Liberal Arts & Humanities

Liberal Arts & Humanities as a Field

For centuries, we as human beings have strived to understand our humanity. To understand our humanity is, in part, to comprehend the underpinnings of the world’s societies and cultures. Many people, especially those who have taken a particular interest in understanding those underpinnings, have devoted their lives to asking questions and uncovering answers through the study of humanities and liberal arts. 

Through the study of humanities, cultures and languages, people take a multi-disciplined approach to exploring and analyzing the ways in which humankind has been affected by various catalysts. They identify the results of those effects and examine the ways in which those results have influenced and shaped historical and modern-day society. They then apply their studies to real-world or present-moment events and circumstances through various vocations and skilled work. If you’re interested in working in the field of liberal arts & humanities, consider earning a degree in the subject.

Degree programs in liberal arts or humanities may afford you the opportunity to take a focused look at the variables that affect our world’s societies and cultures. By participating in such a program, you may be better able to analyze and interpret the effects of those variables and, ultimately, to better understand humanity.  

What Types of People Earn a Degree in Humanities, Cultures and Languages?

The subject of humanities, cultures and languages is expansive and its pursuers diverse. Do you love to travel to foreign countries? To visit with people coming from cultural backgrounds distinct from your own? To analyze social, political and economic phenomenon? If so, a degree in humanities, cultures and languages might be perfect for you. Also consider the degree if you find yourself fitting into any of the following descriptions:

• You love to explore and experience history—to see, smell and touch antiques; to peruse historical books, documents and accounts; to explore, understand and marvel at the historical underpinnings of a city, society, or culture; to appreciate the influence of the past on the world’s present and future
• You love to travel—to witness the brilliance of cultures; to experience the challenge of languages; to examine the influences of social, economic and political structures on a society  
• You love people—to delight in their presence; to experience their joys and sorrows; to witness their paths in life; to understand their pasts, presents and futures
• You love to make a difference—to have a positive effect on the world; to connect people and communities; to resolve communal, societal and global issues; to create peace and social justice
• You believe that humanity is more than superficial—that it has depth, breadth and meaning; that it wants to be known and understood; that it is influenced by everything around it

These descriptions are just a few that encompass the types of people who earn a degree in liberal arts and humanities.

What Types of Classes are Offered in Humanities, Cultures and Languages Programs?  

The curriculum of humanities and liberal arts programs is as diverse as the people who complete the programs. Courses are most commonly offered in subjects like philosophy, history, anthropology, sociology, political science, literature, arts and languages and are often times focused into geographical, social or chronological emphases. Students who pursue a degree in humanities, cultures and languages may acquire a broad base of knowledge in a variety of pertinent subjects. The majority of humanities, cultures and languages courses are offered through a college or university’s liberal arts or arts and letters programs.     

Career Paths

People who have a degree in humanities, cultures and languages may work as humanitarians, historians, politicians, activists, administrators, educators, writers, artists, entrepreneurs, or researchers to name a few. They may contribute to individuals, communities and societies and work in rural or urban, local, national, or international settings. They may work independently or as a part of non-profit or for-profit agencies. They may work full-time, part-time, or as contractors or freelancers. They may enjoy options in any number of fields and find a diversity of options in career paths. If this is something you may be interested in, earning a degree in humanities, cultures, and languages may be a wonderful option.