HUM 110 - Introduction to the Humanities

“The humanities” referred originally to the study of texts written by human, rather than divine, hands. In modern education, the humanities include the study of literature, history, philosophy, religion, politics, and the arts. Students of the humanities consider how people have represented and reflected on the physical, social, psychological, and ideological features of their worlds. We investigate the various materials that form the basis of cultures and identities and that simultaneously provide key terms for their critique and transformation. As the only course required of all first-year students at Reed, Humanities 110 serves as the college’s foundational writing course and introduces students to the skills and habits of mind necessary for academic inquiry in their future work at Reed.

Unit(s): 3
Instructional Method: Lecture-conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Notes: Yearlong course, 1.5 units per semester.
Website: https://www.reed.edu/humanities/hum110/
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Craft, analyze, critique, and defend arguments using evidence.
Express ideas in writing persuasively.
Frame questions that elicit productive analysis.
Contribute constructively to a classroom discussion.