This document defines the humanities and outlines an introductory course on the subject. It explains that the humanities include subjects like history, literature, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts. Studying the humanities allows us to learn from past cultural achievements and helps with survival, community, self-knowledge, and the development of society. The course will cover the history of humanities from prehistory through the medieval period in different world civilizations. It will examine how art and culture reflect changing views of nature, society, and the individual over time.