HU-IST203

Outline [H.I.2a]
1. Why Study Civilization? General knowledge matters (e.g., anthropology, archeology, geography,
history, economics, civics and political science) / Relating current elements, needs and wants to ancient
and modern civilizations (Elements: e.g., people, culture, religion, literacy, the state, the government,
praiseworthy moral traits, technology etc. | Needs and Wants: economic, spiritual and psychic
(religious), intellectual, social, military, technological, cultural etc.) / Understanding the world in which
we live in

2. Why Study History? History Helps Us Understand People and Societies/ History Helps Us
Understand / change and How the Society We Live in Came to Be /The Importance of History in Our
Own Lives / History Contributes to Moral Understanding / History Provides Identity / Studying History Is
Essential for Good Citizenship / What Skills Does a Student of History Develop? / History Is Useful in
the World of Work / What Kind of History Should We Study
[http://www.historians.org/pubs/free/WhyStudyHistory.htm]

3. Why Study Anthropology? Anthropology is the study of human behavior. It includes four broad
fields—cultural anthropology, linguistics, physical anthropology, and archeology). The material (the
study of culture and social relations; human biology and evolution; languages, music, art and
architecture, and the vestige of human habitation) is intellectually exciting. Anthropology prepares
students for excellent jobs. It studies questions, such as: what does it mean to be human? Why do
people behave in particular ways? What are the historical and environmental pressures that helped
shape the experience and behavior of a specific group of people? What are the universal facts of human
life?

4. Why Study Mythology? In classical Greek, “mythos” signified any story or plot, whether true or
invented, and circulated in the beginning by word of mouth. The best ones were written down and
became a part of literature. Not all Myths that have historical interest have a religious implication.
Myths were once believed to be true by a particular cultural group. They served to explain (in terms of
the intentions and actions of supernatural beings) why the world is as it is and things happen as they
do.
They establish the rationale for social customs and observances and the rules by which people conduct
their lives.

5. Why Study Culture? Improving learning / Helping in personal and the professional development /
better development of civic feelings / Helping in better integration in multicultural societies / Increase of
tolerance / Enhancement of employability chances

6. Why Study Religion? Human Understanding / Cultural Influence / Global Insight / Interdisciplinary
Learning / Broad Opportunity
[http://religiousstudies.artsci.wustl.edu/why_study_religion]

7. Why Study Philosophy? Comprehension and Interpretation / Analytical Reasoning / Synthetical

Reasoning / Critical Thinking / Skills in Evaluation / Ethical Reasoning / Openness to New Ideas /
Improving Skills in Extended Written and Spoken Presentation / Understanding Philosophical
Reflections on Other Disciplines / Appreciation of the Diversity of Intellectual History / Gaining
Knowledge of the Philosophical Tradition
[http://www.ius.edu/philosophy/pdf/whystudyphilosophy.pdf ]

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