MWCC College Catalog — Humanities

HUM212 MEDICAL ETHICS

3 credits
This course will address the ethical dilemmas involved in medical decision-making by physicians, health care workers, patients, and society. A seminar format will be implemented, where the emphasis will be placed on critical thinking skills. Students will be expected, and required, to do independent research, case study analyses, and to articulate well-honed positions, both orally and in writing. Major topics to be covered are abortion, doctor-assisted suicide (euthanasia), research with living subjects (animal and human), allocation of scarce resources, new reproductive technologies and rights, professional responsibility, mental incompetence, death and dying, and genetic related issues such as cloning, designer babies, and stem cell research. In addition to the assigned readings, students will be required to participate in class discussions; to maintain a journal for personal reflection and case study analyses; to submit two critiques and two position papers; and to submit and present (PowerPoint) a research paper based on an approved topic. Prerequisites: ENG101, RDG100, or placement. Fall and spring.

HUM240 COMPARATIVE RELIGION

3 credits
The course will examine, compare and contrast, in a non-judgmental way, the history and beliefs of the five major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Attention will also be given to Native American traditions. Prerequisite: ENG101. Fall and spring.

HUM260 THE ART OF BEING HUMAN I

3 credits
The course introduces students to the humanities—art, literature, music, theater, philosophy, and religion—and the influences people use to determine value in their world. Attention is given to Western and non-Western cultures and to the ways these civilizations are interconnected, with emphasis on how the cultural, religious, and philosophical ideals of a civilization are reflected in its artistic expression. In addition, through critical thinking students will be encouraged to explore the relationship between their belief systems and the society of which they are a part. Prerequisites: ENG101. Fall and spring.

HUM283 HONORS COLLOQUIUM

3 credits
This is an interdisciplinary, team-taught course for Honors students only. Topics will change every other year. Prerequisite: permission of the Honors Program coordinator. Spring.