1)Define classical humanism and illustrate by discussing the construction and
GED 120 Introduction to Humanities
Undergraduate courses: 350 – 500 words or 1 – 2 pages
Exam 1 – pick 1
Please answer ONE of the following:
1)Define classical humanism and illustrate by discussing the construction and
decoration of the buildings of the Athenian acropolis. In your answer, refer
specifically to the classical orders and the Parthenon’s sculptural
decoration.
2) “The most important Roman cultural achievements were all derived from
Greek models; despite their accomplishments in law and government, the
Romans made few significant artistic or philosophical contributions to the
cultural heritage of Western civilization.” Agree or disagree with this
statement by discussing three examples from Roman civilization, including at
least one example of literature or philosophy. For each Roman example,
analyze the ways that it is derived from Greek models, or its degree of
originality and advancement beyond the achievements of Greek civilization.
3) Compare the concept of God in the religions of the ancient Hebrews, early
Christians, and Muslims. In your answer, note similarities and differences
among these religions’ concept of divinity, illustrating your answer with
references to their sacred scriptures and religious art
Exam 2
Please answer ONE of the following:
1) Discuss the role of Christian monasticism in sustaining European
civilization during the early Middle Ages. Refer specifically to monasticism’s
contributions to the arts, learning, and education from the age of Charlemagne
to Peter Abelard.
2) Trace the development of sacred architecture during the early medieval
period, from its origins in the Byzantine style to the high Romanesque
style. In your answer, refer to both the construction and decoration of
sacred buildings, and note important changes in the developing style of
medieval architecture.
3) Trace the theme of love, both worldly and religious, through the arts of the
later Middle Ages. In several examples, show how love of God, love of the
Virgin Mary, love of beauty, and love of woman and man were connected in
the imagination of medieval poets and artists in architecture, poetry, and
music.
Exam 3:
Please answer ONE of the following:
1) Discuss the Reformation as both a result of the Renaissance and a reaction
against the Renaissance. In your answer, identify specific aspects or
interests of the Reformation and discuss whether each is a result of or reaction
against the Renaissance. You may want to consider such topics as:
Renaissance humanism; art and the Church; the study of ancient
languages; stress on individualism and freedom; the rise of printing; corruption in
the Catholic Church; etc.
2) Define three essential elements of the baroque style in the arts and
illustrate these elements with three detailed examples of baroque art. Choose
your examples from two different artistic media (painting, music,
architecture, sculpture, etc.).
3) In the view of some critics and historians, romanticism is more a sensibility
than a style or movement. Analyze the romantic sensibility by discussing its
several dimensions or aspects, illustrating with carefully chosen examples of
romantic art, music, and literature
Exam 4:
Please answer ONE of the following:
1) Trace the development of nineteenth-century European painting from
realism to impressionism to post-impressionism. Carefully define the stylistic
and thematic concerns of each phase of this development, and show how
each phase developed from previous stages. Refer to specific artists and
works in each phase.
2) Evaluate modernity as a shaping force in nineteenth-century Western
civilization, noting both its positive and negative effects as reflected in the works
of artists and thinkers of the industrial age.
3) It may be said that existentialism asserted the absolute freedom of human
action in a world without absolute values. Evaluate the arts in the post–
1945 period as the realization of absolute freedom in the choice of subject,
form, and style. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of absolute
artistic freedom, illustrating with examples from several artistic media or forms