Class Description

HUM 601
The Subject of the Humanities: Introduction to Research, Methodology, and Theory
3 credits. An introduction to the basic elements of humanities research, methodology, and critical theory. The course will provide essential instruction on how to conduct graduate level research in the Humanities, how to access data bases and resources, print and electronic journals, bibliographies and archives. At the same time, the course will provide a survey of current methodological approaches to humanities research. Lastly, the course will be organized around fundamental theoretical questions which will provide a context for weekly discussions and activities: What, or for that matter, Who is the subject of the humanities today? Given the influence of new critical approaches rooted in theories of gender, race, class, and nation, debates about new forms of knowledge, and public battles over everything from "political correctness" to "tenured radicals" to funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities, what are we talking about when we talk about the Humanities? Readings will include Walter Benjamin, Roland Barthes, Sigmund Freud, Franz Fanon, Ferdinand de Saussure, Michel Foucault, and Claude Levi-Strauss, in addition to literary works and visual texts.

HUM 602
The Humanities on Trial: Postmodernity, Technology, Globalization
3 credits. This course will focus on the transformation and development of humanities knowledge in the age of postmodernism, post-nationalism, and technology. At the same time, HUM 602 will reinforce and expand students' research skills, critical thinking skills, and understanding of methodological approaches. How does postmodernism challenge earlier assumptions about humanistic knowledge and purpose? Does society's increasing reliance on technology make the study of the humanities less or more valuable? Has the computer made us less or more human? How do national, political, and institutional structures interact with humanities scholarship--as well as scholars-- and how do they transform one another? What does the future hold for humanities education?

HUM 694
Interdisciplinarity and the Humanities: Theory and Practice
3 credits. The capstone seminar for non-thesis students. Readings and discussions on the problems and challenges of doing interdisciplinary work in the humanities. In order to bring together differing disciplinary perspectives, the course may be team-taught by instructors from more than one humanities department. Students will be required to complete an integrating paper as the culmination of their academic work leading to the M.A. in Humanities (non-thesis option).

HUM 696
Special Topics in Humanities
1-3 credits. Appropriate advanced study of small groups on special topics selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

HUM 697
Tutorial Work in Humanities
1-3 credits. Independent reading and study on a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

For more information see the on-line schedule.