Student Learning Goals

1. Awareness of Humanistic Traditions
   Students will increase their awareness of basic human values—intellectual, social, literary, historical, ethical, and artistic—through an examination of the works and movements throughout history that have both shaped and were shaped by Western thought. This awareness will include both male and female voices that have accepted or rejected values and assumptions of their times.
2. Development of Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
   Through exposure to major artistic, literary, philosophical, and religious works and familiarity with the methods of inquiry used in the humanities disciplines, students will examine, appreciate, and understand intellectual, moral, and artistic traditions. Students will develop critical and creative thinking through writing and discussion.
3. Exposure to Interdisciplinary Approaches
   Students will be exposed to literature, art, film, music, and philosophy, which are examined in their cultural and historical contexts. Students will draw parallels and make connections between disciplines, as they recognize the arbitrary nature of traditional disciplinary boundaries and distinctions.
4. Reflection on the Humanities and Education
   Students will understand and be able to define the term “humanities” from both a historical and a methodological perspective. Students will reflect on the connections between the humanities and terms such as “intellectual traditions” and “liberal arts learning.” Students will be able to contextualize the place of humanistic inquiry within their educational goals.