Humanities 101 Student Reflection_沙巴体育官网

Haley Johnson
Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:53:52 +0000
Faculty and Student Work, Featured Stories, Art, Classes, Creative Writing, Culture, poems, Student Work

The following essay was written by PCC student Stephanie Arnbrister as a final reflection for her Humanities 101 class with Elena Villa. Throughout the essay, Stephanie reflects on her experience in the classroom as well as the ways her everyday perspective shifted as she explored the human experience through art, literature, history, and film. Stephanie is currently working toward her goal of completing a Bachelors in Communications.

Through my experience in taking the course Humanities 100, I’ve come to
understand the humanities as a vital collection of disciplines that collectively explore the multifaceted nature of the human experience. Rooted in the academic study of subjects like literature, theater, art, art history, religious studies, music, film, architecture, and philosophy, the humanities delve into the core of what it means to be human. This course has illuminated how individuals and societies across diverse cultures and
historical periods have sought to create, express, and understand their world through artistic creations, cultural innovations, intellectual ideas, and spiritual beliefs. Notably, our exploration extended to the powerful medium of film, including Akira Kurosawa Dreams, a cinematic work that vividly illustrated humanity’s complex and oftentimes fraught relationship with the natural world.

My engagement with this discipline throughout the term was multifaceted and very enriching. I actively participated in class discussions, striving to understand diverse viewpoints and critically analyze the material presented. The assigned readings, ranging
from excerpts of Dante Alighieri’s Inferno and Miguel de Cervantes Don Quixote to the thought-provoking Scheherazade Goes West by Fatima Mernissi, provided varied perspectives on human history, culture, and storytelling.

Another significant aspect of my engagement was through the Arts Culture project, which prompted me to step outside the traditional classroom setting to explore the humanities in action. I chose to attend a poetry slam, an experience that immediately resonated with our studies of the rich poetic traditions that flourished in Al-Andalus. Observing contemporary poets share their voices and stories in a dynamic format allowed me to draw parallels with the artistic spirit and cultural significance of poetry from different eras and cultures.

This exploration of the humanities extended beyond the classroom in other ways as well. The poetry slam served as a powerful reminder that human expression and the need for creative storytelling remain constant across time. It allowed me to connect a modern art form with the historical and cultural context we explored in class. Beyond
this project, I found myself more attuned to the presence of the humanities in my daily life. I started to notice architectural details, appreciate art throughout the many places I visited, and consider philosophical ideas present in everyday conversations, all through
a new lens developed in this course. Thanks to the encouragement of this course, I stepped outside my usual routine and experienced more of the arts, including a visit to the Portland Art Museum, attending a play, and watching documentaries I might have missed.

Ultimately, our study of the humanities in HUM 100 holds profound relevance and importance in the 21st century. In an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, understanding the diverse tapestry of human cultures, beliefs, and expressions is crucial for fostering empathy, promoting tolerance, and navigating complex intercultural
relationships. Our exploration of Medieval Spain, particularly the concept of convivencia, highlighted the historical possibilities of coexistence and mutual respect, lessons that remain vital in our contemporary society. Moreover, the humanities equip us with essential critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills necessary to engage
thoughtfully with the multifaceted challenges of our time. By exploring life’s enduring questions and the myriad ways humans have sought meaning, the humanities not only enrich our individual lives but also contribute to a more informed, engaged, and compassionate global community.