The Humanities at Redlands

The College of Arts and Sciences

Turning knowledge into meaning

Why study the humanities at Redlands? The Humanities examines the written, historical and artistic record of humankind to determine how meaning is constructed and communicated within and across nations, epochs, and generations. Through the rigorous interrogation of texts and images, Humanists not only formulate new knowledge, but explore the questions of how knowledge can and should be practiced in our collective best interest.

Small class sizes promote student-faculty collaboration.

“Small class sizes are key in the humanities; students and professors can develop a personal connection,” says History Professor Matthew Raffety.

Explore a rich breadth of possibilities

Students can explore widely throughout different departments and within courses ranging from East Asian Cinema to the History of Wine. The University’s Study Abroad Program, which enables students to study at some 100 locations around the world, adds another layer of possibilities.

Gain professional skills

The types of skills fostered by the humanities at Redlands—the ability to think critically, analyze texts, communicate skillfully—are in high demand by employers. Internships, such as at local public broadcasting station KVCR, and mentored research are available to students to promote professional growth.

Combine the humanities with other interests

Collaboration is common across departments and within coursework. “Cross-disciplinary studies are encouraged,” says Religious Studies Professor Lilian Larsen. "For example, I’ve had students bring together their interests in the humanities and business."

Academic Disciplines

English

Designed to foster a deeper understanding of the English language, independent thought, and critical acumen, the English program prepares students for careers in fields such as journalism, law, advertising, and public relations.

History

Students learn historical methods and theories; gain diverse, global perspectives; produce award-winning research; and, enter careers such as business, law, publishing, and education.

Media and Visual Culture Studies

Engage critically with an array of historical and contemporary media, from the printing press to post-network television. Students gain media production skills and explore topics such as visual anthropology, gender and power in media, and cultural representation.

Modern Literatures & Languages

Dive into a new language or deepen your understanding of a current one through one of three modern language programs. Students explore the history, literature, and culture associated with a given language. They can also opt to study abroad.

Philosophy

Examine fundamental questions in logic, metaphysics, knowledge, and ethics. Students explore a broad range of philosophical problems and techniques, along with topics such as philosophy of mind, human-animal ethics, and the nature of reality.

Religious Studies

Gain an intercultural literacy and appreciation for the worldviews of other peoples and cultures. Students explore the spiritual, historical, literary, ethical, doctrinal, contemplative, and social dimensions of religions across the world and throughout history.

Related Areas of Interest

Creative Writing

Resembling a Master of Fine Arts curriculum, the creative writing program immerses students in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction workshops, a Visiting Writing Series, literary journal, and more. Focus is on the creative process rather than specialization in any one genre.

Cultural Studies

Cultivate an understanding of of diverse cultures, races, and ethnicities. Choose from four perspective-broadening programs, including opportunities to study abroad, explore complex issues, and engage in community action projects.

Law & Politics

Want to effect change via a career in law, politics, or public service? Discover the options available through our political science, pre-law, and public policy degree programs.

Performing Arts

Explore the abundance of programs available in Theatre Arts and through our School of Music. Immersed in a rich, liberal arts setting, you’ll develop your talents while nurturing body, mind, and spirit.

Visual Arts

Whether you want to explore art history, media studies, or arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and more, we have a program for you.

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Explore research, analysis, and experiences from diverse academic fields to examine issues associated with women, gender roles and identity, and sexuality.

Proudian Honors Program

Founded in 1977, the Proudian Interdisciplinary Honors Program encourages cross-disciplinary study. Students in the program participate in special seminars and can take advantage of resources including expanded library borrowing privileges.

Salzburg

Salzburg Semester

Trade the traditional classroom for a nearly 500-year-old Renaissance building set among forest and meadows in the heart of Salzburg, Austria. Enjoy field trips to destinations in Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia.

Study abroad group

Study Away

At Redlands, study away opportunities take students to locations both metropolitan and remote. Students can opt for a semester-long experience or one that fits comfortably into a four-week May Term.

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Meet a few of our alumni

Michael Ajakwe '87

Screenwriter & Producer | Pipedream Productions, Inc.

Lisa Iland Hilbert ’08

Consultant and educator, Social Bridge

Eric Pierpoint '73

Actor, author, and teacher

Ian Baldwin '08

Adjunct history lecturer

Humanities in the News

Project aims to collect and tell pandemic stories

Spearheaded by U of R Professors Heather King and Youna Kwak, Plague Stories aims to help make sense of pandemic life.

‘Expression of gratitude’

When Tim Strysko ’09 and Jessica Moore Strysko ’09 began a Christian Scriptures class in the Meditation Room as students, they recognized each other as kindred spirits.