Major in Humanities
The interdisciplinary major in the Humanities enables students to broaden their understanding of themselves and their interaction with the world, providing a high standard for 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, literature, music, philosophy and religious studies, and theater.
The student who graduates with a Major in Humanities will 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).
The following course sequence outlines all the requirements for the BA in Humanities. Coursework for the major is indicated by Δ. 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. Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found on the GER page.
Requirements for the Humanities Major
- 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 Major in Humanities. Since some recommended courses fill 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. Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found on the GER page.
Humanities Degree Courses
First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)
Note: Placement tests are required for MATH and WRTG courses.
LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)
WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
or WRTG 101S Introduction to Writing
MATH 103 College Mathematics (3)
or a higher-level math courseIntroductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)
ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetery, and Drama (3)
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the first general education requirement in arts and humanities
BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to fulfill the general education requirements in biological and physical sciences with related laboratory
Δ HUMN 100 Introduction to the Humanities (3)
GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or BEHS 103 Technology in Contemporary Society
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences
WRTG 293 Introduction to Professional Writing (3)
or other communications/writing course
IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)
or CMST 301 Digital Media and SocietyFoundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)
Δ HIST 115 World History I (3)
or HIST 141 Western Civilization I
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
or other course to fulfill the second education requirement in behavioral and social sciences (discipline must differ from first)
NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences
HIST 116 World History II (3)
or HIST 142 Western Civilization II
HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 (3)
or HIST 125 Technological Transformation
or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the general education requirement in arts and humanities for historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices (3)
or other course to fufill the second general education requirement in computing
Δ PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)
or SPCH 101 Introduction to Public Speaking
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications, writing, or speech
Δ ARTT 205 Art Appreciation (3)
Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)
WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the upper-level advanced writing requirement
Δ ARTH 372 History of World Art I (3)
or ARTH 373 History of World Art II
(or other arts breadth course for the major)
Δ ENGL 433 Modern American Literature: 1914-1945 (3)
or other upper-level ENGL core course for the major
Δ HUMN 351 Myth in the World (3)
or other PHIL or HUMN core course for the major
Δ PHIL 366 Ideas Shaping the 21st Century (3)
or other PHIL or HUMN core course for the major
Δ PHIL 348 Religions of the East (3)
or other supplemental major courseCapstone Courses (to be taken in last 15 credits)
Δ HUMN 495 Humanities Seminar (3)
Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (46)
Total credits for BA in Humanities: 120
