ʻATENISI UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES


Humanities pedagogy in the developing world recounts a global -- as opposed to Eurocentric -- history, although ʻAtenisi's classical emphasis demands a comprehensive review of the Occident's Greco-Roman foundation. The School additionally offers interdisciplinary analysis of Tongan, Pacific, and North American culture.

The School's rather extensive language education contains three components:

  1. Local languages & literature. These include English and Tongan.
  2. Classical languages. These include Latin & Greek.
  3. Foreign languages. These include the remainder.

All languages are counted towards the humanities curriculum, unless specified otherwise in the course degree requirements.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS UNTIL 2007

not all courses are given every year

HUMANITIES

CLAS. 1

Classical Language: Greek

Emphasis is placed on verb and noun/adjective terminations. The goal is not to translate simple sentences that show few or none of the basic structural differences but to be able to answer questions about the content of Greek phrases and sentences. Vocabulary is not limited to that of a particular, well-known author but is intended to show the possibility of approximating expression in all possible fields. Special attention is paid to the prefixes that have entered into modern Western languages and the main root elements of verbs, nouns, and adjectives.

CLAS. 1

Classical Language: Latin

CLAS. 1
HIST. 1

Introduction to Classics

The course is designed to introduce students to the field of Classics, and give them a coherent historical understanding of ancient Greek and Roman civilisations.

E. LIT. 1

Introduction to Literature in English

Selections from the canon of world literature that is available in English translation will be considered. Prose, drama and poetry are chosen from classical and modern European and Asian examples according to excellence. Critical emphasis is on the aesthetics of form, artistic intention and psychological or philosophical insight.

E. LIT. 2

Intermediate Literature in English

As above

E. LIT. 3

Advanced Literature in English

As above

HIST. 1

Modern Asia

The major developments of modern Asia are examined in relation to their historical foundations. India, China, and Japan will be highlighted.

HIST. 1

Modern Europe

Focus on the two world wars, with emphasis on social, political, and economic development.

HIST. 1

Europe after 1945

The search for regional security in the nuclear age.

HIST. 1

Introduction to Art History

The course introduces students to the discipline of art history, and at the same time familiarises them with the major periods of painting, sculpture, and architecture. Prominent painters, sculptors, and architects will be the focus of discussions throughout the course.

HIST. 2

Russia after 1918

Focus on the political, social, and economic development of the USSR up until its demise, with emphasis on the Communist transformation of Russian society.

HIST. 3

The Development of Pacific Island Nations

Focus on the political, social, and economic issues affecting the development of Pacific island nations.

HIST. 4

Seminar on Revolution

Students may choose to analyse the nature and development of either the American, French, or Russian Revolutions.

LANGUAGES

C.L. 1

Classical Language: Greek

Emphasis is placed on verb and noun/adjective terminations. The goal is not to translate simple sentences that show few or none of the basic structural differences but to be able to answer questions about the content of Greek phrases and sentences. Vocabulary is not limited to that of a particular, well-known author but is intended to show the possibility of approximating expression in all possible fields. Special attention is paid to the prefixes that have entered into modern Western languages and the main root elements of verbs, nouns, and adjectives.

C.L. 2

Classical Language: Latin

E.L. 1

Introduction to English

A practical course in the use of the English language, including pronunciation, vocabulary, word and sentence structure, and parts of speech. In addition, professional, colloquial, and poetic English will be examined, as well as the language's various writing genres. Reading, writing, and conversation will all be practiced.

E.L. 2

Intermediate English

A practical course in the further use of the English language, including phonetics and synonyms. In addition, students will examine various literary forms and functions, including poetry, drama, short stories, and novels.

E.L. 3

Advanced English

FREN. 1

Elementary French

FREN. 2

Intermediate French

GER. 1

Elementary German

A survey of the most common idioms and basic grammar, leading to proficiency in simple conversation. Students will also be introduced to traditional German songs.

JP. 1

Introduction to Japanese

JP. 2

Intermediate Japanese

JP. 3

Advanced Japanese

SPAN. 1

Elementary Spanish

Introduction to Spanish as a foreign language -- pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Development of communicative skills through the practice of communicative functions. Dialogue. Reading and writing will also be taught.

SPAN. 2

Intermediate Spanish

Continuation of Introduction to Spanish. Development of fluency and student's reasoning in the foreign language based on the analysis of magazine articles, and other literary forms. Monologue.

TERM. 1

Terminology (Cultural Literacy)

The course assists students to develop a working knowledge of most of the important technical terms in the key academic disciplines.

T.L. 1,2,3

Tongan Philology

Prereq.: (some) fluency in Tongan

An investigation into modern influences, English in particular on the Tongan language

T.L.B. 1

Introduction to Tongan

A Tongan language course for beginners, only for non native speakers of the language.

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