Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities

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.

Unit Learning Outcomes

At the end of the unit, you will be able to:
a. Distinguish humanities from sciences;
b. Demonstrate appreciation on the significance and functions of arts to
man; and
c. Analyze and explain how the art influences the person’s character and
actions.

Topic 1: Defining The Humanities

Time Allotment: 2 hours

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.

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 Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities

Presentation of Content
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. (Ortiz et al).
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 (Sanchez,
2001).

What are the differences and similarities of the Humanities and the Sciences?
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.
The sciences enable man to understand and control nature and to harness its
energy to make his life more comfortable and convenient.
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 individuals, while in the social
sciences the main interest is on types and groups of human beings, and on the
institutions and processes of society.
Importance:

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 Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities

Man needs as image of himself, an understanding of his nature. Through

words, tones, mass, line, color, or design, the arts provide man with a measure of
his passions and desires, his relation with other men and his environment, as well
as his potentials.
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 (Ortiz et al.).