Demonstration of Proficiency

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:

• Competency 1: Describe the historical development of the humanities from the prehistoric era to the present. 
  • Identify significant cultural developments from a variety of historical eras.
  • Assess the influence of past expressions of the humanities on present-day life.
• Competency 2: Examine the forms of expression that instantiate the arts and humanities. 
  • Describe the forms of expression that instantiate the arts and humanities.
• Competency 3: Integrate the humanities with everyday life. 
  • Explain how the arts and humanities affect everyday life.
  • Assess the role of philosophical, religious, and aesthetic values in everyday life.
• Competency 4: Communicate effectively in forms appropriate to the humanities. 
  • Write coherently to support a central idea in appropriate format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.

Instructions

For this assessment, complete the following in an 8–10-page essay:

• Compile a list of twenty significant cultural developments from the past. You may use the Personal Significance interactive media piece (linked in the assessment resource activity) to help assemble this list: 
  • Describe the cultural developments you noted and then evaluate their applications to modern life.
  • Notice any compelling themes. Are there any common themes or persistent forms of expression, or especially vital historical periods, among your choices? Think about what the items you selected say about who you are and what gives your life meaning.
• Consider how these developments impact your everyday life in a personal way. The cultural background of humanities disciplines provide some structure, of course, but what really matters are your own feelings, perceptions, thoughts, and decisions. 
  • How does an understanding of the humanities impact your life?
  • How do you integrate the philosophical, religious, and aesthetic values of the humanities into daily living?

This essay will be an intensely personal one—make it a worthwhile exercise.

Additional Requirements

• Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: Your paper should be formatted according to current APA style and formatting.
• Length: 8–10 typed and double-spaced pages.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.