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[[Image:plato.jpg|thumb|right|The philosopher Plato]]

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The '''humanities''' are those academic disciplines which study the [[human condition]] using methods that are largely [[analytic]], [[critical]], or [[speculative]], as distinguished from the mainly [[empirical]] approaches of the [[natural science|natural]] and [[social sciences]]. Conventionally the humanities include [[Languages|ancient and modern languages]] and [[literature]],  [[history]], [[philosophy]],  [[religion]], [[visual arts|visual]] and [[performing arts]] (including [[music]]).  Additional subjects sometimes included in the humanities are [[anthropology]], [[area studies]], [[communications]] and [[cultural studies]], although these are often regarded as social sciences. Scholars working in the humanities are sometimes described as "humanists". But that term also describes the philosophical position of [[humanism]], which some "[[antihumanist]]" scholars in the humanities reject.

The '''humanities''' are those academic disciplines which study the [[human condition]] using methods that are largely [[analytic]], [[critical]], or [[speculative]], as distinguished from the mainly [[empirical]] approaches of the [[natural science|natural]] and [[social sciences]]. Conventionally the humanities include [[Languages|ancient and modern languages]] and [[literature]],  [[history]], [[philosophy]],  [[religion]], [[visual arts|visual]] and [[performing arts]] (including [[music]]).  Additional subjects sometimes included in the humanities are [[anthropology]], [[area studies]], [[communications]] and [[cultural studies]], although these are often regarded as social sciences. Scholars working in the humanities are sometimes described as "humanists". But that term also describes the philosophical position of [[humanism]], which some "[[antihumanist]]" scholars in the humanities reject.

==Humanities fields==

==Humanities fields==

===Classics===

===Classics===

The classics, in the Western academic tradition, refer to cultures of [[classical antiquity]], namely the Ancient Greek and Roman cultures.  Classical study was formerly considered one of the cornerstones of the humanities, but the classics declined in importance during the [[20th century]].  Nevertheless, the influence of classical ideas in humanities such as philosophy and literature remain strong.

The classics, in the Western academic tradition, refer to cultures of [[classical antiquity]], namely the Ancient Greek and Roman cultures.  Classical study was formerly considered one of the cornerstones of the humanities, but the classics declined in importance during the [[20th century]].  Nevertheless, the influence of classical ideas in humanities such as philosophy and literature remain strong.

===Languages and literature===

===Languages and literature===

The study of individual modern and classical languages form the backbone of modern study of the humanities, while the scientific study of language is known as [[linguistics]] and is a [[social science]].  Since many areas of the humanities such as literature, history and philosophy are based on language, changes in language can have a profound effect on the other humanities.  Literature, covering a variety of uses of language including [[prose]] forms (such as the [[novel]]), [[poetry]] and [[drama]], also lies at the heart of the modern humanities curriculum.  College-level programs in a [[foreign language]] usually include study of important works of the literature in that language, as well as the language itself (grammar, vocabulary, etc.).

The study of individual modern and classical languages form the backbone of modern study of the humanities, while the scientific study of language is known as [[linguistics]] and is a [[social science]].  Since many areas of the humanities such as literature, history and philosophy are based on language, changes in language can have a profound effect on the other humanities.  Literature, covering a variety of uses of language including [[prose]] forms (such as the [[novel]]), [[poetry]] and [[drama]], also lies at the heart of the modern humanities curriculum.  College-level programs in a [[foreign language]] usually include study of important works of the literature in that language, as well as the language itself (grammar, vocabulary, etc.).

===Law===

===Law===

Law in common parlance, means a rule which (unlike a rule of ethics) is capable of enforcement through institutions. Crimes Against Humanity, Geoffrey Robertson, Penguin, ISBN 9780141024639 The study of law crosses the boundaries between the social sciences and humanities, depending on one's view of research into its objectives and effects. Law is not always enforceable, especially in the international relations context. It has been defined as a "system of rules", Hart [[The Concept of Law]], Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-876122-8 as an "interpretive concept", Ronald Dworkin, Law's Empire, Harvard University Press ISBN 0674518365 to achieve justice, as an "authority" Joseph Raz, The Authority of Law Oxford University Press to mediate people's interests, and even as "the command of a sovereign, backed by the threat of a sanction". John Austin (legal philosopher) The Providence of Jurisprudence Determined . However one likes to think of law, it is a completely central social institution. Legal policy incorporates the practical manifestation of thinking from almost every [[social science]] and humanity. Laws are [[politic]]s, because politicians create them. Law is [[philosophy]], because moral and ethical persuasions shape their ideas. Law tells many of [[history]]'s stories, because statutes, case law and codifications build up over time. And law is economics, because any rule about [[contract]], [[tort]], [[property law]], [[labour law]], [[company law]] and many more can have long lasting effects on the distribution of wealth. The noun ''law'' derives from the late [[Old English language|Old English]] ''lagu'', meaning something laid down or fixed. see [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=law&searchmode=none Etymonline Dictionary] and the adjective ''legal'' comes from the Latin word ''lex''.see [http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/legal Mirriam-Webster's Dictionary]

Law in common parlance, means a rule which (unlike a rule of ethics) is capable of enforcement through institutions. Crimes Against Humanity, Geoffrey Robertson, Penguin, ISBN 9780141024639 The study of law crosses the boundaries between the social sciences and humanities, depending on one's view of research into its objectives and effects. Law is not always enforceable, especially in the international relations context. It has been defined as a "system of rules", Hart [[The Concept of Law]], Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-876122-8 as an "interpretive concept", Ronald Dworkin, Law's Empire, Harvard University Press ISBN 0674518365 to achieve justice, as an "authority" Joseph Raz, The Authority of Law Oxford University Press to mediate people's interests, and even as "the command of a sovereign, backed by the threat of a sanction". John Austin (legal philosopher) The Providence of Jurisprudence Determined . However one likes to think of law, it is a completely central social institution. Legal policy incorporates the practical manifestation of thinking from almost every [[social science]] and humanity. Laws are [[politic]]s, because politicians create them. Law is [[philosophy]], because moral and ethical persuasions shape their ideas. Law tells many of [[history]]'s stories, because statutes, case law and codifications build up over time. And law is economics, because any rule about [[contract]], [[tort]], [[property law]], [[labour law]], [[company law]] and many more can have long lasting effects on the distribution of wealth. The noun ''law'' derives from the late [[Old English language|Old English]] ''lagu'', meaning something laid down or fixed. see [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=law&searchmode=none Etymonline Dictionary] and the adjective ''legal'' comes from the Latin word ''lex''.see [http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/legal Mirriam-Webster's Dictionary]

===Performing arts===

===Performing arts===

The performing arts differ from the [[plastic arts]] insofar as the former uses the artist's own body, face, presence as a medium, and the latter uses materials such as clay, metal or paint which can be molded or transformed to create some [[work of art|art object]]. Performing arts include [[acrobatics]], [[busking]], [[comedy]], [[dance]], [[magic (illusion)|magic]], [[music]], [[opera]], [[film]], [[juggling]], [[marching arts]], such as [[brass band]]s, and [[theatre]].

The performing arts differ from the [[plastic arts]] insofar as the former uses the artist's own body, face, presence as a medium, and the latter uses materials such as clay, metal or paint which can be molded or transformed to create some [[work of art|art object]]. Performing arts include [[acrobatics]], [[busking]], [[comedy]], [[dance]], [[magic (illusion)|magic]], [[music]], [[opera]], [[film]], [[juggling]], [[marching arts]], such as [[brass band]]s, and [[theatre]].

Artists who participate in these arts in front of an audience are called performers, including [[actor]]s, [[comedian]]s, [[dancer]]s, [[musician]]s, and [[singer]]s. Performing arts are also supported by workers in related fields, such as [[songwriting]] and [[stagecraft]]. Performers often adapt their [[physical appearance|appearance]], such as with [[costume]]s and [[cosmetics|stage makeup]], etc. There is also a specialized form of [[fine art]] in which the artists ''perform'' their work live to an audience. This is called [[Performance art]]. Most performance art also involves some form of plastic art, perhaps in the creation of [[Theatrical property|prop]]s. Dance was often referred to as a ''plastic art'' during the [[Modern dance]] era.

Artists who participate in these arts in front of an audience are called performers, including [[actor]]s, [[comedian]]s, [[dancer]]s, [[musician]]s, and [[singer]]s. Performing arts are also supported by workers in related fields, such as [[songwriting]] and [[stagecraft]]. Performers often adapt their [[physical appearance|appearance]], such as with [[costume]]s and [[cosmetics|stage makeup]], etc. There is also a specialized form of [[fine art]] in which the artists ''perform'' their work live to an audience. This is called [[Performance art]]. Most performance art also involves some form of plastic art, perhaps in the creation of [[Theatrical property|prop]]s. Dance was often referred to as a ''plastic art'' during the [[Modern dance]] era.

Music

'''Music'''

Music as an academic discipline mainly focuses on two career paths, music [[performance]] (focused on the [[orchestra]] and the [[concert hall]]) and [[music education]] (training music teachers).  Students learn to play [[musical instrument|instruments]], but also study [[music theory]], [[musicology]], [[history of music]] and [[musical composition|composition]].  In the liberal arts tradition, music is also used to broaden skills of non-musicians by teaching skills such as concentration and listening.

Music as an academic discipline mainly focuses on two career paths, music [[performance]] (focused on the [[orchestra]] and the [[concert hall]]) and [[music education]] (training music teachers).  Students learn to play [[musical instrument|instruments]], but also study [[music theory]], [[musicology]], [[history of music]] and [[musical composition|composition]].  In the liberal arts tradition, music is also used to broaden skills of non-musicians by teaching skills such as concentration and listening.

Theatre

'''Theatre'''

[[Image:Puccini-Turandot-Posters.jpg|thumb|right|Original ''[[Turandot]]'' poster, a highly successful theatre production]]

Theatre (or theater) (Greek "theatron", ''θέατρον'') is the branch of the [[performing arts]] concerned with [[acting]] out stories in front of an audience using combinations of speech, gesture, music, dance, sound and spectacle — indeed any one or more elements of the other performing arts. In addition to the standard narrative dialogue style, theatre takes such forms as [[opera]], [[ballet]], [[mime artist|mime]], [[kabuki]], [[classical Indian dance]], [[Chinese opera]],  [[mummers' play]]s, and [[pantomime]].

Theatre (or theater) (Greek "theatron", ''θέατρον'') is the branch of the [[performing arts]] concerned with [[acting]] out stories in front of an audience using combinations of speech, gesture, music, dance, sound and spectacle — indeed any one or more elements of the other performing arts. In addition to the standard narrative dialogue style, theatre takes such forms as [[opera]], [[ballet]], [[mime artist|mime]], [[kabuki]], [[classical Indian dance]], [[Chinese opera]],  [[mummers' play]]s, and [[pantomime]].

Dance

'''Dance'''

Dance (from [[Old French]] ''dancier'', perhaps from [[Old Frankish language|Frankish]]) generally refers to [[human]] [[Motion (physics)|movement]] either used as a form of [[expression]] or presented in a [[social]], [[spirituality|spiritual]] or [[performance]] setting. Dance is also used to describe methods of [[non-verbal communication]] (see [[body language]]) between humans or [[animal]]s ([[Bee learning and communication#Dance language|bee dance]], mating dance), [[Motion (physics)|motion]] in inanimate objects (''the [[leaves]] danced in the [[wind]]''), and certain [[dance (musical form)|musical form]]s or [[music|genre]]s. [[Choreography]] is the art of making dances, and the person who does this is called a choreographer.

Dance (from [[Old French]] ''dancier'', perhaps from [[Old Frankish language|Frankish]]) generally refers to [[human]] [[Motion (physics)|movement]] either used as a form of [[expression]] or presented in a [[social]], [[spirituality|spiritual]] or [[performance]] setting. Dance is also used to describe methods of [[non-verbal communication]] (see [[body language]]) between humans or [[animal]]s ([[Bee learning and communication#Dance language|bee dance]], mating dance), [[Motion (physics)|motion]] in inanimate objects (''the [[leaves]] danced in the [[wind]]''), and certain [[dance (musical form)|musical form]]s or [[music|genre]]s. [[Choreography]] is the art of making dances, and the person who does this is called a choreographer.

===Religion===

===Religion===

Most historians trace the beginnings of [[Religion|religious belief]] to the Neolithic Period. Most religious belief during this time period consisted of worship of a [[Mother Goddess]], a [[Sky Father]], and also worship of the [[Sun]] and the [[Moon]] as deities. (''see also [[Sun worship]]'')

Most historians trace the beginnings of [[Religion|religious belief]] to the Neolithic Period. Most religious belief during this time period consisted of worship of a [[Mother Goddess]], a [[Sky Father]], and also worship of the [[Sun]] and the [[Moon]] as deities. (''see also [[Sun worship]]'')

===Visual arts===

===Visual arts===

The great traditions in [[art]] have a foundation in the art of one of the ancient civilizations, such as [[Ancient Egypt]], [[Ancient Greece|Greece]] and [[Ancient Rome|Rome]], [[China]], [[Indus Valley Civilization|India]], [[Mesopotamia]] and [[Mesoamerica]].

The great traditions in [[art]] have a foundation in the art of one of the ancient civilizations, such as [[Ancient Egypt]], [[Ancient Greece|Greece]] and [[Ancient Rome|Rome]], [[China]], [[Indus Valley Civilization|India]], [[Mesopotamia]] and [[Mesoamerica]].

Painting

Painting

[[Painting]] taken literally is the practice of applying [[pigment]] suspended in a carrier (or [[Paint#Components|medium]]) and a binding agent (a [[adhesive|glue]]) to a [[surface]] (support) such as [[paper]], [[canvas]] or a wall. However, when used in an artistic sense it means the use of this activity in combination with [[drawing]], [[composition (visual arts)|composition]] and other aesthetic considerations in order to manifest the expressive and conceptual intention of the practitioner. Painting is also used to express spiritual motifs and ideas; sites of this kind of painting range from artwork depicting mythological figures on pottery to [[Sistine Chapel|The Sistine Chapel]] to the human body itself.

[[Painting]] taken literally is the practice of applying [[pigment]] suspended in a carrier (or [[Paint#Components|medium]]) and a binding agent (a [[adhesive|glue]]) to a [[surface]] (support) such as [[paper]], [[canvas]] or a wall. However, when used in an artistic sense it means the use of this activity in combination with [[drawing]], [[composition (visual arts)|composition]] and other aesthetic considerations in order to manifest the expressive and conceptual intention of the practitioner. Painting is also used to express spiritual motifs and ideas; sites of this kind of painting range from artwork depicting mythological figures on pottery to [[Sistine Chapel|The Sistine Chapel]] to the human body itself.

===The digital age===

===The digital age===

Language and literature are considered to be the central topics in humanities, so the impact of electronic communication is of great concern to those in the field.  The immediacy of modern technology and the internet speeds up communication, but may threaten "deferred" forms of communication such as literature and "dumb down" language.  The library is also changing rapidly as bookshelves are replaced by computer terminals.  Despite the fact that humanities will have to adapt rapidly to these changes, it is unlikely that the traditional forms of literature will be completely abandoned.

Language and literature are considered to be the central topics in humanities, so the impact of electronic communication is of great concern to those in the field.  The immediacy of modern technology and the internet speeds up communication, but may threaten "deferred" forms of communication such as literature and "dumb down" language.  The library is also changing rapidly as bookshelves are replaced by computer terminals.  Despite the fact that humanities will have to adapt rapidly to these changes, it is unlikely that the traditional forms of literature will be completely abandoned.

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: General Reference]]