Many students choose their path to the Real World through the Pitt-Johnstown Division of Humanities. Programs in the Humanities - Literature, Writing, Communication, Theatre, and other areas - deepen your appreciation and understanding of the cultural forces that shape society, and refine your ability to think critically and communicate effectively. They help you explore globally, the lands, languages and arts of the world - both real and imagined - and reinforce the importance of communication between individuals and groups. Though there are more specific degree areas in the Humanities (listed on the previous page) on the Pitt-Johnstown campus, there are also four concentrations offered under the banner of the general Humanities degree: World Literature in Translation; Foreign Language and Literature; Philosophy and Literature; Thematic Cluster.
World Literature in Translation is for those students who take a keen interest in both the languages and native-tongue literature of foreign countries. Students that major in this concentration will have a healthy schedule of foreign literature translation courses, as well as a selection of courses from within the Humanties that are chosen by the student and their advisor.
Degree Requirements (.pdf)
The Foreign Language and Literature concentration is similar to the World Literature in Translation concentration, but without the emphasis on translation of material. Students will take a large number of credits in their chosen foreign language, which includes literature, civilization, and non-elementary language courses. This concentration is great for students who truly want to learn about every facet of a chosen language and the country it originated in.
Pitt-Johnstown offers many introductory and advanced Philosophy courses ranging from ethics and logic to the philosophy of religion and science. The Humanities concentration in Philosophy & Literature is a great way explore the various Philosophy courses offered on campus. Students will take a large number of upper level Philopshy courses, as well as courses in English or other literature, offering them a broader perspective. As with all Humanities concentrations, there will also be a number of courses chosen by the student and their advisor from within the Humanities.
The Thematic Cluster concentration is one of the more unique offerings on the Pitt-Johnstown campus. In essence, it is a self-designed major within the Humanities, where the student will choose an area of interest and build their courses around that. Needless to say, this involves working very closely with both an academic advisor, as well as the chair of the Humanities division, to ensure that the Thematic Cluster fulfills all Humanities requirements. With Humanities being one of the broader academic fields, the Thematic Cluster is a great way to go in-depth with an area of interest that may not be available otherwise.
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