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HONRS 227

Unexpected Connections: Social Science and Art

Undergraduate Education Undergraduate Education

Course Description

The class, team-taught by professors from different disciplines, explores the unities between social science and art. Through reading, writing, and conversation, students gain understanding and skills to engage real-life questions. Topics are announced in the class schedule. Honors only.

When Taught

Fall and Winter

Grade Rule

Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)

Min

3

Fixed

3

Fixed

3

Fixed

0

Title

Interdisciplinary Approach

Learning Outcome

Recognize and understand the assumptions, methodologies and practices of two distinct disciplines.

Title

Making Connections

Learning Outcome

Apply different disciplinary perspectives to examine issues, problems, and questions in order to discover connections.

Title

Communication Skills

Learning Outcome

Clearly express concepts, ideas and conclusions through written, visual, oral, or other forms of communication.

Title

GE Social Science Outcomes

Learning Outcome

1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills in the methods of investigating, expressing, and evaluating concepts in the social sciences and the study of the Arts. 2. Apply sound and original thinking to address issues and problems in the world today. In so doing, demonstrate a mature understanding of the different roles that the social sciences and the arts play both in how we conceptualize and contextualize these issues and problems, and also in how we might deepen our understanding of and devise possible solutions for them. 3. Communicate effectively with diverse audiences on current issues and problems we face. 4. Model the disposition and character of an educated and faithful person. That is: 1. Take seriously both the course topic and your own responsibility to work towards solutions to current issues and problems. 2. Demonstrate the ability and the humility to learn from and collaborate productively with others who have backgrounds, views, or expertise different from your own. 3. Articulate thoughtfully how your spiritual faith influences your understanding of and response to questions relevant to biology, literature, and philosophy. 4. Examine and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your own ideas and arguments, as well as those of others, withholding final judgment until sufficient information has been gathered and relevant implications considered. Be able to recognize when that point has been reached.

Title

GE Art Outcomes

Learning Outcome

Students will: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements, forms, aesthetic and compositional principles of at least one form of artistic expression (e.g., visual arts, dance, music, theatre, or film). 2. Become acquainted with a variety of representative works in at least one art form. 3. Demonstrate analytical literacy in at least one art form, meaning the ability to invoke the vocabulary, grammar, and theoretical models of the art form for the purpose of "reading" a work of art. 4. Develop the ability to recognize multiple possible interpretations of an art work, and identify the work's adherence to or departure from the genre's traditions and conventions. 5. Demonstrate the ability to engage in critical analysis of works of art, including an understanding of the historical and cultural factors that should inform an appreciation of such works.