AHC General Education - Category 3: Humanities

A culturally diverse exploration of the deaf from Aristotle to the present. Focus is on the ideas, events and laws that have shaped the community as viewed through literature, folklore, art, and philosophy. Interrelationship of societies is emphasized. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for History 138.

A study of the visual arts as an expression of thought and culture.

A survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture in the western world from the Paleolithic through the Gothic period.

A survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture in the western world from Renaissance to modern times.

A survey of the art of Mesoamerica, tracing the cultural development of the Valley of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula from the earliest archaeological findings to the present time.

A comprehensive survey of the rich cultural diversity of American art from Colonial times to the present. Major artists and styles will be studied in the context of American culture.

This course provides a select overview of art from India, Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan from pre-history to modern times. Includes examination and analysis of ceramics, calligraphy/painting, printmaking, architecture and sculpture with reference to cross-cultural influences, religion, and philosophy in those countries.

An overview of the development of dance as an art form from its historical roots to contemporary trends,examining diversity of people, cultures, and events.

The study and execution of fundamental modern dance techniques including movement skills and the basic rhythmic structure of dance. Students have the opportunity to create their own movement combinations. Attendance of AHC dance concert is required. This is a lecture/lab course.

An introduction to the fundamentals of ballet movement and terminology. Barre work emphasizes the basic exercises of ballet that develop control, strength, and basic body placement. Center work concentrates on basic ballet combinations of adage, jumps, waltz, and turns. Students have the opportunity to create their own movement combinations.

An introduction to the basic movements appropriate to contemporary jazz music, emphasizing exercises that develop body strength and flexibility, and improve rhythmic abilities and movement coordination. Covers different jazz styles, including rock, modern jazz, and theatre dance. Students have the opportunity to create their own movement combinations. Attendance of AHC dance concert is required. This is a lecture/lab course.

Explores theatre as an artistic medium for enhancing an understanding of the diversity of the human experience and as a reflection of the development of civilization. This course focuses on the relationship of theatre to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. This course introduces students to elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Students will also survey different periods, styles, and genres of theatre through play reading, discussion, films and viewing and critiquing live theatre, including required attendance of theatre productions.

The study of the history of world theatre from the Origins of Theatre through the 17th Century. The history and development of theatre and drama are studied in relationship to cultural political and social conditions of the time. Plays are read for an analysis of structure, plot, character and historical relevance. Students undertaking this course on-line will need to purchase access to a web site in addition to the text.

The study of the history of world theatre from the Origins of Theatre through the 17th Century. The history and development of theater and drama are studied in relationship to cultural political and social conditions of the time. Plays are read for an analysis of structure, plot, character and historical relevance.

Examines the impact of various societal influences on the development of children’s social identity. Covers developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and anti-bias approaches. Self-examination and reflection on issues related to social identity, stereotypes, and bias will be emphasized.

Examine policies, procedures and preferences for organizational and professional access and equity in the contexts of culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, ability, and gender. Explore aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as potential assets in creating rich and proactive productive professional environments. Students will then apply the knowledge they gain from these explorations in the classroom setting.

Introduces the student to the three major types of creative literature: fiction, drama and poetry, with a view to developing greater critical awareness and polishing the writing skills acquired in ENGL 101.

An introduction to the writing of fiction and verse, offered as a creative outlet for students who like to write and as a step toward greater writing proficiency.

Surveys American writers and literary movements through 1865. Either one or both semesters of American Literature partially fulfill the humanities requirement of the GE for California State Universities and the University of California.

Surveys American writers and literary movements from 1865 to present. Either one or both semesters of American Literature partially fulfill the humanities requirement of the GE for California State Universities and the University of California. ENGL 130 is not a prerequisite to this course.

Techniques of literary and film criticism and application of those techniques to films and the literary works inspired them. Emphasis is given to the critical analysis of the transformations that occur when literary forms are adapted for the screen.

Designed to increase student understanding and enjoyment of modern fiction through a study of selected works by 20th century authors. Selections may vary from semester to semester. English 133 has no geographical boundaries, but includes works by American and English authors, as well as works in translation.

Introduces the study of poetry with emphasis on appreciation, understanding, and interpretation through a critical examination of a variety of poets and poems.

Introduction to Shakespeare in which a number of major works are read, with close attention to language, structure, and historical content.

Primarily through the study of literature, this course explores the ways in which ideas about race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, and disability have shaped American identities and influenced the course of 20th/21st century American cultural history. Emphasis on contemporary American cultural texts (novel, autobiography, poetry, journalism, memoir, online multimedia, and/or drama; film and/or documentary), although lectures and other class materials will link contemporary culture historical themes or developments.

This class will examine the emergence of the graphic novel, from the comics of the 1920s, the super hero novels of the 1950s, anime and manga to the current crop of diverse novels gone graphic. It will look at the multicultural nature of the novels, with new novels being produced in a variety of countries; and its subversive intentions.

An examination of the ancient epics and classical literature of Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. Representative readings will include the Epic of Gilgamesh, The Iliad, The Odyssey, Genesis, Antigone, The Aeneid, and Marcus Aurelius Meditations.

A study of the major British writers in the 14th century to the beginning of the Romantic Period around 1800. The course covers the major works of such writers as Chaucer, Shakespeare and Milton, with emphasis on their continuing capacity to talk to us today.

A study of the major British writers since 1800. The course covers selected plays, novels, poems and essays from the outstanding writers of the Romantic and Victorian periods and of the 20th century, including Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats, Browning, Conrad, Yeats, Joyce and Eliot. ENGL 145 is not a prerequisite to this course.

An introduction to contemporary Hispanic literature in translation. Readings from Latin America, as well as Hispanic writers in the United States, have been selected. Course will focus on the themes and symbols characteristic of such literature. Cultural differences will be explored. Students will read selected works both critically and analytically. Films and other media may be included.

A study of period costume, its relationship to the political and social conditions of the times, evolution from related arts, and influence on modern dress. Designed for students of fashion, theater arts, and merchandising. Course not open to students who took and received credit for FCS 144.

An introduction to a variety of international film styles, themes, and directors, as well as to the art of the documentary and experimental film. Emphasis is placed on ways films communicate through acting, photography, sound, and editing.

The development of American film through critical appraisal of major directors' works from both the sound and silent eras. The films examined are representative of their directors as artists and of major social, cultural and aesthetic movements within the film industry and country.

A study of recent Latino cinema in the Americas in a historical and cultural context. Representation of Latino culture is examined in the context of the global Hollywood structure and in light of various national cinemas. Major social, cultural and aesthetic movements within Latino cinema are explored.

An examination of the documentary form, its impact on culture and society, and its artistic development from the early days of motion pictures through the modern era.

This course deals with the social, institutional and cultural background of film and television in the United States and in a broader global context. Students will develop a critical understanding of film and TV content.

This course provides an introduction to the art and industry of Asian cinema. The course will explore the unique traditions of selected national cinemas from East, South and South-East Asia. Against the backdrop of globalization, we will explore the unique aesthetics of Asian film production.

An introduction to film and video production techniques including cinematography, sound, recording, and video editing. Students make a variety of short video projects that involve narrative story telling and documentary filmmaking techniques. No personal equipment required. It is recommended that students enroll in FILM 380 for additional lab time.

This course is an introduction to the French language, presenting students with the basic skills for vocabulary and grammar recognition and use, as well as stressing pronunciation, oral skills, reading, and writing at the elementary level. Using a communicative style, students practice French grammar and vocabulary, sentence structure, and oral skills [listening and speaking]. This course also includes an introduction to cultural aspects of the French-speaking world. Lecture: 5 hours per week.

This course is a continuation of FRCH 101, presenting students with the basic skills for vocabulary and grammar recognition and use, as well as stressing pronunciation, oral skills, reading, and writing at the elementary level. Using a communicative style, students practice French grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and oral skills [listening and speaking]. This course also includes cultural aspects of the French-speaking world. Lecture: 5 hours per week.

An interdisciplinary, multi-cultural exploration of the development of the great civilizations: China/Japan, Egypt, Greece/Rome, India, Mesopotamian, and Pre-Columbian. Important ideas, events and discoveries are explored through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HUM 101.

An interdisciplinary examination of the expansion, contraction, and conflicts of the major world civilizations from the 16th century to the present. Focus is on ideas, events, and discoveries that have shaped our world as viewed through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HUM 102.

Surveys the origins, development, and characteristics of Western civilization from earliest times through the period of European exploration and colonization, emphasizing main currents in political, economic, social, intellectual, and scientific history. An effort is made to include some study of the "non-West." This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HUM 104.

A historical survey of the Chicano residing in the southwest United States. The course provides an interdisciplinary survey of the Mexican American/Chicano heritage with emphasis on the contemporary experience in the United States. The course will include an analysis of the economic, political, social, and intellectual elements of the culture of the Mexican American/Chicano community, and a study of the changing relationship of the community to the general society of the United States. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ES 120.

A historical survey of the Chicano residing in the southwest United States. The course provides an interdisciplinary survey of the Mexican American/Chicano heritage with emphasis on the contemporary experience in the United States. The course will include an analysis of the economic, political, social, and intellectual elements of the culture of the Mexican American/Chicano community, and a study of the changing relationship of the community to the general society of the United States. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ES 120.

A culturally diverse exploration of the deaf from Aristotle to the present. Focus is on the ideas, events and laws that have shaped the community as viewed through literature, folklore, art, and philosophy. Interrelationship of societies is emphasized. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ASL 138.

An interdisciplinary, multicultural exploration of the development of the great civilizations: China/Japan, Egypt, Greece/Rome, India, Mesopotamian, and Pre-Columbian. Important ideas, events and discoveries are explored through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for History 101.

An interdisciplinary examination of the expansion, contraction, and conflicts of the major world civilizations from the 16th century to the present. Focus is on ideas, events, and discoveries that have shaped our world as viewed through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or who have received credit for HIST 102.

An interdisciplinary, multicultural exploration of the development of the civilizations of East Asia from their origins through the 20th century: China, Japan, and South East Asia. Important ideas, events, and discoveries are explored through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for History 103.

Surveys the origins, development, and characteristics of Western civilization from earliest times through the period of European exploration and colonization, emphasizing main currents in political, economic, social, intellectual, and scientific history. An effort is made to include some study of the "non-West." This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HIST 104.

Surveys the development and characteristics of Western civilization from 1600 to the present, emphasizing main currents in political, economic, social, intellectual, and scientific history. Some study of the "non-West" is included. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HIST 105.

An overview of the music of Western (European) civilization including analysis of its common forms, examination of its basic elements, survey of its development, and discussion of its relationship to the other arts and to general cultural history. Designed for the general student; music majors should enroll in Music 101 and 102.

A study of the development of the music of Western civilizations from the ancient Greeks and early Christian periods through music of the eighteenth-century Baroque period. Recommended course for the music major.

A study of the development of music from the Classic and Romantic periods through the contemporary period. Recommended course for the music major.

A general survey course tracing the roots and special idiosyncrasies of the American popular music tradition from medieval Europe and Africa to the commercial and non-commercial world of today.

A study of the music of many cultures around the world. Includes an overview of the cultures and social situations that gave rise to these varied musical forms of expression.

An overview of the central issues and movements in philosophy. Topics to be selected from such areas as ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics (the study of reality), epistemology (the study of knowledge), logic, aesthetics, phenomenology and existentialism.

An introduction to the problems of metaphysics (the study of reality and existence) and epistemology (the study of knowledge). Possible topics include the existence of God, freedom versus determinism, the mind/body problem, problems of knowledge, appearance versus reality, and existentialism.

An introduction into the nature of ethics examining ethical issues, traditional and nontraditional ethical systems, and various contemporary ethical problems such as abortion and euthanasia.

An introduction to the religious philosophy, beliefs and practices of six major world religions, including brief historical and cultural background on each. Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity will be studied.

An exploration of the basic issues involved in the philosophy of religion. Topics covered include the existence of God, the nature of God, the nature of evil, life after death, and the methodology required to find answers to these issues. A variety of approaches and viewpoints will be considered.

Designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of photography as a means of personal expression or as a tool for professional growth. Introduces the student to the history of photography, photographic theory, and cultural influences. Emphasizes the adjustable camera for effective visual communication and personal expression. Included will be units on cameras, lighting, exposure, print development, aesthetics, composition, content, and critical evaluation of student work. It includes basic instruction of image editing software for manipulating imagery. Any type of lens-based, image-making device including digital SLR's, 35mm film cameras, smart phones, digital point-and-shoot cameras can be used. Manual digital camera suggested. School cameras are available for checkout. Appropriate for students without prior photographic experience.

This course is designed for non-native Spanish speakers and therefore ideal for students with minimal or no exposure to Spanish. SPAN 101 offers an introduction to the Spanish language, presenting students with introductory vocabulary and grammar, reading and writing skills as well as oral and listening skills (including pronunciation). This course also includes an introduction to cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world.

This course is a continuation to SPAN 101. Students work on further vocabulary and grammar skills, pronunciation, oral and listening skills, reading skills, and writing skills. This course also includes cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world not covered in SPAN 101 and/or expands on cultural aspects presented in SPAN 101.

SPAN 103 is designed for intermediate Spanish speakers, entirely taught in Spanish, and therefore ideal for Heritage Speakers, and/or native Spanish-speakers wishing to improve reading and writing literacy. SPAN 103 covers vocabulary and grammar with an emphasis on listening/oral, reading, and writing skills at the intermediate level. This course also includes cultural components of the Spanish-speaking world.

SPAN 105 is designed for advanced Spanish speakers, entirely taught in Spanish, and ideal for Heritage Speakers, and/or native Spanish-speakers wishing to improve their reading and writing literacy at the advanced level. This course emphasizes writing skills at the advanced level, covering the most common types of essay styles (descriptive, narrative, argumentative, academic), and focusing on the writing process as a communicative process. Students will review Spanish grammar, essay structure, and improve on formal vocabulary selection via reading and writing exercises. The oral production component is also evaluated. Also included are cultural and literary components of the Spanish-speaking world.

SPAN 105 is designed for advanced Spanish speakers, entirely taught in Spanish, and ideal for Heritage Speakers, and/or native Spanish-speakers wishing to improve their reading and writing literacy at the advanced level. This course emphasizes writing skills at the advanced level, covering the most common types of essay styles (descriptive, narrative, argumentative, academic), and focusing on the writing process as a communicative process. Students will review Spanish grammar, essay structure, and improve on formal vocabulary selection via reading and writing exercises. The oral production component is also evaluated. Also included are cultural and literary components of the Spanish-speaking world.

This course is designed to practice vocabulary and grammar covered in SPAN 103 and SPAN 104, with emphasis in oral and listening skills at the advanced level. Reading and writing skills are covered as well. Spanish-language films are used as springboards for conversation of various themes, topics, and cultural experiences. Using a communicative style, students practice Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and oral skills. This conversation course is designed for advanced Spanish speakers, as well as Heritage speakers who wish to improve their oral skills.