Minor in Humanities

Units required for Minor: 21

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.

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 

Required Lower Division Courses (6 Units)
HRS 10Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval3
or HRS 11 Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern
HRS 70Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval3
or HRS 71 Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern
Required Upper Division Course (3 Units)
HRS 105Approaches to the Humanities3
Required Areas of Study (9-12 Units)
Select at least one from each of the categories A, B, and C:9 - 12
A. Ancient - Renaissance
The Culture of Classical Greece
The Culture of Classical Rome
Medieval Culture
Renaissance
B. Enlightenment - Postmodern
Baroque and the Enlightenment
Romanticism and Revolution
Birth Of The Modern
Global Crossings: Art and Culture 1945 to Present
Images Of America
C. Global/Non - Western
Introduction to Islamic Cultures
Introduction to the East Asian World
The Classical Culture of China
Modern Japanese Literature and Culture
Supporting Courses (0-3 Units)
Select one from the following with approval of HRS faculty advisor:0 - 3
Classical Mythology
World Mythology
Multicultural America
American Space and Identity
Hollywood and America
The Film
Contemporary Issues in Film
Women in Film and American Culture
Fantasy and Romance
One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series
Seminar in Humanities
Experimental Offerings in Humanities and Religious Studies
Special Problems
Total Units18-24

Note: With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may choose one course from the following departments: Art, English, Foreign Languages, History, Philosophy, Theatre and Dance.