Humanities:
Objectives
The
study of the humanities has traditionally been the core of a
liberal or general education. Literature, art, philosophy, and
film constitute the subjects of humanistic study at the College.
The humanities encompass diverse forms of expression, from the
logical to the passionate. The critical disciplines needed for
study of the humanities include clear writing, critical reading,
and visual and aural attentiveness as well as the capacities
to analyze arguments, think logically, form generalizations,
and interpret symbols. In addition to these practical skills,
the study of the humanities provides familiarity with one's
cultural heritage, cultivation of taste, expansion of sympathies
and interests, more profound self-knowledge, and a deepened
appreciation of both artistic achievements and philosophical
methods. The development of insight and perception, as well
as the ability to express oneself intelligibly in both conversation
and writing, are objectives of the humanities courses.
The
Student of the Humanities
Where
such ideal aims are realized, the student will have a clear
vision of the imaginative and ethical possibilities of life,
as well as rich intellectual, emotional, and artistic resources
for personal growth and social usefulness.
An
appreciation of the arts does not guarantee creativity any
more than the study of ethics ensures virtue, but a person's
capacities to feel deeply and act sensibly are likely to be
increased by such knowledge. Moreover, thanks to the College's
core program, the study of the humanities does not occur in
isolation from the study of other disciplines. The faculty
help students to understand the connections among the humanities
and sociological, scientific, and political theories as well
as historical developments.
Through
the analysis of aesthetic and philosophical materials, from
informal and intense discussion, observation, and reading,
the humanities faculty aim to encourage in their students
a critical turn of mind; that is, the exercise of judgment
with respect to reasonable standards of aesthetic and philosophical
valuation. In the end, having learned something of the variety
and depth of philosophy and the arts, the student's range
of critical reaction is extended and refined. Such a person
will be less likely to accept simplistic or biased statements,
easy or imprecise arguments, cheap or purely sentimental effects,
superficial displays of talent, or unverified assertions.
The
division conceives of these qualities as essential to the
citizens of a free and democratic society. Such persons will
be informed without being pedantic, responsible without losing
compassion or humor, sensitive without being weak-minded.
The division's overriding objective is to educate a person
who can be relied upon to think clearly and live fully.
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