Humanities (HUM)

Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.

500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.

Course Fees

Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.


HUM 101. World Literature to 1700 - AH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Description: An introduction to critical thinking about world culture through selected readings in major literary forms from ancient times to 1700.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 102. World Literature After 1700 - D2, AH3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Description: An introduction to critical thinking about world culture through selected readings in major literary forms since 1700.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 105. Humanities in Global Cultures - AH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: In this interactive course, students will use a humanities lens to explore questions about what it means to be human: How and why have individuals throughout history and around the globe sought to make sense of their world through creative expression? How do our interactions with society and the environment around us shape our sense of self? How do we in turn shape society and our environment? Throughout the course, students will engage with examples of cultural products from a range of humanities disciplines, such as art history, literature, religion, music history, theater, film, philosophy, and language and linguistics. In the course of this engagement, students will practice skills that are not only essential for humanities classrooms but extend to any workplace: thinking critically, interpreting evidence, and communicating effectively, all while striving towards a deeper understanding of diversity in order to respond creatively and constructively to the challenge of difference.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 151. Creativity and the Arts - AH3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Introduction to the fundamental vocabulary, principles, analytical processes, and styles of the creative arts (painting, sculpture, architecture, and the printed image) with an emphasis on the performing arts (theatre, dance, music, film, and television). The course will include a variety of individual and group activities focused on creativity and performance in the classroom and in the community.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 152. Cultures of America - D1, AH3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Interdisciplinary study of the arts and humanities in contemporary American culture emphasizing the convergence of European, African, Hispanic, Asian, and indigenous cultures as well as the distinguishing characteristics of each culture as revealed in three of the following areas: fine arts, drama, literature, philosophy, religion, and popular entertainment.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 216. Introduction to World Religions - AH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: The study of the principal world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and indigenous traditions) in their cultural contexts.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 217. Introduction to Indigenous Religions of Africa, Americas and the Pacific Basin3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: An introduction to the religious beliefs and practices of selected indigenous communities in Africa, the Americas and the Pacific Basin.

Note: Cross-listed with PAS 217.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 218. Introduction to Eastern Religious Traditions - AH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: A survey of the history, beliefs and sacred literatures of the religions of South and East Asia from the perspectives of the humanities and the history of religions.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 219. Introduction to Western World Religions - AH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Description: A comparative introduction to western world religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, through a systematic survey of history, scripture and interpretation, doctrine, practice and aspects of religious material and literary culture.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 220. Introduction to Jewish Cultures - D2, AH3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Description: This course provides an introduction to Jewish diversity and the Jewish historical minority experience through the prism of the arts and the humanities. Five chronologically sequenced units will examine Jewish cultures in different historical periods and geographical regions to communicate the scope of Jewish diverse communities in the past and present. Special attention will be placed on how gender, ethnicity and demographic realities, such as displacement and migration, influenced the creation, design and consumption of Jewish literature, art, music, theater, film and media, food, and philosophic tradition.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 224. Introduction to Film - D2, AH3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Introduction to the fundamentals of film form and film content, including narrative, mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, genre, acting, and sound, with emphasis on relationships between these elements and diverse cultural contexts.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 300. Ancient Near Eastern Cultures3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Interdisciplinary study of the ancient Near East (Egypt, Mesopotamia, Syria-Palestine) through the fourth century B.C.E., with emphasis on the distinctive characteristics of the arts, literature, and religious and philosophical thought in their cultural context.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 301. Ancient Greek and Roman Cultures3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Interdisciplinary study of ancient Greece and Rome with emphasis on the distinctive characteristics of the arts, literature, and religious and philosophical thought in their cultural context.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 302. Medieval Culture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Interdisciplinary study of the Middle Ages with emphasis on the distinctive characteristics of the arts, literature, and religious and philosophical thought in their cultural context.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 303. Renaissance Cultures3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Interdisciplinary study of the Italian Renaissance, the Northern Renaissance, and of consequent traditions, with emphasis on the distinctive characteristics of the arts, literature, and religious and philosophical thought in their cultural context.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 304. Culture of the Modern Period3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Interdisciplinary study of the Modern Period, from the Enlightenment to the present, with emphasis on the distinctive characteristics of the arts, literature, and religious and philosophical thought in their cultural context.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 305. American Culture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: An analysis of American thought and artistic expression since 1900.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 306. Survey of Islamic Thought, Religion and Culture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring Odd Years

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: An overview of Islamic religious, cultural, political, and social experience through the centuries.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 307. East Asian Cultures3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Summer

Description: A survey of literature, arts and thought in China and Japan in their historical context.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 308. Studies of Religion - AH3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Description: The interdisciplinary study of religion as a cultural phenomenon, with emphasis on individual, social, mythic, literary and textual manifestations.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 309. Survey of Jewish Thought, Religion and Culture - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: An overview of Jewish religious, cultural, social, and political experience through the centuries in the light of current interpretation.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 310. Religion and Culture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Description: This course examines the intersections of religion and culture. It does not focus on religious texts; instead, its focus is on how religion plays a part in people's everyday lives as a source of meaning and order, as well as by creating a nexus of rituals, communities, spaces, and identities. It analyzes world religion (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism) as well as local and indigenous religious traditions from a cultural perspective.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 311. Hebrew Bible/ Old Testament3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Study of the outlook of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in relation to the cultures from which it is derived.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 312. New Testament3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Study of the canonical and apocryphal books of the New Testament as an expression of the world outlook of the primitive Christian community.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 313. Introduction to the Qur'an3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore Standing.

Description: An introduction to Islam's most sacred text, the Qur'an, which contains the fundamental creed, rituals, ethics and laws of Islam. An examination of the historical and cultural contexts of its origin and subsequent interpretation, as well as its main themes.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 314. Buddhist Scriptures3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore Standing.

Description: A survey of Buddhist sacred texts ranging from canonical scriptures to apocrypha and esoteric manuals selected from major Asian and/or East Asian Buddhist traditions, as an introduction to a range of Buddhist beliefs and practices that represent both established Buddhist orthodoxies and popular tradition operating at their periphery.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 315. Jewish Religious Diversity: Culture and Counter Culture - AH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring Only

Description: This course will explore the history of Jewish religious diversity and social change through encounters between normative cultural and alternative counter-cultural beliefs, rituals and practices. Topics may include, but are not limited to: Goddess worship in ancient Israel, Jewish magic, Jewish mystical tradition (kabbalah), Jewish New Age movements, Jewish Feminist movements and/or Jewish LGBTQ and Social Justice movements.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 316. Modern Islamic Thought3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: A study of important Islamic movements and thinkers in the Indian subcontinent, Egypt, and Turkey, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 317. Modern Jewish Thought3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Creative and discursive writers representing nineteenth- and twentieth-century thought on theology, religion, culture, and society.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 319. Survey of Christian Thought, Religion and Culture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: A historical survey of Christian religious, cultural, social, intellectual and political experience.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 320. Research and Writing in the Humanities - AH, WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: This course introduces students to interdisciplinary writing and research strategies in the Humanities.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 321. Modern Fiction: Nineteenth Century3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Study of important developments in the technique and content of fiction in selected European masterpieces, including works representative of several continental traditions.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 322. Perspectives on 20th Century Literature3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring Only

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Study of 20th century and contemporary literature in English and in translation from a global and comparative perspective.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 323. Modern Drama3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Study of major movements and dramatists from Ibsen to the present.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 324. Approaches to Film Interpretation3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: A film theory course that introduces students to theoretical approaches to cinema that may include structuralism, semiotics, psychoanalysis, feminism, and post-structuralism, as well as historical, cultural, and gender theory.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 325. Survey of Film and Culture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring Only

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: This course offers a global survey of cinema from its beginnings to contemporary films. Cinematic developments such as the introduction of color, sound, censorship, digitization, and the demise of the studio system are potential topics.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 326. Studies in Film and Culture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Offers students the opportunity to study a specific group of films in greater depth. Topics could include a focus on genre (e.g. Rom Coms, Mysteries, Film Noir, etc.) or the course could focus on a particular theme such as food and film, war and film, etc.

Note: May be repeated up to three times if different selections of films are studied.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 331. Humanities and Gender - AH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Analysis of sex roles as embodied in classic works in philosophy, literature, history, drama, and art in ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary times.

Note: Cross-listed with WGST 303.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 335. Modern Christian Thought3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: An introduction to Christian thought and issues through a study of the writings of modern Christian thinkers.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 336. Indigenous Religions of North America - D1, AH3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Description: A survey of the universal aspects of the religions, cosmologies and practices of American indigenous peoples from prior to European contact until the present day.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 338. Greek Mythology3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Mythology of Greek gods and goddesses through the study of ancient texts, major sites of worship, and ancient representations of these deities.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 339. Studies in World Mythology - AH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Comparison and contrast of different mythic systems. Emphasis on myth as response to the demands of specific cultural experiences.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 340. Women and Religion - AH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Odd Years

Description: An historical survey of the relationship between the social-cultural roles of women and their representation in world religion.

Note: Cross-listed with WGST 340.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 341. South Asian Religious Thought and Culture - AH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Study of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism and their interrelationship with the cultures of South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan).

Note: Cross-listed with AST 340.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 342. Eastern Mysticism3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: An overview of eastern mysticism through a close reading of significant primary texts from Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Daoist mystical traditions in the light of perennial and contextual theoretical frameworks and current critical scholarships.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 343. East Asian Religious Thought and Culture - AH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Study of the Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist, and Shinto and their interrelationships with the cultures of China, Korea, and Japan.

Note: Cross-listed with AST 343.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 344. Religion in the United States3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: The varieties of religious experience in the United States: native traditions, manifestations and adaptations of Christianity, and other religions practiced in the United States.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 349. African Americans & Islam3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring Only

Description: This course explores the complex relationship between African Americans and Islam. It begins with a discussion of Islam in Africa prior to and during slavery, the early 20th century communities, rise of the Nation of Islam, orthodox Islam, and the influence of Islam on nationalism and artists.

Note: Cross-listed with PAS 349.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 350. The Literary Fairy Tale - AH3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Description: An investigation of the literary fairy tale from the Renaissance to the twentieth century.

Note: Cross-listed with M L 350.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 351. Survey of African Religion and Culture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Description: This course discusses various African understandings of religion by examining specific traditions, beliefs, and practices from Ancient Egyptians, Yoruba, Dogon, and Dagara, among others. Christianity and Islam are discussed as unique parts of the African religious experience. (Humanities)

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 354. Masterpieces of Ancient Greece - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Close study of selected great works in their cultural context.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 355. Masterpieces of Ancient Rome - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring Only

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Close study of selected great works in their cultural context.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 356. Masterpieces of the Middle Ages - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring Only

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Close study of selected great works in their cultural context.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 357. Masterpieces of the Renaissance - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Close study of selected great works in their cultural context.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 358. Masterpieces of the 17th & 18th Centuries - WR3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Close study of selected great works in their cultural context.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 359. Masterpieces of the 19th & 20th Centuries - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Close study of selected great works in their cultural context.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 361. Selected Topics1-3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Content to be indicated in Schedule of Courses.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 362. Selected Topics1-3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Content to be indicated in Schedule of Courses.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 363. Special Topics - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: Content to be indicated in Schedule of Courses.

Note: May be repeated when topics vary.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 365. Theories of Music3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: An examination of theoretical problems arising from the composition, performance, and hearing of music, such as musical meaning and the relation of music to the emotions.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 366. Theories of Literature - WR3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: An examination of theoretical problems arising from the authoring, interpretation, and evaluation of literary texts, such as authorial intention and the nature of fiction.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 367. Theories of the Visual Arts3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: An examination of theoretical problems arising from the creation and understanding of visual works of art, such as representation, functionalism, and style.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 368. Theories of the Theatre3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: An examination of theoretical problems arising from rehearsal and performance of dramatic texts, such as the relation of interpretation to meaning and emotion to acting.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 369. Asian Theatre3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore Standing.

Description: An examination of the theatre forms of East Asian culture and aesthetics with particular emphasis on those forms that have proved influential on the Western theatre of the 20th century.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 376. Studies in American Culture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Interdisciplinary analysis of an important theme, problem, or a selected period considered in the full perspective of American culture.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 377. African-American Religion - D1, AH3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Description: This course explores various religious beliefs, practices, experiences, traditions and institutions of African descended people in the United States. Students will be introduced to a range of African-American religious traditions and a variety of perspectives within African-American religious thought. These traditions and their respective beliefs and practices will be situated within their proper historical, social and cultural contexts.

Note: Cross-listed with PAS 317.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 378. The African-American Experience3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: An examination of the African-American experience as depicted in literary and artistic genres.

Note: Cross-listed with PAS 378.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 380. Culture of Iberia-Latin America3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Interdisciplinary study of Iberia-Latin America, with emphasis on the distinctive characteristics of the arts, literature, and religious and philosophical thought in their cultural context.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 381. Russian Culture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Cultural trends in Russia through music, fine arts, literature, theatre and film.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 382. Native American Cultures3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Interdisciplinary study of native cultures of the Americas with an emphasis on art, dance, literature (oral and written) and religion.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 383. The Mediterranean and Culture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Description: Examines how cultural practices in the Mediterranean area vary and interact. Considers different meanings assigned to "the Mediterranean" according to place and period.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 384. Cultures of Modern Africa3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

Description: Interdisciplinary study of representative modern African cultures, since the fifteenth century, especially under European colonialism and since independence, with emphasis on the distinctive characteristics of the arts, literature (oral and written), and religious and philosophical thought in their cultural context.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 387. The Holocaust, Genocide, and Global Imagination - SBH, D23 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: A study of the historical events, with analysis and evaluation of the impact of the Holocaust and other modern global genocides on humanistic thought and imagination.

Note: Cross-listed with HIST 387.
Note: Credit may not be received for this course and HIST 387.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 395. Environment, Urbanism, and Architecture3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall Odd Years

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore Standing.

Description: A study of the visual shaping of the environment, the history of cities and architecture, within changing cultural contexts.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 400. Honors Seminar in Humanities3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Admission to Divisional Honors Program.

Description: Seminar devoted to the intensive investigation of a major substantive or theoretical area within the Humanities.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 500. Honors Thesis in Humanities - WR3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing; admission to Divisional Honors Program.

Description: An intensive examination of a topical area in Humanities undertaken with a designated faculty director.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 501. Independent Study1-3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade-point average of 3.0 overall; minimum grade point average of 3.5 in the department; at least 18 hours credit in the department; consent of Division chair.

Description: Individualized study under the supervision of a sponsoring faculty member that is related to research or practice that is not included in regular courses in the curriculum.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 502. Independent Study1-3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade-point average of 3.0 overall; minimum grade point average of 3.5 in the department, and at least 18 hours credit in the department.

Description: Consent of Division chair.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 505. Humanities Study Abroad - WR3-6 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Participation in the University of Louisville study abroad program or a program approved by the Department of Comparative Humanities.

Description: Credit awarded upon demonstration of successful completion of program, including a paper or project and an oral or written examination administered under the supervision of a faculty member.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 509. Interdisciplinary Approaches: Arts and Humanities - WR, CUE3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing; majors only.

Description: Methods and theories in interdisciplinary thinking and research, emphasizing 1) the interrelationships of the disciplines, 2) the importance of synthesizing art, theatre, literature, music, philosophy, and religion in a cultural context, and 3) the critical examination of issues arising from fields outside the Humanities that have significant impact on and synergy with the Humanities.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Note: Credit may not be earned for both HUM 509 and HUM 609.

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 510. Methods and Theories in the Study of Religion - CUE, WR3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Completion of 90 hours and permission of instructor.

Description: . A survey of major theories and methodologies in the academic study of religion from a historical perspective.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Note: Credit may not be earned for both HUM 510 and HUM 610.

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 511. Topics in the Interpretation of Sacred Texts3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

Description: Study in depth of sacred texts and commentaries selected from the major religions of the world: Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Qur'an, Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and Buddhist sutras.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 512. Topics in Contemporary Religious Thought3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

Description: In-depth study of selected contemporary writers from major world religions.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 513. Topics in Comparative Religions3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

Description: A critical study of similarities and differences in ideas and attitudes toward significant themes in world religions.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 514. Perspectives on Religious Coexistence and Conflict3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

Description: Through interdiscliplinary methodological and theoretical frames of analysis, exemplary cases of global, historical interreligious encounters will be explored.

Note: Credit may not be earned for both HUM 514 and HUM 614.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 515. Topics in Gender and the Humanities3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior Standing.

Description: Specialized topics in Gender and the Humanities will be explored through advanced, interdisciplinary methodological and/or theoretical frames.

Note: Credit may not be earned for both HUM 515 and HUM 615.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 516. Topics in the Histories of Religion3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior Standing.

Description: Advanced study of selected histories of individual religious traditions and/or interaction between religious traditions in different historical contexts.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 518. Arabs & Jews in Israeli & Palestinian Literature & Cinema3 Units

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 101 and ENGL 102.

Description: Students explore the nexus of Israeli and Palestinian literature and history from the 1948 war to the present, exploring issues of empathy with the other, the commemoration of personal and collective trauma and dispossession, and the construction of peoplehood and national identity.

Note: Cross-listed with HUM 618.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 524. Special Topics in Film Study3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

Description: An in-depth study on a specific topic to be announced in the Schedule of Courses.

Note: May be repeated up to three times for different topics.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 541. Feminism and Science Fiction3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Description: This class will examine the science fiction genre through the lens of gender and feminism. The course will develop students' critical reading, thinking, writing and presentation skills. Reading works of science fiction with and against classic readings in feminist theory, students will develop an understanding of the ways writers, particularly women writers, have worked within the genre to explore issues related to gender, race, class, and sexuality. Students will be asked to consider the ways the science fiction writers have participated in on-going dialogues within larger culture, within the SF community, and within feminism, related to gender roles, gender and sexual identity, and hegemonic social structures.

Note: Cross-listed with WGST 541.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 550. Internship in Arts and Humanities3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Consent of chair of Humanities or undergraduate advisor.

Description: An individually arranged internship that combines volunteer work experience with an Arts or Humanities organization or agency with a related academic project.

Note: Course cannot be repeated for academic credit toward the degree.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 555. Independent Reading2-3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Honors standing, junior standing, consent of division chair.

Description: Readings in cultural history; oral and written reports.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 561. Selected Topics3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

Description: Content to be indicated in the Schedule of Courses.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 562. Selected Topics3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

Description: Content to be indicated in the Schedule of Courses.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 581. Dante3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

Description: Study of Dante's life and major works, and the social, political, and cultural milieu which affected his literary career.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 590. ST: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Humanities - WR3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: Interdisciplinary topics to be announced in the Schedule of Courses. May be repeated up to three times under different topics.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HUM 595. Principles of Cultural History - WR3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Completion of 75 undergraduate hours.

Description: The study of major systematic views of the development on Western culture.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Note: Credit may not be received for this course and HIST 595.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes