UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG 1999–2000
 Brigham Young University
Back College of Humanities

   


2054 JKHB, PO Box 26001, (801) 378-2775

Dean: Van C. Gessel, Professor, Japanese
Associate Dean: Melvin J. Luthy, Professor, Linguistics
Associate Dean: John R. Rosenberg, Professor, Spanish

What Are the Humanities?

The humanities incorporate the study of the central expressions of human values: language, literature, philosophy, and artistic culture. But the emphasis is always on language, for language is the distinguishing mark of our humanity and the power that enables us to create a cumulative symbolic record of our experience.

A knowledge of the humanities enables students to understand the present and the future from a historical perspective that includes the most profound original works of the men and women who have helped to shape our civilizations. Students also develop skills in critical reading and interpretation, analytical thinking, and writing. These insights and skills provide a foundation for careers in many different professions and for productive and rewarding lives as educated citizens.

Academic Departments

Asian and Near Eastern Languages
English
French and Italian
Germanic and Slavic Languages
Humanities, Classics, and Comparative Literature
Linguistics
Philosophy
Spanish and Portuguese

Programs and Support Areas

Center for the Study of Christian Values in Literature
College Advisement Center
Collegewide graduate Language Acquisition Program
English Language Center
Humanities Research Center
Language credit by examination
Publications Center
Foreign Language Student Residence
Summer Language Institute

Programs in International Studies

International Cinema
International Internships
Study Abroad

College Advisement Center

Mary Anne Rich, Supervisor (3078 JKHB, PO Box 26101, [801] 378-4789)

The advisement center assists students with registration; information about majors, General Education, and changing majors; application for graduation and graduation clearance; and questions about policy and procedure. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these advisement center services.

For advisement regarding specific major requirements, substitutions within a major, career options, or graduate programs, students should consult with faculty advisors within the various departments.

Language Credit by Examination

Jerry W. Larson, Professor of Spanish; Director, Humanities Research Center (3060-A JKHB, PO Box 26094)

Any student enrolled at BYU whose native language is English may receive credit by special examination for certain foreign language courses for which he or she has acquired the equivalent skill or knowledge. However, this is possible only if no university credit has been given through AP, CLEP, or transfer of equivalent credit from another university or other institutions. Students whose native language is not English may not receive credit for their native language, but they may receive credit by special examination for courses in English offered through the TESL program of the Linguistics Department. They may also receive credit by special examination for a language other than their native language as described above.

Examinations for languages taught on the BYU campus are administered by the department concerned. Examinations for other languages are administered by the coordinator of the Foreign Language Testing Program in the Humanities Research Center.

Center for the Study of Christian Values in Literature

Richard H. Cracroft, Professor of English, Director (3134 JKHB, PO Box 26271)

The center holds symposia, conducts various writing contests, and publishes the journal Literature and Belief.

English Language Center

Glen W. Probst, Administrative Coordinator (2113-A JKHB, PO Box 26277)
C. Ray Graham, Academic Coordinator (2113-B JKHB, PO Box 26217)

The English Language Center is a resident program of intensive English language training.

Foreign Language Student Residence

Jeannie Welch, Coordinator (1102-A JKHB, PO Box 26116, [801] 378-7797)

Students who desire a more in-depth language study experience and practical application of the language under the direction of faculty and native residents may apply to live in the Foreign Language Student Residence. All activities in the individual apartments in the residence are conducted in the foreign language. Inquiries should be directed to the coordinator or to the appropriate departmental advisor for detailed information concerning opportunities for men and women in French, Russian, Italian, German, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, and Scandinavian languages.

Humanities Research Center

Jerry W. Larson, Professor of Spanish, Director (3060 JKHB, PO Box 26094)

The Humanities Research Center provides technological and consulting resources to support research and teaching in the College of Humanities. Available in the center are audio, video, and microcomputer facilities in addition to optical scanning services.

Summer Language Institute

Hans W. Kelling, Professor of Germanic and Slavic Languages, Coordinator (2007-A JKHB, PO Box 26003)

During spring or summer term the College of Humanities offers an intensive program that allows total immersion in a foreign language. Students may receive from 6 to 10 credit hours, depending on the level at which one enters the program. The institute also provides housing for those participating, where the language can be applied on a practical level.




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Please report any errors. Updated 12 February 1999 by web_ugrad_cat@byu.edu