This module provides abundant examples of how humanities influence creative expression. Everything not found in nature makes up our culture, and all of those cultural artifacts are touched by humanities. Everything we encounter that is made by humans is both part of our culture and part of human expression. This assignment invites you to consider some of the many ways the humanities have shaped creative expression.
Instructions: Create a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation by performing the following:
• Provide eight examples of ways that the humanities influence creative expression.
• Cover four or more branches of the humanities (i.e., not all examples of musicians or authors).
• Each example should have its own slide with a clear, appropriate image and a brief explanation of how that example has been impacted by humanities (example: a slide featuring an image representing the movie Lord of the Rings with a sentence stating “The film LOTR incorporates aspects of the human condition such as discrimination, despair, courage, the feeling of triumph, happiness, internal mental scarring, and loss.”).
• Include a title slide.
• Include a reference slide with links to your resources.
• Proofread your work for spelling and grammar.
Title Slide: The Impact of Humanities on Creative Expression
Slide 2: Music and Philosophy
Example: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
Explanation: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is often cited as an example of the influence of philosophy on music. The final movement, featuring the “Ode to Joy,” reflects Beethoven’s belief in the universal brotherhood of all people.
Slide 3: Literature and Psychology
Example: Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway
Explanation: Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway is an example of how literature can explore the inner workings of the human mind. The novel’s stream-of-consciousness style allows readers to experience the protagonist’s thoughts and emotions in a unique way.
Slide 4: Art and Sociology
Example: Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon
Explanation: Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon is an example of how art can challenge societal norms. The painting’s depiction of five nude women, with distorted and abstracted forms, shocked viewers at the time and challenged traditional notions of beauty.
Slide 5: Film and Anthropology
Example: James Cameron’s Avatar
Explanation: James Cameron’s Avatar is an example of how film can explore cultural differences and highlight the importance of respecting other cultures. The movie’s fictional alien race, the Na’vi, and their connection to their environment reflects many indigenous cultures around the world.
Slide 6: Theater and History
Example: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton
Explanation: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is an example of how theater can use history to comment on contemporary issues. The musical’s portrayal of the founding fathers as people of color and its exploration of themes such as immigration and political corruption make it relevant to modern audiences.
Slide 7: Dance and Anthropology
Example: Alvin Ailey’s Revelations
Explanation: Alvin Ailey’s Revelations is an example of how dance can explore cultural identity and heritage. The choreography draws inspiration from Ailey’s experiences growing up in the South and combines African American spirituals, blues, and gospel music.
Slide 8: Architecture and Philosophy
Example: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater
Explanation: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater is an example of how architecture can express philosophical ideas. The building’s integration with its natural surroundings reflects Wright’s belief in the importance of harmony between humans and nature.
Slide 9: Film and Gender Studies
Example: Greta Gerwig’s Little Women
Explanation: Greta Gerwig’s Little Women is an example of how film can explore gender roles and relationships. The movie’s portrayal of the March sisters, and their struggles with societal expectations, makes it relevant to contemporary discussions about gender and identity.
Slide 10: Reference Slide
Sources:
“The Philosophy of Music” by Andrew Kania
“Psychoanalytic Criticism and Virginia Woolf” by Claire Kahane
“Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” by Christopher Green
“Avatar and Indigenous Rights” by David Schlosberg
“Hamilton: The Revolution” by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter
“Alvin Ailey’s Revelations” by Ana Lucia Araujo
“The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright” by Neil Levine
“Little Women and the Complexity of Girlhood” by Maureen Lee Lenker.
