Courses for Undergraduates
300 Seminar in Humanities (3:3)
Pr. admission to the major
May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Interdisciplinary online seminar designed to introduce students to substantive concerns in the Humanities and methods of investigation they employ. Topics vary by semester. (Fall & Spring & Summer)
301 Pathways: Reading and Writing in the Humanities (3:3)
Pr. SPLS major, Humanities (U820) concentration; junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Introduction to different modes of enquiry that make up the Humanities: Literature, Fine Arts, Philosophy/Religion/Ethics, and History. Emphasis on the development of academic skills in an online learning environment.
320 Selected Topics: Literature (3:3)
Pr. junior standing (60 s.h.) or permission of instructor
May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Online course that examines selected topics in world literature exploring works of prose and/or poetry from diverse cultural traditions and periods. Topics vary by semester. (Fall & Spring & Summer)
321 Reading the Human Experience (3:3)
Pr. SPLS major, Humanities (U820) concentration; junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Exploration of individual experience, interpersonal relationships, and cultural identity through the reading and critical analysis of works of short fiction from the 19th through the 21st centuries.
322 The Russian Novel of Conscience (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Examination of 19th–20th century Russian novels of conscience within their historical contexts and as related to the broader struggle between authority and conscience throughout history.
323 Contemporary Short Stories (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Examination of the contemporary short story as a literary art form and as a reflection of the human experience. Includes both critical/analytical and creative writing assignments.
325 Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Examination of mystery and detective fiction from British and American authors throughout the history of the genre. Considers theory about narrative and mystery, and genre fiction as social commentary.
326 Telling Stories: The Memoir (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Examination and analysis of contemporary book-length memoirs, personal memory essays, and self-portrait paintings; includes some creative writing.
327 Contemporary Asian Literature (3:3)
Pr. SPLS major, Humanities (U820) concentration; junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Exploration of novels by major authors from South Asia and East Asia in the last half century. Examines cultures and politics, and relationships with the Western world.
340 Selected Topics: Fine Arts (3:3)
Pr. junior standing (60 s.h.) or permission of instructor
May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Online course that examines selected topics in the fine arts exploring the aims and methods of artistic expression and the role of cultural traditions and artistic values in human society. (Fall & Spring & Summer)
341 Eye Appeal (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Examines the use of “spectacle” to create meaning in the performing arts and life, from antiquity to the present. Studies formal elements of spectacle, iconography, and interpretations by scholars.
342 Painting on the Page (3:3)
Pr. SPLS major, Humanities (U820) concentration; junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Studies literary texts about works of Western art; explores the relationship between the interpretation of pictures and written texts, and considers questions about art, beauty, truth, and aesthetic experience.
343 Big Plays, Big Ideas (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Examines great plays, classic to modern, that grapple with significant issues and ideas, and illuminate the human experience on the page and on the stage.
345 Photography: Contexts and Illusions (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Examines the history, theory, and contexts of photography since its development. Explores uses and abuses of photography in science, art, and media; examines how photography crosses and confuses visual genres.
346 The Art of Life (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Explores the relationship between the creative arts and human values, ideas, and emotions. Theme of "getting lost" in the creative process, which leads to discovery and insight—the accidental masterpiece.
347 Shakespeare Off the Page (3:3)
Pr. SPLS major, Humanities (U820) concentration; junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Examines a selection of Shakespeare's major plays not only as universal and timeless works of literature, but as blueprints for live theatre productions and film performances for modern audiences.
348 Representing Women (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Focuses on women as producers, consumers, and subjects of visual culture. Examines the Feminist art movement, Feminist critiques of popular culture, and the significance of visual representation to political representation.
360 Selected Topics: Philosophy/Religion/Ethics (3:3)
Pr. junior standing (60 s.h.) or permission of instructor
May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Online course that examines selected topics in philosophy, religion, and ethics; compares assumptions, modes of thought, and attendant practices, and analyzes their effects on behavior and human society. (Fall & Spring & Summer)
361 American Dreams (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Study of the "American Dream," its origins and historical development through its contemporary relevancy. Themes include freedom, immigration, nationalism, commercialism, class in America, the Dream’s corollary: the American Nightmare.
362 Vice, Crime, and American Law (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
An examination of the moral concept of "vice" and its application in American criminal law. Topics include gambling, prostitution, pornography, drugs, hate speech, and laws prohibiting gay marriage.
363 Ethics and Technology (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
An examination of ethical problems created by technology. Additional emphasis given to the historical, legal, and cultural impacts technology has had on our society.
364 Mystics in America (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Investigation of popular trends in contemporary American spirituality with attention to the historical roots that may or may not lie behind them.
365 Divided We Stand (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Exploration of the relationship between religion and democracy in America. Topics include religion in the nation’s founding, America as a secular state, religious pluralism, and religion in public discourse.
366 Life, Death, and Meaning (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
An examination of philosophical writings concerning death and the meaning of life. Plays, poems, art, literature, and films that apply or illustrate the philosophical works are also examined.
380 Selected Topics: Historical Perspectives (3:3)
Pr. junior standing (60 s.h.) or permission of instructor
May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Online course that examines selected topics in history and explores the context of events (social structure, economics, political systems, culture, or beliefs) in a specific region and period. (Fall & Spring & Summer)
381 Old Europe/New Europe (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Interdisciplinary cultural history of Europe from the French Revolution to the present. Introduction to key historical figures, cultural movements, and artistic developments.
382 The Sixties (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Exploration of the cultural and political changes in American society during the 1960s and early 1970s.
383 Religious Resistance to Political Power (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Explores religious resistance to atheist Soviet doctrine within the Soviet Union itself, in Communist Poland, and in Soviet-occupied Afghanistan. Examines relationships between religion and society in each context.
384 Great Trials in American History (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Explores changes in American culture, society, and legal customs through the study of specific trials throughout American history, from the colonial period through the twentieth century.
385 American Motherhood (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Examines representations of motherhood throughout American history in the media and in scholarly and creative literature. Explores the mothering experiences of women of different races, classes, and generations.
386 Women, War, and Terror (3:3)
Pr. junior or senior standing (minimum 60 s.h.); or permission of the instructor
Examines women as victims and critics of war and terror in the 20th century, primarily through autobiographical writings, and explores broader questions of gender, language, power, and resistance.
400 Senior Seminar in the Humanities (3:3)
Pr. admission to major
Online, capstone experience for majors. Students compile Web portfolio of work from classes in the major. Course serves as a method of assessment for majors. (Fall & Spring & Summer)
401 Individual Study (1–3)
Pr. admission to major, successful completion of one semester of course work at UNCG, and permission of an approved, cooperating instructor
Directed program of reading and/or research in the Humanities. Available to majors upon recommendation of an instructor and approval of the program directors. (Fall & Spring & Summer)
Please refer to The Graduate School Bulletin for Master of Arts in Liberal Studies courses.
