Chapter 1:
The Humanities: An Introduction
Select the letter of the choice that BEST answers the question:
1. In the medieval times, the word humanities
a. included the study of mathematics and the sciences
b. meant studies distinct from mathematics and sciences
c. included theology and related studies
d. was not in use
Answer: a
Page: 1
2. In order to clarify or reveal values, the text suggests that we
a. focus on science in humanities
b. study history through the arts
c. study the arts
d. refer to professional art critics
Answer: c
Page: 3
3. Cave art reveals that
a. art has a geographical connection
b. from the beginning, humans instinctively made revealing forms
c. animals have been important in the development of values
d. art is a sacred matter
Answer: b
Page: 3
4. A study of art reveals
a. values
b. beauty
c. ugliness
d. history
Answer: a
Page: 3
5. Who said, “If we do not recognize our humanity in others, we shall not recognize it in ourselves”?
a. F. David Martin
b. Lee A. Jacobus
c. Carlos Fuentes
d. David Alfaro Siqueiros
Answer: c
Page: 4
6. According to the authors, knowing something about the background of a work of art
a. is irrelevant to the enjoyment of it
b. can cloud our interpretation of the values it reveals
c. is essential for appreciating its artistic form
d. can aid our perception of it
Answer: d
Page: 13
7. In e.e. cummings’ poem “l(a”, what is the relationship of the structure to the theme?
a. The structure makes the poem’s theme ironic.
b. The structure serves to convey the theme.
c. The structure and the theme make an important political statement.
d. The structure and the theme are completely unrelated.
Answer: c
Page: 14
8. The humanities includes the study of
a. the effects of liquor on brain chemistry
b. the flow of neutrons
c. cave paintings
d. the nature of nature
Answer: c
Page: 3
9. The arts include
a. philosophy
b. works that reveal values
c. systematic studies that are not scientific
d. anything that is crafted
Answer: b
Page: 3
10. cummings’ “falling leaf” in the poem “l(a” is
a. an abstract idea
b. an image
c. a simile
d. a metaphor
Answer: b
Page: 14
11. In “Piano and Drums,” the piano stands for
a. music
b. God
c. African culture
d. Western culture
Answer: d
Page: 15
12. Mondrian’s Composition with Yellow, Blue, and Red is
a. an abstract of his emotions
b. about geometry
c. about music
d. about colors, lines, and textures
Answer: d
Page: 12
Essay question:
Using your experience in perceiving either Blume’s The Eternal City or David Alfaro Siqueiros’ Echo of a Scream, discuss how education and experience changed your perception of the art. Were your values identified at all? If so, how?