[Humanities] Being Human: Introduction to Western Culture
Description of the Resource:
This OER is an introductory textbook to the humanities. Organized thematically, it offers a rich exploration of fundamental human concepts through its five main themes: beauty, love, discovery, conquest, and freedom. Each theme provides a framework for examining how these concepts have evolved across different historical periods and cultures. Starting with beauty, the textbook covers artistic and philosophical developments from Ancient Greece to the Renaissance, while the love section investigates its changing definitions from classical traditions to Romanticism and transcendentalism.
The discovery theme delves into major intellectual and historical advancements, from the ancient philosophers Plato and Aristotle to the transformative impacts of the Industrial Revolution and Harlem Renaissance. Conquest is explored through various historical contexts, including Roman conquests and the effects of colonialism. The book concludes with a study of freedom, tracing its significance from the Late Middle Ages to the Civil Rights Movement. Course content is delivered through text and video, with questions to consider that encourage students to think deeply and make personal connections to the materials.
How This Resource Integrates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Principles and Practices:
While covering expected course content for an Introduction to Western Culture class in the Humanities, the text strives to draw from more modern and diverse topics, as well, including the impact of conquest on native people, the Harlem Renaissance, and fights for Civil Rights, for example. The text does not make assumptions from a singular point of view but encourages students to consider what motivates people’s actions and reactions.
Tips, Tricks, and Advice from the Faculty Author(s) Regarding OER Creation:
The creation of OER should be led by a curiosity about the subject, an approach that is not easily found among existing texts, and a love for research. Cite copiously and share generously.