The humanities is a flexible interdisciplinary field that includes subjects like history, philosophy, religion, languages, law, the performing arts and others. Typically, humanities programs emphasize students’ abilities to analyze and fully explore the material presented through their classes so that they can achieve a thorough understanding of society. Themes discussed in humanities classes include identity, anthropology, ethics, intercultural communication, the nature of society, how human beings interact, and more. The humanities differs from the social sciences because of its emphasis on studying the human condition. The social sciences, as a field of study, depends on a more scientific approach to understand society.

This collection of humanities courses aims to offer students a diverse, well-balanced foundation in the field. Subjects include law, philosophy, religion, Latin, communications, cultural studies, romanticism, anthropology and identity issues. Students will also find helpful links to other resources that allow them to relate their specific courses to a larger context, by analyzing history, literature and more. Featured resources include articles like “New York Plans to Make Gender a Choice” and “The Trouble When Jane Becomes Jack,” links to related open courseware classes, The Perseus Digital Library, The Handbook of Latin American Studies and others.

• Law and Society [MIT] — This anthropology course explores the nature of law and benefits students wanting a career as a lawyer, judge, or security professional, as well as individual citizens desiring a deeper understanding of law and society.
• Introduction to Philosophy [University of Notre Dame] — This course serves as a broad-based introduction to philosophy and covers topics in ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics and more.
• Communicating Across Cultures [MIT] – The humanities stresses the significance of studying and understanding different cultures. In this course, students learn to communicate in a global society.
• Beginning Latin [Utah State University] – Utah State’s Beginning Latin course introduces students into the ancient language in both its forms: Classical Latin and Vulgar Latin.
• Romanticism and Religion [UC Berkeley] – Listen to this podcast for a look at how romanticism and religion relate.
• Identity and Difference [MIT] – This course is included in MIT’s Anthropology and Women’s and Gender Studies departments. Students will explore how gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion and other issues define identity.