Humanities Courses
HUM 101W - Introduction to the Humanities (3)
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. Prerequisite: . Equivalent Courses: HUM101. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 102W - Classical Mythology (3)
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. Prerequisite: . Equivalent Courses: HUM102. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 103 - The Invention of the Book: Alphabets, Papyrus, Parchment, and Print (3)
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 - Western Civilization from the Ancient World to the Reformation Era (3)
A study of some of the most important features of western civilization from its origins until the mid-16th century. Students with credit for HIST 105 prior to 2007 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 106 - Art and the Humanities (3)
An introduction to the study of art across cultures and periods. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 130 - Introduction to Religious Studies (3)
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. Equivalent Courses: GS230 HUM230. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 151 - Ancient Greek I (3)
An introduction to the classical Greek language.
HUM 152 - Ancient Greek II (3)
The continuation of Ancient Greek I. Prerequisite: HUM 151 or permission of the instructor.
HUM 161 - Latin I (3)
An introduction to the Latin language.
HUM 162 - Latin II (3)
The continuation of Latin I. Prerequisite: HUM 161 or permission of the instructor.
HUM 201 - Great Texts: Ancient World to Renaissance (3)
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 - Great Texts: Renaissance to Modernity (3)
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 - Great Texts: Asian Thought and Literature (3)
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 - Great Religious Texts (3)
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. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 211 - Art and Literature of the Italian Renaissance (3)
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. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 216 - The Ancient World (3)
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. Equivalent Courses: HIST216. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 219 - The Early Middle Ages (3)
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. Equivalent Courses: HIST219. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 222 - European Art (3)
European art as viewed through the history of art forms, ideas, material culture, and/or literature. Prerequisite: 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 240 - Studies in Modern European Culture (3)
A thematic approach to European culture through the examination of a selection from historical, literary, philosophical and/or aesthetic materials. Prerequisite: 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 302W - The Golden Age of Greece: An Integrated Society (4)
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. Students with credit for HUM 302 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 303 - The Latin Humanist Tradition (4)
Studies in the writings of various Latin authors. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 305 - Medieval Studies (4)
A detailed interdisciplinary analysis of a selected topic, issue, or personality in the Middle Ages. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 307 - Carolingian Civilization (4)
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 - Literatures and the Arts Across Cultures (4)
An interdisciplinary study of literary texts in translation and/or art forms across cultures and periods. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HUM 381 or 382 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 311 - Italian Renaissance Humanism (4)
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 - Renaissance Studies (4)
A detailed interdisciplinary analysis of a selected topic, issue, or personality from the Italian and/or Northern Renaissance. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HUM 312 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 320 - The Humanities and Philosophy (4)
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 - The Humanities and Critical Thinking (4)
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 - The Humanities and Critical Thinking (4)
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. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 325 - The Humanities and the Natural World (4)
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 - Religion in Context (4)
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. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 331 - Special Topics in Asian Religious Traditions (4)
Studies a specific Asian religious tradition through the cultural and historical contexts that structure religious meaning. Students may repeat this course once for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 332 - Mythology in Context (4)
A detailed interdisciplinary study of the role of mythology within a particular culture or tradition. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: HUM 102. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 340 - Great Cities in Their Time (4)
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. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 350 - Special Topics: Great Figures in the Humanistic Tradition (4)
An interdisciplinary study of the life and works of an individual who has made a lasting contribution to the humanistic tradition in more than one field of endeavour (e.g. philosophy, politics, literature, economics, religion). This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for this topic under another Humanities course number may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 360 - Special Topics: Great Themes in the Humanistic Tradition (4)
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). This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have credit for a course with this content under another Humanities course may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 375 - The Woodsworth Seminar (4)
A special topic in the humanities to be offered by the Woodsworth chair. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 381 - Selected Topics in the Humanities I (4)
Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 382 - Selected Topics in Asian Cultures (4)
An in-depth study on a specific aspect of Asian cultures in the modern period, including art, film, media and/or literature. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 385 - Selected Topics in European Studies (4)
An interdisciplinary approach to a topic focusing on European thought and culture. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 387 - Selected Topics in European Art and Culture (4)
An interdisciplinary approach to European art, material culture, and/or literature in the modern period. Repeat for credit. Prerequisite: 45 units.
HUM 390 - Directed Studies in Humanities (4)
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. Prerequisite: Two of any 300 division humanities courses or permission of the chair plus permission of instructor.
HUM 422 - The Humanities and the Critique of Culture (4)
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, including HUM 101. Breadth-Humanities.
HUM 480 - Advanced Topics in the Humanities (4)
Prerequisite: 45 units, including HUM 101.
HUM 800 - Theories and Methods in the Humanities (5)
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 - Research Development Seminar in the Humanities (5)
Articulation and refinement of research agendas and prospectus and thesis through faculty guidance and group work.
HUM 802 - Themes in the Humanities (5)
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 - MA Thesis (10)
HUM 804 - Directed Readings (5)
HUM 805 - Special Topics (5)
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.