Humanities in Focus from edX

Humanities in Focus guides learners to explore:

1. What Humanities is

2. Why Humanities matter

3. Why Humanities matter to me

In each learning sequence, learners will first explore the topic through interactive discovery activities. Then our instructors will guide learners to question, humanise and connect problems and issues in those topics, and will share why they believe humanities matters. After watching each lecture video, learners will then reflect on their understanding through discussing selected issues with humanities in focus.

To help learners personalise the course content, presenters specialising in different majors and professional fields will share how a humanities perspective helped them solve problems and issues they faced in their fields. Learners will then reflect on how a humanities perspective can make a difference in their own field of expertise.

New integration with GenAI allows learners to dive deeper into the issues raised in the course and end up getting more from the insightful lecture videos!

What's inside

Learning objectives

In this course learners will:
• engage in the big questions facing humanity today

• apply what they learn to their own life
• compare asian and western approaches to the world

In this course learners will:
• engage in the big questions facing humanity today
• apply what they learn to their own life
• compare asian and western approaches to the world

Syllabus

Module 1: What is Humanities?

In this module you will explore and define what is humanities and what makes the humanities perspective different.

You will learn how to:

• understand humanistic inquiry and why it is more important to ask questions rather than to get answers

• explain how the humanistic inquiry allows us to engage in ongoing conversations about issues in the world

• reflect on your understanding through discussing selected issues with humanities in focus

Module 2: Why does Humanities Matter?

In this module you will use humanistic inquiry to explore film, art, history and language. Our instructors will guide you to question, humanise and connect problems and issues in those topics, and will share why they believe humanities matters.

Problems and Issues that will be explored include:

• Gender Equality (Film)

• Environmental Issues (Film)

• Migration (Film)

• Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World (Art)

• Human consciousness (History)

• Unconscious Assumptions (Language)

• Health and Crisis Communication (Language)

• question and identify underlying problems and issues

• humanise and connect the problems and issues from a humanities perspective

• reflect on why humanities matter

Module 3: Why does Humanities Matter to Me?

In this module presenters specialising in different majors and professional fields will share how a humanities perspective helped them solve problems and issues they faced in their fields.

You will then personalise the course content by reflecting on how a humanities perspective can make a difference in your own field of expertise.

• personalise what has been discussed and answer the ultimate question: Why does humanities matter to me

• identify a problem in your field, approach the problem from a humanities perspective, and share how using that perspective could help solve the problem

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by at least one instructor who is a well-established expert with a proven track record in Humanities

Designed for students who want to engage with big questions facing humanity today

Relevant for learners who want to personalize the course content based on their fields of expertise

Assumes no Humanities background, making it accessible to absolute beginners

Includes reflective exercises and discussions to encourage learners to apply what they learn to their own lives

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Humanities in Focus with these activities:

Review Humanities topics

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Review learnings from high school and prior humanities courses to prepare and build a stronger foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Humanities

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Review notes and textbooks from past humanities courses
Read articles and books on humanities topics
Watch documentaries or attend lectures on humanities

Organize a study group with classmates to discuss course concepts

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Collaborating with peers allows you to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and enhance your understanding of the course material.

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Reach out to classmates and form a study group.
Choose a regular meeting time and location.
Prepare discussion topics and assignments for each meeting.

Attend a workshop on a humanistic topic

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Attending a workshop provides an opportunity to engage with experts and gain specialized knowledge and insights into humanistic topics.

Browse courses on Humanism

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Research and find workshops on humanistic topics that align with your interests.
Register and attend the workshop.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Write a blog post on a humanistic topic

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By selecting a topic that interests you and writing a blog post about it, you will gain a deeper understanding and be able to communicate your knowledge effectively.

Browse courses on Humanism

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Choose a humanistic topic that resonates with you.
Research and gather information from credible sources.
Craft an engaging and informative blog post, expressing your insights and perspectives.

Create a collection of resources on humanistic topics

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By compiling a diverse range of resources, you will have easy access to a wealth of information and perspectives on humanistic topics.

Browse courses on Humanism

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Identify different humanistic topics that interest you.
Search for books, articles, websites, and videos related to those topics.
Organize the resources into a structured collection.

Practice identifying humanistic perspectives in different media

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By practicing identifying humanistic perspectives, you will develop a keen eye for recognizing how different media shape our understanding of human experiences.

Browse courses on Humanism

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Select a variety of media sources, such as films, articles, and novels.
Analyze each media source and identify the humanistic perspectives that are presented.
Compare and contrast the different perspectives you find.

Career center

Learners who complete Humanities in Focus will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. They may work in academia, museums, libraries, or other institutions, and may specialize in a particular time period or region. By taking Humanities in Focus, you can develop your research and analysis skills, and gain a deeper understanding of historical methods and theories. This knowledge can help you to succeed as a Historian.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Archivist

Archivists preserve and maintain collections of historical documents and artifacts. They may work in libraries, museums, or other institutions, and are responsible for organizing, cataloguing, and preserving materials. Humanities in Focus can be very useful for this role, as it will enhance your understanding of history, culture, and the significance of different materials. The course may also help you to develop the research and analysis skills that are essential for success as an Archivist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets, and may specialize in a particular area such as politics, crime, or sports. Humanities in Focus may be useful for this role, as it can help you to develop the research and writing skills that are essential for success as a Journalist. You may also find that the course enhances your understanding of different cultures and perspectives, which can be helpful in reporting on a wide range of topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures, and may specialize in a particular region or topic. They typically work in academia, research institutions, or government agencies, and may conduct fieldwork in order to collect data. Taking Humanities in Focus may be useful, as it can help you to develop the research and analysis skills that are essential for success as an Anthropologist. You may also find that the course enhances your understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Writer

Writers create written content, such as books, articles, scripts, and speeches. They may work in a variety of settings, including journalism, marketing, academia, and creative writing. By taking Humanities in Focus, you can develop your writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of different literary genres and styles. This knowledge can help you to succeed as a Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Sociologist

Sociologists study human societies and behavior, and may specialize in a particular area such as crime, education, or family. They typically work in academia, research institutions, or government agencies, and may conduct surveys or interviews in order to collect data. Humanities in Focus may be useful for this role, as it can help you to develop the research and analysis skills that are essential for success as a Sociologist. You may also find that the course enhances your understanding of different social issues and perspectives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Editor

Editors work in a wide variety of settings, overseeing the production of printed, digital, and broadcast materials. They may manage freelancers, collaborate with designers, and ensure the quality of publications and broadcasts. By taking Humanities in Focus, you can hone your understanding of different writing styles, the history of literature, and the role that language plays in communication. This knowledge can help you advance your editing career.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool through college. They may specialize in a particular subject area, such as English, math, or science, and may work in public, private, or charter schools. Humanities in Focus may be useful for this role, as it can help you to develop the communication and critical thinking skills that are essential for success as a Teacher. You may also find that the course enhances your understanding of different cultures and perspectives, which can be helpful in teaching a diverse student population.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations, which may provide services such as healthcare, education, or social welfare. They may work for a variety of organizations, including charities, foundations, and advocacy groups, and may be responsible for fundraising, program development, and staff management. Humanities in Focus may be useful for this role, as it can help you to develop the communication and critical thinking skills that are essential for success as a Nonprofit Manager. You may also find that the course enhances your understanding of different cultures and perspectives, which can be helpful in working with a diverse staff and clientele.

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Librarian

Librarians assist patrons with finding and using library resources, and may also provide programming and outreach services. They typically work in public, academic, or special libraries, and may specialize in a particular subject area. Taking Humanities in Focus may be useful, as it can help you develop the research and information literacy skills that are essential for success as a Librarian. You may also find that the course enhances your understanding of different cultures and perspectives, which can be helpful in serving a diverse patron base.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Theologian

Theologians study the nature of God and religious beliefs, and may specialize in a particular religion or tradition. They typically work in academia, religious institutions, or other settings, and may teach, write, or conduct research. Humanities in Focus may be useful for this role, as it can help you to develop the critical thinking and analysis skills that are essential for success as a Theologian. You may also find that the course enhances your understanding of different religious traditions and perspectives.

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Politician

Politicians hold elected office and make decisions that affect the public. They may work at the local, state, or federal level, and may specialize in a particular area such as education, healthcare, or environmental protection. Humanities in Focus may be useful for this role, as it can help you to develop the communication and critical thinking skills that are essential for success as a Politician. You may also find that the course enhances your understanding of different cultures and perspectives, which can be helpful in representing a diverse constituency.

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Philosopher

Philosophers study the fundamental nature of reality, knowledge, and existence. They may work in academia, research institutions, or other settings, and may specialize in a particular area such as ethics, metaphysics, or logic. While Humanities in Focus may not directly prepare you for a career as a Philosopher, it can provide you with a strong foundation in critical thinking and analysis, which are essential skills for success in this field.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators oversee collections within history, science, and culture, and work with researchers, donors, and other professionals. They may lead teams, plan exhibits, and give presentations about specific pieces or collections. Humanities in Focus may be useful, as it can help you to interpret, contextualize, and present pieces with a humanistic perspective. It can also aid you in collaborating with Humanities-related professionals.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients on legal matters, and may specialize in a particular area such as criminal law, corporate law, or family law. They typically work in private law firms, government agencies, or corporations, and may appear in court to represent their clients. While Humanities in Focus may not directly prepare you for a career as a Lawyer, it can provide you with a strong foundation in critical thinking and analysis, which are essential skills for success in this field. You may also find that the course enhances your understanding of different cultures and perspectives, which can be helpful in representing clients from diverse backgrounds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer