Reference no: EM132457084

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