Humanities

Students may seek either an academic major or minor in humanities.

Major in Humanities

The interdisciplinary major in the humanities enables students to broaden their understanding of themselves and their interaction with the world, providing a high standard for understanding of their cultural and intellectual heritage while giving them the tools to use that knowledge as lifelong learners. Students explore how individuals and groups understand their existence, their place within their cultures, and their responsibility to others and the physical world. They learn how to express this understanding—by studies in literature, language, history and through creative and expressive art—and define their own meaning of humanness within an increasingly technological and diverse world. The interdisciplinary curriculum draws on art, art history, cultural history, literature, language, literature, music, philosophy and religious studies, and theater.

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a major in the humanities will be able to

  • Use the knowledge, experiences, and skills gained from the study of the humanities to develop one's identity as a lifelong learner and contributing member of one's community and society.
  • Plan, communicate, and implement coherent and justifiable practices that improve human conditions.
  • Critically analyze ideas and defend recommendations for improving the conditions of all members of society.
  • Act in a personally and socially responsible manner, recognizing the complexity and diversity of the human experience.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in humanities requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework including 33 credits for the major (indicated by Required by major); 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs); and 46 credits in the minor, electives, and other requirements. At least 17 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for the Humanities Major

Coursework for a major in humanities includes the following:

  • Required introductory course (3 credits): HUMN 100
  • Required foundation courses (12 credits): ARTT 205, HIST 115 -- HIST 116
    (or HIST 141 -- 142), and PHIL 140
  • Core courses (12 credits): ARTH 372
    (or ARTH 373), an upper-level ENGL course and two upper-level courses designated HUMN and/or PHIL
  • Supplemental major course (3 credits): Any upper-level ARTT, ARTH, GRCO, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, or THET course
  • Required capstone course (3 credits): HUMN 495

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all of the requirements for the BA in humanities. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an academic advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found in the General Education Requirements.

Minor in Humanities

The humanities minor complements the skills the student gains in his or her major discipline by providing an integrated curriculum for enrichment and exploration of culture and ideas, as well as a broad perspective on human behavior, thought, and values across traditional disciplines.

Requirements for the Minor

A minor in humanities requires the completion of 15 credits in humanities and related courses chosen from any courses applicable to the humanities major.

At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level HUMN courses (numbered 300 or above). Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, students should refer to their major and the General Education Requirements.

Humanities Major Courses

First Courses

(to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)

WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 103 College Mathematics (3)
or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses

(to be taken within the first 30 credits)

ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama (3)
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the first general education requirement in arts and humanities

BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)

and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)

or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences with related laboratory

HUMN 100Required by major Introduction to Humanities (3)

GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences

WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/writing

IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)

or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software

Foundation Courses

(to be taken within the first 60 credits)

HIST 115Required by major World History I (3)

or HIST 141 Western Civilization I

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)

or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences
(discipline must differ from first)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)

or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences

HIST 116 World History II (3)

or HIST 142 Western Civilization II

HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 (3)
or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the general education requirement in arts and humanities for the historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices (3)
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in interdisciplinary issues/computing

PHIL 140Required by major Contemporary Moral Issues (3)

SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)

or SPCH 101 Introduction to Public Speaking
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ writing or speech

ARTT 205Required by major Art Appreciation (3)

Additional Required Courses

(to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the upper-level advanced writing requirement

ARTH 372Required by major History of World Art I (3)

or ARTH 373 History of World Art II
or other arts breadth course for major
(see Requirements for the Major)

ENGL 433Required by major Modern American Literature: 1914 to 1945 (3)
or other upper-level ENGL course for the major
(see Requirements for the Major)

HUMN 351Required by major Myth in the World (3)
or other PHIL or HUMN course for the major
(see Requirements for the Major)

PHIL 336Required by major Ideas Shaping the 21st Century (3)
or other PHIL or HUMN course for the major
(see Requirements for the Major)

PHIL 348Required by major Religions of the East (3)
or other supplemental major course
(see Requirements for the Major)

Capstone Course for the Major

(to be taken in the last 15 credits)

HUMN 495Required by major Humanities Seminar (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses

(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (46)

Total credits for BS in humanities 120


UMUC Europe Undergraduate Catalog


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Last updated: 30 June 2011