What is considered a humanities class?

What Really Makes a Humanities Class? It’s More Than You Think.

So, what’s a humanities class, really? It’s easy to get lost in the academic jargon, but at its heart, it’s about exploring what it means to be human. Think of it as diving headfirst into the messy, beautiful, and endlessly fascinating world of human culture and experience.

Forget sterile definitions for a second. The humanities? They’re your backstage pass to the human story. They’re the disciplines that try to make sense of how we live, what we create, and what we believe. And unlike those science classes with their beakers and formulas, humanities classes get down and dirty with interpretation, speculation, and good old-fashioned critical thinking. Plus, there’s usually a healthy dose of history thrown in for good measure. The very word “humanities” comes from a fancy Latin phrase that basically means “studying what makes us us.”

Now, what falls under this giant umbrella? A lot.

We’re talking literature, where you get to lose yourself in stories that make you think, cry, or maybe even throw the book across the room (we’ve all been there, right?). Then there’s history, which isn’t just about memorizing dates, but about understanding how the heck we got to where we are today. Philosophy? That’s where you wrestle with the big questions: Why are we here? What’s the meaning of life? (Spoiler alert: the class probably won’t give you the answer, but it’ll get you thinking!). And don’t forget religion, languages (both the ones people still speak and the ones they don’t), art history (because who doesn’t love staring at old paintings and pretending to understand them?), music, and the performing arts. Basically, if it involves humans expressing themselves, it probably belongs in the humanities.

Now, here’s where it gets a little tricky. You’ve probably heard of “liberal arts,” right? Think of the humanities as a part of the liberal arts. The liberal arts are like a giant buffet of knowledge, with the humanities being one of the tastiest dishes. Liberal arts includes the social sciences, natural sciences, and even math, offering a well-rounded education. But the humanities? They keep the spotlight firmly fixed on human culture and expression.

Okay, so why bother taking these classes? What’s the point? Well, for starters, they make you a more interesting person. But more importantly, they equip you with skills that are valuable in any field. You learn to think critically, to communicate effectively, and to understand different perspectives. You start to see the world in a whole new way. I remember one art history class where we spent weeks analyzing a single painting. At first, I thought it was a complete waste of time. But by the end, I was seeing things in that painting that I never would have noticed before. It totally changed the way I look at the world.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Become a Critical Thinking Ninja: You’ll learn to dissect ideas, question assumptions, and form your own opinions.
• Master the Art of Communication: You’ll become a better writer, a better speaker, and a better listener.
• Develop a Global Mindset: You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
• Unlock the Secrets of the Past: You’ll understand how history shapes the present and informs the future.
• Grow Your Empathy Muscles: You’ll learn to see the world through the eyes of others.

Believe it or not, the humanities have been around for centuries. They go all the way back to ancient Greece, where they were considered essential for any well-rounded citizen. The Renaissance took things even further, with its focus on classical Greek and Latin texts.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Okay, but are the humanities actually useful in the real world?” And the answer is a resounding yes! In a world that’s increasingly driven by technology, the skills you learn in the humanities are more important than ever. Critical thinking, communication, cultural understanding – these are the skills that will set you apart.

So, there you have it. Humanities classes aren’t just about dusty books and old paintings. They’re about exploring what it means to be human, developing valuable skills, and becoming a more informed and engaged citizen of the world. Give them a try – you might just surprise yourself.