All students participate in the Humanities Program, Portraits of Human Greatness, during their freshman and sophomore years and may elect further Humanities courses in their junior and senior years. Humanities does not offer a major program of study.

Through readings, lectures, seminars, and a varied program of films, concerts, exhibitions, and stage presentations, the Humanities Program seeks to confront the student with questions of value, moral choice, and the real significance of human life.

Humanities I-II
The first year consists of ten units, each a portrait of human greatness, which range from ancient Greece through the European Middle Ages. In examining these portraits, the student experiences diverse value systems and can face the questions of why and whether a given individual or portrait can be called “great.” Four credits, each semester. The list of units is subject to ongoing evaluation and restructuring by the Humanities faculty.

• First-Year Calendar 2007-2008 (PDF/48KB)

Humanities III-IV
The second year consists of portraits of individuals arranged chronologically from the Italian Renaissance to the 20th century. Each individual, great in his or her own right, has far-reaching social, cultural, or political significance. Four credits, each semester. Twelve individuals make up the current list of portraits in human greatness. The list of units is subject to ongoing evaluation and restructuring by the Humanities faculty.

• Second-Year Calendar 2007-2008 (PDF/49KB)