Library: Open Educational Resources Guide: Arts & Humanities

Arts & Humanities

A Concise Introduction to Logic
A Concise Introduction to Logic is an introduction to formal logic suitable for undergraduates taking a general education course in logic or critical thinking, and is accessible and useful to any interested in gaining a basic understanding of logic. Developed by State University of New York system faculty.
Form and Content: An Introduction to Formal Logic (2020)
From Connecticut College, this introductory philosophy textbook differs from other standard logic textbooks in its reliance on fun, low-stakes examples involving dinosaurs, a dog and his friends, etc.
Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking
An introductory textbook in logic and critical thinking. The goal of the textbook is to provide the reader with a set of tools and skills that will enable them to identify and evaluate arguments. The book is intended for an introductory course that covers both formal and informal logic. Developed by faculty at Lansing Community College in Michigan.
Introduction to Philosophy: Philosophy of Mind (2019)
This text surveys the central themes in philosophy of mind and places them in a historical and contemporary context intended to engage first-time readers in the field. It focuses on debates about the status and character of the mind and its seemingly subjective nature in an apparently more objective world. Developed by a global group of scholars from institutions including the University of New South Wales, Loyola University Maryland, and National Chengchi University.

American Literature I
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American Literature I (1650–1860) examines significant literary works of early American and Puritan literature, the Enlightenment, American Romanticism, and pre-Civil War era. The course includes primary texts (many accompanied by video/audio options), historical background, literary criticism and interpretation, and instruction on writing about literature.
Becoming America: An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution (2019)
Featuring sixty-nine authors and full texts of their works, the selections in this open anthology represent the diverse voices in early American literature. This completely-open anthology will connect students to the conversation of literature that is embedded in American history and has helped shaped its culture.
World Literature I: Beginnings to 1650
Peer-reviewed anthology authored by University System of Georgia faculty
Compact Anthology of World Literature I
Covers world literature from the ancient world up through the Renaissance. Similar to World Literature I but developed around different curricula.
Compact Anthology of World Literature II
A continuation of the Compact Anthology of World Literature written and edited by six faculty members at the University of North Georgia. Covers literature from the seventeenth century up to contemporary literature. Most recently updated in 2022.
Open Anthology of Early World Literature in English Translation
"A collection of free and open primary texts in digital formats for the study of early world literature in English translation." Developed by faculty at Columbus State University, part of the University System of Georgia.
Writing the Nation: A Concise Introduction to American Literature 1865 to Present
"...surveys key literary movements and the American authors associated with the movement. Topics include late romanticism, realism, naturalism, modernism, and modern literature."

Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning
This text offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of Art. Authored by three university faculty members with advance degrees in the arts, this textbooks offers up-to-date original scholarship. It includes over 400 high-quality images illustrating the history of art, its technical applications, and its many uses.
Boundless Art History Hub
This resources features thirty chapters covering art history from prehistoric times until now. Chapters are arranged chronologically and they present an overview of art history in different areas of the world. Includes seven chapters on Oceania, including one chapter on Hawaiian art.

Introduction to Technical Theatre (2018)
Developed by faculty at Pacific University Oregon. The text provides a comprehensive overview of technical theatre, including terminology and general practices.
Theatrical Worlds
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Developed by faculty at the University of Florida - Gainesville. The text gives insight into the people and processes that create theater. It does not strip away the feeling of magic but to add wonder for the artistry that make a production work well.

Music Appreciation
A music appreciation compilation of various authors.
Open Music Theory
Open Music Theory (Version 2) is an open-source, interactive, online “text”book for college-level music theory courses. The text was developed by Music faculty at Universities around North America, including Cornell University, the University of Texas at Tyler, and Lethbridge University. It includes assignments and an embedded music player with notations.
Understanding Music: Past and Present
The text covers the fundamentals of music and the physics of sound, an exploration of music from the Middle Ages to the present day, and a final chapter on popular music in the United States.