2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

humanities major
The Humanities major is a divisional major requiring 141 semester hours for graduation. The major includes courses from the
departments of English and Fine Arts, Foreign Languages, History, Military Strategic Studies, and Philosophy. A wide variety of
elective options allows students the flexibility to tailor the major to individual interests. In addition, the divisional options make
the major ideal for students who wish to minor in either Foreign Language or Philosophy.
Humanities majors confront fundamental questions of human existence. They enhance their reasoning ability, as well as their
writing and speaking skills, by developing proficiency in critical and creative thought through an exploration of the ideas
embodied in great works of Western thought, literature, and art. The Humanities major prepares students for graduate study
and for a wide variety of career fields.
Suggested Course Sequence
3rd-Class Year 2nd-Class Year 1st-Class Year
Beh Sci 110 Biology 315 Academy Opt
Econ 201 El Engr 315 Aero Engr 315
English 211 English 411 Astro Engr 410
Engr 100 English Opt Beh Sci 310
Engr Mech 220 Engr 210 Divisional Opt
For Lang 3 Fine Art Opt Divisional Opt
For Lang 4 History Opt Divisional Opt
History 302 Divisional Opt Divisional Opt
Law 220 Math 300 Divisional Opt
Mgt 200 Philos 310 Geo 310
Physics 110 Philos 390 MSS 400
Physics 215
Pol Sci 211
FINE ARTS (Fine Art)
Offered by the Department of English and Fine Arts.
Fine Art 375. Introduction to Film Studies. A structured introduction to cinema which takes a thematic or chronological
approach to the study of film as art form, with attention to film-making techniques, narration, forms of genre, and modes of
production.
Fine Art 452. Art in History. A chronological historical survey of art from antiquity to the present. Includes study of
the major periods, schools, and styles of art, and biographies of important artists. Hands-on exercises reinforce student’s
understanding of course material. Course is interdisciplinary; discussion includes music, drama, and dance as necessary to
provide students with historical/social and political contexts of art masterpieces. Text and class lectures will be augmented
with slides, videotapes, music selections, guest artists, and lecturers, and actual art objects.
Fine Art 458. Music Appreciation. Survey of music of the Western world and a study of basic elements, forms, and styles
in representative works by major composers. Emphasis on listening, understanding, and appreciation. Voluntary field trip to an
area concert during cadet activity time. Knowledge or talent in music is not required.
Fine Art 459. Introduction to Drawing and Design. The first course for students with no practical studio experience in
drawing and design composition. Course assignments include hands-on class exercises and homework projects. Students learn
to apply the principles of design to common design tasks. They will gain practical experience in sketching and using gesture
and contour modes of drawing.
Fine Art 461. Advanced Studio Art. Studio course for students with previous art studio experience. Students plan and
execute projects which provide more artistic and technical challenges than Fine Art 463 or 464.
Fine Art 463. 3-D Studio Art: Clay and Sculpture. Introductory course to practical 3-D processes in art. Students work
with coil, slab, hand-built, and wheel-thrown pottery. They plan and create clay, wire, assemblage, and carved sculptural projects
in relief and in-the-round. Students make preparatory sketches for their projects.
112 United States Air Force Academy Catalog