Major Requirements
There are several opportunities for students to conduct interdisciplinary study in the humanities: (1) All freshmen are required to take a seminar introducing them to college-level study in humanities. While not strictly interdisciplinary, the seminars are taught by faculty members from the various humanities departments at the college. (2) Advanced courses are offered by faculty who have interdisciplinary interests and training. (3) An interdisciplinary major is provided by the selection and integration of work in several departments.
The Humanities major is intended for students with specific interests which cut across the existing majors offered in humanities disciplines: Art History, English, Foreign Languages, History, Philosophy, Religion and Theatre. It offers students who have this interest the opportunity to design their major, but it also requires of these students extra initiative to do so. Students considering this major should understand that is is not intended for those who simply have a broad interest in the humanities; such students should major in one of the humanities departments and take electives in the others.
Any student interested in this major should see the Coordinator, Dr. Anne Rodrick, who will discuss the suitability of the major for the students' interests and will help in selecting faculty members who might appropriately serve as a committee to direct the student's major.
Major Prerequisites
A 3.0 cumulative grade-point average for at least three semesters or recommendation for the major by three faculty members from different humanities departments.
Major Requirements
Eight 300- or 400- level courses (24 semester hours) from at least three different humanities departments; and Humanities 470, a three hour independent study. Humanities 470 should be taken during the senior year (normally the spring semester) and should integrate work from the various departments; the study would be supervised and evaluated by one faculty member from each of the departments, with one serving as Chair and primary supervisor. A six-hour senior honors project with the same interdepartmental structure may be substituted for Humanities 470.
Courses
Humanities 101 - Freshman Seminar in Humanities and Composition
A course designed to engage students, during their first semester, in small-group seminars in humanistic inquiry, with special attention given to value questions and issues. The course includes substantial reading and group discussion, considerable work on English composition skills (comparable to that typically encountered in first-semester college English courses), and the writing of numerous short essays and other papers. Sections of the course are taught by members of the departments of English, fine arts, foreign languages, history, philosophy, and religion. Normally required of all freshmen. Students may not repeat Humanities 101.
Humanities 470 - Independent Study
A study of some specific topic which integrates and focuses course work a student has done in the humanities major. Normally it is directed by the committee which guided the student's major. Open only to seniors majoring in Humanities. Offered every year.
Humanities 475 - Independent Study in Interdisciplinary Learning Communities
This course provides opportunity for students to revisit, in a larger interdisciplinary context, values and issue questions derived from their experience in previous humanities classes. Students will work with faculty in the development and implementation of interdisciplinary learning communities; they will facilitate classroom discussions, aid in preparing and analyzing evaluation materials, and produce a substantial final project reflecting on their experience.
Humanities 480 - Special Topics in Humanities
Study in significant ideas, issues, or themes using a multidisciplinary approach pursued through a variety of media. May be offered by any member of the humanities faculty, subject to the approval of the Coordinator. Not open to freshman. Topics and prerequisites vary.