Humanities (HUM)

HUM 212. Medical Ethics. 3 Credits.

This course will address the ethical dilemmas involved in medical decision-making by physicians, healthcare workers, patients, and society. A seminar format will be implemented, where the emphasis will be placed on critical thinking skills. Students will be expected, and required, to do independent research, case study analyses, and to articulate well-honed positions, both orally and in writing. Major topics to be covered are abortion, doctor-assisted suicide (euthanasia), research with living subjects (animal and human), allocation of scarce resources, new reproductive technologies and rights, professional responsibility, mental incompetence, death and dying, and genetic-related issues such as cloning, designer babies, and stem cell research. In addition to the assigned readings, students will be required to participate in class discussions; to maintain a journal for personal reflection and case study analyses; to submit two critiques and two position papers; and to submit and present (PowerPoint) a research paper based on an approved topic. Prerequisite: ENG 101.

HUM 240. Comparative Religion. 3 Credits.

The course will examine, compare, and contrast, in a non-judgmental way, the history and beliefs of the five major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Attention will also be given to Native American traditions. Prerequisite: ENG 101.

HUM 260. The Art Of Being Human I. 3 Credits.

The course introduces students to the humanities, art, literature, music, theater, philosophy, and religion and the influences people use to determine value in their world. Attention is given to Western and non-Western cultures and to the ways these civilizations are interconnected, with emphasis on how the cultural, religious, and philosophical ideals of a civilization are reflected in its artistic expression. In addition, through critical thinking students will be encouraged to explore the relationship between their belief systems and the society of which they are a part. Prerequisite: ENG 101.

HUM 283. Honors Research Seminar: “An American in Paris": Exploring French Cultural & Literary Hist. 3 Credits.

In this class, we’ll learn about the rich history of French-American cultural and literary parallels and exchanges, and how the two country's traditions have recursively influenced each other over the past 250 years. How has French culture overlapped, catalyzed, followed or even deviated from the developments of American culture? What can the joys and struggles in French society and culture teach us about a deeper analysis of “American” identity in the global era? Movements, people, and historical touchpoints to be discussed may include: A Tale of Two Cities, 1800s French poets like Arthur Rimbaud and Baudelaire, the role of France in Colonization and the slave trade, Black Americans living abroad in Paris (James Baldwin, TaNehisi Coates, Josephine Baker), French Student Movements in the 60s/70s, Camus and Existentialism, Hemingway in Paris, Frantz Fanon, Jean-Luc Godard and French Cinema). Our journey begins with the storming of the Bastille, and takes us to the modern day. Liberté, égalité, fraternité: what do they mean to us? Prerequisites: ENG 101 and ENG 102; Permission of the Honors Program Coordinator. Fall.

HUM 290. Travel and Study: International Culture, Philosophy, and Arts. 3 Credits.

An interdisciplinary travel study course to explore international culture, philosophy, and arts through on-campus sessions and travel abroad, site visits, readings, discussions, and research projects. Trips may include service learning components or home stays in the destination country. Prerequisites: ENG 098, FYE 101, RDG 098, or placement; at least 12 credits at MWCC or permission of dean.