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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 Humanities. 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 Humanitatis 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

Humanities Concentration (39 units)

Units required for Major: 39
Minimum total units required for the BA: 120

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

I. Required Lower Division Courses (12 units)

(3)

HRS 10

Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval

(3)

HRS 11

Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern

(3)

HRS 70

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval

(3)

HRS 71

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern

II. Required Upper Division Courses (9 units)

(3)

HRS 105

Approaches to the Humanities (HRS 10 and HRS 11, or instructor permission)

(3)

One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series (completion of 9 units of lower division core courses and eligibility for WI courses)

(3)

One course in the HRS 195 Seminar in Humanities series (completion of 12 units of HRS lower division core courses, HRS 105, senior status; or instructor permission)

III. Required Areas of Study (9-18 units)

Select at least one from each of the categories A, B, and C

A. Ancient - Renaissance

(3)

HRS 113

The Culture of Classical Greece

(3)

HRS 114

The Culture of Classical Rome

(3)

HRS 131

Medieval Culture

(3)

HRS 132

Renaissance (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

B. Enlightenment - Postmodern

(3)

HRS 134

Baroque and the Enlightenment

(3)

HRS 135

Romanticism and Revolution

(3)

HRS 136

Birth of the Modern

(3)

HRS 137

Global Crossings: Art and Culture 1945 to Present

(3)

HRS/HIST 168

Images of America (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

C. Global/Non - Western

(3)

HRS 145

Introduction to Islamic Cultures

(3)

HRS 171

Introduction to the East Asian World

(3)

HRS 172

The Classical Culture of China

(3)

HRS 174

Modern Japanese Literature and Culture

IV. Supporting Courses: (0-9 units)

With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may select up to three of the following:

(3)

HRS 108

Approaches to Religious Studies

(3)

HRS 119

Classical Mythology

(3)

HRS 151

World Mythology

(3)

HRS 161

Multicultural America

(3)

HRS 162

American Space and Identity

(3)

HRS/HIST 169

Hollywood and America

(3)

HRS 180

The Film

(3)

HRS 181

Contemporary Issues in Film

(3)

HRS 185

Women in Film and American Culture

(3)

HRS 188

Fantasy and Romance

(3)

HRS 196

Experimental Offerings in Humanities and Religious Studies (instructor permission)

(1-3)

HRS 199

Special Problems(instructor and department chair permission)

Note: With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may select up to two courses from the following departments: Art, English, Foreign Languages, History, Philosophy. Theatre and Dance.

Religious Studies Concentration (39 units)

Units required for Major: 39
Minimum total units required for the BA: 120

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

I. Required Lower Division Courses (9 units)

Select three of the following

(3)

HRS 10

Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval

(3)

HRS 11

Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern

(3)

HRS 70

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval

(3)

HRS 71

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern

II. Required Upper Division Courses (12 units)

(3)

HRS 108

Approaches to Religious Studies

(3)

HRS 140

Exploring World Religions (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

(3)

One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series (completion of 9 units of lower division core courses and eligibility for WI courses)

(3)

One course in the HRS 198 Seminar in Humanities series (completion of 9 units of HRS lower division core courses, HRS 108, HRS 140 senior status; or instructor permission)

III. Required Areas of Study (9-18 units)

Select at least three of the following, at least one from each of the categories A and B:

A. Religions with South and East Asian Origins

(3)

HRS 147

History of Buddhism

(3)

HRS 173

Chinese Philosophy and Religion

(3)

HRS 175

Zen Buddhism and Daoism

(3)

HRS 176

The Confucian Tradition

(3)

HRS 178A

Religions of India I: The Formative Period

(3)

HRS 178B

Religions of India II: Medieval and Modern

(3)

HRS 179A

The Hindu Year: Fall

(3)

HRS 179B

The Hindu Year: Spring

B. Religions with West Asian Origins

(3)

HRS 117

Paganism in the Roman World

(3)

HRS 121

Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

(3)

HRS 122

Introduction to the New Testament

(3)

HRS/HIST 126

History of Christianity to the Reformation

(3)

HRS/HIST 127

History of Christianity Since the Reformation

(3)

HRS 141

Introduction to Judaism

(3)

HRS 142

Introduction to Christianity

(3)

HRS 144

Introduction to Islam

IV. Supporting Courses: (0-9 units)

Select up to three of the following:

(3)

HRS 105

Approaches to the Humanities (HRS 10 and HRS 11 or instructor permission)

(3)

HRS 119

Classical Mythology

(3)

HRS 145

Introduction to Islamic Cultures

(3)

HRS 151

World Mythology

(3)

HRS 152

Great Mystics of the World

(3)

HRS 154

Food, Farming, and the Sacred

(3)

HRS 155

Spirit and Nature

(3)

HRS 183

World Religions and Cultures in Cinema

(3)

HRS 196

Experimental Offerings in Humanities and Religious Studies (instructor permission)

(1-3)

HRS 199

Special Problems (instructor and department chair permission)

Note: With approval of HRS faculty advisor, advisor approval, a student may select up to two of the following:

(3)

ANTH 13

Magic, Witchcraft and Religion

(3)

ANTH 166

Rise of Religious Cults

(3)

COMS 165

Communication and Religion

(3)

ETHN 50

Native American Religion and Philosophy

(3)

ETHN 171

African Religions and Philosophies

(3)

HIST 170

History of Religion in the United States

(3)

PHIL 131

Philosophy of Religion

(3)

SOC 171

Sociology of Religion

(3)

WOMS 145

Feminism and the Spirit

Note: With approval of HRS faculty advisor, foreign language study may be applied as elective units. The advisor and student together will determine if the language is appropriate to the student's area of interest in Religious Studies. Students should consult with an advisor before choosing any electives.

Humanities Minor (21 units)

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

I. Required Lower Division Courses (6 units)

(3)

HRS 10

Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval OR

 

HRS 11

Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern

(3)

HRS 70

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval OR

  HRS 71

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern

II. Required Upper Division Course (3 units)

(3)

HRS 105

Approaches to the Humanities (HRS 10 and HRS 11, or instructor permission)

III. Required Areas of Study (9-12 units)

Select at least one from each of the categories A, B, and C:

A. Ancient - Renaissance

(3)

HRS 113

The Culture of Classical Greece

(3)

HRS 114

The Culture of Classical Rome

(3)

HRS 131

Medieval Culture

(3)

HRS 132

Renaissance (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

B. Enlightenment - Postmodern

(3)

HRS 134

Baroque and the Enlightenment

(3)

HRS 135

Romanticism and Revolution

(3)

HRS 136

Birth of the Modern

(3)

HRS 137

Global Crossings: Art and Culture 1945 to Present

(3)

HRS/HIST 168

Images of America (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

C. Global/Non - Western

(3)

HRS 145

Introduction to Islamic Cultures

(3)

HRS 171

Introduction to the East Asian World

(3)

HRS 172

The Classical Culture of China

(3)

HRS 174

Modern Japanese Literature and Culture

IV. Supporting Courses (0-3 units)
With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may select one from the following:

(3)

HRS 119

Classical Mythology

(3)

HRS 151

World Mythology

(3)

HRS 161

Multicultural America

(3)

HRS 162

American Space and Identity

(3)

HRS/HIST 169

Hollywood and America

(3)

HRS 180

The Film

(3)

HRS 181

Contemporary Issues in Film

(3)

HRS 185

Women in Film and American Culture

(3)

HRS 188

Fantasy and Romance

(3)

 

One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series (completion of 9 units of HRS lower division core courses; eligibility for WI courses.

(3)

 

One course in the HRS 195 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series (completion of 12 units of HRS lower division core courses, HRS 105, senior status; or instructor permission.

(3)

HRS 196

Experimental Offerings in Humanities and Religious Studies (instructor permission)

(1-3)

HRS 199

Special Problems (instructor and department chair permission)

Note: With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may choose one course from the following departments: Art, English, Foreign Languages, History, Philosophy, Theatre and Dance.

Religious Studies Minor (21 units)

Units required for Minor: 21

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

I. Required Upper Division Courses (6 units)

(3)

HRS 108

Approaches to Religious Studies

(3)

HRS 140

Exploring World Religions (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

II. 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)

HRS/HIST 147

History of Buddhism

(3)

HRS 173

Chinese Philosophy and Religion

(3)

HRS 175

Zen Buddhism and Daoism

(3)

HRS 176

The Confucian Tradition

(3)

HRS 178A

Religions of India I: The Formative Period

(3)

HRS 178B

Religions of India II: Medieval and Modern

(3)

HRS 179A

The Hindu Year: Fall

(3)

HRS 179B

The Hindu Year: Spring

B. Religions with West Asian Origins

(3)

HRS 117

Paganism in the Roman World

(3)

HRS 121

Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

(3)

HRS 122

Introduction to the New Testament

(3)

HRS/HIST 126

History of Christianity to the Reformation

(3)

HRS/HIST 127

History of Christianity Since the Reformation

(3)

HRS 141

Introduction to Judaism

(3)

HRS 142

Introduction to Christianity

(3)

HRS 144

Introduction to Islam

III. Supporting Courses (0-9 units)

Select up to three of the following:

(3)

HRS 119

Classical Mythology

(3)

HRS 145

Introduction to Islamic Cultures

(3)

HRS 151

World Mythology

(3)

HRS 152

Great Mystics of the World

(3)

HRS 154

Food, Farming, and the Sacred

(3)

HRS 155

Spirit and Nature

(3)

HRS 183

World Religions and Cultures in Cinema

(3)

 

One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series (completion of 9 units of HRS lower division core courses; completion of the WI.

(3)

HRS 196

Experimental Offerings in Humanities and Religious Studies (approval of HRS faculty advisor)

(3)

HRS 198

Seminar in Religious Studies (completion of 9 units of HRS lower division core courses, HRS 108, senior status; or instructor permission)

(1-3)

HRS 199

Special Problems (instructor and department chair permission)

With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may select up to, two of the following:

(3)

ANTH 13

Magic, Witchcraft and Religion

(3)

ANTH 166

Rise of Religious Cults

(3)

COMS 165

Communication and Religion

(3)

ETHN 50

Native American Religion and Philosophy

(3)

ETHN 171

African Religions and Philosophies

(3)

HIST 170

History of Religion in the United States

(3)

PHIL 131

Philosophy of Religion

(3)

SOC 171

Sociology of Religion

(3)

WOMS 145

Feminism and the Spirit

GRADUATE PROGRAM - Master of Arts - Humanities

Admission Requirements

Admission as a classified graduate student in Humanities requires:

  • a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university (or equivalent preparation if the student has done undergraduate work outside the U.S.);
  • an undergraduate major in Humanities or in a closely related field (subject to approval by the Graduate Coordinator);
  • a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester units attempted and a minimum 3.3 GPA in Humanities courses (or in major in a related field);

Students with deficiencies in Admission Requirements that can be removed by specified additional preparation may be considered for admission with conditionally classified graduate status. Any deficiencies will be noted on a response to the admission application.

Admission Procedures

Applicants should file two applications: one to the California State University, Sacramento Office of Graduate Studies for admission to the University, and the other to the Department of Humanities and Religious Studies for classified status in the Humanities master's program. Please check with the Office of Graduate Studies for current application deadlines.

All applicants must file the following with the Office of Graduate Studies, River Front Center 206, (916) 278-6470 , www.csus.edu/grad studies:

  • an online application for admission; and
  • two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than California State University, Sacramento

Applicants must also file the following with Department of Humanities and Religious Studies:

  • statement of purpose of approximately 500 words (typed) in response to the following question: How does the Humanities master's program fit with your talents, interests, and aspirations?
  • two letters of recommendation. Letters should ideally come from college/university instructors, but if these are not available, any other credible source who can address qualifications will be acceptable (e.g., work supervisor or community leader);
  • academic writing sample of 3-5 pages, to be accompanied by a brief explanation regarding the context (e.g., the course and assignment) for which the writing was produced.

Advancement to Candidacy

Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy, indicating a proposed program of graduate study. This should be initiated by the student as soon as the student has:

  • removed any deficiencies in Admission Requirements;
  • completed at least 12 units of 200-level courses in the graduate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA;
  • achieved a passing grade on the Humanities M.A. Preliminary Exam; and
  • received a placement Score Number of 80 on the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) timed essay exam or received a grade of "B" or better in a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of course work at California State University, Sacramento or met one of the graduate GWAR equivalency standards.

Advancement to Candidacy forms are available in the Office of Graduate Studies and the Humanities and Religious Studies departmental office. The student fills out the form after planning a degree program in consultation with his/her HRS advisor. The completed form is then returned to the Graduate Coordinator and the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.

Requirements - Master of Arts Degree - Humanities

Units required for the MA: 30
Minimum GPA 3.0

A. Required Courses (9 units)

(3) HRS 200A Culture and Expression: Prehistory to the Middle Ages (HRS major or minor)

(3) HRS 200B Culture and Expression: Renaissance to Present (HRS major or minor)

(3) HRS 202 Western Aesthetics: Traditions and Revisions (Graduate standing)

B. Electives (18 units)

Choose two areas from the three below (A. Ancient Humanities; B. Modern Humanities; C. Global Humanities). Students must complete 9 units in each of the two selected areas (18 units total). Six of the 18 units may consist of HRS 100-level courses with the approval of the Graduate Coordinator, AND 3 of the 18 units may consist of HRS 299 with approval of the Graduate Coordinator.

A. Ancient Humanities

(3)

HRS 222

Evolving Concepts of God: Portrait of Deity in Monotheistic Religions

(3)

HRS 224

Religions of the Roman Empire

(3)

HRS 228

Early Christian Literature

(3)

HRS 234

The Gothic Spirit

B. Modern Humanities

(3)

HRS 205/PHIL 192D

Space and Time (6 units in philosophy or instructor permission)

(3)

HRS 209

Versions of the Self in Western Literature and the Arts

(3)

HRS 216

Historical Reflections on the American Dream

(3)

HRS 217

Ordinary America

(3)

HRS 235

Transcendence & Transgression in the Romantic Period

(3)

HRS 236

Modernism: Contingent Realities of Self and World

Global Humanities

(3)

HRS 290B/190B

Seminar in HRS: The Body (HRS major or minor; Completion of 9 units of HRS lower division core courses and eligibility for WI classes based on WPJ placement score or passage of the appropriate prerequisite)

(3)

HRS 290C/ 190C

Seminar in HRS: The Many Realities of Consciousness (HRS major or minor; Completion of 9 units of HRS lower division core courses and eligibility for WI classes based on WPJ placement score or passage of the appropriate prerequisite)

(3)

HRS 290D/ 190D

Seminar in HRS: Death and Afterlife (HRS major or minor; completion of 9 units of HRS lower division courses; completion of the WPJ)

(3)

HRS 290H/ 190H

Seminar in HRS: The Hero (9 units of HRS lower division core courses and eligibility for WI classes based on the WPJ placement score or passage of the appropriate prerequisite)

C. Culminating Requirement (3 units)

(3) HRS 500 Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy and permission of the Graduate Coordinator)

Career Possibilities

Teaching · Academic Research · Publishing · Journalism · Government · Public Relations · Law · Library Science · Creative Writing · Literary Research · Theology · Ministry · Counseling

Faculty

Jeffrey Brodd, Alyson Buckman, Jackie R. Donath, Mary Doyno, Joël Dubois, Maria Jaoudi, Bradley Nystrom, Richard Shek, Victoria Shinbrot, Harvey Stark

Contact Information

Bradley Nystrom, Department Chair
Victoria Shinbrot, Graduate Coordinator
Carol Downey, Administrative Support Coordinator
Mendocino Hall 2011
(916) 278-6444
www.csus.edu/hum



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