Humanities and Cultural Studies (BA)–Pathways
The Pathways Humanities and Cultural Studies major offers adult learners the opportunity to study the meaning of the human condition through interdisciplinary and multi-discipline course work. The course of study brings together such disciplines as art, art history, history, literature, music, philosophy, and religion to help the student examine the fundamental questions that have shaped the human community, such as: What are truth and beauty? What are the limits of science and technology? How do we live a responsible life? What makes us more fully human? Competence in critical analysis, written and spoken discourse, character formation and a love of learning are hallmarks of a student completing this major.
The major has a practical outcome: to examine what is most valued in life and make appropriate decisions for one's future. The curriculum has special features to enhance success in the workplace and civic life. Internships, service-learning or work-related projects are integral to the course work. Evaluation of career choices is part and parcel of the student's curriculum and the formal advising process. Graduates in the Humanities and Cultural Studies major are prepared for graduate school and choose or maintain careers that include: law, public service, non-profit management, arts administration, journalism, ministry, teaching, and business.
The Foundational courses provide the learner with a broad base of knowledge primarily in the traditions of the West. Students are encouraged to take courses in non-Western traditions within their Concentration. Concentrations (chosen in consultation with their designated advisor) offer in-depth work in a specific academic discipline or interdisciplinary field. Concentration options currently available are: Environment, Culture and Sustainability; Film and Culture; Latin American Studies; Social and Cultural Studies; Women and Gender Studies; Art; Art History; History; English Literature/Writing; Music; Philosophy; and Religion/Spirituality. Students may individualize a concentration with the approval of their academic advisor.
Global and national realities demand that Humanities and Cultural Studies majors acquire the ability to relate to multiple worldviews and diverse cultural experiences. To this end, international and cross-cultural study is recommended along with appropriate international language competence.
The Senior project is the culmination of the Humanities and Cultural Studies major. The project is prepared under faculty guidance, and offers the opportunity of further in-depth study of a topic of special interest to the student.
Students are encouraged, when appropriate, to work toward a double major.
Accelerated Bachelor and Master’s of Arts in Humanities
Qualified undergraduate students in Humanities, who intend to obtain a Master’s degree in Humanities at Dominican, can take up to nine units of graduate Humanities seminars while still undergraduates. Participation in the program can save on graduate tuition and accelerate the time needed to complete the Master's degree, potentially leading to completion of a BA and MA in Humanities in five years. Students interested in the program should consult their advisor early in their undergraduate study as they will need to maintain a high GPA and will need to plan their undergraduate courses carefully in order to have time in their Senior and late Junior years to take graduate courses.
Students interested in a five-year accelerated program leading to both a BA and MA in Humanities should contact the Director of the Graduate Humanities program.
