Geneva students often ask why we are required to take three different humanities classes as part of the core curriculum. Some students are pursuing a degree in STEM, so reading The Odyssey might not seem beneficial to their major. Business students claim they should not have to take the classes because they are not studying philosophy. Even students in the liberal arts department find a way to disagree with this choice of class. So why are Geneva students required to take a humanities course?

Grow in Knowledge and Truth

In Geneva’s Foundational Concepts of a Christian Education, a holistic biblical education is outlined. Knowledge and truth are a thing of God that cannot be fully obtained nor understood, but we should nonetheless pursue them. Your college education should give you not only the knowledge you need to know to do your job, but also the knowledge required to be successful in work and life. For example, anyone can study biology, but it takes a liberal arts education to become an ethical biologist. Geneva College strives to help students grow in their careers and lives. Studying the humanities contributes to this mission.

Expand Your Worldview

The humanities help students shape their perception and view of the world. This program doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities that our world has in it. It instead touches on these heavy topics in a way that benefits rather than damages. Students have to ask deeper questions about the good, true, and beautiful. Asking these questions not only shapes their worldview, but also helps them better understand the stance they already have.

Develop Creative Expression

The essays that students write in these classes help them express their thoughts pertaining to the material that they have been studying. Professors want to hear students voice their thoughts on these great works while putting such authors in conversation with one another. Outside sources are even welcome with references from music to film to poetry. At the end of Humanities 103, students write an essay outlining their perspective on the world. This essay is designed to be open ended. Some students treat it like any other essay where they analyze quotes to make a final point. Other students take advantage of the creative aspect of the prompt and submit things like comic strips, music that they have written, and short stories. So long as students are outlining their worldview, their projects are well received.

The humanities program here at Geneva College is designed to not only set students up for success in their career, but also in life. To understand the deeper things about the world around is to also understand the deeper things within oneself. Thus, the humanities program is beneficial to every student regardless of their major.