Below are course descriptions for humanities courses offered in the current semester. Please follow the link below to search the JCCC open/closed class schedule. The course prefix for our courses is "HUM".

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Click on the course number for more information on the course and its requirements.

HUM 122

Introduction to Humanities (3 CR)

This interdisciplinary study begins with a look at artistic and technical elements of several art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, music, theater, film, dance and literature. Major themes expressed in the works and their reflection of the values of their culture are also examined. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

HUM 137

Introduction to Russian Culture (3 CR)

This course is a survey of the cultural history of Russia from the ninth century to the present. The approach is interdisciplinary, examining representative examples of Russian art, architecture, music, theater, dance, literature and philosophy in their historical context. In addition to developing the students' appreciation of Russia's contribution to world culture, the course aims to enhance students' understanding of the contemporary world. 3 hrs. lecture/wk. When paired with Introduction to Literature, Russian emphasis, it includes an online component. Usually this course is offered in the spring semester. This course may be offered as a Learning Communities (LCOM) section, see current credit schedule for LCOM details.

HUM 138

Introduction to Russian Culture, Field Study (1 CR)

Prerequisite: HUM 137 or department approval

This course is the field study portion of the HUM 137, Introduction to Russia, course. Students study, on site, selected works of art, architecture, music, literature, theater and film for the various historical periods from the perspective of Russian experts in these fields. In addition, students enhance their knowledge of Russian history by visiting the sites of many of the major events that have shaped the development of Russia's culture. 2 hrs. lab/wk.

HUM 145

Introduction to World Humanities I (3 CR)

This course will acquaint students with the arts and ideas of the world's major civilizations, from antiquity through the Renaissance. The approach will be interdisciplinary, covering the artistic values embodied in painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, theater, music and dance as they have emerged out of their historical contexts. In addition to providing the fundamental principles, methodologies and theories used in the study of the humanities, the course aims to enhance students' understanding of the contemporary world. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

HUM 146

Introduction to World Humanities II (3 CR)

This course will acquaint students with the arts and ideas of the world's major civilizations, from the Renaissance to the present. The approach will be both interdisciplinary and chronological, covering the artistic values embodied in painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, theater, music and dance as they have emerged out of their historical contexts. In addition to providing the fundamental principles, methodologies and theories used in the study of the humanities, the course aims to enhance students' understanding of the contemporary world. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

HUM 150

Islam: Religion & Civilization (3 CR)

This course covers the context in which Islam arose; the career of the Prophet Muhammad; the main teachings and practices of the religion; the Qur'an and other early Islamic literature; subsequent political developments in the religion and its spread; its main religious branches; its history during the Middle Ages; the Christian crusades and their consequences; the major components of Islamic civilization including law, the arts, literature, philosophy, science, and mathematics; Sufi; the effects of Western imperialism upon Islamic states; major developments in Islamic thought and practice since the seventeenth century; the Islamic diaspora; and Islam today. HUM 150 is the same course as HIST 150 and REL 150; enroll in one only. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

HUM 155

Classical Mythology (3 CR)

This course provides a systematic study of the myths and epic cycles of the Greeks and Romans in both literature and art and investigates their survival and metamorphosis in the literature and visual arts of Western Europe. In addition, this course provides several methodological frameworks with which to analyze several types of tales and their relation to history, religion, rituals and art. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

HUM 156

Contemporary Approaches to World Myths (3 CR)

This course provides a systematic study of world mythologies, where they appear in literature and art and their survival and metamorphosis in contemporary culture. The course provides several methodological frameworks with which to analyze myths and their relation to history, religion, ritual and art. Through the study and comparison of world mythologies, students are encouraged to evaluate their own perspectives and experiences in the context of human diversity. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

HUM 164

Civilization (3 CR)

This course covers the major ideas and events of Western civilization communicated through the arts. The course begins after the fall of the Roman Empire and includes material to the 20th century. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.