Course Descriptions
HUM500: Research Methods
Students explore various research techniques, apply that knowledge to an analysis of existing research and design and implement their own research projects. The course includes preparation of a literature review, qualitative and quantitative approaches, triangulation methods, research designs, threats to internal and external validity, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and ethical considerations. Note: If required as a prerequisite this course must be taken in the first year of graduate studies. Available online.
HUM501: Social and Ethical Issues: A Global Perspective
With the explosion of worldwide communications, the globalization of the economy, and the increase of international conflicts, this course takes a global perspective on major ethical issues impacting our daily lives as members of a world community. From business to world politics, students will examine enduring ethical concepts. Case studies will be used to explore contemporary applications to such concerns as armed conflict, overpopulation, global degradation, and education and literacy. This course will encourage students to seek solutions to improve the world in which we live. Available online.
HUM503: Great Writers I
Classic authors of major influence in world literature are discussed in relation to the humanities. Emphasis is directed to recurrent themes in drama, fiction, and poetry that can enrich contemporary appreciation of universal human values as they have been expressed through the ages. Available online.
HUM504: Great Writers II
In this study of such major authors as Plato, Racine, Shakespeare, Goethe, Flaubert and Tolstoy, students continue to read and discuss classic works of major significance. Emphasis is placed on the critical analysis of the works with a view toward understanding and appreciating them not just in their own time period and culture, but also in an attempt to discover how they can both reflect and illuminate contemporary experience. Available online.
HUM 505: Global Traditions I
This course focuses on the distinctive cultural achievements that characterize the seminal traditions and civilizations of the Ancient near east and Mediterranean, and early modern Europe. Students examine the emergence of the humanities as a factor shaping modern Western cultural identity. Available online.
HUM 506: Global traditions II
This course focuses on the cultures and traditions of the eastern world. The arts, wisdom, and ways of life defining the regional traditions and civilizations of the Middle East and Asia are considered in a cross-cultural survey that provides a foundation for comprehending today's global dilemmas and opportunities. Available online.
HUM510: A History of Technology
This course investigates technology's impact on the human condition throughout history. Considered in this investigation are advances in technology based on human ingenuity, observation, and experimentation. Practical examples are taken from fields such as agriculture, communication, education, manufacturing, medicine, and business.
HUM581: Special Topics
Students explore topics of special interest in the humanities. (Special Topics: research colloquium may be taken for 1-3 credits to fulfill the doctoral research requirement.)
HUM590: M.A. Thesis
Students may choose to write a master's thesis under the direction of a faculty member with special competence in the subject. The six-credit thesis should contain sophisticated and clear exposition on an original scholarly theme. Approval must be obtained from the Graduate Program Director.
HUM591: Independent Study
HUM598: Internship
Students may choose to develop an internship experience that allows them to apply humanities knowledge and insights beyond the classroom, gain practical experience, and focus their interdisciplinary studies. Approval must be obtained from the Graduate Program Director.
HUM600: Humanities Problems and Perspectives
Focused on the history of ideas, students survey core readings in the humanities. Perspectives, problems and debates concerning the human relationship to culture and technology are considered in the fields of philosophy, religion, literature, history and art. This course lays the interdisciplinary foundation for the related methods course, HUM618, and later dissertation work. Students prepare an interdisciplinary bibliographic essay on a significant humanities problem or debate.
HUM605: Philosophical Perspectives on the Digital Age
This course provides opportunities for students to investigate technology in historical context as the organization and institutionalization of knowledge for practical purposes. Students examine the effects of technology on the traditional human wisdom that has served as a stabilizing force throughout history. Prerequisites: HUM510 and HUM600 or permission of the Graduate Program Director.
HUM610: The Religious Component of Culture
This course examines the interaction between religion, culture, the human person and the earth, using both general theories of religion and particular traditions. Among the latter, primary but not exclusive emphasis is given to contemporary Roman Catholic and Protestant views, with significant attention also given to American Indian perspectives. Areas explored include interpretations of technology, science, work, social justice, spirituality, moral, evil and death. Prerequisites: HUM510 and HUM600 or permission of the Graduate Program Director.
HUM617: Political Philosophy and Technology
This course examines the role that technology plays in creating political systems that are just and fair. After looking at the origins of the Western liberal tradition in the political philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, we then trace a line of thinking through Locke, Jefferson, and Kant. We close with readings from the contemporary political philosopher John Rawls. Our final objective is to determine the effects particular technological advances have had on the evolution of Western political liberalism and on the adaptability of modern liberal democracy to the developing world. Prerequisites: HUM510 and HUM600 or permission of the Graduate Program Director.
HUM618: Humanities Theory, Method and the Disciplines
This course surveys research methods and theoretical frameworks in the humanities. Students review basic critical and empirical research methods, pure vs. applied research, and quantitative vs. qualitative approaches. Models that combine scholarly perspectives are emphasized, as well as major debates concerning the uses of evidence, theory and method within and across disciplines. Case studies focus on humanities approaches and questions as they intersect with the dilemmas of technological society. Prerequisites: HUM510 and HUM600 or permission of the Graduate Program Director.
HUM620: Social Transformation through Art
Students examine social change as reflected in and caused by the imagery of art. The course critiques important connections among art, technology and philosophical ideas expressed during periods of significant technological progress. Prerequisites: HUM510 and HUM600 or permission of the Graduate Program Director.
HUM625: Ethics and Modern Technology
Guided by the key principles of traditional western ethics - human dignity, justice, freedom, goodness, the common good and truth telling - this course considers how modern technology affects the human experience. Selected moral questions arising from the use of science-based and capital driven technology are examined, e.g., the search for a more comprehensive ethic than the cost-benefit calculations of popular utilitarianism. Prerequisites: HUM510 and HUM600 or permission of the Graduate Program Director.
HUM630: Modern Literature and the Human Condition
This course is based on imaginative works that reflect conflicting moral and technological dilemmas of contemporary life. Classes focus on a range of major authors whose fiction, drama and poetry illumine the human situation in the twentieth century. Prerequisites: HUM510 and HUM600 or permission of the Graduate Program Director.
HUM635: Culture, Society and the Global Condition - Capstone Course
This course offers a final opportunity for students to integrate perspectives drawn from course work in the broader humanities with work in their chosen program areas. Students and faculty work to develop a synthetic understanding of the global condition relative to accelerating technological changes and diverse cultural and societal influences. This course precedes the comprehensive examination and admission into the dissertation phase. It must be taken as the last 600-level humanities course.
HUM655: Special Topics
This course provides an opportunity to explore topics not covered in core courses. Topics will vary according to faculty and student interests. This course is an elective and may be used to complete or supplement the three or four course concentration. (Special Topics: research colloquium may be taken for 1-3 credits to fulfill the doctoral research requirement.)
HUMXXX: Independent Study
HUM681-698: Dissertation Research and Writing
Students are expected to enroll in Dissertation Research and Writing each fall and spring until the final version of the dissertation is accepted. Mentoring and guidance is provided to the student during the process of researching, writing, revising and defending the dissertation.
