Humanities BA

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Humanities at Fairleigh Dickinson University provides a comprehensive liberal arts education with an interdisciplinary focus on literature, history, philosophy, the arts, and culture. The program emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for careers in law, education, journalism, government, and the arts. Unique features include a senior capstone seminar and experiential learning opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Humanities program at Fairleigh Dickinson University provides students with a comprehensive liberal arts education and an integrated interdisciplinary experience encompassing Literature, History, Philosophy, the visual and performing arts, and culture courses in modern languages.
• Objectives:
The program emphasizes critical reading/interpretation, writing, and thinking skills, as well as interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, preparing students for professional life, civic life, and a lifetime of learning and personal growth.
• Program Description:
The Humanities major offers a broad-based education that draws on the methodologies and interpretive approaches of various disciplines. An introductory methods course and a senior capstone seminar provide intensive interdisciplinary study of themes and historical periods.

Outline:

• Program Content:
The Humanities BA program comprises three main components:
• Required Major Courses (9 credits):
• HUMN 1100: Intro to Methods in the Humanities
• HUMN 4001: Humanities Senior Capstone
• Any 3-credit course in Philosophy (PHIL) or Religion (RELI)
• Elective Courses (27 credits):
Nine additional 3-credit courses selected from the following disciplines:
• The Arts: Art History (ARTH), Cinema Studies (CINE), Music (MUSI), Theater Studies (THEAH), Art (ART), Creative Writing (CREW), Dance (DAN), Filmmaking (FILM), or Theater (THEA)
• History (HIST)
• Humanities (HUMN)
• Language (LANG)
• Literature (LITS)
• Philosophy (PHIL)
• Religion (RELI)
• Course Schedule:
The course schedule varies depending on the student's individual program of study and the availability of courses. Students are advised to consult with their academic advisor for guidance on course selection and sequencing.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
The assessment methods used in the Humanities BA program may vary depending on the specific courses and instructors. However, common assessment methods include:
• Essays and written assignments
• Class participation
• Presentations
• Projects
• Exams (midterms, finals, etc.)
• Assessment Criteria:
The assessment criteria used in the program are based on the specific learning objectives of each course and the program as a whole. These criteria may include:
• Critical thinking skills
• Writing and communication skills
• Knowledge of Humanities disciplines
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources
• Interdisciplinary perspectives

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
The teaching methods used in the Humanities BA program vary depending on the specific courses and instructors. However, common teaching methods include:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Group projects
• Presentations
• Workshops
• Faculty:
The Humanities BA program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. These faculty members are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and a supportive learning environment.
• Unique Approaches:
The Humanities BA program at Fairleigh Dickinson University offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning:
• Interdisciplinary Focus:
The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to the study of Humanities, encouraging students to explore connections between different disciplines.
• Capstone Experience:
The senior capstone seminar provides students with an opportunity to conduct in-depth research and present their findings on a selected topic.
• Experiential Learning Opportunities:
Students have the option to complete an internship in an approved Humanities discipline to gain real-world experience.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
The Humanities BA program prepares students for a wide range of careers in various fields, including:
• Law
• Education
• Journalism
• Government
• Non-profit organizations
• Arts and Culture
• Opportunities and Outcomes:
Graduates of the Humanities BA program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of positions, including:
• Lawyers
• Teachers
• Journalists
• Government officials
• Non-profit administrators
• Artists and cultural professionals