About the course

This 20-credit course is taught over 17 weeks.

This course offers a wide-ranging introduction to Humanities & Arts subjects: Art History, Classical Studies, Literature, History (including the History of Science) and Religious Studies. The interdisciplinary approach to the theme of “Reputations” asks questions such as: Why are some people (like Cleopatra, Cezanne, or Colin McCahon) remembered, or famous? What is the relationship between a person’s reputation and the historical record?

The course encourages the development of skills of critical analysis, argument and expression, exploring a diverse array of art works and texts from the past and from our contemporary world, including Aotearoa New Zealand.

Based on a course from the Open University UK, this is supplemented by New Zealand examples and contexts. It can be studied on its own or, combined with 74105 Humanities Tradition & Dissent and 74106 Humanities Cultural Encounters, it is the first step toward the Bachelor of Arts Humanities.

This course is available in the following programme(s):

OP7020 Bachelor of Arts 

What's in the course

• Classical Studies: The theme of reputations is discussed in relation to Cleopatra, the first of a series of case studies that introduce subject- specific skills.  This is designed to develop an understanding of how we construct ideas of the past, including re-evaluating historical figures.
• Literature, Art History: Studies of Christopher Marlowe and Cezanne consider artistic reputation through the works that made them famous. The themes and visual analysis and critical reading of literary texts further explored in relation to aspects of New Zealand drama and art.
• History of Science, History, Music, Religious Studies: The reputations of significant historical figures are explored in a series of case studies: Josef Stalin, Michael Faraday, Ernest Rutherford. The phenomenon of the musical Diva and why some performers become famous are discussed. The study of the theme of reputations concludes with the Dalai Lama  and a consideration of  aspects of religion in New Zealand.

What students learn

Students will be able to

• Analyse texts in a range of disciplines (art, literature, music, history of science, history,classical studies).
• Analyse primary and secondary evidence in order to gain objective perspectives on ancient through to modern cultures.
• Discuss historical and cultural issues based on critical analysis of contextual information. 

Assessment

In-course work 100%

Fees

Additional Fee Information

What do I do now?

Request a copy of the brochure.
Download an enrolment form.
For further information free phone 0508 650 200 or email

Other Information

The course materials comprise books published by the Open University (United Kingdom), video and audiocassettes, and Open Polytechnic supplements. Consultation with Maori specialists has also taken place.

Other Requirements: You will need access to a video player and audio cassette player.