Humanities

The Discipline

The term humanities refers to the study of human intellectual and artistic creativity and the record of human experience as seen in the arts. It is an interdisciplinary major drawing from history, fine arts, literature, intellectual history, music, foreign languages, etc. In this major the student focuses on the arts as modes of human expression and how the arts combine to give a unique view of what it has meant to be human through the ages—and how they continue to influence us today. Besides teaching the interrelatedness of the arts, the study of humanities emphasizes the relationships between the arts and other aspects of human culture and society.

The major offers students unusual latitude in developing a broad and full program in the liberal arts, as well as developing skills in reasoning, language, writing, and library use—all essential elements for later independent learning as well as for functioning well in society.

Career Opportunities

The interdisciplinary nature of the major makes it an excellent preparation for graduate work in humanistic disciplines and professional schools and also for a wide range of employment, including secondary teaching. Humanities graduates going directly into the work force commonly find professional employment in education, business, government, tourism, and civil or foreign service. Those going on to graduate school usually work toward the doctorate or attend professional programs in such disciplines as library science, law, business, public administration, and medicine.