Beyond the Timeline

BREAKING NEWS!

The History Major is back at MMC!

Some facts: History continues to be a popular major for high achievers, and has a traditionally been a go-to for those hoping to pursue law or public service. Our program will be super innovative, and uses a modular path of study that allows students to chart their own course and choose their own areas of focus. You’ll get all the traditional skills of a history scholar- critical thinking, evaluating evidence, oral and written argument construction- all while exploring different threads and webs that only you can imagine and navigate fully.

Here are some examples modular paths, with different color blocks showing different course subjects:

These first two show examples of more traditional paths, with one or two areas of focus.

The second two examples are more complex: on the left the student’s program is called Ancient History and Medieval History and Culture, and the right shows a path called History and Performance of Race and Gender. You see how courses from across the college can be pulled in to satisfy requirements for the major, so scholars can create a program that is tailored to their interests, while developing an understanding of history with depth and nuance. History at Marymount will go beyond a timeline, showing how culture, politics, art, media, and story all combine to create what we understand as our shared past.

Look back, connect the dots, and get innovative to jump start your own future! Make History a part of your history at Marymount. #thanksforreading #bekind #happyhalloween

#inclasstoday : Literature of the British Empire

Today in Dr Peter Naccarato’s (#departmentchair) class, EWL 215, there will be a student presentation on the assigned chapter from Anthony Trollope’s book Australia, a first person narrative documenting colonial exploits in Australia.

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The account is rife with racist tropes and justifications that were common at the time. In today’s chapter the narrator speaks about the “problem” of the aborigines (the indigenous people of Australia) and the British colonists’ “duty” to civilize them as much as possible (acknowledging the “natural” limits on how much a black man can be civilized). Students encounter firsthand the racist discourse that informed and was used to justify Britain’s colonial ambitions.

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P Nac explains: “The overall goal of the course is to see how literature was used to both promote and challenge the ideology of Empire. Today’s readings show how British writers promoted ideas that supported/justified the colonial project, like those reflected in Trollope’s racist arguments in support of oppressing the indigenous people of Australia.”

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We often think of writers and artists as rebels, creating and speaking out against the status quo. It’s important to remember that there are always ways that art, literature and news are co-opted by those in power, to undermine the masses and uphold their own status. And those who write or direct or dance/sculpt/paint are not immune to the ideologies of their time. Some don’t seek justice before beauty or profit, and some don’t think beyond what they were taught about how the world works. Nowadays we can sometimes take for granted that #thepersonalispolitical, but this hasn’t historically always been the case. Hell, it isn’t always the case currently #yikes. Question all sources, observe all points of privilege, and read carefully. #eyesup

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Readings listed below. Have a great day in class today, and remember to be kind to yourself and be kind to strangers #bekindrewind

Today’s readings:

· George Otto Tevelyan, “An Indian Railway” and “The Gulf Between Us” from The Competition Wallah (3-15)

· John Ruskin, “Conclusion to Inaugural Address” (16-20)

· Anthony Trollope, “Aboriginals” (20-32)

New Series: #inclasstoday

HUMSOC is proud to present a new series to showcase the amazing course work that happens every single day on campus. Short & sweet (unlike those 3 hours classes…), and up to date, this series is meant to be your eyes inside the classroom.

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Our first featured class is tonight’s Philosophy of Religion (PHIL 322) with Prof Herling (#divisionchair). Tonight’s discussion is on the Problem of Religious Diversity; Pluralism vs. exclusivism (with inclusivism in between!)

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Pluralism: Despite their differences, all religions have a common core reality. So don’t judge! #JohnHick

Exclusivism: It’s completely acceptable for adherents of one religious tradition to claim that their tradition is exclusively true and right—and that the others aren’t. #AlvinPlantinga

Inclusivism: There’s something good and true in many religious traditions, but only to the extent that they point to the one that is _ultimately_ good and right! #KarlRahner

Got it? If you’re inspired the readings are listed below. Have fun in class today folks, and remember be kind to yourself and be kind to strangers.

Readings:

John Hick, “A Religious Understanding of Religion: A Model of the Relationship between Traditions”
Karl Rahner, “Christianity and the Non-Christian Religions”
Alvin Plantinga, “A Defense of Religious Exclusivism,”
Jerome Gellman, “In Defense of a Contented Religious Exclusivism”

It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Hello dear readers, and welcome to the HUMSOC blog! This is your new home base for all HUMSOC related news, events, thoughtfully generated content, original and stolen memes, pics, tips, tricks and more!

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You may be asking “Hello there, but what even is HUMSOC?!”

I’m glad you asked! HUMSOC stands for The Division of Humanities and Social Sciences. Our division has 5 main components: English and World Lit, International Studies, Politics & Human Rights, Philosophy and Religious Studies, and Academic Writing.

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See, it’s a mouth full! We shortened the name, but what we have to offer is all you’d expect and more. This space will be full of posts/pics/extras generated by all folks who are ready willing and able, including our esteemed faculty and of course, students! If you have an idea for content you can reach out to a faculty member, or stop by the Faculty Center and head to the 3rd floor to chat with Alex, the division admin (and blog curator, and current narrator #plottwist). We wanna hear about class projects, interesting travel and work/internship experiences, what you’re reading about, what you’re organizing about, the going’s on around campus, and anything else that you’re inspired by. Dream big and write copiously!

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We’re excited for another great year, and happy to have a space where you can find out all you need to know. Scroll through pics, get in touch with us on social media, explore and read deeply, and please please please share and comment liberally. Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your engagement and enthusiasm.

Be kind to yourself and be kind to your neighbors.

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