Why Study the Humanities?
The Humanities are all about people and what it means to be a person living in the world. Explore culture, language, art, writing, environment, family and community, and what it means to engage with one another in our shared global experience.
Meet your educational goals and beyond with this Path by combining different Fields of Study like history, philosophy, and performing arts, and even participating in a Study Abroad program, all while building skills employers are looking for: critical thinking, analysis, exposure to diverse perspectives, and collaborative working.
Humanities graduates are teachers, entrepreneurs, public servants, artists, doctors, lawyers, and more, since the path prepares you for a successful career in almost any field in which you will encounter other people.
Join the Humanities Path
By joining this Path, you will receive advising opportunities specific to this Path.
Contact an Advisor to Get Started
Affiliate with the Humanities Path
Follow This Path
The Humanities Path offers programs each year at entry, intermediate, and advanced levels. Programs are built within the context of our changing and dynamic world, allowing us to offer fresh perspectives in history, literature, music, and more throughout your academic journey.
Getting Started
Get Involved with the Humanities
Whether you are a new student or just new to this Path, check out the New Student Handbook to learn how to get started at Evergreen and find your people on campus.
- Meet students and faculty in your path by attending path events
- Take a First-year program to explore a variety of subjects and disciplines
- Attend the Academic Fair to meet faculty and learn about upcoming programs
- Get guidance on your academic journey and career goals by meeting with an Academic Advisor or Faculty member
- Engage in campus culture by attending club meetings and campus events like lectures, films, and performances
- Attend the Academic Fair to meet faculty and learn about upcoming programs
Years 1 - 2
Try new things and explore all your options
- Take an entry level program associated with the Humanities Path, this will prepare you for intermediate and advanced study later
- Since the humanities are all about the variability of the human experience, your learning should be too – we recommend taking an additional interdisciplinary program outside the path (like math, science, or art) for at least one quarter
- What better way to understand different cultures than to learn their language? Consider a single-subject language course or taking a program with a language component
- Stay in touch with your faculty and get support and mentorship by attending their office hours
- Get involved with Student Groups related to your interests and academic goals
Year 3
Dig deep and strengthen your connections
- Now that you have a few years under your belt, it’s time to take intermediate and intermediate-to-advanced level programs that incorporate individual projects and out-of-class experiences
- Start thinking about ways to gain experience outside of your programs, like through an Internship or Study Abroad program
- Consider registering for a Summer course or program or applying for a paid Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
- Plan your final year by connecting with your faculty and Academic Advisor to plan your capstone, your final programs, and what you may need for careers or graduate school
Year 4
Finish strong and get ready for your next steps
- Take intermediate-to-advanced and advanced level programs focusing on your chosen field or discipline
- If you have room to take a few extra credits, consider registering for a Study Abroad experience or a single-subject course to round out your schedule
- Design and complete your capstone with the support of your faculty
- Connect with your faculty and Academic Advisor to make plans for applying for jobs or graduate school
Capstone
A Capstone is a final project or experience, usually done in your final year, created to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in your chosen skill area.
Your capstone will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities you have gained at Evergreen and is a great way to showcase what you have learned in a way that matters to you.
Capstone Design
Like everything else at Evergreen, your capstone experience is yours to customize. Capstones can take the form of a:
- Senior thesis
- Independent project
- Individual Study or Internship
- Study abroad experience
- Artistic portfolio
Planning Your Capstone
Your faculty will provide guidance on how best to blend subjects, academic and creative experiences, and your personal academic journey. Capstone opportunities are offered through various programs and experiences, some options are:
- The one-quarter program, “Capstone in the Humanities” offered each year
- Individual Study – complete an ILC or INT with a faculty member in your Path
- Multi-quarter programs offering capstone opportunities
Faculty Mentorship and Support
Faculty are always excited to talk about their fields and welcome students during their office hours to discuss your interests and answer questions about their Field of Study.
Faculty mentorship is a key piece of an Evergreen education. Your faculty are ready to support you not just through your course work, but through any experience you want to explore. Faculty act as mentors and advisors in many capacities and will be valuable resources throughout your academic journey and beyond.
We have a wide variety of faculty covering a range of disciplines ready to support you during your time at Evergreen.
Experiential Learning
Individual Study and Internships
Faculty are passionate about helping you study what you’re most interested in. Sometimes that means letting you take your learning outside the classroom for an experience such as an internship at a museum or volunteering with a community organization.
With independent learning, you’ll get space to work independently on a project you’re passionate about. This could be writing a piece of music, studying the remains of an ancient city, doing research in an archive, or traveling to study a cultural practice.
You can also get connected with a local organization like a historical society or production company and gain career skills while earning credit. Flexibility and support for your learning is what it’s all about.
Study Abroad
The study abroad options on this Path are world-class learning opportunities. Travel with a tight-knit community of fellow students and your faculty to explore the cultures and history of people around the world.
Programs on this Path have traveled to:
- China
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Mexico
- Mongolia
- Nicaragua
- Spain
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
An Interdisciplinary Experience
Programs on this Path often include more than one subject at a time. You’ll learn different approaches to the same topic, letting you make connections you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see.
Because you’ll gain advanced research, writing, communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills, studying the humanities is great preparation for almost any career. Learning to view the world in a critical and creative way will help you determine what success means for you and how you can achieve it.
Languages
Learning a language at Evergreen is a comprehensive and inspiring experience. In addition to learning the language itself, you’ll explore the history and culture behind it. You’ll also have lots of interdisciplinary, hands-on experiences that will bring it all to life, such as study abroad opportunities. Learn more about language courses in the Academic Catalog.