Academic Catalog
2023-2024

Humanities (HUMN)

HUMN-380   Anticipating Futures: Technology, Nature, Society    4 Credits

Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
As we “make things work,” what kind of world are we making? This environmental humanities course uses technology as a form of inquiry to explore patterns and revolutions in human thought, identify the ways in which societies become organized, and imagine and prepare for a sustainable, just future. Course questions include: What is technology and what is it for? To what extent does technology affect consciousness? How does technology and speed affect humans’ relationship with each other and the natural world? Do technological artifacts have a politics and an ethics? How might we rethink our relation to energy to further equitable, sustainable practices and climate resilience? How does technological design both shape and become shaped by the way we imagine and choose to design societies? Ultimately, this course encourages students to integrate knowledge of historical, cultural, and social contexts to reflect on how to further a sustainable present and future.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

HUMN-391  Special Topics in Humanities    4 Credits

Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
An interdisciplinary course focusing on a specific topic. The purpose of the course is to bring to bear on one geographical area, historical era, artistic movement, or cultural phenomenon the perspectives of several disciplines within the humanities, thus providing a comprehensive and coherent examination of the chosen topic. This course may be repeated for credit under different topics.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

HUMN-499  Humanities Independent Study    4 Credits

Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
This course facilitates depth and breadth of study in a particular area of the Humanities. This course may not serve as a substitute for any of the courses in the general education component, including the Humanities elective and senior seminar. Students must request and receive approval of the independent study topic with the instructor.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0