Saturday, May 5, 2012

HIGHER EDUCATION SUBJECTS IN HUMANITIES – (SOCIAL SCEINCES) RECOMMENDED FOR COMING GENERATIONS – PART OF ADVOCAY FOR HDF LONGTERM GOALS

1.    Introduction to Humanities
    The "Humanities is not one specific subject, but many things: philosophy and cinema, studies of science, of religion, of society; literature and poetry; history and culture. The material in this course is designed to help the students to begin exploring their own ideas, as critical thinkers, critical readers, and critical writers. In this course the students look at past, present and imaginary cultures, across times, and space, and people. Students learn to "interpret" by understanding different possible perspectives of the texts they read. 


    2.     Individual and Society 


    Relationship between individuals and society has been part of the debate across many humanities and social sciences disciplines such as anthropology, history, literature, philosophy and sociology. This course focuses on the issue of individual and society in the light of individual and social identity formation, gender, science, technology and ethics, individuality and religion, and natural environment. The course will examine ideas from diverse writers of Asian, western and/or Islamic backgrounds, where students will have an opportunity to address contemporary issues that have an impact on their lives. 
       
    3.     Identifying Civil Society


    Identifying civil society, exploring its roots in history, literature, religion and society is a need that has been felt more in the late twentieth and the twenty first centuries than at any other time in human history. This need to identify, establish, and root civil society in every modern state is being met by scholars, politicians,Professionals, citizens, as well as students. Through enrolling in this course, students will get an opportunity to examine the concepts of civil society, the alternatives to it, and the value humanity sees in it. Some of the questions that will be addressed are: What is civil society? How has the concept of civil society evolved in recent human history? Is respect for universal human rights the foundation for civil society? 


    4.     Negotiating Human Nature 

    Most transactions in the market, at work, and at home are more or less based on our understanding of human nature. Directly or indirectly we rationalize our decisions on the basis of human nature. This course therefore, allows the participants to explore the concept of human nature through reading texts gathered from diverse cultures, perspectives, and ideologies. There is no absolute agreement on what is human nature. However there is serious debate on human nature that involves philosophers, ideologues, artists, social scientists and theologians. It is therefore, necessary for people from different backgrounds to come to a negotiated agreement on what constitutes human nature. This course allows the participants to become part of that negotiation on human nature.


    5.  Seeking Social Justice


    This course introduces diverse ideas of justice and examines how these ideas on justice guide societies and communities. By examining these conceptions and comparing them with the ideas presented in the texts and in discussions in media, at home, and in classroom, the participants will have the opportunity to see patterns of justice and injustice that guide and order communal life. A critical examination of social justice by each and every citizen remains the only possibility for achieving it in any society. The course promotes the development of a keen sense of social justice and recognizes the need for responsible citizenry for better world for all of us. 


    6.    Tradition and Change
     

    All societies and cultures, as well as individuals, are in a process of change. We are always evolving, always becoming new and reacting into the future. Our ideas and our imaginations encourage us to assess our present situation and what our future might be. The knowledge, way of life and cultural habits, and experiences of the past become a tradition that is handed on to us. With tradition, we shape the present, and finally the future. In this course, the dynamics of tradition and change will be examined through the six themes:  
    (1) The creation of traditions, 
    (2) religious innovation, 
    (3) tradition as nostalgia, 
    (4) urban traditions, 
    (5) tradition vs. modernity, and 
    (6) globalization and traditions. 
    Understanding the role and place of tradition in daily life will enable us to be rooted in our culture without becoming trapped and locked into it.


    7.   Rhythm and Movement


    The rhythm and Movement course will explore the great influence music has had on shaping human society and history. The main purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to dance and music as important disciplines within the humanities and to debate basic ideas related to the art's aesthetics. All the materials presented in this course are selected from different cultures and civilizations (Europe, America, Russia, some Muslim countries, and India, among others) that gave had direct or indirect links to the history and contemporary life of Central Asia. This course will allow the participants to freely question existing musical forms, groups, and ensembles and to challenge the ruling cultural, traditional and political attitudes concerning issues of professional or local musical performance, self expression, and the responsibilities of musicians to society.
    Also read the concept of HCF.


    8.   Art as Appreciation


    Most people appreciate art and/or critique art but few people understand what that appreciation or critique means. This course offers an opportunity to appreciate and understand art through a discussion on the various aesthetics propounded by artists, critics, philosophers and writers. At various times art has been defined as something sacred, beautiful, intuitive, political or experiential. We will address each of these definitions. Participants in this class will present and defend their own views on visual arts. They will get an opportunity to visit an art gallery, talk to local artists and watch films on famous artists. The aim of this course, therefore, is not about gaining knowledge of art history but simply of understanding the various responses to it and the relative benefits of that understanding.


    ALSO SEE:

    AKDN
    To reach the broadest spectrum of learners possible, UCA will offer a range of internationally recognized academic programmes

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