Humanities in Modern Life

Assessment Instructions

For this assessment, complete the following:

• Compile a list of twenty significant cultural developments from the past. You may use the Personal Significance activities (linked in the Resources under the Capella Multimedia heading) to help assemble this list:
  • Describe the cultural developments you noted and then evaluate their application to modern life.
  • Notice any compelling themes here. Are there any common themes or persistent forms of expression, or especially vital historical periods among your choices? Think about what the items you selected say about who you are and what gives your life meaning.
• Consider how these developments impact your everyday life in a personal way. The cultural background of humanities disciplines provide some structure, of course, but what really matters are your own feelings, perceptions, thoughts, and decisions.
  • How does an understanding of the humanities impact your life?
  • How do you integrate the philosophical, religious, and aesthetic values of the humanities into daily living?

This essay will be an intensely personal one; make it a worthwhile exercise.

Additional Requirements

• Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: Your paper should be formatted according to APA (6th edition) style and formatting.
• Length: 8–10 typed and double-spaced pages.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.

Required Resources

The following resources are required to complete the assessment.

Capella Multimedia

Click the links provided below to view the following multimedia pieces:

• Personal Significance: Classical | Transcript.
• Personal Significance: Medieval | Transcript.
• Personal Significance: Renaissance | Transcript.
• Personal Significance: Modern | Transcript.

SHOW LESS

Suggested Resources

The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.

The following resource provides a brief reminder of past contributions to the humanities, presented through the lives of individual characters from history. A series of open-ended questions serve as the start of a conversation with your instructor that should serve to improve your ability to express the role the humanities play in your personal and professional life.

• The Enduring Value of the Humanities | Transcript.

Library Resources

The following e-books or articles from the Capella University Library are linked directly in this course:

• Epstein, M., & Klyukanov, I. (2012). The transformative humanities: A manifesto. New York, NY: Bloomsbury.
• Hoffman, S. J. (2011). Teaching the humanities online: A practical guide to the virtual classroom. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe.

Course Library Guide

A Capella University library guide has been created specifically for your use in this course. You are encouraged to refer to the resources in the HUM-FP1000 – Introduction to Humanities Library Guide to help direct your research.

Internet Resources

Access the following resources by clicking the links provided. Please note that URLs change frequently. Permissions for the following links have been either granted or deemed appropriate for educational use at the time of course publication.

• Malinowski, S. (2009). Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata (animated score, 1st mvt.) piano solo. Retrieved from

Bookstore Resources

The resources listed below are relevant to the topics and assessments in this course. Unless noted otherwise, these materials are available for purchase from the Capella University Bookstore. When searching the bookstore, be sure to look for the Course ID with the specific –FP (FlexPath) course designation.

• Fiero, G. K. (2016). Landmarks in humanities (4th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
  • Chapter 15.