Humanities in Focus

Course Description

"Humanities in Focus" is an engaging and thought-provoking course designed to introduce learners to the fascinating world of humanities. This course offers a unique opportunity to explore the essence of humanities, its significance in today's world, and its personal relevance to each student. Through interactive discovery activities, insightful lectures, and reflective discussions, learners will gain a deeper understanding of how humanities can be applied to various aspects of life and professional fields.

What Students Will Learn

  • A comprehensive understanding of what humanities is and its distinctive perspective
  • The importance of humanities in addressing contemporary global issues
  • How to apply humanistic inquiry to various disciplines, including film, art, history, and language
  • The ability to question, humanize, and connect problems and issues from a humanities perspective
  • How to personalize and apply humanities concepts to their own field of expertise
  • Comparative analysis of Asian and Western approaches to world issues

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course, making it accessible to learners from all backgrounds. However, an open mind and willingness to engage in critical thinking and self-reflection will greatly enhance the learning experience.

Course Coverage

  • Definition and scope of humanities
  • Humanistic inquiry and its importance in asking questions
  • Application of humanities to film, art, history, and language
  • Exploration of global issues such as gender equality, environmental concerns, and migration
  • Analysis of challenges and opportunities in a changing world
  • Examination of human consciousness and unconscious assumptions
  • Health and crisis communication from a humanities perspective
  • Real-world applications of humanities in various professional fields

Who This Course Is For

  • Students from any academic background interested in broadening their perspective
  • Professionals seeking to enhance their problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Anyone curious about the role of humanities in addressing contemporary issues
  • Individuals looking to develop a more holistic and nuanced understanding of the world

Real-World Applications

  • Enhancing problem-solving abilities in professional settings
  • Improving communication and empathy in personal and professional relationships
  • Developing a more nuanced understanding of global issues and cultural differences
  • Applying critical thinking to analyze and address complex societal problems
  • Fostering creativity and innovation in various fields of expertise
  • Enhancing decision-making processes by considering multiple perspectives

Syllabus

Module 1: What is Humanities?

  • Understanding humanistic inquiry
  • Importance of asking questions in humanities
  • Engaging in ongoing conversations about world issues

Module 2: Why does Humanities Matter?

  • Exploring film, art, history, and language through humanistic inquiry
  • Examining issues such as gender equality, environmental concerns, and migration
  • Questioning, humanizing, and connecting problems from a humanities perspective

Module 3: Why does Humanities Matter to Me?

  • Personalizing humanities concepts
  • Applying humanities perspective to individual fields of expertise
  • Identifying and solving problems using a humanities approach

Throughout the course, learners will engage in interactive activities, watch lecture videos, participate in discussions, and reflect on their understanding. The integration of GenAI technology allows for deeper exploration of course topics, enhancing the overall learning experience.