ethics and humanites

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M1A1: Creativity Essay

Humans seem to have a genius for conceiving new ideas and inventing new things. Throughout history, this creative spirit has resulted in solutions for a variety of human problems and expressions of a spectrum of human experiences. The collection of visual arts, music, literature, and other related types of human expression known as the humanities can be seen as a primary way by which we express our creativity.

But creativity can be either encouraged, resulting in cultural and technical progress, or discouraged, resulting in individual and cultural stagnation. As in other key eras in human history, it is essential in our own time that the creative human genius be nurtured so that the problems we are facing may be dealt with effectively and exciting new possibilities may be realized.

Carefully analyze the main points of each video and write a 2-page essay on the importance of encouraging human creativity. Be sure to cover the following topics:

  • The definition of creativity
  • The conditions which foster creativity
  • The conditions in current society which discourage creativity
  • How circumstances can be changed to encourage creativity
  • The different perspective on life which a creative broadening of the mind can produce

Be sure to include a convincing, inclusive conclusion at the end of your essay and a bibliography of at least two sources that you used to prepare your essay, one of which may be the class text. Do not use and cite Wikipedia as a source. Instead, visit the Excelsior College Library to learn about academic sources. The page on Evaluating Information Evaluating Information (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. includes helpful sections on “Print vs. Web Resources,” Evaluation Criteria,” Evaluation Scenarios,” and “Media Literacy.”

Write a 500-750 word essay. Follow APA style, using the Excelsior College Library resources on learning to use APA Style. Excelsior College Library resources on learning to use APA Style (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

2.

M1D1: Artcyclopedia and Analysis

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Image of Spanish painter Diego Velazquez.An important aspect of studying the humanities is knowing where great works of art can be found and how they can be analyzed and appreciated. Beyond looking in the cultural events section of the local newspaper, or stumbling across an exhibit at the mall, thousands of great works of art can be accessed on the Internet. This assignment will introduce you to the wonderful array of opportunities to participate in the humanities online. It will also get you started in the lifelong process of developing an informed appreciation for art.

Access the Artcyclopedia Web site: Artcyclopedia (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. At the top of the homepage, you will see a box in which you can search for artists by name. Enter a search for the seventeenth century Spanish painter, Diego Velazquez. On his page, you will see that his work is displayed in a variety of museums and exhibitions. Select the Prado Museum in Madrid, click on English in the right hand corner, and then type “Velazquez” in the search bar. In this collection, choose any of the Spanish royal portraits painted by the artist—for example, Felipe III, Felipe IV, Prince Baltasar Carlos, Queen Isabel de Bourbon, or Queen Margarita of Austria. How does the work you chose highlight elements of Baroque style? You may also discuss your own personal reaction to the artwork as well.

This is your task. Evaluate the painting you select using Goethe’s three questions for critiquing art:

  • What is the artist trying to say?
  • Does he or she succeed?
  • Was the artwork worth the effort?

It will be helpful to review the final paragraph of Chapter 1, under the heading Communication.

Submit your 250-500 word critique to a thread in the Module 1 Discussion Board. Once you have submitted your post, you should read a minimum of two critiques posted by your fellow students. Respond to your peers by critically reading their submissions and addressing the following issues:

  • How thorough were your peers’ answers to Goethe’s three questions?
  • How is your own critique different from your peers?
  • What are your opinions on the pieces your peers chose to critique?

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M1D1: The Sacred and the Profane

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Philosopher, Hannah Arendt.INTRODUCTION

Virtue ethicists Socrates and Hannah Arendt contend that we achieve moral behavior by reflectively thinking about our beliefs and actions, and not simply conforming with the crowd mentality. In “Flatulence and Philosophy: A Lot of Hot Air, or the Corruption of Youth?” William Young proposes that the television comedy South Parkoffers us the same opportunity:

Through its different characters, and even in its apparently mindless vulgarity, South Parkshows the need for engaging in dialogue, and thinking from others’ perspectives, in order to pursue wisdom, examine life, and make it worth living (p. 5).

This activity aligns with module outcome 3.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Prepare for your discussion by studying the William Young and Sean McAleer articles and listening to one episode, compilation, or clip of The Office. Then respond to the following:

  • To what extent might you concur with William Young that vulgar comedies such as South Park, or even The Simpsons, encourage such a deep reflection on ethics and ultimately encourage virtuous behavior? Is this the type of reflection that Arendt and Socrates intended? Please explain.
  • To what extent is author Sean McAleer right when he proclaims, “The Officehas much to teach us about Aristotle’s ethics, for its major male characters illustrate the structure of a character virtue as a mean between extremes” (162)? Reference your chosen episode of The Office (the British version) and offer examples

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M1D2: Cognitive Dissonance and our Evil Lives?

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Comedian, Louis C.K. [Photograph]. INTRODUCTION

Ethical relativists hold that our values are relative to our culture and there is essentially no objective right and wrong. Another form of ethical relativism is cultural ethical relativism in which society shapes the ethical values and provides the foundation for moral judgments. Cultural ethical relativism explains why ethical viewpoints differ from society to society and that neither is considered correct or incorrect. This activity aligns with module outcome 4.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Prepare for this discussion by completing your readings and viewings. Then respond to the following:

  • Comedian Louis C.K. is skillful in capturing the cognitive dissonance we experience between our moral beliefs and our actual moral behavior. To what extent is Louis C.K. right that our lives are evil? How might appreciating the work of a morally compromised artist like Louis CK himself create cognitive dissonance? Is it possible to separate the work from the artist? Is it necessary?
  • What are the three most important virtues by which you live? Identify any comedian or any form of comic medium that represents these virtues and describe the representation. Please include a link to a clip (or article) that best illustrates your point.

5.

M2A1: Critical Analysis Project

An important skill in appreciating pictorial art is the ability to analyze various types of pictures critically. This exercise will help you develop and sharpen this skill.

Examine the Outline and Critical Analysis sample shown at the conclusion of Chapter 2. Access the Artcyclopedia website (Artcyclopedia (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.) and search for one of the following works of art by typing in the artist’s name and then selecting the site where the picture is displayed:

  • Rosa Bonheur: The Horse Fair (National Gallery, London)
  • Caspar David Friedrich: The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog (Web Museum)
  • Joseph Wright (of Derby): An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (National Gallery, London)
  • Nicholas Poussin: The Holy Family on the Steps(Cleveland Museum of Art)

Using the textbook example as a guide, write a two-page outline and critical analysis of the piece of art you select. Be sure to include the following headings as part of your paper:

  • Subject Matter and Medium: List the artist, title, date, stylistic movement, medium (the materials the piece is made from), and a general background and description.
  • Composition: Analyze lines, shapes, color schemes, focal areas (perhaps indicated by chiaroscuro), balance, and perspective. Consider the intended purpose of these things in the composition.
  • Artists’ purpose or message: Though this is not included in the textbook example, you should conclude with what you believe was the artists’ purpose or message, whether he or she succeeded in communicating it, and your reaction to the work as a whole.

Be sure to include a convincing, inclusive conclusion at the end of your critical analysis and a bibliography of at least two sources that you used to prepare your analysis, one of which may be Artcyclopedia.com. Do not use and cite Wikipedia. Instead, visit the Excelsior College Library to learn about academic sources. The page on Evaluating Information Evaluating Information (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.includes helpful sections on “Print vs. Web Resources,” Evaluation Criteria,” Evaluation Scenarios,” and “Media Literacy.”

Write a 500-750 word critical analysis. Follow APA style, using the Excelsior College Library resources on learning to use APA Style. Excelsior College Library resources on learning to use APA Style (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

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M2D1: Comparison of Pictorial Styles

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Image of people viewing paintings.Understanding and distinguishing between artistic styles and movements is an important component of art appreciation. A little basic training will enable you to begin to distinguish between an artistic masterpiece and pictorial art of a more mediocre quality. Further training and practice will help you to compare fine art composed in a particular era and region of the world with equally outstanding pictorial art from a different time and place. This exercise will help you develop the ability to identify major artistic styles and contrast them with one another.

From the following list of stylistic movements in the pictorial arts, choose two movements to research and compare: Abstract Expressionism, Baroque, Cubism, Expressionism, Impressionism, Neoclassicism, Pop Art, Post-Impressionism, Realism, Rococo, Romanticism, Surrealism. Please use specific artworks to help illustrate and support your points for the two movements being compared.

To research the two movements you select, a good resource is Artcyclopedia.com. You may also want to gather information from other reputable sources, such as The Web Gallery of Art, accessible by clicking http://www.wga.hu (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. In your research, find the origins, basic characteristics, development, and significant artists of each movement. It will be helpful to use specific art works to help support and illustrate your points about the movement.

Post your findings and critique to the Module 2 Discussion Board in a 250-500 word post and include images of the specific art pieces in your post as well. Once you have submitted your post, you should read a minimum of two critiques posted by your fellow students. Read postings from your peers who have not posted on the same movement of yourself:

  1. After reading posts on other movements, what interested or surprised you about the movements?
  2. What are your own interpretations on the specific pieces your peers chose to critique?

7.

M2A1: Mini Essay

This assignment gives you the opportunity to explore ethical perspectives in film. In 500-600 words, please consider the three primary ethical schools we have explored in the class: virtue ethics, teleological, and deontological ethics. Choose a film, and then identify the primary school of thought that is best reflected in the film. This activity aligns with module outcomes 1, 3 and 5.

CONTENT REQUIREMENTS:

  • Specifically refer to at least two scenes in the film as evidence for the school of thought that is best reflected in the film.
  • Quote dialogue from the film and provide some context for the scenes you’re discussing and analyzing.
  • Remember to discuss why the other two schools may not strictly apply to the film. Or perhaps you can argue that the two other schools are present in some of the decisions or actions of some minor characters, but they do not necessarily dominate the film.
  • Speculate as to why a specific ethical school dominates this film. Does the topic lend itself to the particular ethical view? Does the setting or historical period of the film lend itself to a certain ethical view? Has the director stated or implied what was ethically important when he or she made the film?
  • Read and quote from 2 movie reviews and your readings to help clarify or support any of your ideas.

WRITING REQUIREMENTS:

  • Develop an interesting introduction which includes an evident thesis.
  • Logically organize your ideas, ensuring that there are transitions between each paragraph.
  • Use proper grammar and syntax
  • Use detail, dialogue, and description to support your ideas.
  • Use direct quotations from the movie review and your readings, using APA citation style

This course uses the American Psychological Association (APA) format for scholarly writing. References and citations must adhere to the proper format for all written work presented including essays, discussion postings, and essay exams. Online tips for using APA style may be found at the Perdue Online Writing Lab (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

To assist you in your research, the library has the following tutorials and links for you to use:

8.

M2D1: Invincible Villains

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Jack Nicholson as the Joker in 1989 film, Batman.INTRODUCTION

The question of whether or not Batman should kill the Joker is one of many modern versions of an age-old philosophical problem. Philosopher Philippa Foot best characterizes this classic, moral dilemma, a choice between what is right versus what produces good results, in her formulation of the Trolley Problem. This activity aligns with module outcome 5.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Prepare for your discussion by completing your readings and viewings. Then respond to the following:

  • Do you think Batman should kill the Joker? Should the controller switch the trolley to another track? Are these questions one and the same? Identify the moral implications of such actions, employing both Kantian and utilitarian theories.
  • Reflecting on your own life, describe a real-life scenario where you had to make an ethical decision, choosing between deontological and teleological options. Do you see any connections between Batman’s decisions and your own scenario? What could you learn from Batman’s actions in your life?

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M2D2: Popcorn and Principles

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Portrait of philosopher, Immanuel Kant.INTRODUCTION

Kant’s concept of the categorical imperative is a moral obligation to guide us toward what we ought to do, regardless the circumstances. Kant has us test our actions by asking of ourselves: “What if everyone did it?” This activity aligns with module outcome 4.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Prepare for this discussion by completing your readings and viewings. Then respond to the following:

  • Identify a film that best reflects at least three of your own categorical imperatives. Be specific about how the film demonstrates your beliefs. Why is it important for you and others in your life to adhere to those categorical imperatives you listed? Why is it important in the film that those imperatives were followed? Include a clip, if you can.
  • Please share with your classmates the film you chose for your Module 2 Mini Essay. Speculate how the film may or may not align with your own preferred ethical stance or theory.

M3A1 Critical Analysis Project: Sculpture

. Beyond the actual techniques and methods behind creating a sculpture is the understanding of the artist’s purpose and an overall appreciation of the work itself. This activity will enable you to evaluate a piece of sculpture as a work of art and see its contribution to the human experience.

From the following choices, select one sculpture. Evaluate the sculpture using the critical analysis example at the conclusion of Chapter 3 as a guide. You will need to do some research on the piece you choose in order to give the historical background, artist (if known), context, technique, etc.You will also want to refer to Chapter 3 and the accompanying PowerPoint for the technical terms and concepts necessary in the analysis. Be sure to include all points of the outline (minimum one full page in length). Choose one of the following for this assignment:

Click here to see the sculptures before you visit the web pages. Be sure to include a convincing, inclusive conclusion at the end of your critical analysis and a bibliography of at least two sources that you used to prepare your analysis, one of which may be the class text. Do not use and cite Wikipedia. Instead, visit the Excelsior College Library to learn about academic sources. The page on Evaluating Information Evaluating Information (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. includes helpful sections on “Print vs. Web Resources,” Evaluation Criteria,” Evaluation Scenarios,” and “Media Literacy.”

Write a 500-750 word critical analysis. Follow APA style, using the Excelsior College Library resources on learning to use APA Style. Excelsior College Library resources on learning to use APA Style (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

M3D1: Explaining Types of Sculpture

Short of the actual experience of sculpting a work of art yourself, the best method for learning the techniques of sculpture is to explain them to someone else. In this activity, you will be building on your reading in Chapter 3 and the study of the accompanying PowerPoint by watching sculptors at work in various You Tube videos. From this, you will then be able to explain a particular type of sculpture to your fellow students.

From the following links, choose one of the following types of sculpture: subtractive, constructive, substitutionary, or manipulative.

Subtractive

Constructive

Manipulative: