Core Humanities 201

Dennis Cronan	Frandsen 216
Sections 031-040	Fall 2007
682-6365	djcronan@unr.nevada.edu
Office Hours: TR 12-1; R 2:15-3:15

Because this course covers such a long expanse of time--over 3000 years--we will not be able to examine everything that was written, done or thought in this period. We shall, however, maintain a sense of continuity by focusing on specific themes:

Our most important tools are:

1) Primary Texts, works composed in each of the periods we study. Our task is to read them with genuine engagement, and to experience them fully.

2) Speech: My lectures twice a week, and the weekly meetings of our discussion sections, where each one of us gets to engage with the course materials in the give and take of open discussion. Everyone teaches, everyone learns.

3) Writing: Frequent weekly responses, one thesis and outline assignment, and two 5-page papers, along with weekly quizzes and three tests. In the quizzes and tests you demonstrate how much you have learned from your reading, the lectures, and the discussions. In the responses and papers you explore particular questions about the texts and expand your understanding and your writing ability. Don't forget the most elementary kind of writing anyone can do, writing which serves as a foundation for all your other work in the class: Textual annotations and notes. Write in your books!

4) The Internet: This course makes intensive use of the web and e-mail The web serves as a source of texts, images, lecture outlines and assignments. You will submit some of your written work as e-mail enclosures.

5) Myself and the discussion leaders: Your contact with us need not be limited to three hours a week of class time. If you have a question, or a problem, or simply want to talk about a particular topic, come and visit us during our office hours. If these times are not possible for you, make an appointment.

Core Humanities 201 is not a history course, or a literature course, or a philosophy course, or a religion course, although at various times it may seem to be each one of these. It is instead an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the origins of the world we live in.