Topic 1
Studying humanities has a major impact on business or technical skills, though not affecting them directly. For example, a range of subjects belonging to humanities demand that various types of analyses should be conducted. Thus, humanities teach people to analyze and synthesize, which is crucial for being an efficient leader or a good technician. As soon as one engages in the process of an analysis, one may also discover the phenomenon of metacognition (Sayre, 2009).
Moreover, such a topic as the studies of ancient life may help in everyday environment by showing people the impressive effects of a consistent effort. Various aspects of ancient life, from art to household, can be used as examples of effort and will power being the key driving forces behind a triumph.
Topic 2
The so-called Venus of Willandorf is a very basic representation of a woman in the Roman culture (ca. 24,000–21,000 BC (Sayre, 2009, p. 4)). However, a range of details sheds some light on the aesthetics of the Roman culture, the principles of harmony that the latter was based by, and the significance of the family institute. For example, the shape of the statuette shows that fertility and maternity were obviously a cult.
I think that the representation of a woman as a mother is an important part of health education for both men and women; however, what surprises me is that the woman has no face. Therefore, I assume that the childbearing function was the only one for the women in the ancient society, which must have made the relationships between the two genders incomplete (Sayre, 2009).
Topic 3
Practicing humanities and learning about them makes one aware of the emotional aspect of human life. Humanities, in their turn, help one understand how people emote and how they render their feelings. Thus, Humanities allow for an efficient self analysis. Therefore, Humanities allow for a better understanding of human nature; moreover, they help people learn to express their emotions and, thus, to become more human – and more humane, for that matter.
Topic 4
I think that the response of the Student 1 is quite vague, since it does not show the direct link between the technical curriculum and the significance of studying humanities. Particularly, the author did not link the two concepts together, providing solely their ideas about art instead. However, I believe that, much to the author’s credit, the link between ancient art and modern life has been studied rather thoroughly.
Topic 5
I believe that the description of the Kachina dolls made by the Student 2 is very insightful. I agree that the attitude of the Pueblo people towards masks and Kachina dolls is very surprising. However, I think that their interpretation as the tools for knowledge transfer is also very intriguing. Overall, the response was very deep and engaging, prompting the readers to learn more about the Kachina culture.
Topic 6
I think that the Student 3 makes a very good point by addressing the cave paintings. The latter are practically the only way to learn more about our prehistoric ancestors. I believe that these remnants of the ancient civilizations help us understand how the humankind evolves. I am certain that the description of the cavemen’s painting provided by the Student 3 was original and memorable, with a deep insight into the concept of Paleontology.
Reference List
Sayre, H. (2009). The prehistoric past and the earliest civilizations. Discovering the humanities (pp. 1–39). 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.