Interdisciplinary Major

The humanities include branches of learning that investigate what makes us essentially human, specifically languages and literatures, the arts, and history. This interdisciplinary program offers students the opportunity to define their own fields of concentration. They might, for example, choose a particular historical period and view it from a particular philosophical or aesthetic perspective, compare forms of artistic expression, or combine insights from distinct fields of research in the pursuit of specific themes or interests.

The humanities are central to the liberal arts and, as such, foster eminently practical skills that can be applied to a diverse array of professional fields. Written and oral communication, critical analysis, research techniques, and cross-disciplinary thinking are among the many strengths of students in humanistic fields. Our majors have gone on to graduate studies in a variety of subjects, from philosophy and English to library science. Others have chosen careers that value interdisciplinary skills such as publishing, public relations work, or the legal profession.

The program encourages students to seek a broad background in the associated disciplines and to recognize that all significant achievements of culture are closely interrelated. In the course of their studies, students will develop disciplined thinking and writing skills in more than one academic field and will learn to transfer insights and methods from one area to another.

Humanities Major Requirements

The major consists of a minimum of eight upper-level courses in at least two, preferably three, subjects listed below. Students must complete the introductory courses prior to enrolling in upper-level courses.  Students should check the prerequisites for upper-level courses.

The upper-level courses may not double-count for other majors or minors.

While offering students the opportunity to work in several academic fields, the Humanities major nevertheless requires a distinct focus and careful planning, with regular contact with the director and affiliated professors is essential. 

Students are encouraged to work from an interdisciplinary perspective. In addition, there are two courses specifically designed to introduce students majoring in Humanities to the history and development of the Humanities. These courses are offered when staffing allows, and they do not fulfill distribution.

Students interested in the major should discuss their ideas and plans with the director as early as possible in their college careers. Majors will take introductory courses in at least three of the following areas: art history, English, foreign languages, history, music history, philosophy, theatre, and world literature (International Literatures and Cultures). Humanities majors must complete 201 or higher in a foreign language (or equivalent if a student is approved for foreign language substitution).

The major consists of a minimum of eight courses on the 300 and 400 level in at least two, preferably three, of the disciplines mentioned above. Please be sure to take the necessary introductory courses prior to that and check the prerequisites for upper-level courses. These upper-level courses may not double-count for other majors or minors. While offering students the opportunity to work in several academic fields, the humanities major nevertheless requires a distinct focus and careful planning, and regular contact with the director and affiliated professors is essential. The Humanities Program offers no minor. Students generally select courses for the major from the humanities disciplines taught at Washington College (see list above), and they are encouraged to work from an interdisciplinary perspective in these courses. In addition, there are two courses specifically designed to introduce Humanities majors to the history and development of the humanities. These courses are offered when staffing allows, and they do not fulfill distribution.

Nicole Grewling, Director
T. Clayton Black, Advisory Board Member
Katherine Charles, Advisory Board Member