Introduction to Humanities and Culture

Key Questions Explored:

• What is culture?
• Why do we study culture?
• Understanding the Humanities.
• Exploring history and culture analysis.

Course Overview:

• Focus on the development of culture through visual, literary, and philosophical evidence over thousands of years.
• Study examples from prehistory to current times, including local culture in Central Florida.
• Analyze cultural artifacts from multiple perspectives.

Importance of Studying Culture:

• Helps understand history as a narrative influenced by authors’ perspectives.
• Gain insights into different cultures, ourselves, and common ideas.

Key Example: Kara Walker’s "Fons Americanus"

• Inspired by the Victoria Memorial in London.
• Contrasts British colonial triumph with the human toll of colonial violence.
• Encourages reflecting on what is included or omitted in historical narratives.

De-centering Euro-American Perspective:

• Joaquín Torres García’s "Inverted America" drawing.
  • Reimagines South America’s map orientation.
  • Challenges the traditional Eurocentric map designs.
• Historical context of maps:
  • 1569 Mercator map focused on Atlantic-centered views beneficial to European colonial interests.
  • Example of a 1853 Japanese map prioritizing the Pacific Ocean.

Key Concepts for the Course:

• Maps and cultural materials are not neutral; they reflect creators' perspectives and worldviews.
• Exploration of cultural development across time and geography.
• Critical analysis of ancient texts, artworks, and scholarly resources.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop skills to analyze cultural material from any region or time period.
• Understand and explain concepts, issues, and themes related to human cultural history.

Course Timeline:

• 16 weeks of cultural exploration and analysis.

Instructor’s Note:

• Excitement for the journey ahead with students.