Humanities and Fine Arts

A major in humanities and fine arts, with courses in art, history, literature, theatre, music, philosophy, classics, and religious studies, offers students the opportunity to explore the moral, spiritual, emotional, and aesthetic dimensions of the human condition.

No question has been raised more often or answered in more ways than “What does it mean to be human?” The study of the world of aesthetics and values is central to the process of self-reflection and introspection that humans aspire to through the “examined life.” The courses in the humanities traditionally have been at the center of educational curricula and are the core of Hiram College’s academic program. The fine arts courses offer students another avenue for exploring the world. Today everyone faces questions about the nature and quality of life. The humanities and arts share with science a responsibility to shape future society and show us how to use knowledge and power wisely. Broad disciplines such as those in the humanities and fine arts train people in writing, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills.The major prepares students for graduate school, public relations, teaching, and performance, among other fields.

Major Requirements

Each student is required to complete at least 60 semester hours, chosen from the following disciplines:

• Art
• Classics
• English/Literature
• Foreign Languages
• History
• Music
• Philosophy
• Religious Studies
• Theatre Arts
• Writing

The required 60 semester hours must be distributed in the following manner:

Primary Area of Concentration

Six courses (at least 20 semester hours) must be chosen from one discipline. At least two of these courses must be chosen from the 200-level and at least two of the courses must be chosen from the 300- or 400-level. Transfer students must complete at least four of these six courses at Hiram College.

Secondary Area of Concentration

Four courses (at least 12 semester hours) must be chosen from a second discipline. At least one of these courses must be chosen from the 200-level and at least one of the courses must be chosen from the 300- or 400-level. Transfer students must complete at least two of these four courses at Hiram College.

Additional Coursework

Additional courses must be chosen from the humanities and fine arts disciplines listed to bring the total to at least 60 semester hours. These courses may be distributed across the related departments and disciplines as the student chooses. At least 35 semester hours of the humanities and fine arts major must be taken at Hiram College.

Sample Course Offerings

• What’s Normal?
• Film Analysis
• Survey of American Music
• Contemporary Art
• Medical Ethics
• Environmental Philosophy
• Contemporary Poetry
• Religions of the World