The Value of Humanities vs Ancient Works of Arts, Essay Example

It is important to study the humanities in a business or technical curriculum because doing so provides future professionals with working knowledge regarding literature that can be used to enhance the critical thinking skills utilized in their careers. While it at first appears that topics such as ancient art are not relevant to contemporary life, in reality, understanding art and other works is important because it contributes to the overall knowledge base that students have. Obtaining a general education is important to ensure that students are well-rounded and are prepared to have an adequate understanding of the various disciplines they may encounter in life. Even if this knowledge is not used professionally, it may be used to master a hobby or as a pilot for intellectual conversation.

After reading the assigned chapter, I found that I was particularly interested in the Woman (Venus of Willendorf). It reflects the ancient culture that created it because it depicts how women were viewed by the ancient culture that created it (Sayre, 2013). The fact that the body of the figure is round demonstrates that an attractive woman was viewed as one who was well fed, which was potentially not considered to be the normality during this time period. Scholars believe the statue is used as a fertility figure because the figurine’s wide thighs represent a characteristic that would ease the birthing process. I was surprised at how detailed the figurine was considering the tools that this culture likely had available to them (Bibbey et al., 1956).

I think that this class is necessary to obtain a degree in nursing because it allows students to gain a greater knowledge of human history. The evolution of art, like the evolution of medicine, is a necessary component of the history of man. The study of both help us understand the strides that humans have made throughout history in addition to the accomplishments that we still have left to attain.

References

Bibby G, Knoff AA. (1956). The Testimony of the Spade. New York.

Sayre HM. (2013). Discovering the Humanities. Pearson.