Humanities (BA)
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Humanities provides a strong pre-professional education in the liberal arts. Students acquire the writing, critical thinking, aesthetic, and analytical abilities required to pursue a graduate degree, or to advance in their career. The broad-based humanities curriculum encourages them to think in the cross-cultural and cross- disciplinary way needed to succeed in today's increasingly globalized business, cultural, and communication environments. Concentrations in art history, creative writing, and literature are available. Courses introduce students to the concepts, practices, methods, and theories specific to their field of concentration.
Admissions
New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.
Program Requirements
The program requires the completion of 128 credits, comprised of the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | ||
| The following courses may be required based on a writing placement assessment, and should be successfully completed within the first three semesters: | 8-10 | |
| Introduction to Creative and Expository Writing | ||
| Writing Workshop I | ||
| Writing Workshop II | ||
| Critical Thinking | ||
| HUMN1-UC 6401 | Critical Thinking | 4 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Students, in close consultation with their adviser, select Math 1 and Math II or one of the following other courses based on a math placement assessment: | 4 | |
| Math I and Math II | ||
| Mathematical Reasoning | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Calculus W/Applications to Business & Economics | ||
| Scientific Issues | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Human Biology | ||
| Environmental Sustainability | ||
| Stars, Planets, & Life | ||
| Biology of Hunger & Population | ||
| Historical Perspectives | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Renaissance to Revolutn | ||
| The American Experience | ||
| Classical & Medieval World | ||
| Contemporary World | ||
| Global Perspectives | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| World Cultures: Africa | ||
| World Cultures: Middle East | ||
| World Cultures: Asia | ||
| World Cultures: Latin America & The Caribbean | ||
| Literary and Artistic Expressions | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| History of Music | ||
| Visual Expressions in Society | ||
| Contemporary Global Literature | ||
| Oral Traditions in Literature | ||
| Foundation Courses: Humanities | ||
| Select four courses from the following: 1 | 16 | |
| Foundations of The Creative Process | ||
| History of Art I: Earliest to Middle Ages | ||
| History of Art II: Renaissance to Modern | ||
| The Language of Contemporary Images | ||
| Introduction to Literature | ||
| Foundations of Philosophical Thought | ||
| Judaism, Christianity, & Islam | ||
| Hinduism, Buddhism, & Taoism | ||
| Foundation Courses: Social Sciences | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 4 | |
| Intro to Macroeconomics | ||
| Intro to Microeconomics | ||
| Business Organization & Management | ||
| Organizational Behavior | ||
| Oral Communications | ||
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Understanding Media | ||
| Political Thought | ||
| American Politics | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Intro to Psychology | ||
| Intro to Sociology | ||
| The Global Economy | ||
| History of Economic Thought | ||
| Methods and Theory | ||
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
ARTH1-UC 5419 | ||
| Art Theory & Criticism | ||
| Seminar in Reading & Writing | ||
| Humanities Research Seminar | ||
| Literary Theory & Criticism | ||
| Media and Literary Genres I | ||
| Media and Literary Genres II: | ||
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 16 credits in one of the following concentration areas: 2 | 16 | |
Art History and Visual Culture | ||
Creative Writing | ||
Literature | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| Select 20 credits in consultation with advisor: 3 | 20 | |
| The Art and History of Advertising and Graphic Design | ||
| The History of Interior Design | ||
| Oppositional Dress: A Subtext of Fashion | ||
| American Art & Architecture | ||
| Gender Studies in Art History | ||
| History of Photography | ||
| The Manhattan Skyline | ||
| New York City Architecture | ||
| Public Art in New York | ||
| The Arts: Art Studio Techniques and Practices | ||
| The Arts: The Blues | ||
| The Arts: Collage & Mixed Media | ||
| The Arts: Drawing | ||
| The Arts: Drawing, Expression,Space & Form | ||
| The Arts: Fundamentals of Painting & Design | ||
| The Arts: Jazz | ||
| The Arts: Photography: The World Through the Lens | ||
| The Arts: Rock, Soul, Salsa 1950-1980 | ||
| The Arts: Roots of American Music | ||
| The Arts: World Music | ||
| The Arts: Writing About the Arts | ||
| Editorial Conference | ||
| Focus on Technique: | ||
| Intensive Workshop in Creative Writing | ||
CWRG1-UC 6091 | ||
| Sp Tpcs in Literature | ||
| Sp Tpcs in Creatve Wrtg | ||
| Liberal Arts Internship | ||
| Free Electives | ||
| Select 26-28 credits from DAUS course offerings by advisement | 26-28 | |
| Graduation Project | ||
| Select one of the following courses by advisement: | 4 | |
| Senior Project: Humanities | ||
| Liberal Arts Senior Project: Internship | ||
| Total Credits | 128 | |
- 1
Prior to beginning a concentration, students must complete a series of foundation courses within their major. A student's chosen concentration determines which particular combination of the following required courses and elected humanities and social sciences courses will make up the foundation curriculum of their humanities major.
- 2
Students enrolled in the Art History and Visual Culture Concentration also have the option to complete one of the following Art History and Visual Culture Practical Application Tracks: Art Business Track, Fine and Decorative Art Appraisal Track, or Arts Administration Track. Each track consists of 10 required credits that count towards the Major Requirements component of the BA in Humanities degree. Concentrations are optional. Students who do not elect to complete a concentration must instead take additional elective courses to fulfill the credit requirements.
- 3
To enhance their area of concentration and to broaden their knowledge base, students select 20 credits by combining their choice of the concentration courses; other humanities or social sciences courses; and the following courses. Students in the Art History and Visual Culture concentration must select one ARTS1-UC course.
Concentrations
Students complete 16 credits in one of the following concentration areas: Art History and Visual Culture, Creative Writing, or Literature. Students enrolled in the Art History and Visual Culture Concentration also have the option to complete one of the following Art History and Visual Culture Practical Application Tracks: Art Business Track, Fine and Decorative Art Appraisal Track, or Arts Administration Track. Each track consists of 10 required credits that count towards the Major Requirements component of the B.A. in Humanities degree. Concentrations are optional. Students who do not elect to complete a concentration must instead take additional elective courses to fulfill the credit requirements.
Art History and Visual Culture
Analyze and comprehend the cultural, social, and political messages that lie hidden beneath art’s aesthetic beauty.
Students learn about the cultural, social, and political messages that lie within art's aesthetic beauty. Building from a foundation in the language of art, you will learn how the creative process is both influenced, and influenced by, the cultural context in which art is created. The program includes studio art courses and the School's proximity to museums and art galleries helps enhance the classroom.
NYC is an Art City
Graduates of this program have secured jobs at auction houses, advertising agencies, art galleries, or in arts administration. Others have gone on to graduate studies in art history, museum studies, art education, art restoration and conservation, and library science.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Modern World Category | ||
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| Ancient Art & Architecture | ||
| Early Medieval Art & Architecture | ||
| Romanesque & Gothic Art & Architecture | ||
| Italian Renaissance Art & Architecture | ||
| Northern Renaissance Art & Architecture | ||
| Baroque & Rococo Art & Architecture | ||
| The Middle Ages in Film | ||
| History of Architecture | ||
| Modern World Category | ||
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| Modern Art and Architecture | ||
| Contemporary Art: The New York Scene | ||
| 19th Century Art & Architecture | ||
| The Arts of Africa | ||
| The Arts of China and Japan | ||
| Islamic Art and Architecture | ||
| Art of the Americas | ||
| History of Modern Fashion, 1900- Present | ||
Art History and Visual Culture Concentration Tracks
Students in the Art History and Visual Culture concentration may elect to take one of three tracks. The tracks provide an introduction and broad foundation for students interested in pursuing practical careers related to art history and the arts. Credits in the Art History and Visual Culture Concentration Tracks count towards Major Requirements. Each track consists of 10 credits.
Art Business Practical Application Track (Major Requirements)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELEC1-UC 1034 | The Art Auction | 2 |
| BUSN1-UC 0504 | 4 | |
| ELEC1-UC 1039 | Today's American and International Art Market | 2 |
| ELEC1-UC 1040 | Starting a Successful Art | 2 |
Fine and Decorative Art Appraisal Track (Major Requirements)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELEC1-UC 1209 | Essentials of Appraising | 2 |
| ELEC1-UC 1037 | IRS Legal Guidelines of Fine and Decorative Arts | 2 |
| ELEC1-UC 1035 | 2 | |
| ELEC1-UC 1038 | Research Methods for Appraisers | 2 |
| ELEC1-UC 1036 | Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice for Personal Property Appraisers | 2 |
Arts Administration Track (Major Requirements)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELEC1-UC 1027 | Financing Cultural Institutions: Strategies and Challenges | 2 |
| ELEC1-UC 1026 | Financial Management for the Arts | 2 |
| ELEC1-UC 1024 | Fundraising for The Arts | 2 |
| ELEC1-UC 1023 | Managing The Arts | 2 |
| ELEC1-UC 1025 | Marketing The Arts | 2 |
Creative Writing
Designed for beginner through experienced writers who wish to develop their craft.
The Creative Writing concentration is designed for beginner through experienced writers who wish to develop their craft. Through studio classes in poetry, prose, and performance, you will concentrate on generating texts and learning the conventions of particular genres and forms. You also will participate in interdisciplinary humanities seminars that bring together reading, writing, theory, and method.
Build Your Audience
Improve as a writer with practice and feedback and increase your audience through publication in our literary and arts journal, Dovetail.
Students select four credits from Craft Studios and four credits from Workshops and an additional eight credits from either category.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Craft Studios Category | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| The Craft of Playwriting | ||
| Poetry Studio | ||
| Prose Studio | ||
| Workshops Category | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Creative Nonfiction Workshop | ||
| Fiction Workshop | ||
| Poetry Workshop | ||
| Writing for Children & Adolescents | ||
| Writing for The Screen | ||
| Writing for The Theater | ||
| Digital Storytelling | ||
| Writing for Media and Communication | ||
| Select and additional eight credits from either category | 8 | |
Literature
Explore how literature serves to enrich understanding and foster critical thinking in a complex world.
Love to read and get lost in books? In this concentration, learn how literature connects us in a complex and global world. Explore the dynamic interaction of literary forms with history, science, politics, and social change.
Thought Leadership
Because of its cultural focus and emphasis on analytical reading and writing skills, literature is considered excellent preparation for graduate school and careers in business, law, and the social services.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Literary Forms Category | ||
| Select eight credits from the following: | 8 | |
| Classical Literature | ||
| Contemporary Genres: | ||
LITR1-UC 6266 | ||
| Media and Literary Genres I | ||
| Media and Literary Genres II: | ||
| Literature and the Environment | ||
| Literature in History Category | ||
| Select eight credits from the following: | 8 | |
| American Literary Encounters: British, Native American, Hispanic, Black Voices | ||
| Major Authors: | ||
| Modernism and Literature | ||
| Mysticism, Faith, and Science | ||
| Postcolonial Literatures | ||
| Power, Money and Property | ||
| Knights & Chivalry | ||
Sample Plan of Study
Art History
| 1st Semester/Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EXWR1-UC 7502 | Writing Workshop I | 4 |
| Historical Perspectives | 4 | |
| Literary & Artistic Expressions | 4 | |
| ARTH1-UC 5430 | History of Art I: Earliest to Middle Ages | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 2nd Semester/Term | ||
| EXWR1-UC 7503 | Writing Workshop II | 4 |
| Scientific Issues | 4 | |
| ARTH1-UC 5431 | History of Art II: Renaissance to Modern | 4 |
| Art History and Visual Culture Concentration Course: Art in the Pre-Modern World | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 3rd Semester/Term | ||
| HUMN1-UC 6401 | Critical Thinking | 4 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 4 | |
| Foundation: Humanities | 4 | |
| Art History and Visual Culture Concentration Course: Art in the Modern and Global World | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 4th Semester/Term | ||
| Foundation: Social Sciences | 4 | |
| Art History and Visual Culture Concentration Course: Art in the Pre-Modern World | 4 | |
| Art History and Visual Culture Major Requirement Course | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 5th Semester/Term | ||
| ARTH1-UC 5471 | Art Theory & Criticism | 4 |
| Art History and Visual Culture Concentration Course: Art in the Modern and Global World | 4 | |
| Global Perspectives | 4 | |
| Foundation: Humanities | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 6th Semester/Term | ||
| Art History and Visual Culture Major Requirement Course | 4 | |
| Art History and Visual Culture Major Requirement Course | 4 | |
| Art History and Visual Culture Major Requirement Course | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 7th Semester/Term | ||
| HUMN1-UC 7990 | 4 | |
| Art History and Visual Culture Major Requirement Course | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 8th Semester/Term | ||
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Graduation Project | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 128 | |
Creative Writing
| 1st Semester/Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EXWR1-UC 7502 | Writing Workshop I | 4 |
| Literary & Artistic Expressions | 4 | |
| Historical Perspectives | 4 | |
| Foundation: Social Sciences | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 2nd Semester/Term | ||
| EXWR1-UC 7503 | Writing Workshop II | 4 |
| CWRG1-UC 5240 | Foundations of The Creative Process | 4 |
| Scientific Issues | 4 | |
| Foundation: Humanities | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 3rd Semester/Term | ||
| HUMN1-UC 6401 | Critical Thinking | 4 |
| LITR1-UC 6241 | Introduction to Literature | 4 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 4 | |
| Global Perspectives | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 4th Semester/Term | ||
| CWRG1-UC 5247 | Seminar in Reading & Writing | 4 |
| Creative Writing Concentration: Craft Studio | 4 | |
| Creative Writing Major Requirement | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 5th Semester/Term | ||
| Creative Writing Concentration: Craft Studio | 4 | |
| Creative Writing Major Requirement | 4 | |
| Foundation: Humanities | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 6th Semester/Term | ||
| Creative Writing Concentration: Workshop | 4 | |
| Creative Writing Major Requirement | 4 | |
| Creative Writing Major Requirement | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 7th Semester/Term | ||
| HUMN1-UC 7990 | 4 | |
| Creative Writing Concentration: Workshop | 4 | |
| Creative Writing Major Requirement | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 8th Semester/Term | ||
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Graduation Project | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 128 | |
Literature
| 1st Semester/Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EXWR1-UC 7502 | Writing Workshop I | 4 |
| Historical Perspectives | 4 | |
| Literary & Artistic Expressions | 4 | |
| Foundation: Humanities | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 2nd Semester/Term | ||
| EXWR1-UC 7503 | Writing Workshop II | 4 |
| Scientific Issues | 4 | |
| LITR1-UC 6241 | Introduction to Literature | 4 |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 3rd Semester/Term | ||
| HUMN1-UC 6401 | Critical Thinking | 4 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 4 | |
| Foundation: Humanities | 4 | |
| Literature Concentration: Literary Forms | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 4th Semester/Term | ||
| LITR1-UC 6280 | Literary Theory & Criticism | 4 |
| Literature Concentration: Literary Forms | 4 | |
| Foundation: Social Sciences | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 5th Semester/Term | ||
| Literature Concentration: Literature in History | 4 | |
| Literature Major Requirement Course | 4 | |
| Literature Major Requirement Course | 4 | |
| Foundation: Humanities | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 6th Semester/Term | ||
| Literature Concentration: Literature in History | 4 | |
| Literature Major Requirement Course | 4 | |
| Literature Major Requirement Course | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 7th Semester/Term | ||
| HUMN1-UC 7900 | Humanities Research Seminar | 4 |
| Literature Major Requirement Course | 4 | |
| Global Perspectives | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 8th Semester/Term | ||
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Graduation Project | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 128 | |
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
- Demonstrate mastery of core concepts, key scholars, research methods, and critical approaches in selected humanities disciplines.
- Explain key theories, perspectives, and approaches to humanities disciplines.
- Apply theories appropriate to continuing and current issues in the humanities.
- Conduct critical inquiries supported by evidence appropriate to the humanities.
- Identify, evaluate, and compare different scholarly interpretations and arguments.
- Use empirical evidence to evaluate and argument and conclusions of scholars and researchers in selected humanities disciplines.
Policies
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
School of Professional Studies Policies
Additional academic policies can be found on the School of Professional Studies academic policy page.