Department of Liberal Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
61-70 credits (including core courses)
Introduction
The two concentrations for a BA in humanities provide interdisciplinary study of the humanities (philosophy, religion, history, literature and the arts) in Western and other civilizations. The major emphasizes critical reading, analysis and writing and culminates in a senior paper written under advisement. It provides skills and habits of mind which have proved broadly useful in a variety of professional careers, in both public and private settings, and it prepares students for knowledgeable participation in civic life. The major also proved to be excellent preparation for graduate study in law, library science, history, English, comparative literature, and religion.
The History of Culture Concentration focuses on how cultures change. Students acquire a substantial knowledge of religious, philosophical, literary and aesthetic movements in Western civilization. Students also acquire some knowledge of works of the humanities in at least one other culture, and of that culture’s history. Students learn to analyze individual works of the humanities and to relate them to social and cultural developments. Students become familiar with methodological issues in the humanities and in cultural history, and learn to use methods appropriate to different kinds of problems.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
An average grade of B in liberal studies courses is required for admission to LBRL 302. (NOTE: LBRL 302 is ordinarily offered spring quarter only.) LBRL 302 is prerequisite to LBRL 421, 422, 423, 424. LBRL 498 (2 credits) should be taken with a liberal studies faculty member in the quarter prior to enrolling in LBRL 499, to prepare for the latter. It is recommended that students undertake study of a foreign language concurrently with the major.
