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IAI General Education Humanities Course Descriptions

Courses can be taken from the same identifier as long as the course outcomes are different.

Shortcuts to course description subsections:

D- Courses designed specifically to examine aspects of human diversity within the United States.

N- Courses designed specifically to examine aspects of human diversity from a non-U.S./non-European perspective.

Foreign Language

H1900: Foreign Language IV (3-4 semester credits)
A fourth-semester course (or above) in a foreign language that is designed to increase proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing in the language as well as providing knowledge of the culture or cultures of peoples who speak the language. Culture explored within this course should provide a clear and in-depth focus on the humanities and fine arts integrated throughout the course: at least three or more varied humanities and fine arts components including but not limited to history, literature, visual arts (including architecture and cinema), performing arts (including music and dance), and/or philosophy.  The nature of writing assignments must be appropriate to both the level and the target language. Writing may also be in English if appropriate to explore humanities and fine arts topics included in the course.
Note to submitters for this course description: Because culture is an important component for this course, if a sample syllabus of a recently approved is needed, please contact the IAI coordinator at iTransfer@itransfer.org  to obtain this information.
Revised 11/7/2023 - Effective Spring 2024 - Clarification on culture required by the panel.
Revised 05/26/2021 – Effective Fall 2021. Culture requirement clarified by the panel.

 AP Scoring Information of Chinese Language & Culture Exam: Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 4 or higher on the AP Chinese Language & Culture exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC H1 900. Note that the AP scoring criteria for a score of 3 do not represent the level of competence represented by a fourth-semester language course, which is required to be considered for approval under the H1 900 code.
AP Scoring Information of French Language & Culture Exam: ;Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 4 or higher on the AP French Language & Culture exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC H1 900. Note that the AP scoring criteria for a score of 3 do not represent the level of competence represented by a fourth-semester language course, which is required to be considered for approval under the H1 900 code.
AP Scoring Information of German Language & Culture Exam: Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. ; A score of 4 or higher on the AP German Language & Culture exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC H1 900. Note that the AP scoring criteria for a score of 3 do not represent the level of competence represented by a fourth-semester language course, which is required to be considered for approval under the H1 900 code.
AP Scoring Information of Italian Language & Culture Exam: Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 4 or higher on the AP Italian Language & Culture exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC H1 900.Note that the AP scoring criteria for a score of 3 do not represent the level of competence represented by a fourth-semester language course, which is required to be considered for approval under the H1 900 code.
AP Scoring Information of Japanese Language & Culture Exam: Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 4 or higher on the AP Japanese Language & Culture exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC H1 900. Note that the AP scoring criteria for a score of 3 do not represent the level of competence represented by a fourth-semester language course, which is required to be considered for approval under the H1 900 code.
AP Scoring Information of Latin Exam: Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 4 or higher on the AP Latin exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC H1 900. Note that the AP scoring criteria for a score of 3 do not represent the level of competence represented by a fourth-semester language course, which is required to be considered for approval under the H1 900 code.
AP Scoring Information of Spanish Language & Culture Exam: Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 4 or higher on the AP Spanish Language & Culture exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of postsecondary courses approved for IAI GECC H1 900. Note that the AP scoring criteria for a score of 3 do not represent the level of competence represented by a fourth-semester language course, which is required to be considered for approval under the H1 900 code.
AP Revision: Feb 2016

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History

Political, economic, and social history courses are found in the Social and Behavioral Sciences section. No more than two history courses can be used to fulfill IAI GECC Humanities and Fine Arts requirements.

H2900: Foundations of Civilization (3-semester credits)
 The development of world civilizations from the earliest peoples to modern global interdependence among peoples and nations. Emphasis is on the relationship between present and past and on the recurring themes that connect the past, present and future. Examines landmark documents and artifacts that have shaped human events and cultures. This designation should be used for single-semester courses spanning antiquity to the present. When World Civilizations is taught in a multi-course sequence, please refer to H2 906 World Civilization I and H2 907 World Civilization II above

Western Civilization Courses
H2901: Western Civilization I (3-semester credits)
The history of the Western world, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures. Part I typically ends c. 1500-1650. (See also History of Western Civilization in the Social and Behavioral Science section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.) Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP European History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC H2 901. - Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017  - Matches description for S2902

H2902: Western Civilization II (3-semester credits)
This is a continuation of History of Western Civilization I, continuing from c. 1500-1650 until the present . See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number H2901. (See also History of Western Civilization II in the Social and Behavioral Science section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.) Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP European History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC H2 902. - Feb 2016
Revised 06/07/2017 - Matches description for S2903

U.S. History Courses
H2904: U.S. History I (3-semester credits)
The history of the United States, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures. Part I typically ends c. 1865-1877. (See also U.S. History in the Social and Behavioral Science section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both the Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.) Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP U.S. History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC H2 904. Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Matches description for S2900

H2 905: U.S. History II (3-semester credits)
This is a continuation of United States History I, from c. 1865-1877 until the present. See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number H2904. (See also U.S. History II in the Social and Behavioral Science section; credit cannot be used to fulfill both Humanities and Social Science requirements.) Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP U.S. History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC H2 905. Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Matches description for S2901

H2 909D: Histories of Cultural or Ethnic Minority Groups in the U.S. (3-semester credits)
A broad survey of the history of one or more particular cultural or ethnic minority groups in the United States and their cross-cultural influences. (Credit cannot be used to satisfy both the Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Matches description for S2923D

World History Courses
H2906: World History I (3-semester credits)
The history of the world, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures. Part I typically ends c. 1500. (See also World History I in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit for courses cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.) Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP World History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC H2 906. Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Matches description for S2912N

H2907: World History II (3-semester credits)
This is a continuation of World History I, continuing from c. 1500 to the present. See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number H2906N. (See also World History II in the Social and Behavioral Sciences section. Credit for courses cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.) Policies on the acceptance of AP credit vary among academic programs and from institution to institution, so AP credit toward the GECC or major requirements is not guaranteed. A score of 3 or higher on the AP World History exam may be considered as equivalent to successful completion of post-secondary courses approved for IAI GECC H2 907. Feb 2016
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Matches description for S2913N

H2912N : World History (3 semester credits)
The history of the world, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures to the present, when taught as a one-part, single-semester course. (Credit for courses cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Reviewed Fall 2025
Previously Revised 06/07/2017 - Matches description for S2921N

Non-Western History Courses
H2910N :  Non-Western Civilization I (3 semester credits)
The history of one or more civilizations of the non-Western world, including the origins and development of peoples and cultures. Part I typically ends c. 1500 CE. (See also Non-Western Civilizations in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.) The history of one or more civilizations of the non-Western world, including the origins and development of peoples and cultures. Part I typically ends c. 1500 CE. (See also Non-Western Civilizations in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Revised - Fall2025 -  Course title and minor revisions to course content
Effective Fall 2026 
Previously Revised  06/07/2017 - Matches description for  S904N 

H2911N : Non-Western Civilization II (3 semester credits)
This is a continuation of Non-Western Civilization I, from c. 1500 until the present. See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number S2 904N. (See also Non-Western Civilizations in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Revised - Fall2025 -  Course title and minor revisions to course content
Effective Fall 2026 
Previously  Revised 06/07/2017  - Matches description for S2905N

H2903N: Non-Western Civilizations (3-semester credits)
The history of one or more civilizations of the non-Western world (Asia, the Middle East, Africa, or Latin America), including the origins and development of peoples and cultures to the present, when taught as a one-part single-semester course. (See also Non-Western Civilizations in the Humanities and Fine Arts section. Credit cannot be used to satisfy both the Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Revised - Fall2025 - Minor revisions to course content - Effective Fall 2026 
Previously Revised ~ Minor revision/clarification  - 04/05/2018 - Revision Effective Fall 2018
Created 06/07/2017 - Effective Fall 2017 - Matches description for S2920N - AVAILABLE FOR NEW SUBMISSIONS!

Other History Courses

RETIRED 08/15/2026
H2908: National Histories (3-semester credits)
Broad survey of the history and culture of a nation that has demonstrated a significant impact on global history (ex. Japan, Russia, England). (Credit cannot be used to satisfy both the Humanities and Social and Behavioral Science requirements.)
Revised 06/07/2017 - Matches description for S2922

 

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Literature

H3900: Introduction to Literature (3-semester credits)
Reading and analysis of texts from a variety of literary forms and periods. Approaches to determining literary meaning, form and value. The panel has compared the IAI GECC H3 900 descriptor against the AP English Literature & Composition exam and determined there is not a match. Feb 2016

H3901: Introduction to Fiction (3-semester credits)
 Reading and analysis of short stories and/or novels or novellas from a variety of periods. Approaches to determining literary meaning, form and value.
REVISED DESCRIPTION: 04/29/2022  - changed "and" to "and/or" for "short stories and novels."  Added "novellas" to description to allow more flexibility for courses and review.

H3902: Introduction to Drama (3-semester credits)
Reading and analysis of plays of various types and from a variety of periods. Approaches to determining literary meaning, form and value.

H3903: Introduction to Poetry (3-semester credits)
Reading and analysis of the poetry of various types and from a variety of periods. Approaches to determining literary meaning, form and value.

H3904: Introduction to Non-fictional Prose (3-semester credits)
Reading and analysis of non-fictional prose in a variety of forms and from a variety of periods. Approaches to determining literary meaning, form and value.

H3905: Introduction to Shakespeare (3-semester credits)
An introduction to Shakespeare's works by genre (comedy, history, tragedy and non-dramatic poetry) or on some other basis.

H3906: Western/World Literature in Translation I (3-semester credits)
Reading and analysis of representative masterpieces from a variety of nationalities and epochs. Focuses primarily on Western literature, but may also include selections from other nationalities.

H3907: Western/World Literature in Translation II (3-semester credits)
This is a continuation of Western Literature in Translation I. See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number H3 906.

H3908N: Non-Western Literature in Translation (3-semester credits)
Reading and analysis of representative masterpieces from a variety of nationalities and epochs.

H3909 : [National] Literature in Translation (3 semester credits)
Introduction to the literature of a specific nationality (e.g., French, German, Italian, Russian, etc.) for students not versed in the original language.

H3910D: American Ethnic Literature (3-semester credits)
Examination of two or more types of literary works that reflect the experience and construction of one or more racial and/or cultural minoritized identities. 
REVISED Fall 2024 -  Identified the number works and minoritized identities. 11/01/2024 -  Effective Spring 2025.

H3911D: Literature and Gender (3-semester credits)
Examination of various types of literary works that reflect the experience and construction of gender identity. May emphasize selected genres or the literary contributions of a gender-defined group (e.g. women writers).

H3912: Survey of British Literature I (3-semester credits)
Development of British literature from its beginnings to the present through the analysis of representative texts. The panel has compared the IAI GECC H3 912 descriptor against the AP English Literature & Composition exam and determined there is not a match. Feb 2016

H3913: Survey of British Literature II (3-semester credits)
This is a continuation of Survey of British Literature I . See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number H3 912. The panel has compared the IAI GECC H3 913 descriptor against the AP English Literature & Composition exam and determined there is not a match. Feb 2016

H3914: Survey of American Literature I (3-semester credits)
 Development of literature of the United States from its beginnings. This course typically ends at the Civil War.   Exploration is accomplished through the analysis of representative texts.   The panel has compared the IAI GECC H3 914 descriptor against the AP English Literature & Composition exam and determined there is not a match. Feb 2016
Reviewed and updated by the panel - 11/15/2019 - Effective Spring 2020

H3915: Survey of American Literature II (3-semester credits)
 This is a continuation of Survey of American Literature I. This course typically begins after the Civil War.  See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number H3 914.  The panel has compared the IAI GECC H3 915 descriptor against the AP English Literature & Composition exam and determined there is not a match. Feb 2016
Reviewed and updated by the panel - 11/15/2019 - Effective Spring 2020

H3916: Survey of [National] Literature I (3-semester credits)
Development of literature of an other-than-English-speaking nationality through analysis of representative texts. (Literature is read in the original language.)

H3917: Survey of [National] Literature II (3-semester credits)
This is a continuation of Survey of [National] Literature I. See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number H3 916.

H3918: Introduction to Children's Literature (3-semester credits)
A study of formal and thematic elements of several different genres of children's literature (fables, fairy tales, nursery rhymes, picture books, novels, etc).

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Philosophy

H4900: Introduction to Philosophy (3-semester credits)
A study of recurrent, persistent human principles and problems such as the validity of knowledge; the nature of truth; the nature of identity, free will and determination; moral and aesthetic values; and religious belief systems.

H4901: History of Philosophy I (3-semester credits)
A study of the major philosophers and schools of thought, including the social, political and religious contexts within which each developed, from the pre-Socratic through the 20th Century.

H4902: History of Philosophy II (3-semester credits)
This is a continuation of History of Philosophy I. See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number H4 901.

H4903N: Non-Western Philosophy (3-semester credits)
An introduction to selected philosophical concepts and value systems of several non-Western cultures.

H4904: Ethics (3-semester credits)
A study of the principal ethical theories and concepts of human conduct and character, as well as a critical evaluation of these theories and concepts as they apply to particular moral problems and decisions.

H4905: Philosophy of Religion (3-semester credits)
A study of selected religious concepts and theories, such as the existence and nature of a deity, the nature of good and evil, reason and faith, ethics, and the afterlife. May include an examination of the nature of religious language and experience.

H4906: Introduction to Logic/Critical Thinking (3-semester credits)
A study of the rules of valid judging and reasoning, both inductive and deductive, in a traditional, language-centered context rather than a symbolic context. Logical analysis of both formal and informal fallacies and of the consistency and logical consequences of a given set of statements is included. Logical analysis is applied to concrete problems dealing with our knowledge of reality.

H4907 : Social & Political Philosophy (3 semester credits)
A study of major themes and theories in social and political philosophy. Topics may include but are not limited to the nature of justice, liberty, equality, property, sovereignty, and governmental legitimacy.
Spring 2017

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Religious Studies

H5900: Introduction to Religion (3-semester credits)
Introduction to the concept of religion within society, treating the nature, origin, beliefs, practices and role that religion plays.

H5901: Foundational Religious Texts (3-semester credits)
The humanistic study of 1 or more of the foundational documents of the world's major religions, such as the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, the Qur'an (Koran), or the Vedas.

H5904N: Comparative Religions (3-semester credits)
An introductory survey of selected teachings, practices and institutions of major Eastern and Western religions. May include the role of history; appreciation for forms of expression; and criticism of their origins, rituals, and forms of religious knowledge and destiny.

H5905: Religion in American Society (3-semester credits)
A survey of the contribution of religion to American culture, including the differences between rural and urban society, the development of religious freedom and the rise of a "secular religion." Examines the emergence of new forms of belief and practice and the variety of religious issues confronting American society today.

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Interdisciplinary Humanities

H9900: Interdisciplinary Humanities (3-semester credits)
Interdisciplinary study of humanities themes; genres; and relationships from literary, historical and philosophical perspectives. (Does not include a Fine Arts component.)

H9901: Mythology (3-semester credits)
The nature of mythology through the study of folklore and legendary narratives, themes, archetypal figures/situations, symbolism and figurative language.

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Interdisciplinary Humanities and Fine Arts

Interdisciplinary humanities courses that encompass both the humanities and the fine arts may be used for either humanities or fine arts credit.

HF900: Humanities Survey I (3-semester credits)
Thematic- or genre-based interdisciplinary study of selected works of art, music, literature and philosophy.

HF901: Humanities Survey II (3-semester credits)
This is a continuation of Humanities Survey I. See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number HF 900.

HF902: Western Humanities I (3-semester credits)
A chronologically organized interdisciplinary survey of the significant intellectual, literary, philosophical, visual art, music and other performing art expressions from the major epochs of Western culture.

HF903: Western Humanities II (3-semester credits)
This is a continuation of Western Humanities I. See the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (iTransfer Gen. Ed.) number HF 902.

HF904N: Non-Western Humanities (3-semester credits)
An interdisciplinary survey of the significant intellectual and artistic achievements of several non-Western cultures through selected works of literature, philosophy, visual art, music and other performing arts, as well as a comparative examination of their values, motifs, and aesthetics with those of Western cultural expression.

HF906D: American Ethnic Cultural Expression (3-semester credits)
Interdisciplinary study of art, architecture, music, literature, history and/or philosophy that express the experience and construction of American racial and cultural identities of diverse and underrepresented peoples living in the US. Note: Contextual references to other parts of the world can be explored as part of the course content but should not be a primary focus of this course.
Revised 05/26/2021 – Effective Fall 2021. American and other content clarified

HF907D: Cultural Expression of Gender (3-semester credits)
Interdisciplinary study of art, architecture, music, literature, history and philosophy reflecting the cultural identity of gender.

HF908: Film and Literature (3-semester credits)
A study of formal, thematic, and/or historical relationships between literary and cinematic forms, including examination of adaptations and influences that demonstrate the strengths of each artistic medium.

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