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Overview: Arts and Humanities

Topic: OVERVIEW: ARTS AND HUMANITIES

LESSON OVERVIEW:
The arts and humanities have been cornerstones of human culture and society for centuries, serving
as vital means of expression, communication, and reflection. This topic aims to explore the various
classifications of arts and delve into the profound importance of the humanities in enriching our lives and
shaping our world.

LESSON OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Identify the different classes of arts;
2. Distinguish Humanities from Arts; and
3. Explain the importance of Humanities

PRELIMINARY ACTIVITY:

Direction: Answer the question to the best of your knowledge. Write your answer on space provided.

What is Art?

______________________________________________________________________________
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LESSON PROPER

HUMANITIES
The term or word HUMANITIES comes from the Latin word “humanus”, which means human,
cultured, and refined. To be human is to have or show qualities like rationality, kindness, and tenderness. It has different
connotations in different historical eras. Today however, we know of humanities as a loosely defined group of scientific
or technical subjects. Thus, the term humanities refer to the arts – the visual arts such as architecture; painting and
sculpture; music; dance; theater or drama; and literature. They are the branches of learning concerned with human
thought, feelings and relations. The importance of the human being and his feelings and how he expresses those
feelings have always been the concern of the humanities. The humanities are the records of man’s experiences, his
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Overview: Arts and Humanities
values, his sentiments, his ideals, and his goals. It is important in the development of a complete social being, ready
to take on his responsibilities in this rapidly changing world and enjoy life.

The Scope of Humanities

The humanities is a many-faceted subject, it consists of the visual arts, literature, drama and
theater, music, and dance.

The Work of the Creative Artist

The process of creativity is threefold, the artist as the prime mover, communicating his ideas through
the performer, as his interpreter to the audience.

The Process of Creation

1. The artist must have an idea.
2. The artist must have a material to work on.
3. The artist must give form to his idea.

Why do we need to study Humanities?

1. It helps us recognize fundamental values and principles such as beauty, truth, love and faith.
2. It develops our capacity for critical thinking and appreciation for cultural heritage.
3. It fosters understanding across barriers of race, class, gender, or ethnicity.
4. It introduces us to people we have never met, places we have never visited, and ideas that never crossed
our minds.
5. It helps appraise the value of creativity.
6. It gives one a sense of self.

ARTS
Art is very important in our lives. It constitutes one of the oldest and most important means of
expression developed by man. Wherever men have lived together, art has sprung up among them as a
language charged with feeling and significance. The desire to create this language appears to be universal.
As a cultural force, it is pervasive and potent. It shows itself even in primitive societies.

Art is derived from the Latin word “ars”, meaning ability, or skill. Art embraces the visual arts,
literature, music, and dance– those areas of artistic creativity that seek to communicate beauty primarily
through the senses. It is in the humanities course where appreciation of the arts can be strengthened because
the artist conveys thoughts, beliefs, values, and feelings through the visual arts, literary arts, dance, and
music.

Art concerns itself with the communication of certain ideas and feelings by means of medium like,
color, sound, bronze, marble, words and the like. This medium is fashioned into a symbolic language marked
by beauty of design and coherence of form. It appeals to our mind, arouses our emotions, kindles our
imagination, and enchants our senses.
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Why do we need to study Arts?

1. It drives your existence
2. Satisfy the need of expression
3. Develop skills of expression
4. Challenges one’s view or way of life
5. Changes one’s view or way of life
6. It gives pleasure, satisfaction and gratification.

What is Arts and Humanities?

Arts and Humanities encompass a wide range of disciplines that explore the human experience, both
past and present. It focuses on understanding, interpreting, and appreciating various aspects of human
culture, creativity, expression, and thought.
The Arts has a more specific focus towards creativity and aesthetics often involving the production
and expression of ideas, emotions, and concepts through various mediums. This includes visual arts,
performing, and literary arts.
Humanities delve into the exploration of human culture, history, language, literature, philosophy,
ethics, and other forms of intellectual and artistic expressions. They provide insights into the complexities of
human society, thought, and identity through critical analysis, interpretation, and reflection.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF ART
Many changes in the arts took place during the early modern period. Its classification can be on many
characteristics, including form, shape, function, use, or social context. Works of art are classified in
many different ways, namely:

1. Visual Arts- artworks that are perceived by our eyes, which may be classified into graphic and plastic
arts.

2. Graphic arts – have two-flat dimensional surface, such as painting, drawing, photography and other
products of printing industry.

3. Plastic Arts – have three-dimensional forms. Examples are architectural designs and construction of
buildings and other structures: landscapes of gardens, furnishing designs etc.

4. Performing Arts – These arts are those forms in which the artists used his/her own body, face, and
presence as a medium. Examples of these arts are as follows:
a. Theatre (Drama) - This form of art uses performers to present the experience of a real or imagined event
before a live audience in a specific place and time.
b. Music- This form of art helps to express our mood and feel the way through our emotions and ideas.
Based on a study, different types of music may be suitable to different moods though classical music is still
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Overview: Arts and Humanities
recommended as the most calming music option.
c. Dance- This form of art is expressed through body movement which entails social interaction, or presented
in a spiritual or performance setting.
d. Film- This form of art allows us to explore the complexities of the human situation. This is used to work
out our emotions, to make history comes alive, science is explained, and literary works are brought into life.
e. Installation Art- The fundamental nature of this form of art is the participation of the spectators. In this
work of art, viewers become active and navigate the work in an environment that they can experience visually.
It also has the capacity of passing on particular information about any significant event around the world and
interactively represents documentary issues.
f. Opera- This form of art helps to tell stories through music. This is also performed with a full orchestra
composed of the various musical instrument sections. In this art form, singers and musicians perform a
dramatic work by combining text (called a libretto) and musical score.
g. Stagecraft- This form of art is a technical aspect of theatrical production. This includes constructing and
arranging scenery, hanging and focusing of lighting, the design of costumes, makeup, and procurement of
props, stage management and recording and mixing of sound.
5. Literary Arts – These arts centered on creative writing and other composition processes which intended
to read. These include prose and poetry (e.g., novels, short stories, sonnet, ballad, epic, and
essay).
6. Popular Arts – This group is characterized as gay and lively. It includes film, newspaper, magazine, radio
and television.

7. Gustatory Art of the Cuisine – This involves skill in food preparation.

8. Decorative Arts – They are visual objects produces for beautifying houses, offices, cars, and other
structures.

ANALYSIS, APPLICATION AND EXPLORATION

Instruction. Read each sentence or phrase carefully, select the best answer among the choices.

1. Humanities includes the appreciation of the arts which can strengthen our values about life and reality.
_TRUE _ FALSE
2. In studying Humanities, a person learns to become religious.
_TRUE _ FALSE
3. Arts consists of painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, dance, music and film.
_TRUE _ FALSE
4. Volume refers to the amount of space occupied in three dimensions. It therefore refers to solidity or
thickness. We perceive volume in two ways: by contour lines or outlines, or shapes of objects and by
surface lights and shadows.
_TRUE _ FALSE
5. Cinematography is a form of performing arts.
_TRUE _ FALSE
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6. Literature, including novels and poetry, is classified under visual arts.
_TRUE _ FALSE
7. Fiction writing is classified under performing arts.
_TRUE _ FALSE
8. Graphic design falls under the visual arts category.
_TRUE _ FALSE
9. Architecture is considered a visual art.
_TRUE _ FALSE
10. Performing arts are primarily characterized by the creation of digital media and technology.
_TRUE _ FALSE

ANSWER KEY FOR AAE:

1. TRUE 6. FALSE
2. FALSE 7. FALSE
3. TRUE 8. TRUE
4. TRUE 9. TRUE
5. FALSE 1O. FALSE

EVALUATION

1. The term or word HUMANITIES comes from the Latin word ______ which means human, cultured, and
refined.
A. Human C. humanitas
B. humanus D. ars
2. Art is derived from the Latin word _____, meaning ability, or skill.
A. Human C. humanitas
B. humanus D. ars
3. Which of the following best defines the humanities?
A. Disciplines that focus on mathematical and scientific studies.
B. Disciplines that explore human culture, thought, and expression.
C. Disciplines that are solely focused on physical education.
D. Disciplines that include engineering and technology.
4. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a discipline within the humanities?
A. History C. Biology
B. Philosophy D. Literature
5. Which of the following is the primary focus of the arts?
A. Creative expression and aesthetic experience.
B. Scientific research and experimentation.
C. Developing new technological innovations.
D. Political analysis and economic theory.
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6. Which statement best differentiates humanities from the arts?
A. Humanities are practical, while arts are purely theoretical.
B. Humanities and arts are identical and have no differences.
C. Humanities are modern studies, whereas arts are historical.
D. Humanities focus on human culture and thought, while arts focus on creative expression.
7. Which of the following disciplines are encompassed by the visual arts?
A. Painting and sculpture C. Dance and opera
B. Music and theater D. Poetry and fiction
8. The performing arts are distinguished by which of the following characteristics?
A. The use of written language to convey stories.
B. The creation of functional designs.
C. Live performances that engage an audience.
D. The use of digital media and technology.
9. Which of the following is an example of literary arts?
A. Architecture C. Film
B. Fiction D. Fashion
10. Which of the following best describes the primary characteristic of visual arts?
A. They engage the sense of sight through visual representation.
B. They are performed live for an audience.
C. They primarily use sound to create an experience.
D. They involve the creation of written narratives.
11. Anything accomplished with great skill is what?
A. Science C. Arts
B. Humanities D. Ars
12. Which form of art involves the creation of three-dimensional objects?
A. Painting C. Photography
B. Literature D. Sculpture
13. Literature is primarily concerned with:
A. Visual expression C. Digital media
B. Performance art D. Written and spoken language
14. Which of the following best describes the role of humanities in education
A. Encouraging empathy and critical thinking. C. Fostering technical skills
B. Promoting physical fitness D. Developing business acumen
15. Which art form uses movement and body language as its primary mode of expression?
A. Dance C. Literature
B. Painting D. Architecture
16. What is one way that arts and humanities contribute to society?
A. By improving physical health.
B. By fostering technological advancements.
C. By enhancing empathy and critical thinking
D. By generating economic profit
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17. What is the primary goal of visual arts?
A. To perform live C. To narrate stories through text
B. To create a visual experience D. To develop architectural structures
18. The design and construction of buildings is known as:
A. Sculpture C. Dance
B. Literature D. Architecture
19. Which of the following combines both visual and performing arts?
A. Architecture C. Photography
B. Opera D. Sculpture

20. In what way do the humanities contribute to the analysis of visual art?
A. By providing theoretical frameworks and historical perspectives
B. By offering technical training in visual effects
C. By focusing on physical aspects of art creation
D. By emphasizing financial aspects of art markets

ANSWER KEY FOR EVALUATION

1. B 11. C
2. D 12. D
3. B 13. D
4. C 14. A
5. A 15. A
6. D 16. C
7. A 17. B
8. C 18. D
9. B. 19. B
10. A. 20. A

GENERALIZATION
The arts and humanities play a crucial role in cultivating a well-rounded, knowledgeable, and
empathetic society. They enable individuals to value the richness of human experience, comprehend the
complexities of various cultures, and acquire the skills needed for critical and creative thinking. Through the
study of arts and humanities, one gains a profound appreciation for the diverse methods humans have used
to understand and articulate their experiences across history.
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ASSIGNMENT

1. How does the exploration of art's historical impact contribute to contemporary artistic practices?
A. By providing modern technical skills
B. By informing current artists about past influences and trends to shape their work and thematic
exploration
C. By focusing on digital innovations in art
D. By analyzing scientific methods for art creation

2. In which way does the study of art criticism contribute to the field of humanities?
A. By creating technical standards for art production
B. By focusing on economic aspects of art sales
C. By offering frameworks for evaluating and interpreting artistic value and significance
D. By emphasizing physical training for art practice

3. What is the primary benefit of studying the relationship between art and society in the humanities?
A. Understanding how art reflects and shapes societal values and cultural identity
B. Enhancing digital art skill
C. Focusing on mathematical principles in art
D. Developing new scientific methods for art analysis

4. How do interdisciplinary approaches within the humanities enhance the study of art?
A. By focusing solely on technical aspects
B. By emphasizing financial aspects of art production
C. By developing new art technologies
D. By integrating perspectives from history, philosophy, and cultural studies to provide a richer
understanding of art.

5. How does the study of classical literature and drama influence contemporary visual and
performing arts?
A. By offering foundational themes and narratives that continue to inspire current artists
B. By providing modern technical tools
C. By focusing on the economic aspects of classical works
D. By analyzing scientific data related to classical art

ANSWER KEY FOR ASSIGNMENT

1. B
2. C
3. A
4. D
5. A