Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - HUM 101W D100

Introduction to the Humanities (3)

Class Number: 7131

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2018
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    .

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to issues and concepts central to the study of the Humanities. Through exposure to primary materials drawn from different periods and disciplines, students will become acquainted with a range of topics and ideas relating to the study of human values and human experience. Writing/Breadth-Humanities. Equivalent Courses: HUM101 Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

 
What does “Humanities” mean? Why do we need them? What purpose does education serve and what purposes should it serve? These are the core questions we will discuss and debate together over thirteen weeks. We will be dealing with these questions at a time when authoritarianism is rising in many countries; a time of increasing polarization of the wealthy and the impoverished, and all of this is situated within an even wider global context of ecological decline. What, if any, connection exists between humanities education and these pressing problems that each one of us must eventually face? 
 
We will read works that present varying cultural perspectives on the nature of education and the implications of the educative process for us as human beings who must live in societies. We will start with Ayn Rand’s, The Virtue of Selfishness, a highly contentious and influential work that has been embraced by members of the far political right who champion unregulated free markets and strong nationalist sentiments. As a counterpoint to this work we will then read Martha Nussbaum’s book titled, Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities. Both women refer to long-standing ideals of human cultivation and social order drawing on classical Greece and South and East Asia. We will examine examples from each of these and finish the semester by reflecting on indigenous perspectives on spirituality and knowledge that describe the relationship human beings have to the natural world. Additional online texts may also be added.

Grading

  • Reading Quizzes (5) 25%%
  • Two Essays (Peer Review) 10%%
  • Two Academic Event Reports 10%%
  • Two Essays (Revision) 20%%
  • Final Examination 35%%

NOTES:

Late assignments will be accepted but 2% per day will be deducted from the assignment grade.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Nussbaum, Martha. Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2010.
ISBN: 978-0691173320

Rand, Ayn. The Virtue of Selfishness: A New Concept of Egoism. New York: New American Library, Penguin Group, 1961.
ISBN: 0-451-16393-1

Rouse, W.H.D., trans. The Great Dialogues of Plato: Complete texts of The Republic, The Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Ion, Meno, Symposium. New York: Penguin, 2015.
ISBN: 978-1-101-21298-1

Ames, Roger and Henry Rosemont Jr., trans. The Analects of Confucius: A Philosophical Translation. New York: Ballantine Books, 1998.
ISBN: 978-0345434074

Grieves, Vicki. Aboriginal Spirituality: A Baseline for Indigenous Knowledges Development in Australia.” The Canadian Journal of Native Studies 28, 2(2008):363-398. (Online: SFU Library)  

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS