HUM 1020: Intro to Humanities Fall 2024, 3 Credit Hours Asynchronous via Canvas
Instructor: Mary Love |
Email: adcook@usf.edu or via Canvas message |
Office Hours: Virtual, By Appointment |
In this class we will explore the history of various cultures so that we may investigate the connections between these cultures and the creative artifacts that they produced and valued. We’ll use the classes lectures, discussions, and assigned course materials to give you a greater appreciation for art, history, and culture. In order to develop a better sense of art’s importance to culture and history we will be looking at how art can be used to say something, looking at issues of religion, race, gender, and more within different works. Through the lectures and the assignments you complete, our class will also help you in developing better writing and research skills which will aid you in your success throughout your college career.
By the end of the semester, students will be better able to:
Analyze works of art and formulate arguments about their meanings
Clearly articulate arguments and organize a paper
Demonstrate an understanding of the materials that have been covered in the course
And, investigate further research surrounding a topic outside of the classroom
While there is no official textbook for this class, students will need to be able to access our course’s web page on Canvas in order to access the required readings and media. Additionally, all assignments will be submitted through canvas, so it is doubly important that you have access to it. If you have any trouble finding the course page or navigating through it, please let me know as soon as possible so we can get things sorted out!
Assignment | % of Final Grade |
Discussion Posts | 30 |
Analysis Paper | 10 |
Contrast Paper | 20 |
Creative Project | 20 |
Reflection Papers | 20 |
Discussion Posts 30% of final grade
All students are expected to participate in the online modules and discussions. All weekly discussions will be closed at 11:59 pm on Friday. Normally, for discussion boards, stand-alone comments of at least 50 words, plus responses to other student comments of at least 25 words will be eligible for full credit. Two of the 50-word discussion boards will be dropped from the final grade. There are two required discussion boards that should be a minimum of 150 words. These longer discussion boards cannot be dropped and are clearly indicated in the modules.
Remember these posts involve active engagement, which requires attentive listening (reading) and written (Canvas) contributions to discussions that demonstrate engagement with other students and instructors.
Reflection Papers 20% of final grade
In order to critically engage with the material that we cover in the readings and in class, each week students will write a 100-300 word response to the materials that we covered the previous week. In these papers, you may either respond to a question that was brought up in the lecture, discuss something that you found important in the readings/discussion, or talk about any difficulties that you have been having with the material.
Analysis Paper 10% of final grade
With this assignment, students will be able to demonstrate their ability to create an argument about the meaning of an artwork that we have discussed in class. Students will be expected to use elements of their chosen work as evidence to support their arguments. An assignment sheet with more specific guidelines for the paper will be posted on Canvas.
Contrast Paper 25% of final grade
Using the feedback that you receive from your analysis paper you will write a paper where you will contrast aspects of 2 different works that we have covered in class, explain why the works differ, and argue why these differences matter to the art’s meaning. An assignment sheet with more specific guidelines for the paper will be posted on Canvas.
Creative Project 15 % of final grade
For this assignment, you will use what you have learned about how art creates meaning and create something yourself. You can create a work in any medium of your choice (painting, music, video, writing, etc.) in order to demonstrate your understanding. However, you will also need to provide a brief write-up describing your work and explaining how you create your intended meaning in the work. I will have a lecture posted with resources for free digital creation tools you may want to use for your project.
Late Work
Assignments will be accepted past the due date. However, for each day after the original due date there will be a 10% reduction from the total grade for that assignment.
Final Grades
A | 95-100 | C | 74-76 |
A- | 90-94 | C- | 70-73 |
B+ | 87-89 | D+ | 67-69 |
B | 84-86 | D | 64-66 |
B- | 80-83 | D- | 60-63 |
C+ | 77-79 | F | 0-59 |
In order to promote active learning and engagement with the class, I ask that you put away any phones or computers while class is in session unless you get permission from me beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll risk losing points for your overall attendance grade.
All students are expected demonstrate proper classroom decorum. Be sure to treat each other, the classroom, and the instructor with respect.
This course may contain some potentially uncomfortable topics. If you have any concerns that a particular work that we cover may connect to your own experiences of trauma, please contact the instructor in advance. The goal of this class is not to make you lose sleep unless it’s because you’re so excited about the class that it keeps you up at night.
Do not hesitate to come to my office during my office hours or contact me via email/Canvas if you have questions, concerns, or anything you want to discuss with me. I do my best to respond to emails as quickly as I can. Barring the emergence of any catastrophes, you should receive a reply from me within 24 hours.
In addition to myself, you should feel free to utilize the schools learning resources, such as tutoring and the writing center.
Tutoring: http://www.lib.usf.edu/tutorials-and-workshops/ Writing Studio: LIB 233; writingstudio@usf.edu
Course Schedule | |||
Date | Topic | Assignments | Materials* |
Module 1 | Where Do We Know From? | Discussion board | “Where Do You Know From” |
Module 2 | Culture, Identity, History | Discussion Board Reflection Paper | “Invitation to a Meeting” short film “The Urgency of Intersectionality” “Ain’t I a Woman?” |
Module 3 | Visual Arts | Discussion board Reflection Paper | Excerpts from Ways of Seeing “AfriCOBRA Manifesto” skim “Olympia’s Choice” |
Module 4 | Visual Arts II | Discussion board Reflection Paper | Works by Yayoi Kusama, Jenny Holzer, and Kara Walker Electric Fan (Feel it Motherfuckers) |
Module 5 | Literary Arts | Discussion board Reflection Paper | “Parable of Exchange” “Story of an Hour” selection of Flash Fiction & Creepypasta |
Module 6 | Music | Discussion board Reflection Paper | “We Are the World” “Sun City” “WAP” |
Module 7 | Performance | Discussion Board Reflection Paper Analysis Paper | Works by Marina Abramovich and Guillermo Gomez Pena |
Module 8 | Video Games | Discussion board Reflection Paper | TBD |
Module 9 | Sports | Discussion Board Reflection Paper | Selected viewings and readings on Canvas |
Module 10 | Work/Catch Up Week | Discussion Board Reflection Paper | |
Module 11 | Fall Break | Rest | Take it Easy |
Module 12 | Movies & Moving Pictures | Discussion Board Reflection Paper | Frankenstein (1931) |
Module 13 | Movies & Moving Pictures II | Discussion Board Reflection Paper | Gojira (1954) |
Module 14 | Architecture | Discussion Board Reflection Paper Creative Project | Excerpt from Experiencing Architecture “The Fascination of a Dolls’ House World” |
Module 15 | Final Projects | Contrast Paper |
*The course schedule is subject to revision
Students with disabilities are responsible for registering with Students with Disabilities Services (SDS) in order to receive academic accommodations. SDS encourages students to notify instructors of accommodation needs at least 5 business days prior to needing the accommodation. A letter from SDS must accompany this request.
http://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-disabilities-services/
All formal writing assignments in the class (the analysis paper and the contrast paper) will undergo an originality check using Turnitin.com in order to prevent plagiarism. In order to comply with privacy laws, students are not required to include personal identifying information, such as name, in the body of the document. Turnitin provides an originality report letting the instructor know how much of the assignment is original. Please follow your instructor's instructions carefully regarding what identifying information to include.
Reminders regarding the discussion of sensitive topics and the need for respect for diverse opinions:
It is fundamental to the University of South Florida’s mission to support an environment where divergent ideas, theories, and philosophies can be openly exchanged and critically evaluated.
Consistent with these principles, this course may involve discussion of ideas that you find uncomfortable, disagreeable, or even offensive.
In the instructional setting, ideas are intended to be presented in an objective manner and not as an endorsement of what I or you do or should personally believe. “Objective” means that the idea presented is supported by credible research and is subject to review and debate. You may decide that certain ideas are worthy of your personal belief.
Not all ideas can be supported by objective methods or criteria. Regardless, you may decide that certain such ideas are also worthy of your personal belief. In this course, however, you will be asked to engage objectively with complex ideas and to demonstrate an understanding of the ideas. Understanding an idea does not mean that you are required to believe it or agree with it.
Grades of "Incomplete" Policy: An Incomplete grade ("I") is exceptional and granted at the instructor’s discretion only when students are unable to complete course requirements due to illness or other circumstances beyond their control. The course instructor and student must
complete and sign the "I" Grade Contract Form that describes the work to be completed, the date it is due, and the grade the student would earn factoring in a zero for all incomplete assignments.
The due date can be negotiated and extended by the student/instructor if it does not exceed two semesters for undergraduate courses and one semester for graduate courses from the original date grades were due for that course. An "I" grade not cleared within the two semesters for undergraduate courses and one semester for graduate courses (including the summer semester) will revert to the grade noted on the contract.
The use of non-sexist and professional language is expected in written assignments and in-class discussions. Guidelines regarding non-sexist language are available in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
Netiquette Guidelines:
Act professionally in the way you communicate. Treat your instructors and peers with respect, the same way you would do in a face-to-face environment. Respect other people’s ideas and be constructive when explaining your views about points you may not agree with.
Be sensitive. Be respectful and sensitive when sharing your ideas and opinions. There will be people in your class with different linguistic backgrounds, political and religious beliefs, or other general differences.
Proofread and check the spelling. Doing this before sending an email or posting a thread on a discussion board will allow you to make sure your message is clear and thoughtful. Avoid the use of all capital letters, it can be perceived as if you are shouting, and it is more difficult to read.
Keep your communications focused and stay on topic. Complete your ideas before changing the subject. By keeping the message in the focus, you allow the readers to easily get your idea or the answers they are looking for.
Be clear with your message. Avoid using humor or sarcasm. Since people can’t see your expressions or hear your tone of voice, your meaning can be misinterpreted.
Email and Discussion Board Guidelines:
Use the subject line effectively by using a meaningful line about what your email or discussion is about.
Keep your emails and postings related to the course content. You should not post anything personal on a discussion board unless is requested by the instructor.
Any personal, course or confidential issues should be directly communicated to the instructor via email. The discussion boards are public spaces; therefore, any issues should not be posted there.
All classes at USF make use of an online system for students to provide feedback to the University regarding the course. These surveys will be made available at the end of the semester, and the University will notify you by email when the response window opens. Your participation is highly encouraged and valued.
In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to Canvas, Microsoft Teams, Skype, email messaging, and/or an alternate schedule.
It’s the responsibility of the student to monitor the Canvas site for each class for course-specific communication, and the main USF, college, and department websites, emails, and mobile messages for important general information.
All classes at USF make use of an online system for students to provide feedback to the University regarding the course. These surveys will be available at the end of the semester, and the University will notify you by email when the response window opens. Your participation is highly encouraged and valued.
USF Institutional Policies Academic Integrity of Students
Academic integrity is the foundation of the University of South Florida’s commitment to the academic honesty and personal integrity of its university community. Academic integrity is grounded in certain fundamental values, which include honesty, respect, and fairness. Broadly defined, academic honesty is the completion of all academic endeavors and claims of scholarly knowledge as representative of one’s efforts. The process for faculty reporting academic
misconduct, as well as the student’s options for appeal, are outlined in detail in USF Regulation 3.027.
The purpose of these procedures is to provide all undergraduate and graduate students taking courses at the University of South Florida an opportunity for an objective review of facts and
events pertinent to the cause of the academic grievance. An “academic grievance” is a claim that a specific academic decision or action that affects that student’s academic record or status has violated published policies and procedures or has been applied to the grievant in a manner different from that used for other students.
Students with disabilities are responsible for registering with Students Accessibility Services (SAS) (SVC 1133) to receive academic accommodations. SAS encourages students to notify instructors of accommodation needs at least five (5) business days before needing the accommodation. A letter from SAS must accompany this request. Please visit the Student Accessibility Services website for more information.
Disruptive students in the academic setting hinder the educational process. Disruption of the academic process (USF Regulation 3.025) is defined as the act, words, or general conduct of a student in a classroom or other academic environment which in the reasonable estimation of the instructor: (a) directs attention away from the academic matters at hand, such as noisy distractions, persistent, disrespectful or abusive interruption of lecture, exam, academic discussion, or general University operations, or (b) presents a danger to the health, safety, or well-being of self or other persons.
We recognize that students facing financial difficulty in securing a stable place to live and/or in affording sufficient groceries may be at risk of these financial issues affecting their performance in classes. Students with these needs are urged to contact Feed-A-Bull (feedabull@usf.edu or their website), or Student Outreach and Support (socat@usf.edu or their website).
Students may, without prior notice, record video or audio of a class lecture for a class in which the student is enrolled for their own personal, educational use. A class lecture is defined as a formal or methodical oral presentation as part of a university course intended to present information or teach enrolled students about a particular subject.
Recording class activities other than class lectures, including but not limited to lab sessions, student presentations (whether individually or part of a group), class discussion, clinical presentations such as patient history, academic exercises involving student participation, test or examination administrations, field trips, private conversations between students in the class or between a student and the faculty member is prohibited. Recordings may not be used as a substitute for class participation and class attendance and may not be published or shared without the written consent of the faculty member. Failure to adhere to these requirements may constitute a violation of the USF Student Conduct Code.
All students have a right to expect that the University will reasonably accommodate their religious observances, practices, and beliefs (USF Policy 10-045). The University of South Florida, through its faculty, will make every attempt to schedule required classes and examinations given customarily observed religious holidays of those religious groups or
communities comprising USF’s constituency. Students are expected to attend classes and take examinations as determined by the university. No student shall be compelled to attend class or sit for an examination at a day or time prohibited by his or her religious belief. However, students should review the course requirements and meeting days and times to avoid foreseeable conflicts, as excessive absences in each term may prevent a student from completing the academic requirements of a specific course. Students are expected to notify their instructors at the beginning of each academic term if they intend to be absent for a class or announced examination, by this Policy.
USF is committed to providing an environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence (USF Policy 0-004). The USF Center for Victim Advocacy is a confidential resource where you can talk about incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. This confidential resource can help you without having to report your situation to the Title IX Office unless you request that they make a report. Contact the USF Center for Victim Advocacy: at 813-974-5757. Please be aware that in compliance with Title IX and under the USF Policy, educators must report incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. If you disclose any of these situations personally to an educator, he or she is required to report it to the Title IX Office. For more information about Title IX, a full list of resources, or to report incidents of sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, or stalking visit USF Title IX.
In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include, but are not limited to: Canvas, Teams, email messaging, and/or an alternate schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor the Canvas for each class for course-specific communication, and the USF, College, and Department websites, emails, and ALERTUSF messages for important general information (USF Policy 6-010).
Learning Support and Campus Offices Academic Accommodations:
Students with disabilities are responsible for registering with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to receive academic accommodations. For additional information about academic accommodations and resources, you can visit the SAS website.
SAS website for the Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee campuses. SAS website for the St. Pete campus.
The USF Office of Student Success coordinates and promotes university-wide efforts to enhance undergraduate and graduate student success. For a comprehensive list of academic support services available to all USF students, please visit the Office of Student Success website.
Office of Student Success website for the Tampa campus. Office of Student Success website for the St. Pete campus.
Office of Student Success website for the Sarasota-Manatee campus.
Include information on where students can find technical support.
Example: If you have technical difficulties in Canvas, you can find access to the Canvas Guides and video resources on the “Canvas Help” page on the homepage of your Canvas course. You can also contact the help desk by calling 813-974-1222 in Tampa or emailing help@usf.edu.
IT website for the Tampa campus. IT website for the St. Pete campus.
IT website for the Sarasota-Manatee campus.
Example: The Center for Victim Advocacy empowers survivors of crime, violence, or abuse
by promoting the restoration of decision making, advocating for their rights, and offering support and resources. Contact information is available online.
Center for Victim Advocacy website for the Tampa campus. Center for Victim Advocacy website for the St. Pete campus.
Center for Victim Advocacy website for the Sarasota-Manatee campus.
Example: The Counseling Center promotes the well-being of the campus community by providing culturally sensitive counseling, consultation, prevention, and training that enhances student academic and personal success. Contact information is available online.
Counseling Center website for the Tampa campus. Counseling Center website for the St. Pete campus. Counseling Center website for the Sarasota-Manatee campus. Tutoring
Example: The Tutoring Hub offers free tutoring in several subjects to USF undergraduates. Appointments are recommended, but not required. For more information, email asctampa@usf.edu.
Tutoring website for the Tampa campus. Tutoring website for the St. Pete campus.