Humanities: Contemporary Society Major
Program Details
Program Overview
This major brings three disciplines together that provide insight into the arc of human civilization. Religious beliefs/teachings and perennial philosophical questions are joined to the analytic discipline of history to explore trends and developments that continue to inform and form contemporary society. This major is especially suited for those who hope to become teachers, religious leaders and journalists, and those who may work in the development of public policy.
Program Concentrations
This program is made up of the following concentrations. Learn more about concentrations.Concentration Overview
The History Concentration provides students an in depth overview of world and U.S. history. Students will learn about a wide range of topics from ancient times to the modern era including the Roman Empire, the French Revolution and Napoleon, and the World Wars. This study will help students develop skills in research, historical analysis, and communication.
Concentration Overview
The Religious Studies Concentration offers the student an opportunity to enter the world of religious thought and belief, which is a fundamental part of the lives of over 86% of the world’s population. This concentration provides a pathway to church related careers such as: Campus Ministry, Chaplaincy, Christian Educator, and Youth Director, and it is a perfect complement to careers such as Business, Counseling, Community Organizing, Law, Nursing, Psychology and Social Work.
Courses in this Concentration
Concentration Overview
The Philosophy concentration offers the student an opportunity to reflect upon the perennial questions regarding human freedom, morality, politics, the existence of God, and more, all with an emphasis on critical thinking and logical analysis. This concentration is a perfect complement to disciplines such as Business, Pre-Law, Pre-Medicine, Nursing, and the humanities.
Courses in this Concentration
Concentrations on this page are required for this program. Additional courses or concentrations may need to be added to meet program or credit requirements.
Program Coursework
- Ancient and the Medieval Worlds
- History of the Modern World
- Building of America: The Story of the American People
- Twentieth Century America
- The United States in World War II
- Introduction to Christian Thinking
- World Religions
- Modern Science, Living Faith
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Introduction to Ethics
- Philosophy of Personal Identity
- Critical Thinking (Logic)
- Selected Topics
The specific degree requirements on the website are for illustrative purposes and may change at any time. Please contact the Registrar's Office, Academic Advising or refer to the course catalog for detailed program requirements.
Liberal Arts Core
LEADERSHIP: 4 credits
- Freshman Seminar (1 cr.)
- Spiritual & Ethical Literacy (3 cr.)
- Personal Branding Communication (3 cr.)
- Writing for the 21st Century (3 cr.)*
- Quantitative Problem Solving (3 cr.)*
- Language & Culture (3 cr.)
CORE LITERACIES: 15 credits – Choose one (1) course from each broad theme. Course options can be found in the course catalog or on the academic advising page. Broad themes are:
- Narratives of Identity (3 cr.)
- Science, Environment & Culture (3 cr.)
- Social Tensions (3 cr.)
- The American Experience (3 cr.)
- Approving the Better Things (3 cr.)
Professional Core
Culminating Experience
- Pre-Internship
- Internship
- Capstone
Contact admissions or the program faculty with questions about this program.
Barbara J. Freres
Faculty - Religious Studies
