COURSE CURRICULUM

The Liberal Arts concentration within the Humanities BA at San Jose State University is a 120-unit interdisciplinary program that offers students a flexible and broad-based education across the humanities, arts, and related fields. The degree includes 25 units of lower division general education, 6 units of American Institutions, 6 units of upper division general education, a 2-unit physical education requirement, and a 3-unit writing requirement, along with 3 units of lower division and 2–4 units of upper division Humanities and the Arts college requirements. Students complete 48 units of major coursework and 23–25 units of electives, allowing significant customization of their academic path.The major requirements begin with core courses such as HUM 80, HUM 95, HUM 101, HUM 160, and a senior seminar, which develop skills in critical thinking, digital humanities, and interdisciplinary analysis. Students then complete comparative courses that explore global perspectives, including topics like world cultures, arts, and the U.S. in a global context. A major feature of the program is its flexibility through 24 units of electives, where students select courses across four key areas: global humanities, American studies, creative arts, and religious studies, with at least two courses from each area. This structure ensures both breadth and balance in their studies.Courses in global humanities examine cultural traditions and historical ideas from regions such as Asia and the Middle East, while American studies courses focus on U.S. society, culture, and environmental issues. Creative arts courses emphasize artistic expression and cultural production, and religious studies courses explore belief systems and their social and political impacts. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning and recommends foreign language study to enhance global understanding. Overall, the curriculum equips students with strong analytical, cultural, and communication skills, preparing them for diverse careers or further academic study.