BA in Humanities
Units required for Major: 39
Total units required for BA: 120
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 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.
Students in all five available 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.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Lower Division Courses (12 Units) | ||
| HRS 10 | Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval 1 | 3 |
| HRS 11 | Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern 1 | 3 |
| HRS 70 | Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval 1 | 3 |
| HRS 71 | Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern 1 | 3 |
| Required Upper Division Courses (9 Units) | ||
| HRS 105 | Approaches to the Humanities | 3 |
| One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series | 3 | |
| HRS 195 | Seminar in Humanities | 3 |
| Required Areas of Study (9 Units) | ||
| Select at least one from each of the categories A, B, and C: | 9 - 18 | |
| A. Ancient - Renaissance | ||
| The Culture of Classical Greece 1 | ||
| The Culture of Classical Rome 1 | ||
| Medieval Culture 1 | ||
| Renaissance 1 | ||
| B. Enlightenment - Postmodern | ||
| Baroque and the Enlightenment 1 | ||
| Romanticism and Revolution 1 | ||
| Birth Of The Modern 1 | ||
| Global Crossings: Art and Culture 1945 to Present 1 | ||
| Images Of America 1 | ||
| C. Global/Non - Western | ||
| Introduction to Islamic Cultures 1 | ||
| Introduction to the East Asian World 1 | ||
| The Classical Culture of China 1 | ||
| Modern Japanese Literature and Culture 1 | ||
| Supporting Courses (9 Units) | ||
| Select up to three of the following with approval of HRS faculty advisor: | 0 - 9 | |
| Approaches to Religious Studies | ||
| Classical Mythology 1 | ||
| World Mythology 1 | ||
| Multicultural America 1 | ||
| American Space and Identity 1 | ||
| Hollywood and America 1 | ||
| The Film 1 | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Film 1 | ||
| Women in Film and American Culture 1 | ||
| Fantasy and Romance 1 | ||
| Experimental Offerings in Humanities and Religious Studies | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Total Units | 39 | |
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Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement.
Note: With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may select up to two courses from the following departments: Art, English, Foreign Languages, History, Philosophy, or Theatre and Dance.
General Education Requirements1
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Area A: Basic Subjects (9 Units) | ||
| A1 - Oral Communication | 3 | |
| A2 - Written Communication | 3 | |
| A3 - Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (13 Units) | ||
| B1 - Physical Science | 3 | |
| B2 - Life Forms | 3 | |
| B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5) | 1 | |
| B4 - Math Concepts | 3 | |
| B5 - Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. | 3 | |
| Area C: Arts and Humanities (3 Units) | ||
| C1 - Arts | 3 | |
| C2 - Humanities 2 | 0 | |
| C1/C2 - Area C Course 2 | 0 | |
| C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. 2 | 0 | |
| Area D: The Individual and Society (6-9 Units) | ||
| Area D Course | 3 | |
| Area D Course | 3 | |
| Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. 3 | 0 - 3 | |
| Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units) | ||
| Area E Course | 3 | |
| Area F: Ethnic Studies (3 Units) | ||
| Area F Course | 3 | |
| Total Units | 37-40 | |
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To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.
Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.
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Required in Major; also satisfies GE.
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Department offers students a "select form the following" option:
- If student chooses to take HRS 185, they will meet upper division Area D.
Graduation Requirements1
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (6-9 Units) | ||
| American Institutions: U.S. History | 3 | |
| American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive (WI) 2 | 0 - 3 | |
| Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (9-12 Units) | ||
| English Composition II | 3 | |
| Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE) 3 | 0 - 3 | |
| Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 4 | 6 | |
- 1
To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.
Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.
- 2
Department offers students a "select form the following" option:
- 3
Department offers students a "select form the following" option:
- 4
If not satisfied before entering Sacramento State, it may be satisfied in General Education Area C2 (Humanities). "C- or better required." The alternative methods for satisfying the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement are described here: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/world-languages-literatures/foreign-language-requirement.html