About the Department of Humanities

Humanities Department at the San Francisco State University is an interdisciplinary program, which promotes cross-cultural study of texts (written, aural and visual), traditions, and discourses.

Humanities undergraduate and graduate students develop methods of bringing the various humanities, such as literature, music, visual forms, and architecture, into an integrative view of the world's cultural diversity. Our humanistic inquiry focuses on social conduct, values and artistic insights across human communities. This goal is accomplished through a two-pronged approach: a core curriculum that introduces humanistic methods and concepts, modes of critical analysis, and sound writing practices; a series of required courses and electives in different world regions, including Europe, Asia and the Americas. Themes for these courses include biographies of cities across the globe, great historical figures, introduction to different world cultures, and cross-cultural studies.

Students who wish to base their careers on broad knowledge of American and world cultures will find HUMANITIES BA Major useful for positions in government, business, education, and the arts. This program offers invaluable training for students who wish to pursue a Phd in any social science or Humanities discipline. Further, Practical training in a specific professional field (library work, foreign teaching or career service, journalism, museum work, etc.) may well be taken in conjunction with the major or the minor in Humanities. Students earning the B.A. in Humanities may qualify themselves for high school teaching credentials in English or History through special advising and supplemental course work. The MA program serves a variety of personal and career objectives, including preparation for teaching, doctoral study, and careers in business, public service, and the arts.