Humanities

College of Humanities

The College of Humanities houses programs that study literature and language as well as philosophy, critical reading, and writing. Those programs share a concern with the processes and products of human expression. In doing so, they focus on a quest for fluency in what has been called "the human conversation"—the ongoing inquiry into what it means to be human.

Study in the humanities disciplines develops facility in languages and cultures as well as higher order cognitive abilities needed for interpretation, analytical thinking and reflection, criticism, and writing. Students can apply what they are learning prior to graduation and enrich their capacities for satisfying careers and productive lives as educated citizens after.

Deans
Contact Information
4002 JFSB
801-422-2775
humanities@byu.edu
Advisement Center
1041 JFSB
801-422-3541
humanities-advisement@byu.edu
Departments

College Advisement and Careers

David Waddell, Assistant Dean
1041 JFSB
801-422-3541
http://hac.byu.edu/

The advisement and careers center supports students in achieving their academic and career goals by providing guidance and direction in academic and career exploration, progress toward timely graduation, and experiential learning through Humanities+ experiences. Those experiences include internships, faculty mentoring, secondary majors, minors, participation in clubs, and other professionally relevant experience.

Center for Language Studies

Ray T. Clifford, Director 
Agnes Welch, Assistant Director 
3086 JFSB 
801-422-1201 
http://cls.byu.edu

The Center for Language Studies works with other College departments to help students from all of the University's academic disciplines acquire the advanced language and cultural skills they need for personal enrichment and for global careers. Particular emphasis is placed on:

  • Teaching advanced language classes in low-enrollment languages spoken by returned missionaries.
  • Testing language proficiency.
  • Conducting language acquisition research.

The Humanities Center

Matthew Wickman, Senior Fellow and Director 
4103 JFSB
801-422-1664
http://humanitiescenter.byu.edu

The Humanities Center is an institute of intensive learning and outreach that promotes the exchange of ideas within the humanities and across the arts and sciences. It aims to foster excellent research and teaching in the humanities, encourage discussion and collaboration across departments, colleges, and universities on matters of public as well as academic concern and enhance BYU's global reputation for scholarship, teaching, and public service.