Humanities and Religious Studies

College of Arts and Letters

Program Description

The Department of Humanities and Religious Studies offers an integrated approach to the study of world cultures from ancient times to the present. In our courses, students undertake interdisciplinary study of core ideas, ideals, and values. The Humanities – known by Renaissance thinkers as studia humanitatis (“studies of humanity”) -- explore such subjects as literature, history, philosophy, religion, the visual arts, music, drama, and film. Religious Studies focuses on beliefs and practices of the world’s religions in their historical and cultural contexts. Employing the methods and insights of disciplines such as history, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and philosophy, Religious Studies approaches its subject matter with empathy while avoiding assumptions or judgments about religious truth claims.

The Department offers the following degree programs:

The BA in Humanities provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation in world cultures while also allowing students the opportunity to focus their studies on a specific era – such as the ancient, medieval, or modern eras – or on culture in a particular region.

The BA in Humanities with a Concentration in Religious Studies emphasizes religion as an aspect of culture and investigates major religious traditions, including Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Minor programs in both Humanities and Religious Studies.

The MA in Humanities provides graduate-level engagement with humanistic approaches to world cultures.

Students in all five programs acquire concrete skills in critical thinking, analysis, research, writing, and organization that lead to attractive careers throughout the job market. Many of our students prepare for careers in teaching at the elementary level (as part of a Liberal Studies major program) or secondary level (as part of a single subject credential program in English/Humanities). Others pursue postgraduate study in the Humanities, History, Theology, and related fields in preparation for careers in teaching at the community college and university levels or in library, museum, or curatorial work. Humanities majors are also well-prepared for careers in government and fields such as law and counseling, which require interaction with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Degree Programs

BA in Humanities

BA in Humanities (Religious Studies)

Minor in Humanities

Minor in Religious Studies

MA in Humanities

Special Features

  • Faculty advisors are available to help majors and minors design individual patterns of study that reflect students' particular interests and prepare them for work in their chosen fields.

  • The Department fosters a sense of community among faculty and students in order to create a welcoming and congenial environment that encourages mutual respect, active learning, and the lively exchange of ideas.

Career Possibilities

Teaching · Academic Research · Publishing · Journalism · Government · Public Relations · Law · Library Science · Creative Writing · Literary Research · Theology · Ministry · Counseling

Contact Information

Alyson R. Buckman, Department Chair
Harvey Stark, Graduate Coordinator
Shelly Bingel, Administrative Support Coordinator
Mendocino Hall 2011
(916) 278-6444
Department of Humanities & Religious Studies Website

Faculty

BRODD, JEFFREY

BUCKMAN, ALYSON R.

DOYNO, MARY

DUBOIS, JOEL

JAOUDI, MARIA

QIN, AMELIA YING

SHINBROT, VICTORIA

STARK, HARVEY

THOMA, JUDY