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Unit 1
Embracing the Humanities
Introduction
There are instances in when one reflects and asks himself these questions:
What am I? Why am I in this world? Where do I go from here? What can I do to
become and remain an effective, responsible member of society? Indeed, man
tends to search the meaning and the purpose of his/her existence. To quench these
queries, one needs to be more human-to put man into his/her heart and mind, thus,
the primordial purpose of this course.
This unit is designed to intensively immerse you to the different art forms.
In this way, you come to understand better the significance of arts in our daily
living.
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Learning Objectives
At the end of the session, you will be able to:
a. Trace the development of humanities in the different periods and
b. Discuss the Humanities.
Whatarethehumanities?
What comes to your mind when you hear the word humanities? Write your ideas
on the blanks provided below.
___Culture____
__People ____History_______
Humanities
_Relationships
__Human_Nature__
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Understanding Others__
Presentation of Content
From the ideas you shared in the activity, try to construct a simple
definition of humanities.
The word humanities are studies about culture, human nature, history,
relationships. Because its provide general knowledge and intellectuall
skills tous.
This time, let’s see where you can categorize your own definition. Ortiz et
al. (1976) in their book presented different definitions of humanities from ancient
Latin to present.
The term “humanities” was first applied to the writings of ancient Latin
authors which were read not only for their clarity of language and forceful literary
style, but also, and more specially, for their moral teaching. During the Medieval
Age, the humanities dealt with the metaphysics of the religion philosopher. The
goal was the cultivation of the spiritual life and the preparation for the hereafter.
During the Renaissance, the word came to refer to the set of disciplines taught in
the universities, which included grammar, rhetoric, history, literature, music,
philosophy, and theology- a body of knowledge aimed to make man “human,
cultured, and refined. At present, the humanities serve to provide the student with
certain skills and values through arts.
Elaborating and relating humanities from arts, Sanchez (2001) said that the term
‘humanities’ refers to the arts- the visual arts such as architecture; painting and
sculpture; music; dance; the theater or drama; and literature. They are the
branches of learning concerned with human being and his feelings and how he
expresses those feelings have always been the concern of the humanities.
What are the differences and similarities of the Humanities and the Sciences?
Even this time, others still do not have clear grasp of the different disciplines they
embrace. Although these concepts have been thrown around their heads, they
have never really been asked for the definitions and focus/foci of all these. It is
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
then necessary that one should know the background for it leads him/her to
appreciate the future career s/he wanted to be.
As mentioned by Ortiz et al. (1976), the sciences and the humanities are
two different terms with the same goal. The sciences deal with the external world
of man, as well as with the facets of man’s being that can be subjected to
observation, measurement, and experimentation. Further, the sciences enable man
to understand and control nature and to harness its energy to make his life more
comfortable and convenient. On the other hand, the humanities deal with man’s
internal world-with his personality and experiences, matters that cannot be exactly
measured, classified, or controlled. The humanities’ approach is subjective; it
makes much use of perception, feeling, intuition, and insight. The focus of the
humanities is on man as an individual, while in the social sciences the main
interest is on types and groups of human beings, and on the institutions and
processes of society.
Thus, both the sciences and the humanities are necessary for the
development of the complete, social man, ready to take on his responsibilities in
this rapidly changing world and to enjoy life as he lives it.
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Application
I. State the different definitions of the Humanities in each of the periods
based on the text that you have just read.
Period Definition
Ancient The tem “humanities” was first applied to the
Latin Author writings. Were read not only for their clarity of
language and forceful literray style, but also, and
more specially for their moral teaching.
Using the Venn diagram below, write down the similarities and
differences of the Humanities, Natural Sciences, and
SocialSciences. In the outer part of the circle, write things about them that are
different. At the center circle, write things that are alike.
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
II. Using the Venn diagram below, write down the similarities and
differences of the Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. In
the outer part of the circle, write things about them that are different. At
the center circle, write things that are alike.
Are two
different Study human
beings culture
terms and society.
Observing specific
phenomena
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Score: _________
Feedback Date:
________
I. Tell whether the statement is true or false. Write your answer on the space
provided before each number.
True 1. The term humanities refers to the arts- the visual arts such as
architecture; painting and sculpture; music; dance; the theater or
drama; and literature.
True 2. During Renaissance period, the word humanities was considered as a
body of knowledge aimed to make man “human, cultured, and refined.
False 4. The focus of the humanities is on types and groups of human beings,
and on the institutions and processes of society.
False 5. Both the humanities and the social sciences focus on man as an
individual.
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the session, you will be able to:
a. Evaluate the perspectives behind the meaning of art;
b. Demonstrate understanding on the basic concepts and assumptions
about art; and
c. Point out works of art in the past that are still very much admired and
treasured today.
What is an art?
K W L
(What You Know) (What You want to (What You Learned and
Learn) still Want to Learn)
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Presentation of Content
What is art?
We can say that art is the lifeblood of humanities because it conveys one’s
feelings and expressions. Art is the essential factor which motivates an individual
to create and appreciate “a thing of beauty.”
But before we formally discuss art, let’s look at the etymological meaning
as well as the different meanings of art given by the experts. Etymologically, art is
derived from the Latin word “ars”, meaning ability or skill. Art is from an Italian
“artis” defined as a human or skill. Further, Webster’s New Collegiate dictionary
defines art as “The conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in
the production of aesthetics objects.”
“The object of art is to give life a shape.” French dramatist Jean Anouilh
“Art is science in the flesh.” French poet and playwright Jean Couteau
“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.”
Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde
“Art is a discovery and development of elementary principles of nature
into beautiful forms suitable for human use.” American architect, interior
designer, writer, and educator Frank Lloyd Wright
1. Art is everywhere.
"Your surroundings, home,
personal care, pets, clothing and body are
all reflections of how you see and express
yourself." - Dr. Christiane Northrup
The Invention of Clothing
Art is not nature because art is man-made. It is the creature of man that
may reflect a profound skillfulness and craftsmanship. Art can never be natural
because nature is evanescent, in constant transformation of change, and yet art is
permanent.
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
6. Art is timeless
Art is timeless because it goes beyond the time of our existence. It is
present in every corner of the world to serve basic needs of mankind, from ancient
time to modern world. Further, art is timeless because it continually evolves.
Aside from artists birthing new artworks, they also never stop innovating,
recreating, reinventing, and reviving works of art.
Art defines time. In watching film, for example, even when you do not
have the idea when it was created, the style of directing and filming, the clothing
and bearing of the characters, musical scoring and the setting and the plot of the
story would make the viewer’s guess the period when it was produces.
While art defines time, time also defines art. It identifies the artwork that
would “click” in a particular time for the particular audience.
Aside from the assumptions about arts discussed, other universally accepted ideas
about arts are the following:
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Sometimes beauty is not the artist’s ultimate goal. Art is often intended to
appeal to and connect with human emotion. Artists may express something so
their audience is stimulated in some way-creating feelings, religious faith,
curiosity, interest, identification with a group, thoughts, or creativity. For
example, performance art often does not aim to please the audience but instead
evokes feelings, reactions, conversations, or questions for the viewer. In these
cases, aesthetics may be an irrelevant measure of “beautiful” art
(https://courses.lumenting.com/boundeless-arthistory/chapter/what-is-art/).
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Read the short persuasive essay about Nature being a source of inspiration.
The Book of Nature, one writer declared, has pages “written over with large print or
fine print, and in a variety of language,” Most of us read the large type more or less
appreciatively, but fail to decipher the fine lines and footnotes.”
However, artists who, most always, are lovers of nature, decode the obscure signs
and read between the lines. And from that, they draw inspiration for their creations.
Before he sits down with paint and brush, Arnel Azurin, a nature painter for
example, immerses himself in Nature, to explore its very heart, to probe its secrets
of life- and to realize how all these fall into a large, universal pattern.
Other artists also find inspiration in every little aspect of Nature, reading in each a
sense of life, a threshold opening into a realm of mystic meanings. In one instance,
a poet, writing a poem, saw in the driftwood a metaphor of the human spirit: that
though battered in form, it prevails through time and weather.
The artist develops an acute sensitivity to Nature’s shapes; leaves in varied forms,
gnarled branches and twigs, rounded hills and mountain peaks; to Nature’s texture:
flower petals, ripened fruit, rocks and stones; to Nature’s colors the carpet of
emerald green moss, the yellow of ripening grain in rice fields, the deep blue see
sea and sky.
Most artists interpret and imitate Nature in its utmost beauty. How best to sump up
Nature’s splendor except through colorful flowers, scenic landscapes, lush forests,
vigorous animals, and graceful human forms!
Painters, poets, sculptors, and musicians too, find inspiration in Nature. Anyone, for
that matter, if he takes time out to pause and read closely enough the Book of
Nature, will discover in it an exhilarating, bewitching something that inspires the
sublime in the human spirit.
-The New Dimensions in Learning English (Manual)
After reading the selection, try answering the given questions below.
Guide Questions:
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Application
1. Select at least five(5) artworks which you consider important to you, then
explain each of them.(5points)
Artworks Explanation
1. “ Planting Because these art focused on traditional folk
Rice “ – scences as an embodiment of the imagined sense
Fernando of nationhood.
Amorsolo
4. Oblation –
Guillermo This artwork it depicts a man facing upward with
Tolentino ars outstretched, symbolizing selfless offering of
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
3. Identify a work of art in your community that is still very much admired
and treasured today. Is the message conveyed by the artist universal?
Explain your answer.(10points)
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Score: _______
I. Read and analyze the given statements below, then identify whether
the statement is true or false.
II. Read the following questions below, then answer each of them briefly.
Each question will be treated 5 points. You will be graded based on
substance (3points) grammar and organization (2 points).
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the session, you will be to:
a. Categorize the different forms of the arts and
b. Cite examples of each of the forms.
In a group, list down different art works as many as you can, then among
those art works mentioned choose only one which you think it influences or
inspires you most. Do this only within 3 minutes.
1. Planting Rice 7. The last supper
2. Ang kiukok 8. Spoliarium
3. Making of the 9. The Blood Compact
Philippine flag 10. Gathering of Heroes
4. Monalisa
5. Water Lilies
Presentation of Content
From the activity given, you have heard various art works. Art is classified
in different ways. Writers and philosophers have their own classification of art. To
clearly comprehend the relationship of these arts, let’s us study the categorization
made by the different experts
According to Webster (1987), the major arts involve man’s skills to create
works of art that are in form, content, and execution, aesthetically pleasing and
meaning as in music, painting, architecture, and sculpture. They are called major
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
arts because they appeal to the senses of sight, hearing, and feeling. They are
more notable and conspicuous in effect.
On the other hand, the aesthetic factor in the minor arts lies in the
“styling”. They are addressed primarily to the sense of sight and their usefulness.
The minor arts are inferior in degree, especially in the extent of aesthetic quality.
According to Manaois, there are two (2) general dimensions of arts, namely,
(1) fine arts or independent arts made principally for aesthetic enjoyment through
the senses, especially visual and auditory such as painting, sculpture, architecture,
literature, theater, performing arts, and (2) practical arts or utilitarian arts
intended for practical use or the development of raw materials for functional
purposes such as industrial art, civic art, commercial art, graphic art, agricultural
and fishery art.
Estolas (1995) also grouped arts into:
1. Visual Arts. These artworks are perceived by our eyes which may be
classified into graphic arts and plastic arts. Graphic arts have flat
twodimensional surface such as painting industry. It covers the
commercial arts like the design of books, advertisements, signs, posters
and other displays for advertisements. Plastic arts are visual arts which
have threedimensional forms. Under this grouping are: architectural
designs and construction of buildings and other structures; landscape of
gardens, parks, playgrounds, and golf courses with plants ,trees, vines and
ground cover;
2. Performing Arts. These include the theater, play, dance, and music. They
involve movement, speaking and gestures.
3. Literary Arts. These include the short stories, novels, poetry and dramas.
4. Popular Arts. These include the film, newspaper, magazine, radio and
television. This group is characterized as gay and lively.
5. Gustatory Art of the Cuisine. This involves skills in food preparation.
6. Decorative Arts. They are visual objects produced for beautifying houses,
offices, cars and other structures. They are also called applied arts.
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Example: dance
D. Pure Arts utilize only one medium of expression.
Examples: sound in music, color in painting E.
Mixed Arts use two or more media.
Example: The opera(which is a combination of music, poetry, and
drama)
Application
Provide pertinent details to complete the mapping of the arts. Feel free to
maximize the space provided below.
Classification of Arts
Sanchez
Webster
Manaois Estolas Abad, and Jao Barrios (2012)
(1987)
(2001)
Performing PRACTICAL OR
Visual Arts Visual Arts Literature Dance PLASTIC ART
Arts USEFUL ART
Gustatory art
PHONETI ART LIBERAL ART
of cuisine
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Score;_______
Feedback Date:_________
Directions. Read and analyze the questions below, then encircle the letter of the
terms or statements that best corresponds to the ideas pointed out.
1. Which of the following arts include the short stories, novels, poetry, and
drams?
a, visual arts c. performing arts
b. literary arts d. popular arts
2. All except ONE are classified as fine arts.
a. painting c. performing arts
b. graphic arts d. architecture
3. Which of the following is an example of popular arts? a, newspaper
c. television
b. radio d. All of the above
4. Which of the following is NOT considered under major arts?
a. music c. poetry
b. interior decoration d. sculpture
5. Which of the following classification of arts refer to those whose mediums
which can be seen?
a. auditory or time arts c. visual or space arts
b. combined arts d. None of the above
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
The following are examples of art works. Identify what categories they belong to.
Les Misérables
Helen of Troy
ANSWER;
1. THEATRE
2. PAINTAING
3. CINEMA
4. SCULPTURE
5. ARCHITECTURE
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the session, you will be able to:
a. Discuss the different functions of art;
b. Demonstrate understanding how artists use images to represent
ad idea; and
c. Realize the function of some art forms in daily life.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=Rizal%27Park+Image
The first picture shows that what happening right now. Based on my observation
almost all the teenager right now they did not use our own dialect, because this is
were we identify for us being a filipino citizen as our own.
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
https://www.ironwulf.net/2017/04/10/lakbay-norte-
vi-3-pasalubong-cagayan/
The second picture shows the Luneta park after the name of Dr. Jose Rizal our
national hero this luneta park is an honor and tribute to him.
This third pictures shows the filipino handmade here in the different place of
Philippines. And it was the culture of the past until now from our present.
Presentation of Content
From the activity given above, you have observed that each artwork has its
own function or purpose. Artists may convey their messages in different ways.
To recognize and appreciate the function of arts not only within ourselves
but in the community as well, read the article written by Frederick A. Horowitz.
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
The functions of arts are wide ranging. Art is as broad as human experience. All
of art comes out of life and is bound up with life. Art is meaningful, but meaningful
in ways that differ from society to society, from time to time, and from person to
person.
Adapted from More Than You See: A Guide to Art
New York: Harcourt, Brace Jovanovich, Inc. 1992
With the numerous listed functions of arts, they may normally fall into three
categories as mentioned by Esaak (2019). These are personal, social, and physical
functions.
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
1. Personal Function
There are many types of personal function, and they are subjective and
will, therefore, vary from person to person.
Further, art may serve the personal functions of control. Art has been used
to attempt to exert magical control over time, or the seasons or even the
acquisition of food. Art is used to bring order to a messy and disorderly world.
Conversely, art can be used to create chaos when an artist feels life is too staid
and ordinary. Art can also be therapeutic - for both the artist and the viewer.
2. Social Function
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Social Description
3. Physical Function
The physical functions of art are often the easiest to understand. Works of
art that are created to perform some service have physical functions.
Tools and containers are objects which function to make our lives
physically comfortable. Functional works of art may be classified as either tools
or containers.
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Take a look at the given terms below. Reflect why these are categorized
this way.
1. A spoon- tool
2. A car- tool
3. A building- container
4. A Community- container
5. A ceramic vase- container
6. A chair-container
Application
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Activity 2. Clip an editorial cartoon from any newspaper or magazine. Explain the
comment it makes about society or certain people. How effective is its
presentation?
Editorial Cartoon
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
Explanation:__
These editorial cartoons have an educational purpose. And expresses a recognizable point of view
or opinion. Not all editorial cartoons are meant to be funny. Some of the most effective
educational cartoons are not humorous at all.
________________________________________________________________________
Score:_________
Feedback Date:__________
Read and analyze the questions/statements below, then encircle the letter of your
choice.
1. According to Aristotle, art ___________________.
a. is higher type of knowledge than experience.
b. is science in the flesh.
c. is social.
d. teaches nothing, except the significance of life.
2. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about art?
a. Art is nature. c. Art is timeless.
b. Art perfects nature. d. Art is everywhere.
3. The term humanities is derived from the Latin word “humanus” meaning:
a. Human c. Refined
b. Cultured d. All of the Above
4. During the Medieval Age, the word humanities was defined as:
a. A set of disciplines taught in the universities, which included
grammar, rhetoric, history, literature, music, philosophy, and
theology.
b. the metaphysics of the religion philosopher.
c. a means to provide the student with certain skills and values through
arts.
d. All of the Above
5. “All art is social.” What does this statement mean?
a. It is the result of a relationship between an artist and his time.
b. It is the result of a creative mind.
c. It is the product of experience.
d. All of the Above
6. In what way is art important in daily life?
a. It has personal significance.
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
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Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities
II. Below are the common political cartoon symbols. Match the terms in Column
A with their symbols in Column B.
A B
1. Peace A. Rainbow
2. Victory B. Hawk
3. Wealth and power C. Flying Eagle
4. Hope D. Dove
5. Warfare E. Bench
F. Wreath of laurels
G. Money bags
ANSWERS:
1. D
2. F
3. G
4. A
5. C
References
Barrios, Romeo A. (2012). An Experimental Approach in the Study of the
Humanities. Ermita, Manila: Educational Publishing House.
Dela Cruz et al. (2003). The New Dimensions in Learning English III. Sampaloc,
Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.
Esaak, Shelley (2019).The Important Functions of Art. Retrieved from
https://www.thoughtco.com/what-are-the-functions-of-art- 182414 on
June 18,
Estolas, Josefina V., Clarita G. Javier, & Nieves Pada-Payno. Introduction to
Humanities(Arts for Fine Living). Mandaluyong City: National Book
Store, Inc.
Horowitz, Frederick (1992). More Than You See: A Guide to Art. New York:
Harcourt, Brace Jovanovich, Inc.
Merriam Webster. Illustrated Contemporary Dictionary, Encyclopedia
Edition,(Chicago, Illinois: J.G. Feguson, Publishing Co., 1987, pp. 718,
757.
Ortiz, Ma. Aurora R. et al. (1976). Art: Perception and Appreciation. Manila:
University of the East.
Sanchez, Custodiosa A., Paz F. Abad, & Loreta V. Jao. (2001). Introduction to
Humanities. Quezon City: Rex Printing Company, Inc.
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Reflection
Directions. Choose one or more of the following prompts. What has been your
exposure to art? Has it been primarily from your family? School? Social
activities? Personal explorations? Do you make art? If so, what kind? If you
haven’t made any art, have you ever wanted to? What kind?
Yes, because sometimes when I want to be alone this is what I
wanna do , because I can express my feelings and my emotion in
doing arts.
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