HUM 102 Homework Assignment: Exploring Cultural and Historical Themes

This homework assignment for HUM 102 explores various aspects of culture and history. The student reflects on the most enjoyable time period studied, specifically the Renaissance, and discusses its impact. The assignment also examines the concept of history repeating itself, using examples from the Civil Rights Movement. Furthermore, the student identifies cultural norms as the best representation of a culture, explaining their role in defining and preserving cultural identity. Finally, the assignment concludes with a fantasy dinner party scenario, selecting Aristotle, Aquinas, Plato, Socrates, and Epicurus as guests and explaining the potential for engaging philosophical discussions. The student references course materials and readings to support their analysis.

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1.) Which time period did you most enjoy studying in HUM 102, and why? Be specific in
examples of what you learned that impacted you, surprised you, or resonated with you.
The fall season was one of the best time periods I enjoyed learning HUM 102 since I
consider this season to be the most magical time of the year. To begin with, I discovered new
topics that were very interesting. The Renaissance Art and perspective class greatly amazed and
surprised me since I never expected to learn about the new art perspectives from Vasari and
Michelangelo. The new world, discovery and exploration unit gave me more reason to love the
course. For example, I learned about the Apologetic History of the Indies which assisted me to
have a better understanding of different Indian cultures. In addition, I also appreciated the idea
for enlightenment by Immanuel Kant. How he explains about the process of getting rid of
intellectual bondage struck my mind. Kant desired the public to think freely and be treated in
regards to their dignity (Cunningham, et al, 101). The basis for his reasoning was entirely
different since he argued that the source of morality was the human mind.
2.) One of the most often repeated phrases in a liberal arts class is that "History repeats
itself." Mark Twain adapted this phrase and tweaked it a bit, saying instead, that “History
doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes." Do you agree with either statement? Is there
anything, in particular, you learned about in this course that illustrates either of these
phrases? Be specific in your examples.
In my opinion, I agree with both statements. However, many historians object to the
notion that history repeats itself. The reason is that according to the exact denotation of the word
repeat, life is always evolving, therefore, being unpredictable. However, when the word repeat is
considered in terms of its connotation and as a metaphor, understanding what it means by
“history repeats itself” becomes more natural. This is because it emerges as a conceptual tool. By
saying history repeats itself, we engage a broad pattern of thinking that involves existence and

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continuation of as aspects such as war, racism, poverty, social movements, and sexism (Molotch,
William and Krista, 37). For example, in class, I learned of how the African-American Civil
Rights Movement brought in different forms of discrimination. After the civil war, urban
enslavement was replaced with lynching and disenfranchisement. Today, the system present
regards at least one out of three blacks to being confined in a criminal justice system.
3.) There are many elements of what defines Culture. Some say it is art, music, literature,
philosophy, or performing arts. What do you believe is the best representation of a culture?
What stands the test of time, in your opinion, to represent a people from a certain era? Is it
the art they leave behind? The stories they tell and record? Is it their music or the way they
express themselves in theater?
I believe the best element that represents culture is the norms. This element involves the
guidelines and rules that determine the behavior of individuals. Norms assists in rooting a
particular group of people within the boundary of their culture. It gives a restriction on aspects to
consider and not to consider. Through observing norms, society can uphold its norms. Also,
norms are preserved through a form of social control known as sanctions. Therefore, a particular
culture can stand the test of time through it being protected by the sanctions.
People sanction different behaviors through giving their approval, support, permission
and also instilling actions of non-support or disapproval. Norms are distinguished into mores and
folkways. Mores embody the principles and moral views of a particular group hence violating
them can result into consequences (Leung, Kwok, and Michael, 11). On the other hand, folkways
have no moral underpinnings. For example, in Canada Women are allowed to smile at men on
the streets while in Egypt it is unacceptable. Therefore, norms differentiate how different
cultures express themselves.
4.) Imagine your fantasy Humanities dinner party. Choose five dinner guests, from any era
that we have studied, fictional people or real, with whom you would like to have a dinner
conversation. Do you think these people would get along? Why did you choose these
specific figures?
In my fantasy dinner party, I would begin by choosing Aristotle and Aquinas. This is
because they are the greatest profound philosophers of all time (Greenberg, Mark T., et al, 7) In

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addition, they are still as relevant as they were in their time. I believe these people would get
along because there would be a lot to talk about. For example, Aristotle would love to see
Aquinas thoughts regarding his advancements and also Aquinas would like to know the same.
On my side, I would love to know from Aristotle whether all the works that bear his name are his
since we are not sure of all the works bearing his name. Secondly, I would choose Plato and
Socrates. They are considered the best thinkers of all time and having dinner with them would be
fantastic. I believe Plato would want to determine how his dialogues were reflected in Socrates
thoughts. Lastly, I would choose Epicurus. This is because of his profound way of putting logic
in real-life situations. It would be easy to get along since I would try tying up his philosophies
with present-day issues.

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References
Cunningham, Lawrence S., John J. Reich, and Lois Fichner-Rathus. Culture and values: a
survey
of the Western humanities. Cengage Learning, 2014.
Molotch, Harvey, William Freudenburg, and Krista E. Paulsen. "History repeats itself, but how?
City character, urban tradition, and the accomplishment of place." American Sociological
Review (2000): 791-823.
Leung, Kwok, and Michael W. Morris. "Values, schemas, and norms in the culture–behavior
nexus: A situated dynamics framework." Journal of International Business Studies 46.9
(2015): 1028-1050.
Greenberg, Mark T., et al. "ARISTOTLE, PLATO, AND SOCRATES: ANCIENT GREEK
PERSPECTIVES ON EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING." American Psychologist 58.6-7
(2003): 466-74.