Introduction to Humanities

Comprehend the definition of the term humanities;Know how humanities evolved;Understand the purpose of humanities;Learn the different genres and division of arts; andRecognize the importance of humanities/ arts

In this chapter, the definitions, etymology, purpose, genres, divisions and importance of arts will be discussed. The values learned from the discussion will further enhance the students knowledge and understanding towards the course. Also, the learning output will involve group discussions and activities. This will develop and improve the students analytical and critical thinking skills.

In studying humanities, man learns to be human. Through humanities man seeks to enrich and enable his early life by uplifting his potentials. He acquires the right behavior towards others: softness, understanding, and proper conduct.

In books and references there are many definitions of humanities. The definition given below will give a clear description about humanities. The humanities are academic disciplines that study the human condition, using methods that are primarily analytical, critical, or speculative, as distinguished from the mainly empirical approaches of the natural sciences.It was derived from the Latin word humanus, meaning human, cultured and refined. Lastly, it embraces the social sciences and the philosophy.

In the west, the study of Humanities can be traced to ancient Greece, as the basis of broad education for citizens.During Roman times, the concept of the seven liberal arts evolved, involving grammar, rhetoric and logic (trivium), along with arithmetic, geometry, astronomy and music (the quadrivium). These subjects formed a bulk of medieval education with the emphasis being on humanities as skills or ways of doing.

A major shift occurred during the renaissance, when humanities began to be regarded to be studied rather than practiced (i.e., humanities became an integral part of the curriculum), with a corresponding shift away from the traditional fields into areas such as literature and history. In the 20th century, this view was in turn challenged by the postmodernist movement, which sought to redefine humanities in more egalitarian terms suitable for a democratic society.

Language and literature are considered to be the central topics in humanities, so the impact of electronic communication is of great concern to those in the field. (Levi, the Humanities Today) The immediacy of modern technology and internet speeds up communication, but may threaten deferred forms of communication such as literature and dumb down language. The library is also changing rapidly as bookshelves are replaced by computer terminals. Despite the fact that humanities will have to adapt rapidly to these changes, it is unlikely that the traditional forms of arts will be completely abandoned.

Lets try to answer the questions below:

Why are we studying humanities?Why is humanities part of the students curriculum?What can students gain from learning humanities?Where can we apply the knowledge of the course?How can we acquire lifelong-learning from humanities?

Visual ArtsAuditory and Performing arts

The word art is rooted from the 13th century French word art which means skills. Art is came from the word ars which means skills.

Examples:

Modern ScopeEarly/Ancient Scope

Arts (Visual & Performing)Math (Algebra)LanguageChemistryHistoryScience (Biology)Philosophy (Theology/Religion)Philosophy (Law)English (Literature)

Studying Humanities helps students develop skills in communication, problem solving, research and analysis.It makes the student understand and appreciate artworks in different level or perspectives.Provides man a thorough knowledge of his history and his cultural tradition.

Helps man to acquire the values and wisdom that are essential for human survival and progress. Aids man to develop critical thinking which is important in his everyday life by exposing him to varied concepts, ideas and forms that man has created.Promotes mans intellectual, social, moral and aesthetic development.

A Creative Artist is first of all a highly skilled, articulate communicator. Their ability in and with communication is not confined to one medium or channel of communication. Nor is it confined to a particular style, though there are surely some unifying characteristics that enable identification and branding; though some are masters at emulation, as they should be.

HumanismHumanitiesValuesSkillsCritical Philosophy Liberal ArtsLiberalism Digital Age Modern AgeEtymologyDictumAestheticDepravity

Menoy, J. (2014). Introduction to the Humanities: A Holistic Approach (Revised Edition). Books Atbp. Publishing Corp., PhilippinesRegadio Jr., C & Mendoza, J. (2013). Art Appreciation: Introductory Readings on Humanities Focus on Philippine Art Scene. Books Atbp. Publishing Corp., PhilippinesPasagui, R. et. al. (2009) Art Appreciation: Looking and Beyond. Mutya Publishing House, Inc., Philippines