Big Questions in the Humanities and Fine Arts

Course Description

This class explores how the study of literature and rhetoric addresses significant philosophical, historical, and social issues with a focus on topics related to critical thinking in the humanities and fine arts. Topics will vary depending on instructors.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Critically analyze claims, arguments, artifacts or information.
  • Construct coherent, evidence-based arguments.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Seven multiple-choice quizzes 55%
Four discussion board posts 20%
First in-class essay 10%
Second in-class essay 15%

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
93.0 and aboveA
90.0 – 92.9A-
87.0 – 89.9B+
83.0 – 86.9B
80.0 – 82.9B-
77.0 – 79.9C+
73.0 – 76.9C
70.0 – 72.9C-
67.0 – 69.9D+
63.0 – 66.9D
60.0 – 62.9D-
Below 60.0F

Attendance/Participation:

Regular class attendance is a responsibility and a privilege of university education. It is fundamental to the orderly acquisition of knowledge. Students should recognize the advantages of regular class attendance, accept it as a personal responsibility, and apprise themselves of the consequences of poor attendance.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

  • Amis, Kingsley. The Green Man. NYRB Classics
  • Braine, John. Room at the Top. Valancourt
  • Dunn, Nell. Up the Junction. Catapult
  • Hamilton, Patrick. Hangover Square. Abacus
  • Hampson, John. Saturday Night at the Greyhound. Valancourt
  • Warner, Alan. Our Ladies. Vintage
  • West, Rebecca. The Return of the Soldier. Penguin
  • Williams, Roy. Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads. Bloomsbury

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.