HUM 2023 – Humanities: Humanities and Creative Expression

Humanities and Creative Expression Presentation

Humanities is a broad field of study that includes the study of human culture, experience, and creativity. These fields include literature, art, music, film, theater, philosophy, and history, as they show how people and communities express their ideas, feelings, and beliefs. Art and creativity in the humanities are not just about creation but also the ways in which we communicate, learn, and comprehend the world.

This area of study consists of a rich and diverse tapestry of creative expression. Human creative expression is so deeply intertwined with our cultures and daily lives that we often engage with various forms of the humanities through entertainment. This constant interaction influences our identities, perceptions, and values. One can explore specific ways the humanities have influenced human life by creating a virtual humanities scrapbook.

The humanities are present in our daily lives,  the books we read, the movies we watch, the music we listen to, and the art that moves us. These interactions are not only passive but also important in defining the individual, modifying beliefs, and personal development. In interacting with these creative pieces, we see ourselves, our struggles, and our dreams.

Branches of the Humanities

In this presentation, I will identify five specific instances of creativity that have influenced me. In other words, this post Identifies and describes the branch of the humanities, explains its impact on my life, its importance to me, and how creative work changed me. I will focus on several examples from different branches of humanities in order to show the significance of the humanities in our lives and how they influence our perception of reality. The branches presented are music, film, literature, religion, architecture, and art.

Film: Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies is a film that portrays human aspects like courage, despair, the feeling of success, happiness, Emotional Scars, and loss.

In life, we experience events that craft everlasting wounds and memories, contributing to post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological problems. Such events include natural disasters, domestic violence, political chaos, online abuse, and tragic accidents.

Architecture: Religious Structures

Religious architecture, including temples, churches, mosques, and synagogues, represents some of the most significant achievements in human creative expression. These structures are often designed to inspire awe and reflect the divine. The grandeur of a Gothic cathedral, the serenity of a Zen garden, or the intricate designs of Islamic calligraphy within mosques are all meant to connect the physical space with the spiritual realm.

Religion: Sacred Texts

Christians use the Bible as a source of creative expression by drawing on its rich narratives, themes, and teachings to inspire and educate people about God and the Holy Spirit. In the visual arts, biblical stories such as the Creation, the Exodus, and the life of Jesus have been depicted in paintings, stained glass, and sculptures, serving as both devotional tools and expressions of faith. The biblical words are symbols that give Christians general guidelines, create hope, and help people understand what is right or wrong.

From God's creation of humans, I have learned that people are uniquely designed with purpose, creativity, and the capacity for relationships, demonstrating humans as God’s likeness and the meaningful connection between them.

Literature: Story of an Hour

The Story of an Hour is a fictional tale representation human experiences in a relationship, society, and life in general. It explores the profound emotional journey of Mrs. Mallard, a woman who experiences a fleeting taste of freedom and self-realization, highlighting the complexities of personal liberation within the constraints of societal expectations and relationships. Louise Mallard experiences a sense of autonomy and self-assertion upon learning about her husband's death. However, the newfound freedom ends when she later discovers that her husband is actually alive. In the modern world, repressive marriages impose social expectations that limit people’s ability to pursue their personal goals and desires.

Music: Gospel Music

Religious followers use music as a universal form of religious expression, whether through hymns, chants, or more complex compositions like gospel music or the classical compositions of the Renaissance. As a Christian, I use music to elevate the soul, create a sense of reverence, and build a sense of belonging through communal praise. The singing of psalms in Christianity exemplifies the role of music in creating religious happiness, easing pain, expressing feelings, and sharing positive experiences in ways that heighten human senses and pleasure.

Read about Humanities Module 6: Religion and Happiness Essay

Art: Animations

In website design, developers combine HTML code and CSS styles like colors and shapes to create animated web pages. These animations make a website look appealing and user-friendly. Animations can enhance user experiences by providing intuitive feedback, guiding users' attention, and enhancing overall engagement.

In sum, humans use things like symbols, books, paintings, drawings, structural designs, and music to engage in creative expression. Through creative works, we communicate our needs and thoughts, understand others, and create a sense of identity. The use of creative outlets promotes human wellbeing and gives people opportunities to strengthen relationships, innovate, and build resilience.