Humanities

Richard Gillin, Director
Daly Hall 206, ext. 7767

The humanities major is an interdisciplinary program available to students who seek a broader background in the traditional subjects of Western culture and the liberal arts. Its curriculum will place primary emphasis upon the development of disciplined thinking and writing through the interpretation and interrelation of works of art, literature, music, or other means by which people have expressed themselves creatively.

Once in the major, students will play an active role in fashioning their own program. With the approval of the Director, the student will develop a subject of concentration. Thus a student might choose a particular historical period and view it from an interdisciplinary perspective, compare forms of artistic expression, or combine insights from distinct fields of research in the pursuit of a particular theme or interest.

Freshman-Sophomore Courses

Required: Students who are planning to major in humanities should, in their freshman and sophomore years, take introductory courses in at least three of the following areas: art history, drama, English, foreign languages, history, music history, philosophy, and world literature. Students interested in the program are encouraged to discuss their ideas and plans with the Director as early as possible in their college careers.

Major Requirements: Majors in the humanities program must take a minimum of eight courses on the 300 and 400 level, selecting these courses from at least two, preferably three, of the areas mentioned above.

Senior Capstone Experience: Students are strongly encouraged to write a thesis in fulfillment of their Senior Capstone Experience, but the option of comprehensive examinations is also available.