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Humanities
In the College of Arts and Letters
Office: Adams Humanities 4231
Telephone: (619) 594-5186
Chair: Genovese
Professors: Eisner, Genovese, Skwara
Associate Professor: Cutter
Major in European studies with the B.A. degree in liberal arts and sciences.
Major in humanities with the B.A. degree in liberal arts and sciences.
Emphasis in European humanities.
Minor in European studies.
Minor in humanities.
European Studies. The European studies major approaches Europe as a unique heritage of values, traditions, problems, and resources. Although based in the Department of Classics and Humanities, this curriculum provides a multidepartmental balance among the humanities, foreign languages, history, and the social sciences. Majors center their studies on a modern continental European language and two series of courses in European humanities and history. They also take courses in political science, geography, economics, philosophy, and women's studies. As seniors, European studies majors produce a special study project that reflects their interest and knowledge in European humanities, history, economics, or political science.
European studies is a broadening interdiscipline that serves the general purposes of a liberal arts degree, but it can also provide the base for a narrower focus for careers abroad or in European-centered arts, communication, or commerce. The major provides especially apt preparation for work in international travel and diplomacy. Also, with some carefully chosen additional coursework outside of the major, graduate study in any of the major's disciplines is an option.
European studies majors have at their disposal the audiovisual library of the Schaber Humanities Center and the facilities of the Burnett Classics Seminar Room, and they benefit from close faculty advising and the fellowship of a small department with a diverse curriculum.
Humanities. As academic pursuits, the humanities comprise all uniquely human accomplishments. Founded in history, they are the studies of the artistic and intellectual traditions of civilized peoples. This includes language, literature, philosophy, religion, and the arts. The goal of the humanities major is an interdisciplinary understanding of peoples and their times through the accomplishments that portray and articulate best what they value most. In short, humanities shows us what being civilized amounts to, and by directing us to the meaning and worth of life, it helps us to create and enjoy a life of our own.
Majors in humanities may choose a general course of studies that allows for a balance between Western and non-Western civilization or they may emphasize European civilization, which takes its start with the Greeks. They all have at their disposal the audiovisual library of the Schaber Humanities Center and the use of the Burnett Classics Seminar Room. In addition to close academic advising and fellowship in a small department with diverse interests, they culminate their studies with a senior seminar.
With a background in critical analysis and with an appreciation of the history, ideas, and the arts, humanities majors are prepared for various careers. They might find opportunities in communication, diplomacy, or commerce. One might become a cultural consultant, an editor or writer, an arts critic, a travel consultant, or a museum curator. Some of these careers, as well as teaching or research, will require study beyond the bachelor's degree, but the broad, integrated humanities program is designed for success in many fields.
All College of Arts and Letters majors are urged to consult with their department adviser as soon as possible; they are required to meet with their department adviser within the first two semesters after declaration or change of major.
All candidates for a degree in liberal arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements."
During their last semester, all seniors majoring in European Studies shall submit to the department a portfolio of their scholarly work.
A minor in a modern European language (excluding English) is required with this major.
Preparation for the Major. Classics 140 or Humanities 101; Economics 102 or Political Science 103; History 105-106. (12 units)
Foreign Language Requirement. The foreign language requirement is automatically fulfilled by coursework for the minor required for the major.
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or History 430W, or English 508W, or Rhetoric and Writing Studies 500W with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 30 upper division units to include Humanities 401, 402, 403, and 404; History 407A-407B; nine units in three disciplines from Economics 330*, Geography 336, History 526, Philosophy 413*, 414*, 506*, Political Science 356, 357, 359, and Women's Studies 340; and a senior thesis under Economics 499, History 499, Humanities 599, or Political Science 499.
All candidates for a degree in liberal arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements." Each student must file an individual master plan with the humanities undergraduate adviser and with the Office of Admissions and Records.
During their last semester, all seniors majoring in Humanities shall submit to the department a portfolio of their scholarly work.
A minor in a classical or modern foreign language is required.
Preparation for the Major. Humanities 101; History 100-101; and three units from Classics 140, Comparative Literature 270A, 270B, English 220, Humanities 140, Philosophy 103, or Religious Studies 101. (12 units)
Foreign Language Requirement. The foreign language requirement is automatically fulfilled by coursework for the minor required with the major.
Major. A minimum of 30 upper division units to include 12 units from Classics 340, Humanities 401, 402, 403, 404; six to nine units from Humanities 450, 460, or Asian Studies 458; six to nine units from Art (art history), Classics, Comparative Literature, Drama 460A, 460B, English, History, Humanities, Music 351A, 351B, 351C, 351D, 351E, 351F, 592, Philosophy, Religious Studies, or Women's Studies, with no more than three units in any discipline (at least three units must be taken in non-Western content; courses in Art, Comparative Literature, English, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, or Women's Studies may be taken only with prior permission of major adviser); and Humanities 490.
A minor in a European classical or modern language (excluding English) is required.
Preparation for the Major. Humanities 101; History 105-106; and three units from Comparative Literature 270A, 270B, Humanities 140, Philosophy 103, Religious Studies 101, or Women's Studies 205. (12 units)
Foreign Language Requirement. The foreign language requirement is automatically fulfilled by coursework for the minor required with the major.
Major. A minimum of 30 upper division units to include Classics 340, Humanities 401, 402, 403, 404; three units from Geography 336, Political Science 301A, 301B, or 302; nine units from European content courses in Art (art history), Comparative Literature, Drama 460A, 460B, English, History, Humanities, Music 351A, 351B, 351C, Philosophy, Religious Studies, or Women's Studies 340, with no more than three units in any discipline (courses in Art, Comparative Literature, English, History, Philosophy, or Religious Studies may be taken only with prior permission of major adviser); and Humanities 490. (Some upper division courses in the major may have prerequisites not included among courses in the preparation for the major.)
The minor in European studies consists of a minimum of 18 units to include 6 to 12 units selected from Humanities 401, 402, 403, 404; and 6 to 12 units selected from Geography 336, History 407A, 407B, Political Science 356, and Women's Studies 340.
Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.
The minor in humanities consists of a minimum of 18 units, of which at least nine units must be upper division, at least 12 units must be in Humanities, and three to nine units in Humanities 450, 460, and Asian Studies 458. Up to six units may be selected from Asian Studies 458, Classics 140 or Comparative Literature 270A.
Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.
101. Introduction to Humanities (3)
Preliminary investigation: How values and ideals are expressed in literary, artistic, and intellectual achievements of individuals and civilizations throughout the world.
130. The Jewish Heritage (3)
Hebraic and Jewish influences on the arts, literature, philosophy, and religion of Western civilization.
140. Mythology (3)
Comparative themes and figures from various mythologies of the world. Interpretation of myths; their influence on art, culture, and history.
296. Experimental Topics (1-4)
Selected topics. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree.
310. French Civilization (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities.
French civilization from Middle Ages to present. Artistic, intellectual achievements and cultural movements.
320. German Civilization (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities.
German civilization of medieval, Renaissance-Reformation, and modern periods. Artistic, intellectual achievements and cultural movements.
330. Russian Civilization (3) I
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities.
Russian civilization from Middle Ages to present. Artistic, intellectual achievements and cultural movements. Not open to students with credit in Russian 430.
340. Italian Civilization (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities.
Italian civilization of medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and modern periods. Artistic, intellectual achievements and cultural movements.
370. The Humanities and the Modern World (1)
Irregular Cr/NC
Lectures open to the public.
Weekly lectures on literature, language, philosophy and cultural history. Reading and reports required of students enrolled for credit. Maximum credit three units.
401. The Medieval Heritage (3) I
Prerequisites: History 105 or 305A, and completion of the General
Education requirement in Foundations II.C., Humanities required for
nonmajors.
European civilization of the Middle Ages. Artistic and intellectual achievements and cultural movements of the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
402. The Renaissance (3) II
Prerequisites: History 105 or 305A, and completion of the General
Education requirement in Foundations II.C., Humanities required for
nonmajors.
European civilization of the humanistic Renaissance. Artistic and intellectual achievements and cultural movements from the early Renaissance through the Reformation and Mannerism.
403. The Baroque and the Enlightenment (3) I
Prerequisites: History 106 or 305B, and completion of the General
Education requirement in Foundations II.C., Humanities required for
nonmajors.
European civilization of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Artistic and intellectual achievements and cultural movements: Baroque and Rococo, Enlightenment and Neoclassicism.
404. The Modern European Heritage (3) II
Prerequisites: History 106 or 305B, and completion of the General
Education requirement in Foundations II.C., Humanities required for
nonmajors.
Modern European civilization. Artistic and intellectual achievements and cultural movements: Romanticism, Realism, Naturalism, Impressionism, Symbolism, Surrealism, Expressionism, Existentialism.
450. Arab-Islamic Civilization (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities required for nonmajors.
Interdisciplinary survey of Islamic civilization, emphasizing Muslim religion, philosophy, literature, and the arts from Muhammad to the present.
460. African Civilizations (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C, Humanities required for nonmajors.
Interdisciplinary survey of sub-Saharan African civilizations, emphasizing religion, literature, and the arts from ancient times to the present.
490. Senior Seminar in Classics and Humanities (3)
Prerequisites: Classics or humanities major with more than 90
units; others with consent of department chair.
Senior capstone seminar in major. Discussion and research on topic in classics and humanities. Formal research paper.
496. Topics in Humanities (3)
Selected topics in literature and the arts. Comparative themes and critical approaches. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit six units.
596. Topics in Humanities (1-3)
Prerequisite: Upper division standing and consent of instructor.
Special topics on selected aspects of civilization from an interdisciplinary humanities perspective. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. No more than six units of 596 may be applied to either the bachelor's or master's degree. Maximum combined credit of six units of 596 and 696 applicable to a 30-unit master's degree.
599. Special Study (1-3)
Prerequisites: Humanities or European studies major or minor with
upper division standing, twelve units in courses acceptable for major or
minor, and consent of instructor and program chair; or graduate standing and consent of instructor and program chair.
Directed individual study. Maximum credit six units.
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