Academic Requirements
The Humanities Program may be conceived as a pyramid, the broad base of which is formed by two seminars, Humanities 7000 and 7100. These seminars help the student develop research skills appropriate for advanced scholarship in the humanities and introduce the student to the interdisciplinary study of a humanities topic.
Moving up from the base, the narrowing center section of the pyramid represents the course work, extending across disciplines, but now limited to courses specifically relevant to the student's selected area of study.
Finally, at the apex of the triangle, the thesis or project (HUM 7300/7400) is the capstone of a student's program of study. This capstone may be a traditional thesis or a creative project that is accompanied by a scholarly essay. The purpose of the thesis or project is to explore more thoroughly a chosen subject using the distinctive methodologies of the humanities.
Program of Study
| Program of Study | 32 |
| HUM 7000 | 3 |
| HUM 7100 | 3 |
| Humanities Electives | 18 |
| HUM 7300/7400 | 8 |
| Total | 32 hours |
Each student, in consultation with the director, designs a unified, interdisciplinary program of study including courses to be completed in at least two departments.
The student should submit a Program of Study in preliminary form after completing 9 credit hours and in a final form no later than the semester prior to the completion of course work. The completed Program of Study includes a brief description of the student's program emphasis, a list of courses taken, and a brief description of the student's culminating thesis or project. Program of Study forms are available in the Humanities Office, or on this website (under Forms).
Courses
Students coming into the program should plan to complete the core courses in their first year. This is beneficial both from the perspective of acquiring an overview of humanities scholarship at the graduate level as well as in developing the research skills needed for the program. Completing the courses at the beginning of one's work in the program is also advantageous in that new students will get to know one another and to have a sense of shared participation in the program.
Core Courses
HUM 7000 Research Methods in the Humanities
This course introduces the student to research methods in the humanities. It focuses on how to conduct research in the humanities, how to develop appropriate humanities topics, and how to write effectively on humanities topics.
HUM 7100 Seminar in the Humanities
This course explores a single topic or problem from the perspective of a number of disciplines in the humanities. Topics, problems, and approaches vary.
Elective Courses
Humanities courses are those courses, generally offered in the College of Liberal Arts, that have an explicit humanities orientation. Students must complete 18 hours of Humanities electives. Courses are to be selected from a minimum of two departments and should approach the student's area of study with as much breadth as possible. These courses should form a coherent pattern that will provide an adequate foundation for the student's final thesis or project.
HUM 7800 Independent Study
Independent Study in the Humanities or an academic department allows students to pursue a specific topic in depth or study a specific subject, unavailable as a regular course offering, that is necessary to complete their programs of study. Independent studies are directed by a member of the faculty. The topic and requirements for the independent study must be developed in advance by the student and the faculty director, and approved by the Program Director. Independent Study approval forms may be obtained in the Humanities Office or on this website (see Forms).
Humanities Thesis and Project
HUM 7400 Humanities Thesis
Students choosing this option write a 60-80 page research paper. The topic of this paper must be drawn from the Humanities disciplines, and the development of the topic must be from an interdisciplinary perspective.
HUM 7300 Humanities Project
Students choosing this option create a body of work in the visual or performing arts, in creative writing, or in another form as appropriate. The creative work is accompanied by a 20-30 page essay that places the work in its larger humanities context.
Grading
Students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average to remain in good standing in the program. Core courses (HUM 7000 and 7100) must be passed with an "A" or "B."
Last updated July 16, 2012