Humanities (Evening Degree)

This multidisciplinary major includes upper-division humanities courses selected by faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences. Students explore diverse perspectives in thematically related courses from classics, literature, intellectual history, comparative religion, communications, and art history. Focus is on the ways human beings from different cultures understand their world through communication, literature, and the arts. Students discuss literary and artistic works from a variety of perspectives and approaches, as well as theories of interpretation and practical communication. Analytical, research, and communication skills which can enhance a person’s career opportunities are emphasized. Coursework encourages greater understanding of issues, ideas, and themes in history and the contemporary world.

Undergraduate Program

Humanities offers the following program of study:

• The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in humanities

Bachelor of Arts

Program Admission Requirements

1. Admission to the Evening Degree program (separate from admission to the UW day program).
2. Minimum 75 college quarter credits completed. Most students admitted have completed two years of lower-division college work.
3. See adviser for evaluation of applicable courses and credits.

Major Requirements

1. Not more than 15 credits in 200-level courses (some or all of which may have been completed prior to admission to the major).
2. At least 45 credits of 300- and 400-level courses, of which a minimum 15 credits must be at the 400 level.
3. Minimum 2.25 GPA for all courses counted toward the major.
4. For list of applicable courses, consult the adviser or go to http://www.evedegree.washington.edu/edp/majors/humanities_courses.asp.

Additional Degree Requirements

1. English composition and additional writing (15 credits)
2. Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning (Q/SR) (4-5 credits)
3. Foreign language – through the third quarter of a single foreign language (0 to 15 credits, depending on placement)
4. Areas of Knowledge
   1. Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts (VLPA) (20 credits)
   2. Individuals & Societies (I&S) (20 credits)
   3. Natural World (NW) (20 credits)
   4. Some credits in VLPA and/or I&S may count also toward the major
5. Additional work to complete a minimum 180 credits overall.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: Students gain knowledge about the social, historical, ethical, and aesthetic significance of the visual, literary, and philosophical influences that constitute our present environment and heritage of many cultures. They become familiar with critical developments in the study of literary forms, especially the understanding of cultural and historical contexts. Students develop the ability to compose effective and persuasive written analyses of texts in a manner that demonstrates comprehension of the complexities and nuances of language, literature, and culture. Majors gain an appreciation for the complexity of human communication. They then are able to demonstrate an understanding of various written and spoken communication forms, processes, and perspectives within a cultural context.

  Specific skills acquired include writing, critical thinking, research, analytical thinking, integrative cognitive abilities, and effective public speaking.

  Humanities majors pursue widely varied careers, including education, editing, private enterprise, public administration, creative writing, management, arts administration, museology, and events planning.

• Instructional and Research Facilities: Students use all university library resources and facilities corresponding with their individual research needs. In addition, each of the contributing humanities academic departments offers individual resources to majors. Check with advisers for options.

• Honors Options Available: None offered.

• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: The program works collaboratively with students interested in pursuing independent study and research opportunities through academic departments that contribute to the major. Opportunities for work with the Carlson Center, Office of International Exchanges, and service learning are possible for all students.

• Department Scholarships: The Evening Degree program awards need-based financial aid assistance each year to students from a general fund. Two additional scholarship resources are the Rodney I. Straub Endowed Scholarship and the Nicole Snyder Dettmar Endowed Scholarship.

• Student Organizations/Associations: None at present.