What Are The Humanities?

Humanities are the story of human experience and they help us understand the human condition. The humanities help us feel human. The humanities connect us, our shared past, and the ideas that will help us shape a shared future.

The humanities are fields of learning that help us understand and appreciate human history, culture, values, and beliefs.

They allow us to analyze our complex society and make thoughtful, reasoned decisions based on inquiry, evaluation, and empathy. They include but are not limited to:

  • American Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Area Studies
  • Art and Architectural History and Criticism
  • Cultural Studies
  • Economics
  • Ethics
  • Ethnic Studies (includes fields such as African American Studies, Asian American Studies, Chicano/Latino Studies, Native American Studies, etc. )
  • Folklore
  • Geography
  • History
  • History and Ethics of Science and Technology
  • International Studies
  • Jurisprudence
  • Languages and Linguistics (including both classical and modern languages)
  • Literature (both prose and poetry)
  • Music History and Criticism
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Religion and Comparative Religion
  • Sociology
  • Theatre History and Criticism
  • Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

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