COURSE CURRICULUM

The Humanities major combines interdisciplinary learning with flexibility, allowing students to study subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, religion, arts, language, cinema, music, and theater while developing critical thinking, communication, and cultural understanding skills. The standard major requires 36 credits, including core courses such as HUMN 1100 Intro to Methods in the Humanities, HUMN 4001 Humanities Senior Capstone, and one Philosophy or Religion course. Students must also complete nine elective courses selected from areas including Art History, Cinema Studies, Literature, Humanities, History, Philosophy, Religion, Music, and culturally focused language courses taught in English. The program encourages academic diversity by generally limiting students to three courses within the same discipline, although exceptions may be approved depending on individual career goals, especially for students preparing for secondary-school teaching careers that require advanced specialization in subjects like Literature. The program also allows approved internships in Humanities disciplines to count toward elective credits, giving students practical professional experience alongside academic study. In addition, the Humanities major offers specialized QUEST and Elementary Education pathways designed for students preparing for teaching careers in preschool, elementary, special education, or English as a Second Language programs. These versions of the degree require 39 credits and focus heavily on literature, history, government, and education-related subjects. Students complete courses in American and world literature, Shakespeare, children’s literature, English grammar or language studies, world and American history, geography, and American government or politics. An additional elective course from approved Humanities-related disciplines further broadens their educational background. Optimized for the 4+1 QUEST program in the Peter Sammartino School of Education, this pathway prepares future teachers to effectively teach language arts, social studies, civics, and related subjects while building strong analytical, research, and communication skills essential for professional success in education and other humanities-based careers.