Humanities courses
Department of Humanities | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
間眅埶AV Calendar 2012 Spring
The following are all the courses offered in this area. To view the current course catalog and/or course schedule on the Student Information System, visit (select "Class Search/Course Schedule" on the left menu).
HUM 101W-3 Introduction to the Humanities
An introduction to issues and concepts central to the study of the Humanities. Through exposure to primary materials drawn from different periods and disciplines, students will become acquainted with a range of topics and ideas relating to the study of human values and human experience. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 102W-3 Classical Mythology
An introduction to the central myths of the Greeks and Romans. The course will investigate the nature, function, and meaning of myths in the classical world and their considerable influence on western civilization. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 103-3 The Invention of the Book: Alphabets, Papyrus, Parchment, and Print
The book as we know it did not always exist; it was invented. This course will explore the creation and spread of writing, the emergence of scribal cultures, and the birth of the book, which came to be the greatest of all material, cultural and intellectual objects, one that shaped and transformed civilization. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 105-3 Western Civilization from the Ancient World to the Reformation Era
A study of some of the most important features of western civilization from its origins until the mid-16th century. Prerequisite: students who have taken HIST 105 prior to 2007 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 130-3 Introduction to Religious Studies
An introduction to concepts central to the academic study of religion exploring various relevant methodologies. Provides a framework for understanding the many ways in which humans experience the phenomenon of the sacred through symbol, ritual, doctrine and experience in a variety of religious traditions and cultures. Students who have taken HUM 230 prior to 2007 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities
HUM 161-3 Latin I
An introduction to the Latin language.
HUM 162-3 Latin II
The continuation of Latin I. Prerequisite: HUM 161 or permission of the instructor.
HUM 201-3 Great Texts: Ancient World to Renaissance
An intensive study of some of the major works which have had a formative influence on the structure and development of western thought. Reading and discussion of primary texts and the major themes which emerge from them will introduce students to essential philosophical, literary, social, and religious themes of western civilization. Texts for this course will be drawn from the Ancient World, Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Prerequisite: 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 202-3 Great Texts: Renaissance to Modernity
An intensive study of some of the major works which have had a formative influence on the structure and development of western thought. Reading and discussion of primary texts and the major themes which emerge from them will introduce students to essential philosophical, literary, social and religious themes of western civilization. Texts for this course will be drawn from the 17th century through to the modern period. Prerequisite: 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 203-3 Great Texts: Asian Thought and Literature
An introduction to classic texts which have endured as monuments of Asian thought and literature. Readings and discussions of primary texts and their central ideas will introduce students to philosophical, literary and religious themes in a selected, major Asian tradition. Prerequisite: 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 204-3 Great Religious Texts
A study of some of the key works which have had a formative influence on major religious traditions. Primary texts will be selected to illustrate core elements in the religious understanding of human life and its relationship to the sacred. Prerequisite: 30 units. HUM 130 (HUM 230 prior to 2007) is recommended.
HUM 211-3 Art and Literature of the Italian Renaissance
An interdisciplinary introduction to the art and literature of the Italian Renaissance (c. 1300-c. 1500). Studies the major developments in Renaissance Italian painting, sculpture and architecture alongside some of the most influential texts of the period. Prerequisite: 30 units.
HUM 216-3 The Ancient World
Aspects of the ancient history and culture of the Near East, Greece and Rome. Recommended: HUM 105 (formerly HIST 105 prior to 2007). Students who have taken HIST 216 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 219-3 The Early Middle Ages
An examination of Eastern and Western Christendom from Late Antiquity to the 12th-Century Renaissance emphasizing religious, political, cultural, and social change. Students who have taken HIST 219 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 240-3 Studies in Modern European Culture
A thematic approach to European culture through the examination of a selection from historical, literary, philosophical and/or aesthetic materials. Prerequisite: 30 units.
HUM 302W-4 The Golden Age of Greece: An Integrated Society
The study of Athenian society in the 5th century BC, a period unique in the record of human achievement during which virtually all the major humanistic fields were either initiated or received significant new impetus. Prerequisite: 45 units. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 303-4 The Latin Humanist Tradition
Studies in the writings of various Latin authors. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 305-4 Medieval Studies
A detailed interdisciplinary analysis of a selected topic, issue, or personality in the Middle Ages. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 307-4 Carolingian Civilization
A focused interdisciplinary study of the Carolingian civilization achieved in early medieval Europe under Charlemagne and his family. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 309-4 Literatures and the Arts Across Cultures
An interdisciplinary study of literary texts in translation and/or art forms across cultures and periods. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken this topic under HUM 381 or 382 may not take this course for further credit.
HUM 311-4 Italian Renaissance Humanism
A study of the major writings, cultural milieu, and influence of the humanist movement of the Italian Renaissance. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 312W-4 Renaissance Studies
A detailed interdisciplinary analysis of a selected topic, issue, or personality from the Italian and/or Northern Renaissance. Prerequisite: 45 units. Writing.
HUM 320-4 The Humanities and Philosophy
An exploration of the characteristic ways in which the humanities, with its emphasis on expression, belief and tradition, presents the important philosophical concepts of western civilization. Based upon an interdisciplinary selection of texts drawn from history, philosophy, literature and the arts. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 321-4 The Humanities and Critical Thinking
A study of the counter-traditions within western civilization. Compares and contrasts diverse traditions within western culture that critique its central value systems. It will focus on the attempts of great artists and thinkers to break with tradition, and the subsequent creation of new ideas and forms of experience and expression. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 321W-4 The Humanities of Critical Thinking
A study of the counter-traditions within western civilization. Compares and contrasts diverse traditions within western culture that critique its central value systems. It will focus on the attempts of great artists and thinkers to break with tradition, and the subsequent creation of new ideas and forms of experience and expression. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HUM 308 may not complete this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities
HUM 323-4 The Humanities in Canada
A study of selected themes from debates in and about the humanities in Canada. Based upon a selection of texts from philosophy, literature, the arts, politics and/or the social sciences. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 325-4 The Humanities and the Natural World
A study of the humanistic, scientific, political, and ideological discourses deriving from concern with the natural environment. Using classic and contemporary sources, this course examines the interaction of humans with the non-human world, and includes such topics as human communities and nature, the immersion of the individual in nature, nature and the human habitat. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 330-4 Religion in Context
An in-depth investigation of a specific case of religious history and tradition. Religion will be studied through the cultural and historical contexts that pervade and structure religious meaning and expression. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 331-4 Studies in Asian Religions
Studies the history and traditions of specific Asian religions through the cultural and historical contexts that structure religious meaning. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 332-4 Mythology in Context
A detailed interdisciplinary study of the role of mythology within a particular culture or tradition. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: HUM 102.
HUM 340-4 Great Cities in Their Time
An exploration of the cultural and intellectual accomplishments of a specific city that achieved prominence in a particular time period, and had substantial impact and influence on human civilization. Examines the political, social, religious, and cultural factors that help to explain a city's significance and investigates the achievements of its citizens. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 350-4 Great Figures in the Humanistic Tradition
An interdisciplinary study of the life and works of a man or woman who has made a lasting contribution to the humanistic tradition in more than one field of endeavor (e.g. philosophy, politics, literature, economics, religion). Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken this topic under another Humanities course number cannot take this course for further credit.
HUM 360-4 Great Themes in the Humanistic Tradition
An interdisciplinary study of a selected theme that has made a lasting contribution to the humanistic tradition in more than one field of endeavour (e.g. philosophy, politics, literature, economics, religion). Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken a course with this content under another Humanities course may not take this course for further credit.
HUM 375-4 The Woodsworth Seminar
A special topic in the humanities to be offered by the Woodsworth chair. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 381-4 Selected Topics in the Humanities I
Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 382-4 Selected Topics in the Humanities II
Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 385-4 Selected Topics in European Studies
An interdisciplinary approach to a topic focusing on European thought and culture. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 390-4 Directed Studies in Humanities
Prerequisite: two of any 300 division humanities courses or permission of the chair plus permission of instructor. This course may be used only once for credit towards a degree and is reserved for Humanities Major, Joint Major, Extended Minor, Minor and PBD students.
HUM 401-4 Pre-Modern Studies
A detailed interdisciplinary analysis of a selected topic, issue, or personality in the pre-modern world. Prerequisite: 45 units, including HUM 101. Students who have completed this topic in HUM 301, 382, or 383 cannot complete this course for further credit.
HUM 422-4 The Humanities and the Critique of Culture
Focuses on the role and practice of cultural critique in the humanities based upon a selection of materials and analytical texts across disciplines. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 471-3 Practicum I
First term of work experience in the Humanities Co-operative Education Program. Students should apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Co-op Education co-ordinator one term in advance. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an 間眅埶AV degree. Prerequisite: a minimum of 30 units with nine units in Humanities courses and a minimum CGPA of 2.75
HUM 472-3 Practicum II
Second term of work experience in the Humanities Co-operative Education Program. Students should apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Co-op Education co-ordinator one term in advance. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an 間眅埶AV degree. Prerequisite: successful completion of HUM 471, a minimum of 45 units with nine units in Humanities courses plus a minimum CGPA of 2.75.
HUM 473-3 Practicum III
Third term of work experience in the Humanities Co-operative Education Program. Students should apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Co-op Education co-ordinator one term in advance. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an 間眅埶AV degree. Prerequisite: successful completion of HUM 472, a minimum of 60 units with nine units in Humanities courses plus a minimum CGPA of 2.75.
HUM 474-3 Practicum IV
Fourth term of work experience in the Humanities Co-operative Education Program. Students should apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Co-op Education co-ordinator one term in advance. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an 間眅埶AV degree. Prerequisite: successful completion of HUM 473, a minimum of 75 units with nine units in Humanities courses plus a minimum CGPA of 2.75.
HUM 480-4 Advanced Topics in the Humanities
Prerequisite: 45 units, including HUM 101.
HUM 490-5 Humanities Seminar
A graduating course required for students in the honors program (but open to majors and joint majors with permission of the department). The seminar focuses on issues and texts in the humanities. Topics to be addressed vary according to faculty interest and student need. Prerequisite: Students should have completed all of their lower division requirements, and at least two 300-division humanities courses. Restricted to honors students and, with department approval, to majors and joint majors in humanities. Students who completed HUM 400 may not complete this course for further credit.
HUM 495-5 Honors Essay
A research and writing project culminating in the completion of a substantial essay on a humanities topic. Students are required to make a formal presentation and defence of their essay. Prerequisite: This course is restricted to students in the honors program. Students should have completed all of the lower division requirements for the honors program, and at least two 300-division humanities courses. Before registering for the course, students should have the signature of a faculty member who is willing to supervise their project. Approval of the humanities chair is also required. Students may complete this course concurrently with HUM 490 or upon completion of HUM 490.
HUM 800-5 Theories and Methods in the Humanities
Textual interpretation in the Humanities within the context of interdisciplinary approaches and the five thematic modules: classical and medieval thought and culture, modernity and its discontents, religion and culture, cross-cultural translation, humanities and citizenship.
HUM 801-5 Research Development Seminar in the Humanities
Articulation and refinement of research agendas and prospectus and thesis through faculty guidance and group work.
HUM 802-5 Themes in the Humanities
Focuses on one of five following thematic modules: classical and medieval thought and culture, modernity and its discontents, religion and culture, cross-cultural translation, humanities and citizenship.
HUM 803-6 MA Thesis
HUM 804-5 Directed Readings
HUM 805-5 Special Topics
An in-depth study of a theme or aspect in the Humanities; topics will vary from offering to offering in order to meet the needs of the graduate cohort.