HUM 111: Humanities through the Arts

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2025
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 162
Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000.
District General Education: C2. Humanities
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Proposed
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

An approach to the Humanities through the study of seven major arts: music, sculpture, painting, literature, architecture, performing, and film. Each art is considered from the perspective of historical development, elements, meaning, form, and critical evaluation. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Identify and discuss key themes and developments in the humanities.
  • Analyze and interpret important terms, works, figures, and artists within philosophy, literature, and the visual and performing arts.
  • Compare and contrast significant terms, works, figures, and artists across philosophy, literature, and the visual and performing arts.
  • Critically evaluate cultural creations within the humanities context.

Major Course Content

  1. Fundamentals
    1. The Humanities: An Introduction
      1. Overview of the humanities disciplines
      2. Importance and relevance of studying the humanities
    2. What Is a Work of Art?
      1. Definitions and interpretations of art
      2. Exploration of artistic expression and creativity
    3. Being a Critic of the Arts
      1. Understanding and developing critical thinking skills in analyzing art
      2. Various approaches to art criticism
  2. The Arts
    1. Painting
      1. History and evolution of painting as an art form
      2. Examination of different painting techniques and styles
    2. Sculpture
      1. Overview of sculptural techniques and materials
      2. Exploration of sculpture's role in artistic expression
    3. Architecture
      1. Survey of architectural styles and movements
      2. Analysis of the relationship between architecture and society
    4. Literature
      1. Study of literary genres, themes, and techniques
      2. Analysis of notable literary works and authors
    5. Theater
      1. Exploration of theatrical traditions and performance styles
      2. Examination of key elements of dramatic expression
    6. Music
      1. Overview of musical genres, forms, and instruments
      2. Analysis of music composition and performance techniques
    7. Dance
      1. Survey of dance styles and traditions
      2. Exploration of choreography and movement interpretation
    8. Photography
      1. History and development of photography as an art form
      2. Analysis of photographic techniques and aesthetics
    9. Cinema
      1. Evolution of film as a visual medium
      2. Study of film genres, techniques, and influential filmmakers
    10. Television and Video Art
      1. Examination of television and video as artistic mediums
      2. Analysis of visual storytelling and artistic expression in the digital age
  3. Interrelationships
    1. Is It Art or Something Like It?
      1. Exploration of the boundaries and definitions of art
      2. Discussion on the concept of "high" and "low" art
    2. The Interrelationships of the Arts
      1. Examination of how different art forms influence and inspire each other
      2. Analysis of interdisciplinary artistic collaborations
    3. The Interrelationships of the Humanities
      1. Discussion on the interconnectedness of various humanities disciplines
      2. Exploration of how the humanities contribute to a comprehensive understanding of human culture and society

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Primary Source readings will be provided for in-class analysis.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Briefly explain some of the similarities and differences in how one might approach a critique of a painting as opposed to a critique of a sculpture. Similarly, explain some of the similarities and differences in how one would approach a critique of a sculpture in comparison to a work of architecture. Use reasons and examples to support your answer.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Students will visit an area museum and evaluate a work of art that relates to course material/content.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture