Course Calendar 2011-2012 - Champlain College Saint-Lambert

Humanities (continued)
345-101-MQ
Knowledge and Conspiracy Theories
(Humanities - Knowledge)
‘To conspire’ is ‘to plot or plan secretly with others’,
usually with illegal or evil intent and often within the
structure of real or alleged ‘secret societies’. Accounts of,
and public fascination with conspiracy theories and
secret societies appeal variously to the deluded, the
disenchanted and the disenfranchised. They also attract
the powerful establishment. This course will explore the
relationship between knowledge, power and control.
Students will apply theories of knowledge and principles
of critical thinking to both historical and contemporary
conspiracy theories.
4 hours/week Units: 2.33
345-102-MQ
The Humanist Tradition
(Humanities – Worldviews)
Humanism envisions human beings as living works of art
whereby each person is their own, and humankind’s,
artisan. We are our own artisans because each of us
possesses the tools, such as thought and creativity, and
consequently the responsibility to become as fully
“human” as possible. Throughout history the label
“humanism” has been attached to a variety of worldviews.
In this course students will gain insight into the vast
humanist tradition from Renaissance to modernity by
examining, comparing and contrasting a variety of
worldviews such as spiritual humanism, secular humanism
and existential humanism, to name a few.
3 hours/week Units: 2.00
Prerequisite: 345-101-MQ
345-102-MQ
Green Living
(Humanities – Worldviews)
Ecology is more than the central element in a particular field
of academic study, or the concern of political parties and
pressure groups. Ecological responsibility as a worldview
requires understanding of a particular philosophy. Students
will explore the question of what constitutes a worldview
and the philosophy of green living as an example of this.
They will gain some insight into the origins of modern
ecological thinking and the significant ways this may differ
from or clash with other worldviews.
3 hours/week Units: 2.00
Prerequisite: 345-101-MQ
345-102-MQ
Democracy and Cultural Diversity
(Humanities – Worldviews)
Through many centuries, governments often abetted by an
established religion, treated their people as if they were
homogeneous, and did not hesitate to enforce certain
values, customs and beliefs. Once the principles of
democracy have been truly embraced, such an attitude can
hardly be maintained. Any true democracy must come to
terms with such concepts as multiculturalism and pluralism.
In this course students will explore the question of what
constitutes a worldview, and they will consider the extent to
which different worldviews may be compatible within a
democratic society. Attention will also be given to the
relationship between different societies with differing
predominant worldviews.
3 hours/week Units: 2.00
Prerequisite: 345-101-MQ
345-102-MQ
The Roots of Western Worldviews
(Humanities – Worldviews)
Students will be introduced to some of the worldviews that
are the origin of Western Civilization. These worldviews
have shaped our present vision of the world, our social
institutions, morality, religions, and lifestyles. Students will
explore the themes and issues which the earlier expressions
of the Christian worldview attempted to address. This will
allow students to determine the extent to which the early
Christian worldview was influenced and shaped by its
historical context and the ideas and views of the classical
age.
3 hrs/week Units: 2.00
Prerequisite: 345-101-MQ
345-102-MQ
Buddhist and Christian Worldviews
(Humanities – Worldviews)
Students will investigate how Buddhism and Christianity
regard people and the surrounding world. Among the topics
to be examined are their conceptions of the sacred, as well
as their specific ideas, texts, practices, institutions and art.
Students will explore the impact of the modern world on
Buddhists and Christians, and their responses to it.
3 hours/week Units: 2.00
Prerequisite: 345-101-MQ