This interdisciplinary course introduces the major methods and ideas of the Humanities by examining selected works of literature, philosophy, and history produced by a variety of cultures in different chronological periods. It offers a fundamental understanding of the humanities' unique roles in identifying and evaluating human values and ethical perspectives in their historical and contemporary contexts. Understanding the various ways cultural products both reflect and shape the larger political, socioeconomic and religious belief systems and, to some extent, even physical and natural environments, will hone students’ ability to identify, analyze and articulate individual, social and cultural values and the implications of decisions made on the basis of those values.
FSS.