HUMANITIES
Degree: Master of Arts
Department: Associate Dean's Office
Building 11, Room 220
masters_interdis@uwf.edu
College: Arts and Sciences

The Interdisciplinary Humanities Master of Arts program is administered by the Office of the Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, following the guidance of a program advisory committee. The program is devoted to the exploration of humanities interests. Faculty supporting the program represent diverse scholarly specialties within the humanities, arts, and social sciences. They are drawn primarily from the college but may also include appropriate individuals from the broader university community.

CURRICULUM
Students in the Interdisciplinary Humanities program develop an individual curriculum following guidelines established by the program advisory committee. Programs of study typically focus upon a unifying theme but draw from several academic areas. Some students pursue intensive or specialized work in complementary areas from at least two disciplines. Studies often bridge from the humanities to other scholarly or creative areas. The program experience culminates with an integrative thesis prepared under the direction of an assigned faculty committee.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Prospective students apply for graduate admission through the Office of Admissions. The admission packet includes application forms, a residency statement, transcripts of all prior college and university work, a formal statement defining the proposed program focus, and GRE scores. When the application packet is complete, it is forwarded to the Interdisciplinary Humanities Program Advisory Committee for consideration. This advisory committee, comprised of faculty who are most familiar with and active within the program, meets each term to review packets for new admissions. Students should be sure that all application materials are received by the Office of Admissions as early as possible in the regular term before proposed entry into courses.

Admission decisions for the program are based primarily upon the following criteria:

  1. prior academic performance;
  2. the proposed program; and
  3. Graduate Record Examination scores.

For students who plan to integrate arts, performance or creative writing in their programs, additional portfolio samples may be requested by participating faculties as part of the admission process. In some instances, the advisory committee may require, as a condition of acceptance, completion of prerequisite courses outside the approved graduate program.

The committee carefully weighs the focus proposed by each applicant against existing faculty resources and looks for realistic but innovative integrations of humanities interests in advanced scholarship which cuts across disciplines. Selection emphasizes a balance among realistic scholarly proposals,
upcoming course opportunities, and faculty support at the thesis level. The committee accepts only students who offer plans that current faculty expertise can support.

Students who plan to work with specific faculty members or in specialized areas are encouraged to discuss program possibilities in advance. The advisory committee members and many of the program faculty can provide valuable advice on preparation of the program statement. Prospective students should keep in mind, however, that admission decisions are committee actions.

REQUIREMENTS
General requirements for the Interdisciplinary Humanities Master of Arts are as follows:

  1. Completion of all required course and program prerequisites;
  2. 36 sh in an approved graduate program with at least half of the regular courses presenting a clear humanities perspective;
  3. At least 15 sh of the regular courses must be at the 6000-level. A student may transfer up to 6 sh of program-related 5000-6000 credits;
  4. Upon the completion of 12 sh, students are responsible for requesting a supervising faculty committee. Faculty advisors will assist in this process; and
  5. Students will submit a thesis and pass an oral examination covering both the thesis and its general content for 6 sh credit. The thesis should reflect the interdisciplinary aspect of the student's program or may be a specialized project, such as a film script, television program, or artistic performance. In the case of the specialized project, visual documentation must be provided. Students may be allowed to prepare a research paper instead of a thesis for 3 sh directed study credit. These students will take one additional course for 3 sh and pass a written and oral comprehensive examination developed and administered by their supervising faculty committee.

The following departments routinely participate in this program: Communication Arts, English, Fine Arts, History, Philosophy, Management, and Sociology/Anthropology.

Enrollment Services
July 2000