Major in Humanities

Students may seek either an academic major or minor in humanities.

The interdisciplinary major in the humanities enables students to broaden their understanding of themselves and their interaction with the world, providing an understanding of their cultural and intellectual heritage while giving them the tools to use that knowledge as lifelong learners. Students explore how individuals and groups understand their existence, their place within their cultures, and their responsibility to others and the physical world. They learn how to express this understanding—by studies in literature, language, history and through creative and expressive art—and define their own meaning of humanness within an increasingly technological and diverse world. The interdisciplinary curriculum draws on art, art history, cultural history, literature, language, music, philosophy and religious studies, and theater.

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a major in the humanities should be able to

• Use the knowledge, experiences, and skills gained from the study of the humanities to develop one's identity as a lifelong learner and contributing member of one's community and society.
• Plan, communicate, and implement coherent and justifiable practices that improve human conditions.
• Critically analyze ideas and defend recommendations for improving the conditions of all members of society.
• Act in a personally and socially responsible manner, recognizing the complexity and diversity of the human experience.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in humanities requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 33 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 46 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 17 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for the Humanities Major

Coursework for a major in humanities includes the following:

• Required introductory course (3 credits): HUMN 100
• Required foundation courses (12 credits): ARTT 205, HIST 115–116 (or HIST 141–142), and PHIL 140
• Core courses (12 credits): ARTH 372 (or ARTH 373), an upper-level ENGL course; and two upper-level courses designated HUMN and/or PHIL
• Supplemental major course (3 credits): Any upper-level ARTT, ARTH, ENGL, GRCO, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, or THET course
• Required capstone course (3 credits): HUMN 495

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BA in humanities. Coursework for the major is indicated by . Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Humanities Degree Courses

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

• EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3)
  (strongly recommended as first course)
• LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)
• WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
  or WRTG101S Introduction to Writing (3)
• MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (3)
  or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

• HIST 125 Technological Transformations (3)
  or other arts and humanities/historical perspective course
• BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology (4)
  or other biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory course(s)
• HUMN 100 Introduction to Humanities (3)
• ECON 103 Economics in the Information Age (3)
  or other behavioral and social sciences course
• WRTG 293 Introduction to Professional Writing (3)
  or other writing course
• IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)
  or CMST 301 Digital Media and Society (3)

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

• HIST 115 World History I (3)
  or HIST 141 World Civilization I (3)
• BEHS 103 Technology in Contemporary Society (3)
  or other behavioral and social sciences course (discipline must differ from first)
• NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
  or other biological and physical sciences lecture course
• HIST 116 World History II (3)
  or HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
• ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama (3)
  or other arts and humanities course (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
• CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices (3)
  or other computing course
• PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
• COMM 202 Media and Society (3)
  or other communication, writing, or speech course
• ARTT 205 Art Appreciation (3)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

• WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
  or other upper-level advanced writing course
• ARTH 372 History of Western Art I (3)
  or ARTH 373 History of Western Art II (3) (arts breadth course for the major)
• ENGL 433 Modern American Literature: 1914–1945 (3)
  or other upper-level ENGL core course for the major
• HUMN 351 Myth in the World (3)
  or other PHIL or HUMN core course for the major
• PHIL 336 Ideas Shaping the 21st Century (3)
  or other PHIL or HUMN core course for the major
• PHIL 348 Religions of the East (3)
  or other supplemental major course

Capstone Course (to be taken in the last 15 credits)

• HUMN 495 Humanities Seminar (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (43)
(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses)

Total credits for BA in humanities: 120

Humanities Degree Planning Worksheet