Humanities

The Bachelor of Arts in Humanities at Suffolk University offers a comprehensive and enriching academic experience designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness. This interdisciplinary program integrates courses across various disciplines such as literature, history, philosophy, arts, and social sciences, providing students with a broad understanding of human culture and societal development. Students will engage with diverse texts, artifacts, and ideas, fostering a deep appreciation for different perspectives and encouraging an active engagement with contemporary global issues. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in education, public service, arts and culture, media, or further academic pursuits. Through challenging coursework, collaborative projects, and opportunities for internships, students will develop strong communication, research, and problem-solving abilities. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals, while also offering opportunities for study abroad and experiential learning. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and fostering an inclusive academic environment. Graduates of the Humanities program at Suffolk University emerge as well-rounded individuals equipped to analyze complex issues, think critically, and communicate effectively—skills highly valued in today's dynamic workforce. Whether pursuing a career in publishing, arts management, education, or government, students will find this program to be a solid foundation for lifelong learning and professional success.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline February 15, 2015 Tuition fee

• USD 16265 Semester (National)

Full-time: 12-17 credits per semester $16,265

Start date 2016 Credits 126 credits

Students must complete a minimum of 126 credits for graduation.

Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Major Requirements: 10 courses, 38-40 credits

Foundation Requirement (4 courses, 16 credits)

• ARH-101 Art History I

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  A survey of the art of western civilization from prehistoric caves to the cathedrals of the Middle Ages. Works of painting, sculpture, and architecture are presented in their historical context. Course covers Egyptian, Ancient Near Eastern, Greek, Roman, early Islamic, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic.

  Term:

  Offered Both Fall and Spring

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

• ARH-102 Art History II

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  A survey of the art of Europe and America from the Renaissance to the present. Works of painting, sculpture, and architecture are presented in their historical context. Course covers the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop, and Post-Modernism.

  Term:

  Offered Both Fall and Spring

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

Choose one of the following courses:

• ENG-113 World Drama I

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  Survey of drama and theatre as part of world culture from classical Greece through 18th-century China. Normally offered yearly.

  Term:

  Offered Fall Term

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement,Cultural Diversity Opt B

• ENG-114 World Drama II

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  Survey of drama and theatre as part of world culture from the 19th century to the present.

  Term:

  Offered Spring Term

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement,Cultural Diversity Opt A

• ENG-123 Great Books of World Lit. I

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  Literary masterpieces from ancient times to the Renaissance, including: Homer's Odyssey, Sophocles' Oedipus, Virgil's Aeneid, selections from the Hebrew Bible and the Gospels, and Dante's Divine Comedy. List may vary at the discretion of the instructor.

  Term:

  Offered Fall Term

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

• ENG-124 Great Books of World Lit II

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  Literary masterpieces from the 17th century to the 20th, including Don Quixote (Spain), Faust (Germany), Madame Bovary (France), War and Peace (Russia) , One Hundred Years of Solitude (Colombia), The Rouge of the North (China), The Secret Life of Saeed the Pessoptomist (Israel), and So Long a Letter (Senegal). List may vary at the discretion of the instructor. Normally offered yearly.

  Term:

  Offered Spring Term

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

Choose one of the following courses:

• PHIL-210 History of Ancient & Medieval Philosophy

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  The study of philosophical thought from the period of the ancient Greek philosophers through the Medieval thinkers, including such philosophers as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Zeno, Parmenides, Pythagoras, Protagoras, Augustine, Aquinas, Anselm, and Abelard. An introductory course designed to equip the student with a well grounded understanding and appreciation of Philosophy. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

  Term:

  Offered Fall Term

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

• PHIL-211 History of Modern Philosophy

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  A study of the prominent modern thinkers, such as Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. The course is an historical survey of the key concepts, problems and developments in modern philosophy including rationalism, empiricism, and skepticism. The following themes central to Modern philosophy will be addressed: the nature of reality; the limits of human knowledge; self and self-identity; mind and body; freedom in theory and practice; reason vs. sentiment in ethics. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered every year.

  Term:

  Offered Spring Term

  Type:

  Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement

Advanced Courses (6 courses, 24 credits)

2 Art History courses at the 300-level or higher
2 Music History courses

2 courses in Literature and/or Philosophy selected from the following:

• Any English course numbered 217 or higher
• Any Philosophy course except 119, 123, and 127
• Any German Studies course numbered 216 or higher, except 303 and 304
• Any French and French Studies course numbered 205 or higher, except 305, 306, 421, and 422
• Any Spanish course at the 300 or 400-level

Notes:

• A maximum of 4 courses taken at other institutions or as part of a study abroad program may apply toward the major.
• Any Seminar for Freshmen with a topic related to art/art history, music/music history, literature, or other areas of humanistic inquiry may count toward the major with the approval of major advisor.

English Language Requirements

TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 77

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

We do not use specific minimums for scores or grades in the decision process, but weigh all factors together to gain a whole view of you and your potential for success as a Suffolk University student:

• Level and range of high school courses selected
• Grades achieved (official high school transcript with senior year grades)
• SAT or ACT scores (our code is 3771)
• Recommendations (two required; one from a guidance counselor, one from a teacher)
• The essay
• Other required forms
• Admission interview (optional)
• Transfer students should view the transfer requirements page for more details.

In high school, you should have completed:

• Four units of English
• Three units of mathematics (algebra I and II and geometry)
• Two units of science (at least one with a lab)
• Two units of language
• One unit of American history
• Four units distributed among other college preparatory electives

We may also consider other factors in the review process, such as:

• Class rank
• Honors courses
• AP courses

We are also very interested in personal qualities that will offer us further insights into you as an applicant, including:

• Admission interview
• Extracurricular involvement
• Community service
• Special interests

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Suffolk University.

The Humanities major at Suffolk University offers students an in-depth exploration of human culture, history, philosophy, literature, and the arts. This interdisciplinary program is designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of human experiences across different periods and societies. Students enrolled in the Humanities program engage with a diverse curriculum that includes courses in literature, history, philosophy, religious studies, art history, and cultural studies. The program emphasizes developing a broad intellectual foundation and honing skills in writing, research, and analysis, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in education, media, arts, public service, and more.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to think critically about ethical, aesthetic, and social issues, fostering a global perspective and cultural awareness. Faculty members are dedicated to personalized mentorship, supporting students in their academic pursuits and career goals. The program also offers opportunities for internships, study abroad, and participation in cultural events, allowing students to gain practical experience and broaden their horizons. Suffolk University's location in Boston provides unique access to a vibrant cultural scene, including museums, galleries, theaters, and historic sites, enriching the educational experience.

The Humanities major at Suffolk University is suitable for students who are passionate about exploring the values, ideas, and narratives that shape human societies. The program aims to produce well-rounded graduates capable of critical analysis and effective communication, equipped for careers in education, writing, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or continue their studies in graduate school. Overall, studying Humanities at Suffolk offers an enriching academic journey that combines rigorous coursework with real-world applications, encouraging students to become thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens.