Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities

The major in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities challenges students to understand and evaluate human values, cultures and ideas as they are expressed in the various humanities disciplines. Students think critically about the disciplines themselves (their similarities, differences, characteristic questions and approaches) and the circumstances under which a specific disciplinary approach will best promote understanding of human phenomena. The major thus requires students to cross disciplinary, historical and cultural boundaries; to practice critical and creative thinking; to ask complex questions and resolve interpretive problems, and to develop strong communication skills. Introductory and capstone courses enable students to match disciplinary breadth with longitudinal depth, seeing their intellectual development over time and showcasing their learning through a student-designed independent project. The program also helps students understand and respond to public perception of the humanities as a key step in translating their academic experience into career readiness.

The Interdisciplinary Studies Major (ISH) is designed for students who are interested in more than one humanities discipline, recognize the value of looking at complex issues and phenomena from multiple perspectives, and enjoy the reading, thinking, expression and discussion of human experience that the humanities provide. With the freedom to develop thematic clusters or simply enjoy the breadth of knowledge, students pursue coursework in at least three humanities disciplines, while advanced coursework and internship possibilities bring depth and practical application to their studies. A capstone seminar bridges the worlds of school and work by giving students the opportunity to develop an independent project, reflect on their education through a curated ePortfolio, and translate their academic experience into career readiness. The flexible, 36-credit curriculum makes ISH an ideal candidate for double-majoring with social and natural science programs as well. By developing independence of mind, self-direction, critical thinking and analytic skills, and a continuing desire to learn, ISH graduates leave UNE prepared for a broad spectrum of careers or graduate and professional education.

Humanities Discipline Eligible Courses

• Students will be able to identify and define a problem or issue which can be addressed from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
• Students will be able to apply and integrate methods, materials, and/or insights from different disciplines to the solution of a problem, the analysis of an issue or the completion of a project. This will reflect coursework as well as independent reading and research.
• Students will be able to find and evaluate different views from within a discipline.
• Students will be able to conduct primary and secondary research in order to develop well documented, supported, reasoned, and informed conclusions to problems and issues.
• Students will be able to find, use, and evaluate a variety of sources of information.
• Students will be able to communicate ideas clearly.
• Students will be able to complete an interdisciplinary capstone thesis or project informed by their previous work in different disciplines.
• Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of content from at least two disciplines.

If you are an exceptional undergraduate student aspiring to a career in medicine, the University of New England HuMed program provides the opportunity that spans your junior and senior years as an undergraduate and your four years in UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine or College of Dental Medicine. The program makes it possible for you to deepen your learning in English, History, or Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities through a humanities major while you prepare for a career as an osteopathic physician or a dentist. Requirements for this early assurance program are described at the HuMed website. 

During your years as an undergraduate in UNE’s College of Arts and Sciences, you complete the requisite coursework in the natural sciences to prepare for your graduate education, while earning a Bachelor of Arts in English/History/Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities. As a HuMed student, you are not required to take the MCAT for the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Instead, the College of Osteopathic Medicine requires that you take the United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude test (UKCAT). You have an assurance of acceptance contingent upon fulfilling the HuMed curricular requirements and passing the interview process.

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.

See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.