Uni 101 Humanities

Uni 101
It is important that ideas are expressed and heard in respectful and open-minded ways.

University 101 is a non-credit university course that will introduce students to the humanities. The humanities is a concept that was developed during the Renaissance in Italy in the 14th and 15th centuries. The humanities were thought to help people better understand what it meant to be human and shed light on the “human condition”. Typical humanities subjects include literature, history, philosophy and classics.

University 101 broadens and updates the humanities to include topics like Indigenous Film and Mexican Literature. While each week you will be looking at different topics, there will be many common threads that run through the course as a whole. You will ideally make many connections between different lecture topics, and are encouraged to ask “How does this relate to other topics we have already discussed?” Each week you will be exploring different ways to view and engage with the world around you.

University 101 is also a place for students to try out new ideas. It is important that ideas are expressed and heard in respectful and open-minded ways.

What will the course be like?

  • Classes will start in September and end in December.
  • Classes will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the main campus of the University of Victoria or online (our course is currently hybrid).
  • Each week a different humanities topic will be covered and each class will include both a lecture by a university instructor and in-class discussion.
  • Each week, instructors choose readings for the class to read and engage with. These readings will give important background information and will enable the class to participate in seminar and discussions. Questions or challenges that arise during the reading can be discussed during the small group discussion period or during seminars.
  • The University 101 course is designed to be an engaged learning environment. The community develops through the participation of everyone in class.
  • There will be teaching assistants and student volunteers to facilitate discussions and support student learning.
  • Throughout the course, we will also create space to develop and practice academic skills, such as critical reading, writing and thinking. This will be done in small groups to deepen the experience and build knowledge together.

What resources will be provided for students?

  • Students will be given a meal each class.
  • Bus fare and child care subsidies will be provided where needed.
  • All course materials will be provided.