Arts & Humanities

‘Art and Humanities’ is just not a single field of study. It is a combination of number of academic branches which include, subjects like history, literature, language, performing arts, philosophy, cultural studies, and religion.

All Art and Humanities studies try to answer one common question on human condition, “What is to be Human?” It is not satisfied with the superficial level of existence. It tries to explore deep in to human nature and forms of human expressions. It gives importance to performing arts and languages and literature as they communicate effectively to the external world, what lies hidden within human nature. Humanities use tools of reason such as analytical critical approach and speculation. Social sciences on the other hand try to rely on empirical data. This is one of the main differences between Art and Humanities and Social Sciences.

The origins of Art and Humanities go back to the ancient Greek culture. It was the basis of the educational system of the ancient Greece. This continued through the medieval times. However, in the beginning, the educational approach was more of practice than a matter of theory. This trend changed with the French Renaissance period whereby, humanities also included subjects that require study besides subjects of practice. Literature, history, language and grammar studies, logic, arithmetic, astrology etc came to be included under humanities.

Some of the branches of performing arts include, dance, music, acrobatics, comedy, opera, theatre arts, marching arts, juggling etc. Performing arts has two parts, the performer and the audience. Often, performance art is supported by plastic art such as make up creation of the stage etc. Today some of the performance arts are lost. Today we do not hear of sagas, story telling, narrative poetry etc. which were at one time very popular forms for performing arts.

Another major area of humanities is Philosophy. The Greeks’ preoccupation with questions about life gave rise to this field of knowledge. Philosophy scrutinizes human existence, life in general and human reasoning. Philosophy tries to provide a world view that is tested with reason.

Language and literature those have been the backbone of Art and Humanities today lack support from these quarters as the digital media today has revolutionized the way language is used in modern day life. Literature in its original essence is getting watered down day by day. Art and humanities have to fight hard to keep abreast with the fast paced internet era.

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