HUMS 1513 Introduction to Humanities Syllabus 010 Fall 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
24.0103
Course Meeting Time

M/W 8:00-9:15

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary study of selected works of art, music, literature, and philosophy through either a thematic or a genre-based approach. AAS: Humanities elective.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
HF-900
IAI Title
Humanities Survey I
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Critical Thinking

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Jerry Slowik
Faculty Email
Faculty Office Number
R118
Faculty Student Support Hours

After Class or Email for appointment.

Faculty Information

Jerry Slowik

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Analyze, through a variety of assessments, multiple works from each of the four main genres (art, music, literature, and philosophy) using formal terminology, elements, and principles of the genre
  2. Analyze a selected work within its historical context (i.e. political, cultural, social, author intention v. audience interpretation)
  3. Combine formal criticism and personal evaluation in an analysis of a selected work using the appropriate formal terminology
  4. Articulate an awareness of diverse cultural approaches and responses to art, such as non-western and ethnic art
Topical Outline
  1. Philosophy: ontology, epistemology, aesthetics
  2. Art: various elements of composition including line, shape, space, color, balance, etc.
  3. Music: various elements of composition including rhythm, melody, harmony, etc.
  4. Literature: elements of literature including plot, character, theme, setting, language, etc.
  5. Analysis using formal terminology
  6. Critical thinking and Interpretation
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Great news - you don't have to purchase a textbook for this class!

All the materials you need for the course are provided. All course materials are located on Canvas.

As these are links to other sources, content may change. Let me know if you encounter a broken link or video.

Methods of Evaluation

Assignments

  • Quizzes: Every module will have two mini-quizzes based off of the week's 
    resources (readings & videos).
  • Class Discussions: Small group and class discussion forums will be written and submitted during class meetings as much as possible.
  • Reflections Assignments: Where you can record your thoughts and views.
  • Final: A final reflection assignment, submitted in Canvas.

Grading Practices

Keep track of your grade. I honestly want you to do well in this class. Always remember to email me when "life things" come up.

Rubrics

Assignments (except quizzes) will provide grading feedback. These are an incredibly useful tool in knowing what to expect for each assignment, so make sure to check them out before submitting your work.

Feedback

I will provide feedback on reflection assignments either through rubric notes or submission comments. If you receive a grade less than the one you desire, make sure to reference those notes first to get clarification of where points were lost. Remember, if you would like to make up these points by making the necessary changes, all you need to do is reach out to me first and then make the changes very obvious when resubmitting. You'll have one week from the date your assignment was graded to make these changes.

Grading Scale

A = 89-100+%

B = 79-88%

c = 69-78%

D = 59-68%

F = Below 60%

I know that earning good grades can be stressful. To help reduce that stress and improve the likelihood of getting your best grades, allow yourself the time and space you need to do your best work. Don't procrastinate, and if you get stuck on an assignment, reach out to me or one of your peers. I welcome your questions and I'm happy to help you think through your ideas so you can successfully complete an assignment. Please make sure that you check your grades often to ensure you are getting the best grade possible.

 

Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Policies

Late Work

Every assignment in the course will have a due date. Students are expected to submit assignments by the due date.

We all know that important things in life can sometimes get in the way of our classes. If there are things going on in your life that you anticipate affecting your ability to attend class or complete work on time, please contact me immediately so we can create a plan to ensure your success. If you recognize a due date might be a problem, advocate for your success by following these steps:

  1. Think about a plan to make sure you don't fall behind.
  2. Contact me (in person or by email) so we can discuss.

Assignment Policy

I will allow you to submit late assignments (class discussions and final not included). If you wish to do this, you have 2 days after the original due date.

Academic Honesty, Plagiarism, and Student Rights & Responsibilities

Kankakee Community College has an academic honesty policy.

You can visit this website for more information about how to avoid plagiarizing. And, if you have any questions about whether or not you should cite something or how you should cite it, just ask me before you submit it.

Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior

See Student Handbook.

All students should be respectful of other students and consider both the diverse backgrounds and cultures that we all share. If any student feels offended for any reason, please first see me after class.

 

Course Calendar

Proposed Class Schedule

All audio lectures, documentaries, and reading and writing assignments will be posted weekly on Canvas. The following schedule is a general outline for the semester and is subject to modifications as the semester proceeds.

Weeks 1 & 2: Introductions

Weeks 3 & 4: Beginnings & Early Civilizations

Weeks 5 & 6: Ancient Greece

Weeks 7 & 8: Rise of the Roman Empire

Weeks 9 & 10: Judaism

Weeks 11 & 12: Rise of Christianity

Weeks 13 & 14: Art (subject to change)

Weeks 15 & 16: Literature (subject to change)

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.