What is humanities all about?

by StudyMalaysia.com on November 2, 2018 | Top Stories, Career Guide

What is humanities all about? - StudyMalaysia.com

Are you good at speaking and writing? Do you like studying literature and art, and making connections between different subjects and disciplines? Are you passionate about discovering knowledge about people and ideas?

The field of humanities is involved in the study of the human condition. It uses qualitative methods that are primarily analytical, critical, or speculative, in contrast with the empirical approaches of the natural sciences.

Humanities is also the study of different cultural aspects – it analyses the flaws in humankind and how it can be improved. These cultural aspects includes speech, knowledge, beliefs, arts, technologies, ideals, and rules. With a focus on these aspects, it examines and prescribes the type of behaviour considered appropriate to an individual in his or her efforts to achieve the status of being a cultured human being. A cultured person is often thought to be refined and well versed in the arts, philosophy, and the languages.

Through the arts such as painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, literature, theatre, and cinema, the study of humanities also investigates fundamental human activities, sentiments, aspirations and opinions.

Why you should study humanities

You learn to analyse people and events and how to argue for your opinions
You’ll be able to make complicated ideas sound simple
There are as many jobs for Humanities graduates as there are for graduates of IT and Maths
You’ll learn how to pitch an idea and deal directly with people
You’ll make others jealous with your cultural knowledge
Humanities studies place more emphasis on emotional intelligence and skills

Sources:

Why Studying a Bachelor's in Humanities Is a Good Idea Now More Than Ever?

What you will study

In a humanities programme, you will learn how to think creatively and critically, to reason, and to ask questions. The study of humanities covers all aspects of society -- from past events and achievements to human behaviour and relationships among groups. Your course emphasis can be on any combination of languages, literature, art, music, philosophy and religion. The objective is to learn how to learn, developing your skills in researching, reading, writing and thinking your way through abstract problems.

Typical areas of study include modern languages, classical languages, linguistics, literature, history, jurisprudence, philosophy, archaeology, anthropology, religion, ethics, and history, criticism and theory of the arts.

Some of the courses you might take in a humanities programme include:

Anthropology
Art history
Foreign languages
Gender studies
Gerontology
Human health
Interdisciplinary art
International literature
Psychology
Religious studies
Revolution of humankind
Sociology
Women's studies
World history
World religions
Autobiographical reading and writing
Critical reasoning
Cultural diversity
Cultural studies

Cultural studies
Culture and civilisation
Ethics
Introduction to creative non-fiction writing
Modern philosophy
Music appreciation
Myths and mythologies
Peace studies
Philosophy, politics, and social theory
Political theory
Race and gender
Social and political philosophy
Theatre and film
Theories of knowledge
Visual communication
World archaeology
World civilisations

Is this course right for you?

If you're considering a humanities course, you should have an interest in what differentiates human groups and the complex cultures that people develop. You should also be interested in studying the social, moral and aesthetic values that define diverse human cultures.

As a student of humanities, you should have good attention to detail and enjoy critical reading and thinking. You need to be open-minded and have a curious nature that will help you in your exploration and analysis of issues that encompass a range of disciplines.

Students who choose a humanities course typically have multiple academic interests. The versatility that comes with a humanities major provides students with a flexible and unique academic path for future professional opportunities.

Courses in humanities

Courses in humanities are offered at diploma, and bachelor degree level. Postgraduate study in this field is also offered at selected higher education institutions.

List of Courses In Humanities

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Career prospects

Job prospects for students of humanities programmes are among the most flexible. Employers value creativity and critical thinking as much as technical skills or training. If you have both, you’re a winner.

Some of the industries that hire graduates of humanities include journalism and publishing, advertising, international relations and education.

Examples of jobs: