Humanities
10 courses · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
HUMA 101 Introduction to the Humanities I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This interdisciplinary course is designed for students interested in meeting general education requirements in humanities. The course develops students' understanding and appreciation of humankind's cultural heritage from the Upper Paleolithic (ca. 40,000 BCE) to approximately 1400 CE. A survey is made of the literature, philosophy, music, painting, architecture, and sculpture of both Western and non-Western civilizations.
HUMA 102 Introduction to the Humanities II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This interdisciplinary course is designed for students interested in meeting general education requirements in humanities. The course develops students' understanding and appreciation of humankind's cultural heritage from approximately 1400 CE to the present time. A survey is made of the literature, philosophy, music, painting, architecture, and sculpture of civilizations around the Earth.
HUMA 103 Introduction to the New Testament
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides a survey of the New Testament period (First Century C.E.). Emphasis is placed on the history and culture of the New Testament period, the methods of critical analysis of Biblical materials, and the content of the New Testament. The impact of the New Testament on western culture is also examined. This course is intended for students of history, literature, anthropology or those with a general interest in biblical studies.
HUMA 104 Introduction to the Old Testament
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to the texts and development of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) through a critical reading of its writings, taking into account its relevant history, cultural influences, the original language, and the important events, personages/characters, ideas, and beliefs of ancient Israel. Also addressed are the contributions of other disciplines to a critical understanding of Hebrew Scriptures, including archaeology, literature, history, current Biblical scholarship and criticism, and women's studies. This course may be of particular interest to students in literature, anthropology, and other such disciplines.
HUMA 106 World Religions
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to the basic elements of the religions of the world, their similarities and differences, and their impact on believers and society. The course includes a study of the historical development, doctrines, rituals, sects, and scriptures of the major religions of the world. Some analysis of ancient religious traditions and tribal religious beliefs and practices may be included. This course is intended for all students interested in humanities and the study of world religions.
HUMA 118 Eastern Humanities
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This interdisciplinary course develops students’ understanding and appreciation of the arts, literature, philosophy, and religions of Asia—from Prehistory to the Present. It is designed for students interested in Asian civilizations, the Humanities in general, and related disciplines.
HUMA 119 Western Humanities
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This interdisciplinary course develops students’ understanding and appreciation of the arts, literature, philosophy, and religions of Europe, Africa, and the Americas—from Prehistory to the Present. It is designed for students interested in European, African, and American civilizations; the Humanities in general; and related disciplines.
HUMA 201 Mythology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to the major images and themes of the myths of widely separated peoples of the world throughout history. By analyzing various archetypal patterns found in the great civilizations and tribal cultures of the world, students understand both the uniqueness of each culture's world view and the commonality of human mythological conceptions. Literature and the arts are used to demonstrate these cultures' mythic ideas. This course is meant for students in the Humanities and for those interested in the myths of the world.
HUMA 205 Exploring Human Values Through Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to the Humanities through the study of film. Emphasis is placed on thematic and technical analysis of feature films. Topics include philosophic meaning, moral development, and social responsibility. This course is designed for Humanities majors and students interested in film and its expression of humanistic values.
HUMA 210 Women in Religion and Myth
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This interdisciplinary course explores ancient and modern beliefs in female divinities; studies the status of women in religions worldwide and throughout history; and analyzes the impact of religious ritual and doctrine on the lives of women, both past and present. It is designed for students interested in Women’s Studies, Religious Studies, Humanities, and related disciplines.