Concentrations for Humanities and Arts Majors
Humanities and Arts Majors may focus their studies by choosing a Concentration (see list above) within a specific area of the Humanities and Arts, or within an interdisciplinary area closely related to the Humanities and Arts. Concentrations within the Humanities and Arts Department comply with WPI's requirement for Concentrations. Students must complete an MQP and two units of integrated study in the area of their Concentration. Concentrations within the Humanities and Arts (History, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Religion, Theatre, Writing and Rhetoric, Art History, German Studies, Hispanic Studies) require two units of work in an area designated by specific disciplinary course prefixes as described below. For example, a Concentration in History requires two units of HI courses at the 2000 level or higher and an MQP in history. Concentrations that are interdisciplinary in nature (American Studies, Environmental Studies, and Humanities Studies of Science and Technology) each require that course be selected from specific lists of designated courses.
All of these concentrations are excellent preparation for a variety of careers. Graduates of the Humanities and Arts major have gone to law, business, and medical schools, as well as to graduate programs in the discipline of their Humanities and Arts concentration. Some graduates have pursued careers as writers, teachers, engineers, or scientists. Other students have found work in the theatre as actors, technicians, or playwrights, or in music as composers or performers. The advantages our graduates find in their pursuit of further study and careers are the advantages of a rigorous study of the liberal arts: a good foundation in our cultural traditions and the cultural diversity of the world, and strong skills in research, analysis, writing, or performance.
In addition, since each Humanities and Arts major completes some technical work, either via the Distribution Requirements or a double major in a technical field, our graduates receive unique preparation as technological humanists. This educational experience gives them a distinct advantage in many fields in which a solid knowledge of engineering or science is increasingly valuable, such as environmental studies, theatre, or business. The Humanities and Arts major equips students with vital general professional skills and with broad cultural and technical perspectives. Our many courses devoted to international issues or to foreign languages and the active involvement of Humanities and Arts faculty in the university's global programs provides superb training for technological humanists interested in international issues. Whatever their specific area of concentration, majors in the Humanities and Arts gain an intellectual curiosity and openness to the diversity of human cultural achievements that will enrich their live sand enhance their careers.
Double Major in Humanities and Arts
Students may pursue a double major in Humanities and Arts and any area of study at WPI. To pursue the double major, a student must satisfy the degree requirements of both disciplines including an MQP and Distribution Requirements. The double major in Humanities and Arts requires 6 units of studies in the Humanities and Arts, including the MQP and Inquiry Seminar or Practicum. Students interested in pursuing this option should contact Prof. B. Addison, Salisbury Labs, for additional information.