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Humanities
The Humanities major is based on the premise that anything pertaining to any human being in any culture or civilization is valuable to another human — however distant in time or place. Each of us is the product of our own civilization, and this civilization is the result of both past civilizations and the human condition. Through a study of past and present civilizations and our common humanity, we come to understand ourselves and our own potential.
Individuals and civilizations express themselves in acts and works. Whether musical, artistic, or intellectual creations, these achievements may be interpreted and evaluated using the criteria and methods of various humanist disciplines such as literature, philosophy, art history, music, language, or religion.
Students majoring in Humanities study these human achievements, civilizations, and humanity as a whole. Through an analysis and appreciation of humanity's finest achievements, students arrive at an interdisciplinary understanding the human condition.
Program Overview
Preparation for the Humanities major requires introductory courses in several disciplines: an introduction to humanities, a two-semester course in world history or in Western civilization, and one lower-division course from Humanities, Classics, Comparative Literature, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies, or Women's Studies. In addition, extensive course work is required of all students in one of the following foreign languages: Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish. Students may choose to follow the general program or the European Humanities emphasis. Upper-division courses vary according to which degree plan is chosen. All majors take a senior seminar and submit a senior portfolio.
Special Features
The special advantage of this major is its wide scope and the breadth of learning and genuine understanding it provides. Majors in Humanities are probably the most well-rounded persons one could find. They are generalists and therefore the opposite of specialists — but just as necessary as the latter in the modern world. With a broad background in music and arts, well-developed skills of analytical reasoning and communication (both oral and written), and an understanding of world history, literature, and philosophy, Humanities majors can move easily from one field to another. They feel at home with and are capable of diverse tasks in many fields and contexts and can bridge the "comprehension gap" between several. They do best when left to their own initiative to find innovative solutions to problems requiring interdisciplinary understanding.
Student Organization - All Humanities majors are automatically members of Umanisti, the department student organization that meets regularly and sponsors social and cultural events.
Study abroad - There are several possibilities for study abroad, including the CSU International Programs.
The Gail A. Burnett Classics Seminar Room, located in Arts/Letters, Room 109, is a unique facility. In addition to a special library for Classics and Humanities students and faculty, there are works of art and comfortable surroundings in which to conduct small classes, to hold lectures and meetings, or just to relax with friends or study in private.
Faculty Highlights
All faculty have lived, studied, or traveled to Europe, and the faculty actively support student activities.
Career Opportunities
As it is essentially a major which develops and hones those intellectual skills of analysis, synthesis, and critical evaluation of civilizations and their cultural products, a Humanities education is almost purely steeped in the Liberal Arts. The skills acquired in the major may be fruitfully applied in a wide range of service industries, in civil service, and in education. Humanities also prepares the student for advanced studies in a number of professions requiring training beyond a B.A.
To further explore career options in this field, visit the Career Services Web site.
General Catalog
You can view more complete information regarding the Humanities program in the General Catalog. All students are responsible for reading and knowing the information pertinent to their areas of study available in the General Catalog. It contains requirements for all academic majors, course descriptions, policies, and regulations governing progress at the University. Catalogs are distributed at all Academic Orientation programs. To order a catalog, call (619) 594-7535.
Contact Information
Mailing address:
Classics & Humanities Department
College of Arts and Letters
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-6064
Email: mbolthou@mail.sdsu.edu
Telephone: (619) 594-5186
Fax: (619) 594-1004
Office location: Arts & Letters 662
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 A.M.- 4:30 P.M.