Humanities Courses

Explore the history of navigation, from stars to satellites.

An overview of divination systems, ranging from ancient Chinese bone burning to modern astrology.

Explore the ethical controversies of financial markets.

Explore the diverse and complex roles that religions play in both promoting and mitigating violence.

Learn about the rich and diverse beliefs and practices of Buddhists across time and place. Experience Buddhism through its scriptures, both relationally as well as academically.

Learn about Christianity through a study of its sacred scriptures. We will explore how diverse Christians have interpreted these writings and practiced their teachings over a 2000 year, global history.

Learn about the Quran, the central sacred text of Islam, through an exploration of the rich diversity of roles and interpretations in Muslim societies.

Learn about the key beliefs and practices of Judaism through an examination of its sacred texts and their interpretation.

Learn about the rich diversity of Hindu sacred texts – hymns, narratives, philosophical thought – and their interpretations.

This course examines the Sikh scripture from a doctrinal and historical perspective by providing an overview of Sikh teachings as well as the historical context within which the scripture evolved and became canonized.

Learn how to better understand the rich and complex ways that religions function in historic and contemporary contexts.

Learn about Beethoven’s monumental 9th Symphony and forms of orchestral music.

Learn about Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, an iconic Romantic symphony that ushered in an era of narrative “program music.”

Learn the fascinating history of Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, one of the most challenging and rewarding ballets ever written.

Discover Handel’s Messiah in this installment of First Nights, which will explore five masterpieces of western music.