General Humanities

“Humanities" refers to those traditional disciplines or areas of study that tell us about human beings as they live in, engage with, and make sense of the world. These disciplines have varied from time to time and from university to university, but you’ll find that the Humanities have traditionally included Classics (Greek and Latin), Philosophy ("the love of wisdom"), and, since the nineteenth century, modern languages and literatures. Our university adds the critical and eclectic discipline of Religious Studies, which examines religion as a human activity and achievement. The Faculty of Humanities is rooted in the very origins of European universities, but also branching out into new fields of study that illuminate our vision of the present and future as well as the past.

Through studying languages and images, artifacts and texts and their historical contexts, you will come to understand and appreciate your own and other cultures. Through exposure to multiple points of view and diverse methodologies and ideologies, you will learn how to engage in critical enquiry, which involves an honest attempt to examine divergent opinions. As a Humanities student, you will gain a fuller understanding of yourself and the ways in which all of us shape and are shaped by our cultural circumstances. Study in the Humanities is intended to expand human awareness, an end that is both valuable in itself and useful to society.

Our General Humanities Bachelor of Arts (BA) program is intended to encourage broad learning and culture and to develop critical intelligence. You will be well prepared in terms of the general skills of all Humanities graduates and you will be able to apply those skills in a variety of employment situations. A Humanities education provides an excellent basis for careers in Law; Management and Business Administration; Government Service; Non-profit organizations; Information and Computer Industries; Education; Marketing; Advertising and Public Relations; Journalism, Writing, Editing and Publishing.

Co-op is also available for General Humanities students. Find out more.

Why take this program?

Building blocks
The multidisciplinary nature of General Humanities does not teach specific skills for one particular profession, but develops critical thought and reasoning to create a broad foundation of knowledge applicable to all situations. This program will prepare you for life, rather than train you for a specific job.

Stepping stones
The General Humanities degree offers a solid intellectual foundation, and will assist graduates as they pursue additional studies. Students may use this degree to prepare for entry into professional faculties such as law and medicine. Those considering graduate studies should be prepared for the possibility of a post-BA year to obtain necessary qualifications for graduate programs in a specific discipline.

The road to discovery
Students who have an interest in the human condition and the world are particularly well suited for this degree. The program gives graduates a broad education covering the historical and cultural factors, and experiences, that influence and are influenced by us. If religion, culture, and history are your passion, you should consider the General Humanities degree.

What will I study in my first year?

As a first year student you will begin by declaring a minor and a major area of concentration from the six departments. Depending on what you choose, you will explore a wide variety of topics including introductory language skills from the two language departments; a study of literature (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or drama) in English; Greek and Roman history and mythology in Greek and Roman Studies; ethics, logic and selected topics in Philosophy; and introductions to Western and Eastern religions as well as the nature of religion in Religious Studies.

You are also encouraged to explore a variety of option courses in your first year that will compliment your studies in Humanities. Many students take courses in second languages, and are encouraged to take courses from the faculties of Communication and Culture, Fine Arts, Science or Social Sciences. For example, you may compliment your language studies by taking a history course on a country which speaks the language that you are studying. You could also take a Computer Science course to gain computer skills that employers love seeing on student’s résumés.

What will I study in later years?

As a senior student you will begin to study courses from your concentration at the senior level. Most of our senior students have unique course experiences, pursuing their passions in senior humanities courses.

What can I do with this degree?

The great thing about studying a field in Humanities is that you’ll graduate with a number of marketable skills including:

• Analysis and synthesis of information
• Creative thinker
• Editing and revision abilities
• Interdisciplinary perspective
• Planning and organization skills
• Written and oral communication skills

Graduates from the General Humanities program have a number of career options available to them in a variety of industries. To see a full list of potential skills, careers and industries available to you, visit the Career Services Career Profiles website (take a look at all Humanities disciplines, most are applicable to you).

Who can I contact for more information?

Dr. Mary Polito
Appointments: Call (403) 220-3014
E-mail: humadsa@ucalgary.ca