MWCC College Catalog 2008-2009 — Humanities
HUM212 MEDICAL ETHICS
3 credits
This course will address the ethical dilemmas involved in medical decision-making
by physicians, health care workers, patients, and society. A seminar format
will be implemented, where the emphasis will be placed on critical thinking
skills. Students will be expected, and required, to do independent research,
case study analyses, and to articulate well-honed positions, both orally
and in writing. Major topics to be covered are abortion, doctor-assisted
suicide (euthanasia), research with living subjects (animal and human),
allocation of scarce resources, new reproductive technologies and rights,
professional responsibility, mental incompetence, death & dying, and
genetic related issues such as cloning, designer babies and stem cell
research. In addition to the assigned readings, students will be required
to participate in class discussions; to maintain a journal for personal
reflection and case study analyses; to submit two critiques and two position
papers; and to submit and present (PowerPoint) a research paper based
on an approved topic. Prerequisites: ENG101, RDG100, or placement. Fall
and spring.
HUM240 COMPARATIVE RELIGION
3 credits
The course will examine, compare and contrast, in a non-judgmental way, the
history and beliefs of the five major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism,
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Attention will also be given to Native
American traditions. Prerequisite: ENG101. Fall and spring.
HUM260 THE ART OF BEING HUMAN I
3 credits
The course introduces students to the humanities—art, literature, music,
theater, philosophy, and religion—and the influences people use to determine
value in their world. Attention is given to Western and non-Western cultures
and to the ways these civilizations are interconnected, with emphasis on how
the cultural, religious, and philosophical ideals of a civilization are reflected
in its artistic expression. In addition, through critical thinking students
will be encouraged to explore the relationship between their belief systems
and the society of which they are a part. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100 or
placement. Fall and spring.
HUM261 INTRODUCTION TO HUMANITIES: THE ART OF BEING HUMAN II
3 credits
This course attempts to study the interconnection among philosophy, art, and
religion as they reflect and shape the great periods of civilization. The
course reviews many global philosophies that have formed the basis for personal
and societal belief systems and illustrates how these theories are reflected
in our culture. Attention is given to Western and non-Western cultures and
to ways in which civilizations are interconnected. Students will study some
of the tenets of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity as well as theories
associated with such philosophers as Aristotle and Plato. By studying such
concepts as freedom, happiness, love, death, morality, and censorship, students
will explore how cultural ideals are treated in many civilizations. In addition,
through critical thinking, students will be encouraged to explore the relationship
between their own belief systems and the society of which they are a part.
Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG 100, or placement. Spring.
HUM283 HONORS COLLOQUIUM
3 credits
This is an interdisciplinary, team-taught course for Honors students only.
Topics will change every other year. Prerequisite: permission of the Honors
Program coordinator. Spring.