Schools

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Communication and Performing Arts

Bachelor of Arts in Humanities

The Bachelor of Arts in Humanities is an interdisciplinary degree in humanities for students who are interested in philosophy, foreign language, art, theater, music, English, and/or communication arts, as well as the ways in which these disciplines are related to one another. The degree is flexible and can be tailored to each student’s needs, and they will select courses with the continuing assistance of the Humanities Program Coordinator. 

The Humanities Major fulfills the campus mission by allowing students to pursue a BA in one or more subjects and explore the relationships between various areas of study in the humanities. The degree prepares students to develop analytical and expressive skills to use in any number of careers, and for potential graduate study in a variety of disciplines.


Objectives

By the end of their program, students will be able to:

  • identify and explain a variety of methods and subject areas within the humanities;
  • demonstrate an appreciation of what is shared by humanities subjects, in particular the ways “texts,” broadly construed, are studied in more than one humanities subject;
  • devise a personal program in the humanities tailored to their specific needs;
  • acquire and improve skills required in a variety of professions, including writing, presenting, performing, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Requirements

  1. Students must complete the Indiana University Kokomo general education requirements (30 cr.).
  2. Students must complete the Indiana University Kokomo Bachelor of Arts requirements (17 cr.).
  3. Students must complete all other Indiana University Kokomo graduation requirements.
  4. A minor is strongly encouraged, but not required.
  5. All courses require a C- or higher to count toward the major.

Part 1: Core (6 cr.)

Students will take the following two courses:

  • HUMA-U 201 Interdisciplinary Seminar in the Humanities (3 cr.)
  • HUMA-U 401 Senior Seminar in Humanities (3 cr.) 

Part 2: Concentration (30-32 cr.)

The final component of the B.A. in Humanities is the concentration, which provides students with a focused area of study. Students will choose from four options. 

1.  Perspectives in Humanities (30 cr.). This concentration features a focus on critical thinking, writing, and communication skills, and also gives students broad latitude in studying a variety of courses in communication, English, and philosophy. Students may petition the Humanities Program Coordinator to have alternative courses accepted in either of these categories, such as special topic and variable topic courses.

  1. Foundational Skills. Students must take one SPCH, one ENG, and one PHIL course from the following list for a total of 9 cr.
    • ENG-W 206 Introduction to Creative Writing (3 cr.)
    • ENG-W 231 Professional Writing Skills (3 cr.)
    • ENG-W 270 Argumentative Writing (3 cr.)
    • ENG-W 350 Advanced Expository Writing (3 cr.)
    • PHIL-P 100 Introduction to Philosophy (3 cr.)
    • PHIL-P 105 Critical Thinking (3 cr.)
    • PHIL-P 150 Elementary Logic (3 cr.)
    • SPCH-S 228 Argumentation and Debate (3 cr.)
    • SPCH-C 325 Interviewing (3 cr.)
    • SPCH-S 353 Advanced Public Speaking (3 cr.)
    • SPCH-S xxx Media Writing (to be created) (3 cr.)
  2. Perspectives in Humanities Electives. The remaining 21 cr. must be approved by the Humanities Program Coordinator, who maintains a more comprehensive list of appropriate courses. *Students must choose from the following subject areas. At least one course must come from each of these.
    • ENG (Literature and writing)
    • PHIL (Philosophy)
    • SPCH/COMM/JOUR (speech, communication, and journalism)
    • HIST (History)
    • Other humanities-related course can be accepted with permission of the Humanities Program Coordinator
  3. Students may petition the Humanities Program Coordinator to have alternative courses accepted in either of these categories, such as special topic and variable topic courses.

2.  Ethnic and Gender Studies (32 cr.). This concentration allows students to study ways in which race and gender are central to the understanding of communities and individuals. Courses explore topics like gender and communication, Hispanic culture, philosophy in Asia, and the music of eastern and western societies. Students must take courses from the following categories:

  1. Language. All of the following (14 cr.):
    • SPAN-S 111 Elementary Spanish 1 (4 cr.)
    • SPAN-S 112 Elementary Spanish 2 (4 cr.)
    • SPAN-S 203 Second Year Spanish 1 (3 cr.)
    • SPAN-S 204 Second Year Spanish 2 (3 cr.)
    • Students may be able to substitute other foreign language courses with permission of the Humanities Program Coordinator.
  2. Gender. 9 cr. from among the following:
    • ENG-L 207 Women and Literature (3 cr.)
    • ENG-L 249 Representations of Gender and Sexuality (3 cr.)
    • ENG-L 378 Studies in Women and Literature (3 cr.)
    • ENG-L 389 Feminist Literary and Cultural Criticism (3 cr.)
    • HIST-A 307 U.S. Cultural History (3 cr.)
    • LSTU-L 385 Class, Race, Gender & Work (3 cr.)
    • NMAT-H 358 Fierce Women and Political Art (3 cr.)
    • PHIL-P 103 Gender, Sexuality and Race (3 cr.)
    • PHIL-P 332 Feminism and Value (3 cr.)
    • SPCH-S 450 Gender and Communication (3 cr.)
  3. Ethnic Studies Electives. 9 cr. from among the following (no more than two courses may have the same prefix):
    • CMLT-C 297 Film Genres (3 cr.)
    • ENG-L 223 Introduction to Ethnic American Literature (3 cr.)
    • ENG-L 224 Introduction to World Literatures in English (3 cr.)
    • ENG-L 225 Introduction to World Masterpieces(3 cr.)
    • ENG-L 240 Literature and Public Life (3 cr.)
    • ENG-L 364 Native American Literature (3 cr.)
    • ENG-L 374 Ethnic American Literature (3 cr.)
    • ENG-L 396 Studies in African American Literature and Culture (3 cr.)
    • FOLK-F 101 Introduction to Folklore (3 cr.)
    • HIST-A 382 The Sixties (3 cr.)
    • HIST-H 421 Topics: Asia, Africa, Latin America (3 c.)
    • HSS-I 100 Introduction to International Studies (3 cr.)
    • MUS-Z 281 East-West Encounters in Music (3 cr.)
    • MUS-Z 393 History of Jazz (3 cr.)
    • MUS-Z 413 Latin American and Latino Popular Music (3 cr.)
    • PHIL-P 328 Philosophies of India (3 cr.)
    • PHIL-P 374 Early Chinese Philosophy (3 cr.)
    • SPAN-S 275 Hispanic Culture and Conversation (3 cr.)
    • SPCH-S 427 Cross Cultural Communication (3 cr.)
  4. Students may petition the Humanities Program Coordinator to have alternative courses accepted in these categories, such as special topic and variable topic courses.
    • Travel courses or study abroad courses are particularly encouraged.

3.  Performing Arts: Music (31 cr.). The Performing Arts: Music concentration is appropriate for students who wish to study music with an emphasis on performance. Courses counted towards the concentration must be taken for a letter grade. At least 15 hours must be taken at the 300 level or higher. Students are expected to take lessons on their instrument every semester.

  1. Core (12 hours)
    • One of the following, depending on proficiency as determined by the Director of Music:
      • MUS-Z 111 Introduction to Music Theory (3 cr.)
      • MUS-T 113 Music Theory I (3 cr.)
      • MUS-T 114 Music Theory II (3 cr.)
    • MUS-M 403 Music History I (3 cr.)
    • THTR-T 100 Introduction to Theatre (3 cr.)
    • THTR-T 120 Acting I (3 cr.)
  2. Music performance: 18 hours total that meet the following requirements.
    1. At least 4 semesters of applied lessons at the 300 level or higher from the following:
      • MUS-B 320 Trumpet (2 cr.)
      • MUS-B 340 Low Brass (2 cr.)
      • MUS-D 300 Percussion Undergrad (2 cr.)
      • MUS-L 300 Guitar Undergrad (2 cr.)
      • MUS-P 300 Piano Undergrad (2 cr.)
      • MUS-S 315 Violin (2-6 cr.)
      • MUS-S 335 Cello (2-6 cr.)
      • MUS-V 300 Undergrad Voice (2 cr.)
      • MUS-W 310 Flute / Piccolo (1-2 cr.)
      • MUS-W 350 Saxophone (2-4 cr.)
      • Students may see the Director of Music regarding lessons on other instruments.
    2. At least 4 semesters of performance ensemble from the following:
      • MUS-X 40 Flute Choir (3 cr.)
      • MUS-X 40 Concert Band / Orchestra (1 cr.)
      • MUS-X 70 Cougar Choir (1 cr.)
    3. The remainder of the 18 total hours from the following:
      • HUMA-U 102 Introduction to Humanities: The Live Performance (3 cr.)
      • MUS-E 394 Vocal Pedagogy (3 cr.)
      • MUS-G 361 Elementary Conducting Techniques (3 cr.)
      • MUS-G 371 Choral Conducting (2 cr.)
      • MUS-L 101 Guitar Class (3 cr.)
      • MUS-R 472 Vocal Performance Workshop (may repeat) (3 cr.)
      • MUS-T 114 Music Theory II (3 cr.)
      • MUS-T 115 Sightsinging and Aural Perception (3 cr.)
      • MUS-U 121 Fundamentals of Diction for Singers (2 cr.)
      • MUS-Z 281 East West Encounters in Music (3 cr.)
      • MUS-Z 320 Advanced Special Topics in Music for non-majors (3 cr.)
  3. MUS-U 320 Music Capstone (1 cr.)
    1. Note: the music capstone is in addition to HUMA-U 401 Senior Seminar in Humanities.

4.  Performing Arts: Theatre (31 cr.). The Performing Arts: Theatre concentration is appropriate for students who wish to study theatre with an emphasis on performance. Courses counted towards the concentration must be taken for a letter grade. At least 15 hours must be taken at the 300 level or higher.

  1. Core (12 hours)
    • One of the following, depending on proficiency as determined by the Director of Music:
      • MUS-Z 111 Introduction to Music Theory (3 cr.)
      • MUS-T 113 Music Theory I (3 cr.)
      • MUS-T 114 Music Theory II (3 cr.)
    • MUS-M 403 Music History I (3 cr.)
    • THTR-T 100 Introduction to Theatre (3 cr.)
    • THTR-T 120 Acting I (3 cr.)
  2. Theatre performance:18 hours total that meet the following requirements.
    • All of the following:
      • THTR-T 220 Acting II (3 cr.)
      • THTR-T 222 Voice for the Actor (3 cr.)
      • THTR-T 349 Practicum (3 cr.)
    • Three of the following:
      • THTR-T 115 Oral Interpretation (3 cr.)
      • THTR-T 311 Introduction to Movement for the Theatre (3 cr.)
      • THTR-T 340 Directing I (3 cr.)
      • THTR-T 345 Theatre for Children (3 cr.)
      • THTR-T 400 Arts Management (3 cr.)
      • HUMA-U 102 Introduction to Humanities: The Live Performance (3 cr.)
    • Performance in at least one stage production.
  3. THTR-T 483 Theatre Capstone (1 cr.)
    • Note: the theatre capstone is in addition to HUMA-U 401 Senior Seminar in Humanities.

5.  Thematic cluster (30 cr.). In this multidisciplinary concentration, students will work with the Humanities Program Coordinator to create a specialized concentration around a specific theme. Themes must incorporate multiple disciplines, such as literature, language, philosophy, communication, music, and so on. No more than three courses may come from classes with the same prefix (ENG, SPCH, etc.). At least 15 of the 30 hours must come from classes within the existing humanities courses required in the other three concentrations, or other humanities courses that are approved by the Humanities Program Coordinator. Themes might include courses from other academic areas, such as the social sciences, biological and physical sciences, or others. Examples might include philosophy and literature, innovation and creativity, sustainability and cultural studies, literature, and psychology.

*List of approved courses for Perspectives in Humanities Electives category (1.b.). These courses apply ONLY to the electives category in the Perspectives in Humanities concentration—These do NOT apply to the electives category in the Ethnic Studies concentration.

  • COMM-C 394 Communication and Conflict (3 cr.)
  • ENG-E 301, 302, 303, or 304 Literatures in English (3 cr.)
  • ENG-G 208 World Englishes (3 cr.)
  • ENG-L 208 Topics in English and American Literature and Culture (3 cr.)
  • ENG-L 210 Studies in Popular Literature and Mass Media (3 cr.)
  • ENG-L 335 Victorian Literature (3 cr.)
  • ENG-L 354 American Literature Since 1914 (3 cr.)
  • ENG-L 365 Modern Drama: Continental (3 cr.)
  • ENG-L 373 Interdisciplinary Approaches to English and American Literature (3 cr.)
  • ENG-L 381 Recent Writing (3 cr.)
  • ENG-L 384 Studies in American Culture (3 cr.)
  • ENG-L 395 British and American Film Studies (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 260 Film Criticism (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 280 Literary Editing and Publishing (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 301 Writing Fiction (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 302 Screenwriting (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 303 Writing Poetry (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 311 Writing Creative Nonfiction (3 cr.)
  • ENG-W 413 Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing (3 cr.)
  • HIST-A 315 United States Since World War Two (3 cr.)
  • HIST-A 375 Crime and Punishment in American History (3 cr.)
  • HIST-A 382 The Sixties (3 cr.)
  • HIST-B 346 The Crusades and Religious Violence in Medieval European History
  • HIST-B 351 Barbarian Europe, ca. 200-1100 (3 cr.)
  • HIST-B 352 Western Europe in the High and Later Middle Ages (3 cr.)
  • HIST-B 353 The Renaissance (3 cr.)
  • HIST-B 361 Europe in the Twentieth Century I (3 cr.)
  • HIST-C 388 Roman History (3 cr.)
  • HIST-D 410 Russian Revolutions and Soviet Regime (3 cr.)
  • HIST-G 405 Global History of Modern Sport (3 cr.)
  • HSS-I 100 International Studies (3 cr.)
  • JOUR-C 200 Introduction to Mass Communication (3 cr.)
  • JOUR-J 200 Reporting, Writing, & Editing I (3 cr.)
  • JOUR-J 201 Reporting, Writing, & Editing II (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 107 Philosophy and the Environment (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 140 Elementary Ethics (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 145 Liberty and Justice: A Philosophical Introduction (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 240 Business and Morality - Ethics in Context (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 242 Applied Ethics (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 328 Philosophies of India (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 330 Marxist Philosophy (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 342 Problems in Ethics (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 345 Problems in Social and Political Philosophy (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 374 Early Chinese Philosophy (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 375 Philosophy of Law (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 376 Leadership and Philosophy (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 383 Topics in Philosophy (3 cr.)
  • PHIL-P 393 Biomedical Ethics (3 cr.)
  • SPAN-S 360 Introduction to Hispanic and Latin American Literature (3 cr.)
  • SPCH-C 321 Persuasion (3 cr.)
  • SPCH-C 382 Social Media Campaigns (3 cr.)
  • SPCH-C 391 Public Relations Campaigns (3 cr.)
  • SPCH-C 427 Cross-Cultural Communication (3 cr.)
  • SPCH-C 444 Political Communication (3 cr.)
  • SPCH-S 302 Rhetoric and Society (3 cr.) 

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