Introduction to the Humanities (HUMA 1301)

  

HUMA 1301: Introduction to Humanities | Lecture | CRN #19267/19156/19154
Term Spring 2020  | 1/27 – 5/17

Online  

3 Credit Hours | 48 hours per semester

Instructor:   William Barr                   

         

HCC Email:  [email protected]              

 

Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course.  Your performance in my class is very important to me.  I am available to hear your concerns and to discuss course topics

Please contact me with questions or concerns via email at [email protected] or at Canvas Inbox. I will respond to emails within 24 hours Monday through Friday; I will reply to weekend messages on Monday mornings.

 

What’s Exciting About This Course

 

1. The humanities help us understand others through their languages, histories and cultures.
2. They reveal how people have tried to make moral, spiritual and intellectual sense of the world.
3. They teach us to deal critically and logically with subjective, complex, imperfect information.
4. And they teach us to weigh evidence skeptically and consider more than one side of every question.
5. Humanities students build skills in writing and critical reading.
6. The humanities encourage us to think creatively. They teach us to reason about being human and to ask questions about our world.

Prerequisites and/or Co-Requisites
 

Must be placed into college-level reading and college-level writing.

 

 

Canvas Learning Management System
 

This section of HUMA 1301 will use Eagle Online Canvas and / or the Learning Web to supplement in-class assignments, exams, and activities.  In the event the college has to transition to online learning, all of the class will be on Canvas. Open Lab locations may be used to access the Internet and Eagle Online Canvas or the Learning Web.  It is recommended that you use FIREFOX or CHROME as your browser.

 

HCC Online Information and Policies
http://www.hccs.edu/online/

 

Scoring Rubrics, Sample Assignments, etc.
Refer to your course website for the scoring rubrics for assignments, samples of class assignments, and other information to assist you in the course.

 

Instructional Materials
 

Course Reader Information
 

TEXTBOOK -

Landmarks in Humanities by Gloria K. Fiero

(4th edition), ISBN: 978-1-259-54492-7

Tutoring HCC provides free, confidential, and convenient academic support, including writing critiques, to HCC students in an online environment and on campus. Tutoring is provided by HCC personnel in order to ensure that it is contextual and appropriate. Visit the HCC Tutoring Services website for services provided.

Libraries The HCC Library System consists of 9 libraries and 6 Electronic Resource Centers (ERCs) that are inviting places to study and collaborate on projects. Librarians are available both at the libraries and online to show you how to locate and use the resources you need. The libraries maintain a large selection of electronic resources as well as collections of books, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual materials. The portal to all libraries’ resources and services is the HCCS library web page at http://library.hccs.edu. Supplementary Instruction Supplemental Instruction is an academic enrichment and support program that uses peerassisted study sessions to improve student retention and success in historically difficult courses. Peer Support is provided by students who have already succeeded in completion of
Fall 2019
3
the specified course, and who earned a grade of A or B. Find details at http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/supplemental-instruction/.





Course Overview

This stand-alone course is an interdisciplinary survey of cultures focusing on the philosophical and aesthetic factors in human values with an emphasis on the historical development of the individual and society and the need to create.

Core Curriculum Objectives (CCOs)

HUMA 1301 satisfies the Creative Arts or Component Area Option of the HCC core. THECB established the following objectives: • Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information, and creative thinking. • Communication Skills: Students will demonstrate effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication. • Team Work: Students will demonstrate the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal. • Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate cultural self-awareness, intercultural competency, civil knowledge, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

Can be found at: https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/liberal-arts-humanities-education/humanitiesinterdisciplinary-studies/

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)

Can be found at: https://learning.hccs.edu/programs/humanities/course-student-learningoutcomes-and-learning-objectives/huma-1301

Student Success

As with any three-hour course, expect to spend at least six hours per week outside of class reading and studying the material. I will provide assignments to help you use those six hours per week wisely. Additional time will be required for written assignments. Successful completion of this course requires a combination of reading the textbook, attending class, completing assignments in Eagle Online, and participating in class discussions. There is no short cut for success in this course; it requires reading (and probably re-reading) and studying the material using the course objectives as your guide.

Instructor and Student Responsibilities
Fall 2019
4
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to: • Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be derived • Facilitate an effective learning environment through learner-centered instructional techniques • Provide a description of any special projects or assignments • Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness, and making up assignments • Provide the course outline and class calendar that will include a description of any special projects or assignments • Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required

As a student, it is your responsibility to: • Attend class in person and/or online • Participate actively by reviewing course material, interacting with classmates, and responding promptly in your communication with me • Read and comprehend the textbook • Complete the required assignments and exams • Ask for help when there is a question or problem • Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts, and all assignments • Attain a raw score of at least 50% on the departmental final exam • Be aware of and comply with academic honesty policies in the HCCS Student Handbook

Assignments, Exams, and Activities

Written Assignment

There will be a midterm and final exam, homework assignments and a term paper: 4 equal components in determining the course grade of students. HCC Grading Scale can be found on this site under Academic Information: http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/student-handbook/ Course

Exams The midterm consists of 33 multiple choice questions (each one worth 1.5 pts.) and 2 essay questions (each worth 25 pts.) . The final consists of 19 multiple choice questions ( each worth 2.6 pts.) and 2 essay questions (each worth 25 pts.). Scantrons and Blue Books are necessary for the exams and will not be provided. If we transition to Canvas, students will have one attempt to take the tests.

Incomplete Policy Students must complete all four components of the course to pass. In the case of extenuating circumstance, an I (for Incomplete) contract may be drawn up for the student. You will receive a temporary grade of “I”. According to HCCS policy, as referenced in the Student Handbook, “you must arrange with the instructor to complete the course work by the end of the following term (excluding Summer). After the deadline, the I becomes an F. All I’s must be changed to grades prior to graduation. The changed grade will appear on your record as I/Grade. Ex: I/A.”


Grade Formula 25% - Homework/quizzes 25% - Mid-Term 25% - Final
Fall 2019
5
25% - Term paper -5 pages (typed) comparing either 2 chapters in the text or 2 disciplines in the Humanities compared & contrasted with each other from 2 chapters. (The latter is an opportunity to zero-in on an interest which you might have in literature, fine or performing arts, theology, architecture, the law or philosophy.)

HCC Grading Scale can be found on this site under Academic Information: http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/student-handbook/



Course Calendar

Week Dates Topic / Assignments Due PSLOs 1 1/28-2/4 Introduction to class. Ch. 1 – pgs. 1 – 23 1,2 2 2/6 – 2/13 Ch. 2 – pgs. 33 - 66 3,4 3 2/17 President’s Day 1 4 2/18 – 2/25 Ch. 3, pgs. 69 – 87 3 5 2/27 – 3/5 Ch. 4 – pgs. 95-113. MIDTERM EXAM 2, 3 6 3/9 – 3/15 SPRING BREAK

7 3/17 – 3/24 Ch. 5 – pgs. 125 – 141. 2 8 3/30 – 4/6 Ch. 6 – pgs. 147 – 174. 2 9 4/7 – 4/14 Ch. 7 – pgs. 177 – 214. 4/5 – last day to drop and receive a W. 2 10 4/15 – 4/23 Ch. 8 – pgs. 217 – 240. Turn in TERM PAPER 4 11 4/28 – 5/7 Ch. 9 – pgs.203 – 260 3 12 5/12 FINAL EXAM – Covering Chs. 5 – 9 and lectures. 3

Syllabus Modifications The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus at any time during the semester and will promptly notify students in writing, typically by e-mail, of any such changes.


Instructor’s Practices and Procedures

Missed Assignments There are no makeup assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to come to class and submit all required assignments in a timely fashion. A student should speak to me if he or she knows he or she will be absent the day an assignment is due. I will do my best to accommodate the student.

Academic Integrity Students are expected to maintain academic integrity by submitting their own work, with outside sources properly cited. Plagiarism or cheating on tests is scholastic dishonesty, and will result in a referral to the Dean of Student Services. See the link below for details.

Here’s the link to the HCC information about academic integrity (Scholastic Dishonesty and Violation of Academic Scholastic Dishonesty and Grievance): http://www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies--procedures/studentprocedures/
Fall 2019
6

Attendance Procedures Students are expected to attend all classes. If the course transitions to online, students are expected to log into Canvas at least twice a week. If a student wishes to withdraw, it is their responsibility to file the appropriate paperwork in order to do so. While students may be withdrawn for excessive absences in accordance with HCC policy, they should not count on it should they wish to make sure they have a W, and not an F, for the course.

The “6 Drop Rule” prohibits dropping more than six classes after the "Census Date". If you are an undergraduate student and started as a first-time undergraduate at any community college, four-year college, or university in the fall of 2007 or later, you cannot drop more than six courses during your entire Texas college career. The rationale for this rule is based on a Texas law designed to motivate and encourage course completion and the timely attainment of a degree.

Student Conduct Students are expected to behave as thoughtful adults. They should treat each other and the instructor with respect, and make sure their language and behavior is not disruptive. Online discussions should be respectful and use academic tone. Any disruptive or insulting behavior will not be tolerated.


Electronic Devices

There are to be no electronic devices (cell phones, laptops) in the face to face class unless a necessary accommodation.
HCC Policies Here’s the link to the HCC Student Handbook http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/currentstudents/student-handbook/ In it you will find information about the following:

• Academic Information • Academic Support • Attendance, Repeating Courses, and Withdrawal • Career Planning and Job Search • Childcare • disAbility Support Services • Electronic Devices • Equal Educational Opportunity • Financial Aid TV (FATV) • General Student Complaints • Grade of FX • Incomplete Grades • International Student Services • Health Awareness • Libraries/Bookstore • Police Services & Campus Safety • Student Life at HCC • Student Rights and Responsibilities • Student Services • Testing
Fall 2019
7
• Transfer Planning • Veteran Services

EGLS3 The EGLS3 (Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System) will be available for most courses near the end of the term until finals start. This brief survey will give invaluable information to your faculty about their teaching. Results are anonymous and will be available to faculty and division chairs after the end of the term. EGLS3 surveys are only available for the Fall and Spring semesters. EGLS3 surveys are not offered during the Summer semester due to logistical constraints. http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/egls3-evaluate-your-professors/

HCC Email Policy When communicating via email, HCC requires students to communicate only through the HCC email system to protect your privacy. If you have not activated your HCC student email account, you can go to HCC Eagle ID and activate it now. You may also use Canvas Inbox to communicate.

Office of Institutional Equity

(http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/)

disAbility Services http://www.hccs.edu/support-services/disability-services/

Title IX http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/title-ix-know-your-rights/

Office of the Dean of Students https://www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies--procedures/studentcomplaints/speak-with-the-dean-of-students/

Department Chair Contact Information Dr. Helen Graham, [email protected], 713-718-7258