Faculty

HUMA-1301 Humanities: Prehistory to Renaissance

Kerri Pope

Credit Fall 2026

Section(s)

HUMA-1301-020 (39889)
LEC TuTh 10:30am - 11:50am RRC RRC2 2313.00

Course Requirements

Course Description

A study of representative samples of literature, art, and music of various periods and cultures from prehistory through the Renaissance. The study of the interrelationships of the arts and how their philosophies emphasize an understanding of human nature and the values of human life.

There are no course prerequisites for Introduction to the Humanities I. A passing score or the equivalent on the reading portion of the TASP is required.

Instructional Methodology

The class will be structured around class discussions (both in-class and online via Blackboard), a collection of small cultural assignments, three quizzes, and a final project. I encourage independent thought and personal opinions but request all discussions and debates be conducted in a professional and courteous manner. Art appreciation is very subjective. The great thinkers of our time were all passionate about their views…but they also kept an open mind. I suggest you do the same.

Course Rationale

The study of the humanities from a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective affords the student the opportunity not only to acquire a deeper appreciation of particular works of art but also to gain a larger perspective on the work of art as an expression of the human spirit in a particular time and place.

There is a Course Calendar with WEEKLY DISCUSSIONS and ASSIGNMENTS.

Participation in online discussions and completion of assignments by the posted due date is imperative to success in this course.

Readings

Landmarks in Humanities, 5th Edition, by Gloria K. Fiero. McGraw-Hill, 2021.

Landmarks in Humanities eBook through Connect / McGraw-Hill, accessible through our course Blackboard site. During orientation for the course students will be setting up their accounts for access to eMaterials.

The course is a "First Day Access" or "Inclusive" course, so automatically with tuition, you should be set with your textbooks — the ebooks will be available to you through our course Blackboard site. Some more details are here: https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career- programs/first-day-classes.

If you choose to "opt out" of First Day Access and have questions about materials, please contact your professor.

Course Subjects

Module One:

Chapter 1:The First Civilizations

Chapter 2: The Greek Legacy

Chapter 3: Rome

Module Two:

Chapter 4: Revelation: The Flowering of World Religions

Chapter 5: The Rise of The West

Chapter 6: Europe in the Age of Faith

Module Three:

Chapter 7: Rebirth

Chapter 8: Reformation

Chapter 9: Global Encounters

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
Articulate how these works express the values of the individual and society within a historical and social context.
Articulate an informed personal response and critically analyze works in the arts and humanities.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the influence of literature, philosophy, and the arts on cultural experiences.
Demonstrate an awareness of the creative process and why humans create.

GAI Use Policy

The use of GAI, or generative AI, which is software that produces text for you based on prompts, is not acceptable as a replacement for written assignments. You need to write your essays and assignments.. Can you improve them? Yes. Do you need to? No. This is an introductory class. Your writing is fine; trust yourself to write, and let me figure out what you mean. My assignments are designed to help you craft your academic voice through personal projects. Your opinion is what I want, not AI’s. See Syllabus Addendum for how AI-generated content can backfire and how easy it is to spot.

Rationale- AI use is a growing requirement in the job market. We will use some AI tools in this class. I encourage you to use AI to generate ideas and find information, but be sure to double-check. AI hallucinates sources, misrepresents facts, and combines disparate topics. It is a skill to use it properly.
Definition of GAI- Software that produces text for you based on prompts. (i.e., Chat GPT 1-5, Claude, Gemini, Co-pilot, Perplexity, Grammarly (generative), Abode, Alexa, Siri, Google AI summaries)
Resources- Google Docs Assistive AI, and Grammarly Assistive AI.
Assessment- None
Penalties- DO NOT submit AI-generated text for a grade. It will be marked as a zero, and you will be asked to resubmit with a 20% penalty.
Exceptions- Assistive AI and AI use for the generation of ideas and sources.
Usage Permissions –
- Prohibited- DO NOT submit AI-generated text for a grade. It will be marked as a zero, and you will be asked to resubmit.
- Permitted - You may use AI to generate ideas, sources, and to edit/revise your own written work.

Required- None

Office Hours

M W 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Virtual

NOTE Appointment: Please email Professor Kerri Pope at kpope@austincc.edu to schedule office hours outside of scheduling on Blackboard. They are available online via Zoom or Google Meet. See MEET WITH PROFESSOR POPE on BLACKBOARD.

T Th 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Round Rock Campus

NOTE RRC Campus- Email for Location. Please email Professor Kerri Pope at kpope@austincc.edu to schedule office hours outside of scheduling on Blackboard . Visit MEET WITH PROF. POPE in Blackboard to schedule. They are available in person and online via Zoom or Google Meet. Additional times may be available. Please reach out.