The Humanities in Western Culture

This interdisciplinary course in Western culture integrates the arts of literature, painting, music, sculpture, film, and the discipline of philosophy. In order to better understand why we are the way we are, our studies are centered on our cultural heritage--from Greece, early Christianity, and the Renaissance to the present day. The course involves students and teacher in an analysis of the human issues and achievements in Western culture in an attempt to make sense of the universe. Attention will be given to the following universal concepts in human thought: search for freedom, search for truth, search for beauty, identity with God, identification with the natural world, and relationship with society. Seminar participation, several short papers and final examination are required.