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Humanities Courses

Anyone interested in completing a general education at a four year college with an emphasis on literature, history and the arts can complete an arts and humanities degree program online or offline. Students who have a strong interest in the field of history, the arts and sociology often declare a humanities major so that they can take a variety of courses related to society, culture and history. Arts and humanities degree programs give students the skills and in-depth knowledge needed to enter the workforce in fields such as drama, music, architecture, art history, and philosophy. The field covers several areas of study, so students have the opportunity to take more than just a general humanities course.

About Arts and Humanities Degrees

These degree programs encompass several fields including:

  • Philosophy and Ethics
  • Classical Studies
  • Language and Literature
  • Linguistics
  • Religious Studies
  • Performing Arts
  • Visual Arts
  • Art History

These programs are designed to broaden cultural awareness and teach students how to use their critical thinking skills in the real world. Students study all aspects of society throughout history and across various civilizations. They learn how to conduct in-depth research using periodicals, literature and research papers, solve abstract problems, and also develop strong reading and writing skills.

Students enrolled in a humanities program may want to enrich their learning experience and enhance their educational careers by completing an internship, work co-op program or volunteering abroad.

Careers with a Humanities Degree

Whether the students wants to become a professional artist, perform at a theater, research Greek and Roman literature or pursue a career in the field of pastoral ministry, taking humanities courses can serve as the foundation for a successful career. In addition to careers in the arts, history and sociology, graduates may pursue a career in law, medicine, business or teaching.

Career paths for students who complete humanities courses at an accredited institution, or individuals that successfully complete a bachelor's or master's degree in the field include:

  • Foreign service - working with people from a foreign country, serving as an international advisor, or serving as a foreign ambassador
  • Art historian - working at a museum or cultural center, teaching individuals about art history, or working with a team of researchers
  • Public administration - working for civic institutions or the federal government
  • Teaching - students that hold a master's degree in the field of humanities may be able to teach at the grade school, high school or college level.
  • Law - many humanities majors pursue a law degree in conjunction with their arts and humanities degree because many laws throughout history can be applied in the present day.
  • Journalism - students that develop strong communications skills may pursue a career in the field of journalism, editing or publishing.
  • Writing or Publishing - students may be able to use their research and writing skills to pursue a career in literature, communications and publishing. They may write textbooks, research papers and other types of publications on behalf of a university or a business.

Types of Humanities Courses

Students enrolled may be required several courses such as:

  • Fundamentals of Philosophy
  • Survey of Asian Literatures
  • Introduction to East Asian Culture
  • Bioethics
  • Modern Philosophy
  • Religious Studies
  • Gender and Society
  • Race & Ethnicity
  • Native American History
  • Fundamentals of Sociology
  • Human Biology and Evolution
  • Archaeological Field Methods
  • Understanding Music
  • History of Western Thought
  • Survey of Western Art
  • Renaissance and Contemporary Art
  • Painting
  • Music Theory

Prerequisites may include English and literature classes, general business courses, mathematics and some science courses.

Enrolling in an Humanities Program

Many colleges and universities offer both bachelor's and master's degree programs for students. Since the humanities program covers a wide range of courses in the field of classical studies, philosophy, art history and linguistics, students can explore a variety of disciplines by participating in classroom discussions, attending lectures and workshops, and also by attending performances held at the school or at local cultural organizations.

An associate's degree in the field is another option for students who are interested in pursuing entry-level jobs immediately after graduation. These two-year programs promise a well rounded education with an emphasis on literature, communication, social sciences, visual and performing arts, rhetoric and technology.

Some students prefer to take their courses online. Online liberal arts and humanities degree programs give students a chance to work at their own pace and complete assignments and quizzes over the web. In some cases, the program requires participation in discussion groups, attending online lectures and presentations, and collaborating with students and professors on various projects.

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