Humanities & Global Studies BA

Ramapo College students have long enjoyed the freedom of individualized “contract” majors. Humanities and Global Studies is the contract major for the School of Humanities and Global Studies.

The Ramapo College graduates awarded baccalaureates in Humanities and Global Studies major will be thoughtful, well-educated individuals with understanding of and an appreciation for multiple ways of seeing the world, skilled at using interdisciplinary approaches to meet the challenges facing themselves, their communities, and the world. The Liberal Arts encourages and inspires reflection, critical thinking, emotional maturity, and the broadening of the mind through the contemplation of new possibilities. This major spans the great themes of human inquiry and critical expression in the humanities, in world languages, and in social studies.

Examples of learning tracks include but are not limited to:

Anthropology

Italian Studies

Human Rights and Genocide Studies

A graduate in Humanities and Global Studies shall: (1) employ multiple methods of critical understanding to affirm and transform the self; (2) build foundational knowledge in the Liberal Arts; (3) gain hands-on experience applying knowledge of the Liberal Arts for providing ways to answer real-life, interdisciplinary problems; (4) reflect upon and pose original analysis of problems within the Liberal Arts in class discussions, written work, exams, group projects, portfolios, internships, or study abroad; and (5) appreciate, understand, and value the rich complexity and diversity of human experience by studying the interrelationships of individuals to groups, cultures, heritages, stories, epistemologies, and/or world languages. These objectives will be tailored to individual students.

A Humanities and Global Studies major is a preparation for a free and fulfilled life in any area of specialization: business, arts, public relations, journalism, education, social or physical sciences, medicine, or law. Humanities and Global Studies majors gain this preparation through coursework, as well as through a significant experiential learning activity and an independent research project. Humanities and Global Studies majors must also complete the School of Humanities and Global Studies School Core (language proficiency) and the College’s General Education program.

The Humanities and Global Studies major is also compatible with the Teacher Certification program. Students interested in teaching at the elementary or secondary level will complete an independent study in curricular and pedagogical development.

Humanities and Global Studies majors may pursue a learning track that expands upon an existing School of Humanities and Global Studies minor or may pursue one that is more individualized. No matter what an individual student chooses as particular track (e.g., Anthropology, Italian Studies, or Human Rights and Genocide Studies), the degree awarded will be a B.A. in Humanities and Global Studies.