Program overview
If you want the freedom to explore a broad array of humanities disciplines as well as the ability to focus deeply in an area of particular interest, this major combines the best of both worlds. You gain a multidimensional perspective through the study of history, literature, philosophy, religion, and languages, and a senior thesis allows you to develop expertise in and passion around a specific topic of your choosing. By developing critical thinking and communication skills, self-direction, and the ability to analyze information, you will acquire a suite of highly transferable skills that will be prized by employers in numerous fields.
Why UNE for Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities
Unlike many other college and university majors in interdisciplinary studies, ours requires courses across the full range of humanities. And we focus solely on the humanities, giving you the deepest and broadest possible understanding of the human condition.
- Flexible curriculum, allowing for double majors and minors
- Instruction in digital skills
- Impressive archival collections for research and creative projects
- Intriguing internships
- Study abroad opportunities
- Option of our unique HuMed program to prepare for medical school while pursuing your passion for the humanities
- Pre-Law option to prepare for law school
Careers
The study of the humanities inculcates a unique set of skills that will set you apart in the job market. The ability to think analytically, to draw connections between disparate things, and to communicate effectively are skills that are adaptable to virtually any field you choose. Graduates who major in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities may pursue numerous professions, including:
- Journalist/Writer/Author
- Public Relations Specialist
- Lawyer
- Health Care Provider
- Corporate Researcher
- Project Manager
- Web Content Manager
- Museum Professional
- Teacher
- Artist
Career Advising
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
of graduates employed or enrolled in grad school within one year of graduation
in Maine for getting a job
Student Financial Services
One of the most important considerations when committing to a college or university is cost. We work with you and your family to help make your education affordable by pricing our tuition competitively and offering financial assistance.
Academics
Examples of Available Courses
The following are some examples of the exciting courses that you can take:
- Graphic Medicine
- Criminals, Idiots, and Minors: Victorian Women and the Law
- Literatures of the Sea
- History of Drugs in the Americas
- Holocaust in History and Memory
- War Letters
- Good, Evil, Right, and Wrong
- God, Life, and Hereafter
- Biomedical Ethics
Honors Program
We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.
Curriculum
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total | 42–46 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
| LIL 420 – Senior Thesis/Project | 3 |
| Thirty-three (33) credits of Humanities Discipline Courses (below) with at least three (3) courses at the 300+ level and no more than five (5) classes in a single discipline. | 33 |
| Total Program Required Courses | 36 |
| Open Electives (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Required Total Credits | 120 |
Humanities Discipline Eligible Courses
| History Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Any HIS course | Variable |
| ARC 235 – The Archaeology of New England | 3 |
| ARH 210 – Art History Survey I | 3 |
| ARH 211 – Art History Survey II | 3 |
| ARH 260 – Renaissance & Baroque Art | 3 |
| ARH 270 – Art in the Modern World | 3 |
| CMM 135 – Evolution of Television | 3 |
| CMM 170 – Evolution of Documentary Film | 3 |
| MUS 216 – History of American Popular Music | 3 |
| MUS 220 – History of Jazz | 3 |
| PSC 110 – Power & Knowledge: Inventing Traditions | 3 |
| English Courses | Credits |
| Any ENG course | Variable |
| ARH 333 – Moroccan Theatre/Social Ch | 3 |
| ENV 124 – Lit, Nature & the Environment | 3 |
| CMM 340 – Women and Film | 3 |
| PSC 300 – Egypt Through the Eye of Mahfouz | 3 |
| PSC 304 – The Middle East and Africa through Films | 3 |
| WRT 111 – Topics in Creative Writing | 3 |
| WRT 211 – Creative Writing: Poetry | 3 |
| WRT 212 – Creative Writing: Short Fiction | 3 |
| WRT 312 – Fiction Writing Workshop | 3 |
| Philosophy Courses | Credits |
| Any PHI course | Variable |
| PSC 200 – Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
| PSC 260 – The Politics of Evil | 3 |
| REL 276 – Religion in Human Traditions I | 3 |
| REL 278 – Religion in Human Traditions II | 3 |
| Liberal Learning Courses | Credits |
| Any LIL course | Variable |
| Language Courses – Up to three (3) courses | Credits |
| ARB 101 – Basic Arabic | 3 |
| FRE 101 – Basic French | 3 |
| FRE 301 – Advanced French | 3 |
| SPA 101 – Basic Spanish | 3 |
| SPA 211 – Intermediate Spanish | 3 |
| SPA 310 – Advanced Spanish I | 3 |
| SPA 497 – Independent Study in Spanish | 1–12 |
To learn more about the program see the Academic Catalog.
Changes were made to this program in an addendum to the 2022/23 academic calendar. Please see the 2022–2023 Catalog Addendum (PDF) for the most recent information. As always, it is recommended that students seek the guidance of Academic Advisors for course and program planning. In this way, you will be able to access all the most up-to-date information available.
Pre-Law Emphasis
If you are considering law school after you graduate, you should consult with faculty in the Department of History and Philosophy to design an appropriate course of study. The Pre-Law Emphasis ensures that you develop a foundation in the humanities that will prepare you for law school and success in the legal profession.
Contact
As a student in our program, you learn from faculty across the departments of Creative and Fine Arts, English, History and Philosophy, and Political Science.
For questions about the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities program, contact Catherine Frank at (207) 602-2709 or cfrank@youlyuoq.com.
Experiential Learning
Whether you’re conducting research in UNE’s archives for your senior capstone thesis, getting real-world experience at an internship, or traveling the globe as part of a study-abroad program, the Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities major emphasizes learning by doing.
Hands-On Activities
- Conduct research or produce creative projects to present at local, regional, and national venues
- Complete on-campus or off-campus internships
- Study abroad for international experience
Senior Capstone Thesis
Your thesis provides an opportunity to take a deep dive into a subject that captivates you. Because this major is all about making interdisciplinary connections, many students choose a thesis that combines multiple areas of interest. Past topics have included:
- Women and blacksmithing in New England
- History and significance of tattoos
- Music of social change
- Representation of culture and identity in Argentine films
Global education
See The World
The study of humanities uncovers universal truths about human nature while it simultaneously reveals the deep diversity of our experiences. There is no better complement to humanities studies than traveling abroad to experience first-hand what unites us and what makes us different. Spend a semester in Spain, France, Iceland, or Morocco. Or choose from among our shorter travel courses that take you to places such as Ireland, Cuba, Italy, Mexico, and Kenya.
Interested in studying abroad? Make a plan with your advisor.
