Humanities B.A. Degree
Courses in humanities explore "humanistic" expression and creativity primarily in the Western world. In addition, several courses incorporate and examine the non-Western tradition. A number of courses introduce students to various cultures, past and present, by examining the literature, music, art, architecture, philosophy, religion, and history of these cultures; others examine the relationship between culture(s) and specific topics or themes (e.g., “Women in Humanities,” “Culture, Science and Technology,” “Culture and Social Issues”).
The Humanities major provides the basis of a strong liberal arts education, preparing students for success in a number of fields ranging from law, education, medicine, fine arts, and journalism to business, government, and other professions. The major emphasizes an understanding of cultural literacy and aesthetics as well as the cultivation of critical thinking, writing, and research skills, which students develop via a variety of formats, including those which utilize digital technology. The goal of the program is to expose students to an interdisiciplinary canon of international works that will enable them to be adept in a variety of interpretive skills from cultural, aesthetic, and historical literacy to the structural and philosophical interpretation of styles, movements, and periods. Majors are prepared for graduate school in a variety of disciplines as well as for professions in diverse areas. Students majoring in humanities are encouraged to select a second discipline as a minor and/or to consider double majoring by adding a complementary area of study as a second major.
Education Abroad – Education abroad interdisciplinary humanities courses, as well as domestic travel- based courses, are also offered in selected summer terms or spring breaks. Check with department faculty for course offerings. Previous courses include: “Moorish Spain,” “Encounters with British Culture,” “Castles, Cultures, & Connections: Italy/Austria/Switzerland,” “Golden Ages of Italy and Greece” (an archeological field study tour of Italy, Greece, and Turkey), and “Culture of New York.”
Online Offerings - Typically, some online sections are offered during the Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions. Courses and topics vary from semester to semester. Check with department faculty for availability.
The Humanities major is offered as a Bachelor of Arts degree only.
Major Requirements
A major in humanities consists of 30 credit hours (39 credit hours maximum) in HUM-designated courses and Humanities-related disciplines.
Humanities majors must complete the following courses:
RELG/PHIL xxx: except PHIL 214, 215, or 330
XX xxx: except for music education and art education courses
And:
COMM xxx: satisfies SI requirement
XX xxxWI: satisfies WI requirement
Humanities Major Important Notes:
- All three-credit hour HUM courses meet the Humanities requirement of the Core Curriculum.
- ENGL 103 and the English/literature core requirement are prerequisites for all HUM courses.
- No HUM course is prerequisite for any other.
- Credit toward graduation earned through CLEP tests may not be applied to the major program.
Minor Requirements
A minor in Humanities consists of 18 credit hours in courses marked HUM. Interdisciplinary minors in Medical Humanities and in Middle East/Asia Studies are also available; see the “Medical Humanities Minor” and the “Middle East/Asia Studies Minor” sections of this catalog for more information.
Humanties Education - Secondary Level
Students who plan to teach humanities on the secondary level should consult with the School of Education early in their academic careers to determine the specific requirements.