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Master of Arts in Humanities

 Graduate Catalog | Master's


The Master of Arts in Humanities is based on the great ideas, works, and thinkers that have defined civilization as embodied in the “great books” tradition established at the University of Chicago and now in use at other leading institutions such as the University of Notre Dame, Boston University, and Columbia University.  The curriculum addresses humankind’s fundamental topics through study of courses in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. 

Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning outcomes objectives, the Master of Arts in Humanities also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates. With reference to each of the respective areas of humanities, graduates in this degree program will be able to:

Research, Thinking, and Writing

  • Critically analyze literary works for their contribution to the body of human knowledge.
  • Articulate written positions on ideas that stem from the great works of human thought.
  • Apply classical logic to historical and contemporary issues of human behavior, society, and civilization.

Advanced Knowledge of the Great Works

  • Examine the human experience from multidimensional perspectives from antiquity to modern times through examination of the leading authors and works of each age.
  • Analyze the origins and implications of the concept of individualism as it applies in concepts of tradition, power, society, and culture.
  • Use advanced science and social science knowledge, methods, and logic to inform and influence scientific and/or social processes and structures.

Degree Program Requirements

Core Courses (18 semester hours)
  • RC610 / HUMN500 - Humanities: Research, Study, and Use
  • OC610 / HUMN510 - The Ancient World
  • OC611 / HUMN520 - Antiquity and Medieval World
  • OC612 / HUMN530 - The Renaissance
  • OC544 / HUMN540 - Beginnings of the Enlightenment
  • OC545 / HUMN541 - Enlightenment and the Modern World
Major Courses (Select 12 semester hours)

Students must take 4 courses among those listed below and must include two courses in both Natural Science and Social Sciences.

Natural Science Courses

  • OC615 / HUMN550 - Evolution of Earth and Universe
  • OC616 / HUMN551 - Evolution of Life and Intelligence

Social Sciences Courses

  • OC563 / HUMN560 - Society and the World I
  • OC564 / HUMN561 - Society, Class and Wealth
  • OC571 / HUMN570 - The Individual in Society
  • OC572 / HUMN571 - Individuals, Societies, and the Spirit
  • OC573 / HUMN573 - A Cultural Hisroty of Gardens
Graduate Electives (Select 6 semester hours)

From other courses not taken to meet required, core, or major requirements.


 End of Program Requirement - Select either Comprehensive Exam OR Capstone 
  • OC701 / HUMN698 - Comprehensive Examination: Humanities [0 semester hours] - Taken once all other degree requirements have been met.
  • OC702 / HUMN699 - Master’s Capstone Seminar in Humanities - [3 semester hours] - The Capstone Seminar will satisfy an Elective requirement

Total Hours: 36 semester hours



 Graduate Catalog | Master's

AMU is a member institution of the American Public University System (APUS), which is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association and nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission, Distance Education and Training Council.
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