HUMANITIES AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES
College of Arts and Letters
Humanities and Religious Studies offers an integrated approach to the study of world cultures. In courses on Western European, Asian, and American cultures, students explore ideas, ideals, and values as they are expressed in art, music, drama, history, literature, philosophy, and religion.
The Humanities concentration provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation while also allowing students the opportunity to focus their studies. For example, students can concentrate on a specific era, such as the Ancient World, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, or the Modern World. Students may also concentrate on a single cultural field such as American Studies or Asian Cultures.
The Religious Studies concentration is an in-depth comprehensive study of religious belief and practice on a global scale that surveys diverse interpretations of religious experience within and across cultural boundaries and examines religious institutions and sacred texts within a historical framework.
Students majoring in Humanities and Religious Studies may prepare for careers in teaching from the elementary level (as part of a Liberal Studies major program) through the secondary level (as part of a single subject credential program in English/Humanities). A major in Humanities and Religious Studies is also suitable preparation for postgraduate study in several advanced degree programs, including the Master of Arts program in History/Humanities and the Liberal Arts Master's Program. Providing a solid grounding in the liberal arts, the major helps graduates qualify for continued professional preparation for careers in teaching at the community college or university level, as well as library, museum, or curatorial work. Humanities and Religious Studies majors are also well-prepared for careers in government and fields such as the law and counseling, which require interaction with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Special Features
- Faculty advisors are available to help majors and minors design individual patterns of study that reflect students' particular interests and prepare them for work in their chosen fields.
- The Studia Humanitas Club organizes visits to art galleries, museums, and musical and theatrical events, and provides opportunities for students and faculty with similar interests to meet and exchange ideas.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree
Units required for Major: 45
Minimum total units required for the BA: 120
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Lower Division Courses (12 units)
(3) |
Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval |
|
(3) |
Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern |
|
(3) |
Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval |
|
(3) |
Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern |
B. Required Upper Division Courses (12 units)
(3) |
Approaches to the Humanities (HRS 10 and HRS 11, or instructor permission) |
|
(3) |
Approaches to Religious Studies |
|
(3) |
Exploring World Religions (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
Topics in the Humanities and Religious Studies (HRS 105, HRS 108 and HRS 140) |
Requirements: There are two concentrations for study in the major: the Humanities Concentration and the Religious Studies Concentration. Select one:
I. Humanities Concentration (21 units)
Required Areas of Study (9-21 units). Students must choose at least one course each from categories A, B and C.
A. Ancient - Renaissance
(3) |
The Culture of Classical Greece |
|
(3) |
The Culture of Classical Rome |
|
(3) |
Classical Mythology |
|
(3) |
Medieval Culture |
B. Enlightenment - Postmodern
(3) |
Baroque and the Enlightenment |
|
(3) |
Romanticism and Revolution |
|
(3) |
Birth of the Modern |
|
(3) |
Global Crossings: Art and Culture 1945 to Present |
|
(3) |
Images of America (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
C. Global/Non - Western
(3) |
Introduction to Islamic Cultures |
|
(3) |
African Arts and Culture |
|
(3) |
Introduction to the East Asian World |
|
(3) |
The Classical Culture of China |
|
(3) |
Modern Japanese Literature and Culture |
(3) |
Paganism in the Roman World |
|
(3) |
Classical Mythology |
|
(3) |
Reason and Revelation: The Origins of Western Culture (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament |
|
(3) |
Introduction to the New Testament |
|
(3) |
History of Christianity to the Reformation |
|
(3) |
History of Christianity Since the Reformation |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Judaism |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Islam |
|
(3) |
History of Buddhism |
|
(3) |
World Mythology |
|
(3) |
Great Mystics of the World |
|
(3) |
Spirit and Nature |
|
(3) |
Multicultural America |
|
(3) |
American Space and Identity |
|
(3) |
Hollywood and America |
|
(3) |
Religious Landscape of the Sacramento Valley (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
Zen Buddhism and Daoism |
|
(3) |
The Confucian Tradition |
|
(3) |
Religions of India I: The Formative Period |
|
(3) |
Religions of India II: Medieval and Modern |
|
(3) |
The Film |
|
(3) |
Contemporary Issues in Film |
|
(3) |
World Religions and Cultures in Cinema |
|
(3) |
Women in Film and American Culture |
|
(3) |
Fantasy and Romance |
|
(1-3) |
Special Problems |
II. Religious Studies Concentration (21 units)
Required Areas of Study (9-21 units). Students must choose at least three courses from categories A and B.
A. Religions with South and East Asian Origins
(3) |
Chinese Philosophy and Religion |
|
(3) |
Zen Buddhism and Daoism |
|
(3) |
The Confucian Tradition |
|
(3) |
Religions of India I: The Formative Period |
|
(3) |
Religions of India II: Medieval and Modern |
B. Religions with West Asian Origins
(3) |
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament |
|
(3) |
Introduction to the New Testament |
|
(3) |
History of Christianity to the Reformation |
|
(3) |
History of Christianity Since the Reformation |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Judaism |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Islam |
Supporting Courses: (0-12 units)
In consultation with an advisor, students also may choose up to four courses from the following:
(3) |
Paganism in the Roman World |
|
(3) |
Classical Mythology |
|
(3) |
Reason and Revelation: The Origins of Western Culture (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
Medieval Culture |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Islamic Cultures |
|
(3) |
African Arts and Culture |
|
(3) |
World Mythology |
|
(3) |
Great Mystics of the World |
|
(3) |
Spirit and Nature |
|
(3) |
Religious Landscape of the Sacramento Valley (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
World Religions and Cultures in Cinema |
|
(1-3) |
Special Problems |
With advisor approval, one supporting course may be selected from the following:
(3) |
Magic, Witchcraft and Religion |
|
(3) |
Rise of Religious Cults |
|
(3) |
Native American Religion and Philosophy |
|
(3) |
African Religions and Philosophies |
|
(3) |
The Ancient Near East: A Cultural History (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
History of Religion in the United States |
|
(3) |
Philosophy of Religion |
|
(3) |
Middle Eastern Societies and Culture |
|
(3) |
Sociology of Religion |
|
(3) |
Feminism and the Spirit |
Note: Students should consult with an advisor before choosing any electives. If, in the opinion of the advisor, foreign language study is appropriate to the student's academic plan, such study may be included in the required 8 units of electives.
Requirements - Minor - Humanities
Units required for Minor: 21; a minimum of 12 upper division units required.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Lower Division Courses (6 units)
(3) |
Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval OR |
|
|
Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern |
|
(3) |
Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval OR |
|
| HRS 71 | Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern |
B. Required Upper Division Course (3 units)
(3) |
Approaches to the Humanities (HRS 10 and HRS 11, or instructor permission) |
C. Required Areas of Study (9-12 units)
Students must choose at least one course each from categories A, B and C.
A. Ancient - Renaissance
(3) |
The Culture of Classical Greece |
|
(3) |
The Culture of Classical Rome |
|
(3) |
Medieval Culture |
|
(3) |
Renaissance (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
B. Enlightenment - Postmodern
(3) |
Baroque and the Enlightenment |
|
(3) |
Romanticism and Revolution |
|
(3) |
Birth of the Modern |
|
(3) |
Global Crossings: Art and Culture 1945 to Present |
|
(3) |
Images of American (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
C. Global/Non - Western
(3) |
Introduction to Islamic Cultures |
|
(3) |
African Arts and Culture |
|
(3) |
Introduction to the East Asian World |
|
(3) |
The Classical Culture of China |
|
(3) |
Modern Japanese Literature and Culture |
Supporting Courses (0-6 units)
In consultation with an advisor, students may also choose classes from the following:
(3) |
Approaches to Religious Studies |
|
(3) |
Paganism in the Roman World |
|
(3) |
Classical Mythology |
|
(3) |
Reason and Revelation: The Origins of Western Culture (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament | |
(3) |
Introduction to the New Testament |
|
(3) |
History of Christianity to the Reformation |
|
(3) |
History of Christianity Since the Reformation |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Judaism |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Islam |
|
(3) |
History of Buddhism |
|
(3) |
World Mythology |
|
(3) |
Great Mystics of the World |
|
(3) |
Spirit and Nature |
|
(3) |
Multicultural America |
|
(3) |
American Space and Identity |
|
(3) |
Hollywood and America |
|
(3) |
Religious Landscape of the Sacramento Valley (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
Zen Buddhism and Daoism |
|
(3) |
The Confucian Tradition |
|
(3) |
Religions of India I: The Formative Period |
|
(3) |
Religions of India II: Medieval and Modern |
|
(3) |
The Film |
|
(3) |
Contemporary Issues in Film |
|
(3) |
World Religions and Cultures in Cinema |
|
(3) |
Women in Film and American Culture |
|
(3) |
Fantasy and Romance |
|
(1-3) |
Special Problems |
Requirements - Minor - Religious Studies
Units required for Minor: 21
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Upper Division Courses (6 units)
(3) |
Approaches to Religious Studies |
|
(3) |
Exploring World Religions (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
B. Required Areas of Study (6-15 units)
Students must choose at least one course each from categories A and B.
A. Religions with South and East Asian Origins
(3) |
History of Buddhism |
|
(3) |
Chinese Philosophy and Religion |
|
(3) |
Zen Buddhism and Daoism |
|
(3) |
The Confucian Tradition |
|
(3) |
Religions of India I: The Formative Period |
|
(3) |
Religions of India II: Medieval and Modern |
B. Religions with West Asian Origins
(3) |
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament |
|
(3) |
Introduction to the New Testament |
|
(3) |
History of Christianity to the Reformation |
|
(3) |
History of Christianity Since the Reformation |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Judaism |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Islam |
(3) |
Paganism in the Roman World |
|
(3) |
Classical Mythology |
|
(3) |
Reason and Revelation: The Origins of Western Culture (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
Medieval Culture |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Islamic Cultures |
|
(3) |
African Arts and Culture |
|
(3) |
World Mythology |
|
(3) |
Great Mystics of the World |
|
(3) |
Spirit and Nature |
|
(3) |
Religious Landscape of the Sacramento Valley (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
World Religions and Cultures in Cinema |
With advisor approval, three units of supporting courses may be selected from the following:
(3) |
Magic, Witchcraft and Religion |
|
(3) |
Rise of Religious Cults |
|
(3) |
Native American Religion and Philosophy |
|
(3) |
African Religions and Philosophies |
|
(3) |
The Ancient Near East: A Cultural History (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or C or higher grade in ENGL 109M/W, or C- grade in ENGL 109M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
|
(3) |
History of Religion in the United States |
|
(3) |
Philosophy of Religion |
|
(3) |
Middle Eastern Societies and Culture |
|
(3) |
Sociology of Religion |
|
(3) |
Feminism and the Spirit |
Career Possibilities
Teaching · Publishing · Journalism · Government · Public Relations · Library Science · Theology · Creative Writing · Literary Research · Ministry · Law · Counseling
Faculty
Jeffrey Brodd, Alyson Buckman, Jackie R. Donath, Joël Dubois, Maria Jaoudi, Bradley Nystrom, Richard Shek, Victoria Shinbrot
Contact Information
Jackie R. Donath, Department Chair
Carol Downey, Administrative Support Coordinator
Mendocino Hall 2011
(916) 278-6444
www.csus.edu/hum
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