Introduction to Humanities Study Guide

*Revolution

A fundamental, dramatic shift in organizational structure that occurs over a short period of time

*Archetypes

Age-old models by which we comprehend human experience. These original models—for example, "the hero" or "descent into the underworld" or "scapegoat"—are transmitted from generation to generation through mythology and become part of our subconscious.

What was the primary functions of the Gregorian Chants that were sung in the Middle Ages?

To reinforce Church Doctrine

*Which classical theme critiqued the belief that only gods could create models of morality?

Humanism. The study of the creative and intellectual contributions of all human cultures.

In which 2 ways has digital art changed the relationship between artist and their audiences?

1) Artist-audience interaction can occur on a deeper level because of online social media tools. 2)Artwork can exist in multiple forms - print, digital, fashion and reach a greater audience.

In which 2 ways did 20th century artist express the concept of modernism?

1) Developed unique styles by which they were identified and celebrates. 2) presented their own experiences in their art.

Which three attributes apply to music from the romantic period?

1) Expansion of the orchestra to include a larger number and variety of instruments. 2) Focus on the dramatic and expressive qualities of sound. 3)Exploration of heroic and nationalistic themes.

ARtist Christo and Jeanne -Claude installed 7500 Vinyl "Gates" along 33 miles of pathways in Central Park NYC. Saffron-colored nylon fabric hung from each steel gate. The gates were exhibited for 2 weeks after several years of planning and preparation. Choose 2:

1)It invites viewers to re-evaluated and reconsider the environment. 2)The use of colored Fabric, steel and the park combines mediums in innovative ways.

*The Realist Period

19th-20th Darwinism, industrialization, individualism, age of doubt

*The Modern Period

19th-20th centuries -rise of social welfare state -Jeremy Bentham -Courts have power to handle both legal and equitable matters -Judiciary Acts of 1873-1975 -Liberalism dominant

*The Renaissance Period

14th-17th century Rebirth of classicism, humanism, rationalism, scientific expansion, university system, individualism, self-fashioning, reformation. The values developed during the Classical Period experienced a revival during the Renaissance. These values related back to the concepts of humanism, reason, rationalism, scientific expansion, and balance.

*The Neoclassical and Enlightenment Periods

17th Century - 19th Century skepticism, rationalism, empiricism, order, deism, classicism

*The Baroque Period

17th-18th Century Counter-reformation, divine right, absolutism, commonwealth, unification of the arts, world as a stage *should not be on final but still know

*The Romantic Period

18th-19th Century nationalism, exoticism, revolution, heroism, passion, individualism, nature

*The Postmodern Period

20th Century - 21st Century

* The Middle Ages

5th Century - 15th Century religion, deference to God, crusades, pacifism, humility, feudalism, chivalry *should not be on final but still know

*The Classical Period

8th Century BC - 3rd Century CE aka 800 BCE-200CE Balance, truth/reason, democracy/republic, polytheism, humanism

*Confucianism

A philosophy that adheres to the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It shows the way to ensure a stable government and an orderly society in the present world and stresses a moral code of conduct.

Courtly is:

A romantic love emphasized in the Medi-evil period.

What is a clear example of the creation of aesthetic beauty in a humanities discipline?

A welder fabricates components for construction of a new high-rise building.

*Archetype

An emblematic myth, character, image, plot pattern, symbol or buried assumptions shared across cultures. The original models by which we comprehend human experience.

*What is the aesthetic experience?

An experience of beauty that inspires a feeling of pleasure, which is its own justification. We value the experience, whether in nature or the arts, intrinsically—independently of other things. The stimulus for aesthetic experience may be visual (a full moon, a painting, a dance movement, a person's face) or auditory (a song, the wind whistling through the trees) or literary (a written narrative or verse).

Which statement is true regarding the influence of cultural exchanges and diversity during the modernist movement?

Artist such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse looked towards the African continent for influences on their painting, signaling the increased acceptance of cultural diversity in art.

How did global exploration such as during the golden age of Sapin contribute to art and literature of the Renaissance?

Artists and writers were inspired by the travels of explorers and incorporated themes of adventure conquest into paintings and stories.

What features of the "Swing' Characterize tit as an example of French Rococo style?

Asymmetrical arrangement of Shell-like curves and ornate decoration.

How do postmodern authors such as Margaret Atwood and Toni Morrison explores key concepts of the movement through literary works?

Authors such as Morrison and Atwood explore post modern ideas about race, sexuality, and gender identity through their writing.

*Major themes of the Classical Period

Balance, truth/reason, democracy/republic, polytheism, and humanism. - Artists and philosophers were concerned with harmony and balance in their works. The great thinkers of the time—including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle—engaged in a pursuit of truth through logic and reasoning. - New forms of government known as democracy and republic were created that put the power of decision making into the hands of the people. The majority of ancient Greeks and Romans were polytheistic, believing in multiple gods who represented different facets of life.

Which statement is true about the baroque periods influence on todays culture?

Baroque music, such as handel's Messiah, is frequently performed today.

*Buddhism

Belief system that started in India in the 500s BC. Happiness can be achieved through removal of one's desires. Believers seek enlightenment and the overcoming of suffering.

There are knowable moral truths:

Both Natural Law theory and Divine Command Theory

Human reason should be applied to all knowledge is:

Both Natural law theory and Divine Command Theory

Which statement is true of the madrigals during the Renaissance?

Composers created secular songs that married the sound of the music in the written word

How does T. Jeffersons plantation home, Monticello, exemplify neoclassical architectural style?

Contains a columned faced and predimented front porch lined with Doric Columns

How does the contemporary idea of progress relate to the Enlightenment idea of progress?

Contemporary society places great emphasis on an individuals education, which parallels the Enlightenment view that the pursuit of knowledge was a form of moral progress.

Which postmodern school of philosophy was founded by Jacques Derrida?

Deconstructionism.

*Classicism

Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality, objectivity, simplicity, and restraint. Aesthetic attitudes and principles found in the art, architecture, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome

Morality is whatever a god says it is:

Divine Command Theory

Which branch of philosophy deals with the nature of scope of knowledge?

Epistemology

What is an aspect of existentialism, one of the major philosophic contributions of the modernist movement?

Existentialism assumes that there is no fundamental standard of truth.

which aspect of modern dance is still popular to day?

Experimentation with radically new body positions.

What is the political significance of the Death of Marat?

Exposes the pointless and lonely tragedy of Enlightenment revolutionary ferver.

What medieval theme describes the hierarchy relationship between peasantry and nobility?

Feudalism

What are three techniques used by ancient Greek Playwrights Sophocles and Aristophanes?

Foreshadowing, Discovery, and reversal of fortune.

Which concept did the philosophy of Deism contribute to the Enlightenment period?

God created the universe according to scientific laws and principles and lets it function on its own.

How did the philosopher Rousseau concept of "noble savage" set the stage for enlightenment debates on the corruption and evils of slavery?

He argued that slavery was the most destructive evil of mankind and should be immediately ended throughtout the world.

How is the classical concept of "Republic" still evident in contemporary life?

In a republic, voting citizens have supreme rule but decisions are carried out through elected officials which is the foundation of the American political system

How is the theme of Renaissance humanism present in contemporary life?

High value is placed on human rights, an individuals education and promoting social rights.

Which 2 themes of the Realist period are explored in a Dolls house?

Individual rejection of social convention The Rights of women

What characteristic of the baroque period does opera exemplify?

Integration of many distinct artistic disciplines into one work.

How did Gutenbergs introductions of the printing press to Germany in the 1400's impact culture and religion in Renaissance Europe?

It allowed religious reformers to spread their ideas to a larger audience and allowed people greater access to written materials such as poems and novels.

How does Alfons Mucha's poster for Victorien Sardou's Gidmonda demonstrate the influence of Eastern Culture on European art?

It borrows from the style of Japanese woodblock prints.

What does the contemporary concept of a "Knight in shining armor" show about influence of the middle Age on todays society?

It captures the continued important of courtly love as seen during the middle ages

What is true about the genre of world music from the postmodern period?

It combines elements and styles from a diverse range of cultures.

Which statement is true of modernist poetry?

It embraced abstraction and minimalism

How does Leo Tolstoys work War and Preach represent Realist themes?

It emphasized individual characters facing true to life situations

How does Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper exemplify Renaissance art?

It employs linear perspective to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface.

How does Ludwig van Beethovens Ninth Symphony differ from previous symphonies?

It is longer and incorporated choral movements.

Why is Sappho's classical poem " A Lament for Adonis" considered lyrical poetry?

It expresses feelings of romantic love

Why is Bernini's sculpture of St. Teresa typical of the baroque art?

It features high drama and emotion which actively engages the viewer.

Read the following pages from Walt Whitman's "Song to myself": "My tongue, every atom of my blood form'd from this soul, this air. Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same. I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health being. Hope to cease not till death." How does this poem exemplify themes from the romantic period?

It has Whitman introduce himself as superior to others by closely connecting himself to nature.

What effect did the rise of capitalism have during the neoclassical period?

It increased the exchange of ideas.

What is the significance of the kouros in terms of cultural exchange during the classical period?

It is Greek Refinement of Egyptian figural sculpture, was also used by wealthy Greeks

Which statement is true about the 1913 Rite of Spring from the modern period?

It portrayed human sacrifice through dance and hearkened back to paganism and primitivism which shocked audiences.

Why is Chaucers The Canterbury Tales important to Scholars?

It provides a detailed description of life in the middle ages

*Why is E.O. Wilson's theory of consilience important to the study of the Humanities?

It reinforces interdisciplinary study and facilitates the exchange of information necessary to create a more holistic understanding of who we are.

*Main branches of philosophy include

Metaphysics (nature of being and the world) Epistemology (nature. scope of knowledge, expansion of the universe) Ethics (moral philosophy) Aesthetics (nature of beauty and art) Logic (nature of reasoning) Philosophy of mind (nature of the mind and its relationship to the body)

Which post modern theme has to do with the acknowledgement of diversity in a society?

Multi-culturalism

How do works of music from the Romantic Period continue to influence contemporary life?

Musical melodies from famous romantic period compositions can be heard in contemporary popular songs such as Eric Carmen's "All by myself"

Which political ideology arose in the romantic period?

Nationalism

Attacking innocents foreits one's moral claim is:

Natural Law theory

Rules are predetermined and should be uncritically followed:

Natural Law theory

Which is the standard definition of natural selection as described in Charles Darwins on the Origin of Species

Natural Selection is an evolutionary process where certain traits are carried into subsequent generations and other traits are biologically eliminated in a living organism

Platonic is:

Non-sexual love emphasized by Greek

Eros is:

Passionate love favorable by Greek Poets

*What does classicism refer to as used in the term neoclassicism?

Promoting a Roman-style checks and balances government. In this Western context, refers to the aesthetic attitudes and principles reflected in the art and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome, specifically.

What is true about the counter Reformation?

Protestants rejected established Catholic religious iconography and the catholic church redoubled its efforts to awe and inspire worshipers by commissioning opulent new churches and grandiose artworks.

What was the effect of rationalism during the Renaissance?

Rationalism supplied a new perspective for people to think about science and nature instead of relying on superstitious or religious explanations for natural phenomena. One of the most important ideals that defined humanism and the Renaissance was the power of the human brain to study, learn, and understand the world.

How did Marx's critique of the Industrial Revolution impact the subject matter of literature from the realist period?

Realist literature emphasized the everyday plight of the poor and working class.

*What formed the foundation of education and intellectual standards during the Enlightenment Period

Roman literature and Greek philosophical and ethical systems formed the foundation of education and intellectual standards. Classics were of particular significance in molding the revolutionary thinking of the Enlightenment.

What two beliefs are characteristic of the Renaissance?

Scientific inquiry will increase human knowledge of the world and Classical literary and philosophical works provide resources for learning and living

How does technology impact the visual arts?

Technology allows us to archive, reproduce and share artwork in many ways.

*Agape

Term for self-less love

What is true about cultural exchange in the baroque period?

The Jesuits introduced Christian values to the Chinese, North Africans and native americans.

Which event lead to the growth of the French influence n the English Language during the Middle Ages?

The crowning of William the Conqueror as the Holy Roman Emperor

What topic is studied by the humanities?

The cultures and beliefs that make up the experience of being human

How did the development of democracy impact the classical period?

The democratic republic emerged as an alternative to tyrannical forms of government

Which development sparks class consciousness in Europe in the mid 19-th century?

The economic effects of the industrialization.

*Monomyth

The hero's journey archetype that appears in all cultures. Type of myth that transcends cultures.

Which statement is true regarding the development of architecture in the middle ages?

The invention of the flying buttress allowed architects to build taller churches with stained glass windows to let in more light.

*What is consilience.

The linking together of principles across different academic subjects, such as the science and humanities

How does John Lennon's "Imagine" reflect postmodern sentiment?

The lyrics comment on the oneness of humanity and invite the listerner to reflect on a world without boundaries.

How does the royal pavilion reflect cross-cultural influences of the romantic period?

The royal pavilion incorporates structural elements of Mughal and Islamic architecture.

The dialogue among female characters from Aristophane's classical play Lysistrata:

The women decide to refuse to have sex with their husbands until after the way is called off which challenges traditional ideas of the role of wives in classical society.

How did the writings of romantic poets and novelist impact society during the romantic period?

They demonstrated the importance of subjects and emotion.

What two characteristics of classical epic poetry are shared by Homers Odyssey and Virgils Aeneid?

They explore the complex relationship between human and gods They present the hero as a model of the ideal of man in Greek and Roman Culture

How have Darwins writings and theories of evolutionary biology contribute to beliefs about human existence in todays world?

They have contributed to modern ideas that humans have only existed as a species for 6000 years.

*During the Renaissance, did scientists adopt the empirical methodology of early Greek practitioners and theorists.

Yes. Scientists adopted and adapted the empirical methodology of early Greek practitioners and theorists, such as the doctor Hippocrates.

*Individualism

a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.

How did the ideas of Galileo shape the philosophy of the baroque period?

he challenged the church doctrine by using scientific observations.

Why is the persistence of memory considered an example of modernist art?

it explores the subconscious by surrealistically translating realistic forms in unrealistic ways.