This survey of cultural heritage of Western Civilization, from the Renaissance to the 2lst

Century, presents a history of cultures and values with emphasis on artistic, literary, musical, religious and philosophical traditions, using a wide variety of audio/visual materials.

People in Contemporary Society is designed as an interdisciplinary survey of human cultural achievement in the Western Humanistic Tradition (its cultural history from the Renaissance to the 21st  Century), which has shaped, more than any other, our cultural and social identity as Americans.  Emphasis is placed on objective analysis and comparison of selected works from all of the arts to reveal general traits of Western Civilization. Pursuing the Humanities aspect of West Los Angeles College’s mission, this semester is based on the assumption that, among other things, “an educated person should have a critical appreciation of the ways in which we gain and apply knowledge and understanding of the universe, of society, and of ourselves.  Specifically, he or she should have an informed acquaintance with the aesthetic and intellectual experience of literature and the arts.” (1-Harvard Core Curriculum Report, 1978)

To help students develop writing, thinking, speaking, and research skills necessary for their personal/professional future, and that they may become lifelong learners.

To provide students with learning experiences in Humanities disciplines, but also that reflect transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary connections.

To provide students with opportunities to develop a global/international perspective, and an understanding and appreciation of other peoples and cultures, through a historical survey of human cultural achievement in the Western Humanistic Tradition, and other cultural traditions that have impacted it.

To provide students with an awareness of the importance of sound, ethical decisions and with concepts, models, approaches, and tools used to make those decisions for themselves.

The successful student in this course will be able to demonstrate:

- an understanding of the history of the Western Humanistic Tradition.

- the ability to analyze and interpret individual works of art, music, and literature within that tradition.

- an understanding of the interconnections and reactions between disciplines and artistic movements. 

- the ability to write effectively at the college level.

- the ability to conduct effective college level research.

- strong critical thinking skills. 

- mastery of format and documentation.

Lamn, Robert C,  “The Humanities in Western Culture,” Revised Fourth edition, Brief Version (McGraw-Hill, 2004) ISBN 0-07-283598-2

A paperback dictionary for in-class use. You will be expected to bring this to each class session.  The American Heritage, Random House, Webster’s Collegiate, and Webster’s New World are the best examples of this type and easy to find.

This section of Humanities will meet twice weekly, and on four Saturdays for sessions. Students should be prepared to discuss textbook readings in depth during class.  Your course outline will include dates of class meetings along with assignments. It is your road map for the course. Consult it often to confirm what your assignments entail, when they are due, and when you are scheduled for an exam.

Students are expected to come to each class with their textbook, having read all assigned material.  Students who miss a class meeting must take responsibility for all material covered.  Intelligent oral student participation is an important element in this class and will be counted toward a student’s grade. 

If there is a compelling reason why you cannot attend the class, please contact your instructor in advance.

You will be held responsible for the reading assignments, papers, and other assignments. Final grades will be based on the following scale:

Examinations                                                             50%

Writing Assignments                                                   30%

In-class group participation                                         20%

A                90—100

B                80—89

C                70—79

D                60—69

F                Below 60