humanities

Why study humanities?

Because you’re human!

Humanities classes will introduce you to the study of human thought and culture—these classes rest, therefore, at the very core of a well-rounded, basic liberal arts education. To study the origins and development of human cultures and civilization—to explore, understand, and appreciate the various forms of expression (art, literature, music, ritual) through which cultures define themselves and transmit their values—will expand not only your understanding of other cultures, but deepen and enrich your understanding of your own culture as well. Studying the humanities will broaden your horizons. It will sharpen your intellect and fuel your creativity. It will make you a better human.

At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty—never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority.

Classes

Western Culture: Antiquity to Renaissance (HUM 101): Exploration of Western culture as expressed in art, literature, history, philosophy, and music from the ancient world to the Renaissance.

Western Culture: Renaissance to the Present (HUM 102): Exploration of Western culture as expressed in art, literature, history, philosophy, and music from the Renaissance to the modern day.

Cultural Values of the Eastern Word (HUM 103*): Exploration of East Asian cultures (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) as expressed in art, music, literature, history, and philosophy.

Islamic Cultures and Civilization (HUM 104*): Exploration of Islamic culture as expressed in art, music, literature, history, and philosophy. 

Cultures and Civilizations of sub-Saharan Africa (HUM 105*): Exploration of Sub-Saharan African cultures as expressed in art, music, literature, history, and philosophy. 

Latin American Culture and Civilization (HUM 106*): Exploration of Latin American cultures as expressed in art, music, literature, history, and philosophy. 

Introduction to Mexican Culture (HUM 107*): Exploration of Mexican cultural heritage from the pre-Columbian era through to the present.

Cultural Values of India and its Neighbors (HUM 109*): Exploration of South Asian cultures (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh) as expressed in art, music, literature, history, and philosophy. 

Women in Arts, Cultures, and Society (HUM 121): Surveys the representation of women in film, literature, music, television, and the visual arts, with an emphasis on how these representations influence the values, behaviors, and structures of societies.

Native American Cultures of North America (HUM 122**): Past and present Native American cultures through selected works of literature, history, visual art, music, and other forms of expression.

The Irish Experience (HUM 123): Overview of Irish history, geography, religions, art, architecture, and emigration. This class is only taught in the Carlow, Ireland study abroad program.

Humanities Field Experience (HUM 124): Helps to develop an appreciation of a country's culture through the experience of a study abroad program.

Culture and Society of Spain (HUM 125): Explores Spanish life through history, art, music, language, film, literature, social values, and traditions. This class is only taught in the Seville, Spain study abroad program.

European Cities (HUM 166): Explores nine major cities in terms of historical development and changing aesthetic ideals. This class is only taught in the Salzburg, Austria study abroad program.

*Satisfies Non-Western culture requirement
**Satisfies U.S. Minority course requirement


Will my classes transfer?

HUM 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 109,  and 121 will fulfill the Humanities and Fine Arts general education requirement at Illinois public universities. Parkland College classes with an even middle digit (such as ENG 101, MAT 128, and BIO 141) are accepted for transfer as general education classes, major courses, or electives as determined by the transfer institution.  

For more information, speak with an academic advisor and visit the Parkland Course Matrix.

Curriculum

Learn more about how these courses fit into a transfer degree or the general education core curriculum (GECC).

Humanities

Associate in Arts (A.A.)
Course Sequence

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Liberal Arts and Sciences

Associate in Arts (A.A.)
Course Sequence

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