Self Study and Review Questions for Chapters 13, 14 and 15:

1. How do you react to art from the 20th Century? Why?

2. The Industrial Age grew directly from the previous two eras. Explain how its art reflects this influence.

3. How did the violence of the 20th Century shape its humanities?

4. What are the most important influences on art in the 20th Century?

5. The Industrial Age grew directly from the previous two eras. Explain how its art reflects this influence

XIV. Grade Distribution and How to Calculate Your Course Grade

4 Discussions Averaged= 1/6th

4 tests, lowest dropped= 3 tests. Each test is worth 1/6th for a total of 3/6th (or 1/2)

Papers = 2/6ths or 1/3rd

Under Content, I have a folder on how to calculate your grade.

XV. HELP! I’M DROWNING!

Online can be a lot of work. The best thing to do is to make a schedule. Here is a sample of the first week

Day One:

___Print and read the syllabus. Print the Printable Checklist from Content. Read everything under Content. Yes, EVERYTHING!

___Do Extra Credit #1. Do all parts. Follow the directions exactly. You will find them in Content, ALL EXTRA CREDIT on D2L

___Skim Chapter One

___Do what I want. I have this covered

Day Two:

___Read Chapter Two.

___Post on First Discussion Board

___Time to kick back

Day Three

___Do Extra Credit #2. It’s easy and I might need it

___Keep Reading Chapter 2

___Do what I want. I need the break

Day Four

___Better post on the discussion board!

___I never did finish Chapter 2 so now I finish it

___Check out the discussion questions on the syllabus. They look reasonable.

Day Five

___Begin to think about my papers. Or do I want to attend a fine arts event? Decisions!

___Post on the Discussion Board

Day Six

___Start to read for my paper. I have to do at least one Paper. Check out Fine Arts listed under Content.

Day Seven

___Time to rest

I hope that helps!

XVI. Other Important phone numbers:

Division Chair Wayne Pryor: 979-230-3222

Student Success Center: 9879-230-3527

Counseling and Advising: 979-230-3040

Financial Aid: 979-230-3294

Student Life: 979-230-3355

IT Department for computer, email, etc. 979-230-3266