"Humanities programs are the custodians of the human spirit." - Huston Smith
While "humanities" sometimes includes the study of fine arts and history, the Department of Humanities at UW-Plattville focuses upon understanding what it means to be human, what the human condition is, and how we as humans stand related to the rest of reality. Our programs promote such understanding through studies in literature, foreign languages, and philosophy. Understanding is enhanced through pondering life's meaning in diverse ways, and asking questions such as these: is the universe friendly or indifferent to human purpose? how do different cultures view reality? to what extent are we free or determined? to what extent are we independent individuals or grounded in community? what ends ought we to pursue? what is good and evil? what are the possibilities and limitations of human power and understanding?
The purpose of these studies is to explore the whole range of human thought and experience and to challenge the student to understand and evaluate how others, past and present, historical and fictional, have struggled with conscience, labored with fate, affirmed and rebelled against existing orders, and poured their life blood into their visions and creations.
To serve these ends the Department of Humanities offers programs in English, Foreign Languages, and Philosophy.
The English Program at UW-Platteville offers four different majors, an English minor, Language Arts minor, a minor for English Education, and a writing certificate. The literature courses range from Shakespeare to science fiction, from Beowulf to black literature, from British fiction to modern American drama. Our program introduces students to the best writing in the English speaking world, and to world literature in translation. Through reading the works of major writers and through discussion of universal themes, our students acquire an awareness of life and a sensitivity to human concerns. In addition, the writing courses expand our students' horizons in another direction by developing their ability to write in any style and for any purpose, whether it be a resumé, a technical report, a business letter, a personal essay, a short story or a poem.
Our classroom instruction is student-oriented with small classes which encourage direct student participation in the writing process and in the discussion and analysis of literary themes. The above emphases prepare our majors for careers in law, business, government, teaching (forensics, writing, theater), journalism, technical communication, computer technology, and art.
PlacementInitial placement of students into English composition courses will be determined by the Department of Humanities/English on the basis of all available records, test results, and scores on the UW-System English Placement Test.
The Writing CenterThe Writing Center, located in 360 Gardner Hall, is an added resource, not only for those with writing problems, but also for any who wish to improve their skills beyond classroom requirements. It also serves as an excellent laboratory experience for English majors intending to teach. The number of students receiving tutoring at the Writing Center has increased over 1,000 percent since the opening of the center's new computer lab.
Computer-Aided Instruction in EnglishThe English computer writing classroom in 104 Boebel Hall allows students access to up-to-date computer technology, and provides an interactive and spontaneous classroom format. In the English computer classroom, students critique each others' writing on-line, or use the Internet to access different international libraries and databases.
In addition to the requirements for the major, are also required to take one of the following foreign-language courses: French 2140, German 2340, or Spanish 2940. Majors in English are also required to take two philosophy courses from any of the philosophy courses listed in the catalogue.
English Education Majors:Required to take one of the following foreign-language courses: French 2040, German 2240, or Spanish 2840. Likewise, a 3-credit philosophy course will be required from one of the two following courses: Introduction to Philosophy 1130 or Ethics 2530.
All students intending to become licensed teachers must satisfy the requirements outlined in the section, "Teacher Licensure," listed under the School of Education.
English Majors Writing Portfolio:Upon entering the junior year, all English majors must also submit a writing portfolio to the department for approval before graduation. Requirements for a completed portfolio include at least eight items: no more than three from freshman composition courses; three pieces, at least four pages long; one piece a literary analysis; one piece a research paper.
No course in which a student earns a grade lower than "C" will be counted toward an English major or minor. English majors and minors must achieve a "B" or better in English 1130 and 1230 or take an additional 2000-level, or above, writing course.
The following courses will be counted only once toward the English major or minor:
Important note regarding prerequisites and general requirements:
Our English Program allows students the flexibility to choose from the following four emphases according to individual preference and career choices:
Option I: Literature (36 credits). This is the classic English major, preparing the student for graduate work in English, law, architecture, government, business and other professions.
Option II: Teaching (36 credits). Also a traditional major, this option will certify the student to teach composition and literature courses in middle and secondary schools.
Option III: Professional Writing (36 credits). Covering all facets of the writing experience, this option will enable the student to develop expertise in many fields, including journalism, publishing and technical communication.
Option IV: Teaching-Writing (44 credits). Combining Options II and III, this program is especially designed for those who wish to specialize in the teaching of writing in middle and secondary schools.
Option IStudents who take less than 24 credits from the above list may complete the minor by selecting up to six credits from:
Philosophy literally means the "love of wisdom." As a discipline of the mind, it calls us to think critically about the most fundamental questions of life. What does it mean to be human? How are we humans related to the rest of reality? What constitutes reality? Is the universe friendly or indifferent to human purpose? To what extent are we free or not free? What purposes ought we to pursue? What is good and evil? What are the possibilities and limitations of human power and understanding? By what criteria can such questions be addressed? What constitutes knowledge? Are there different ways of knowing? What role do assumptions play in what we think is true?
By challenging students to think carefully about questions like these, the philosophy program provides an excellent foundation for graduate school as well as a pathway not only to making a life but also to making a living in careers such as law, teaching, business, the ministry, journalism, and art.
Two programs are offered in philosophy: a major in philosophy, a minor in philosophy. Both programs encourage students to address in a disciplined way the most fundamental questions of life.
Philosophy majors, in addition to the requirements for the major, are also required to take one of the following foreign language courses: FRENCH 2140, GERMAN 2340, or SPANISH 2940. Majors in Philosophy are also required to take two English literature courses at the 2000 level or above.
Philosophy Major (36 credits)A minimum of 36 credits, including PHLSPHY 1130 Introduction to Philosophy or PHLSPHY 2230 Contemporary World-Views, PHLSPHY 2330 Origins of Western Philosophy, PHLSPHY 2430 Philosophy in the Modern World, four 3000-level seminars and two 4000-level seminars. Religious studies courses and PHLSPHY 4330 Philosophy of Education may not be taken for credit toward a major in philosophy.
A minimum of 24 credits, including the same courses and restrictions as the major except that only two 3000-level seminars and one 4000-level seminar are required.
Our foreign language program offers majors in German and Spanish, along with minors in French, German and Spanish. Students who major in foreign languages find career opportunities in many areas such as international business, marketing, civil-service work, diplomacy, and law enforcement. Students who wish to teach French, German or Spanish must be admitted to the School of Education, meet all of the requirements for teacher certification, and also take FRENCH 4000, GERMAN 4000, or SPANISH 4000 Teaching of Foreign Languages.
Minor studies in French, German and Spanish are designed for students interested in combining a minor in a foreign language with other areas of study for the purpose of enhancing communication skills and career opportunities. Likewise, apart from the intellectual development that results from the study of the French, German, or Spanish language, its literature, and its civilization, students may also find professional employment in international business, marketing, civil service, and teaching.
All students intending to become licensed teachers must satisfy the requirements outlined in the section, "Teacher Licensure," listed under School of Education.
Foreign Language Competency/Retroactive CreditsAll students are required to demonstrate competency in a foreign language. The competency consists of the following: one year (two semesters) of one foreign language at the 1000 level or two years (four semesters) of a foreign language in high school with a grade of "C" or better in the second year of high-school foreign language study. Foreign languages other than the languages taught at UW-Platteville may satisfy this competency.
Students may receive retroactive college credit for their high school foreign language studies. Proficiency acquired in high school may be counted toward graduation and toward the number of credits in the major or minor. Students ordinarily earn a maximum of eight retroactive credits. However, students with high proficiency may earn more retroactive credit as determined by the department.
In order to earn retroactive credit, a student must enroll in a second-semester course or higher, and must earn a grade of "A" or "B" in that course. A student will then receive, in addition to credit for the course completed, retroactive credits for the course or courses skipped at the 1000 or 2000 levels.
Non-teaching German and Spanish majors, in addition to the requirements for the major, are also required to take 9 credits of English literature and philosophy with no more than two courses from one of the above areas. Students may select any philosophy or English literature course at the 2000 level or higher.
Students who major in a foreign language are required to take eight or nine credits in our Study Abroad Program at the 3000-4000 level. Similar or comparable cultural experiences could also be accepted.
Bachelor of Science DegreeIn addition to the credits required for German and Spanish majors in Education, there is also a requirement for one philosophy course (Introduction to Philosophy 1130 or Ethics 2530).
Students who major in a foreign language are required to take eight or nine credits in our Study Abroad Program at the 3000-4000 level. Similar or comparable cultural experiences could also be accepted.
Requirements for MajorThe major requires a total of 36 credits with a minimum of 20 credits from courses numbered 3000 or higher, including courses in phonetics and civilization. For students interested in teaching, a total of 40 credits are required with a minimum of 24 credits numbered 3000 or higher. Also, FRENCH 4000, GERMAN 4000, or SPANISH 4000 Teaching of Foreign Languages is an additional requirement of the School of Education. Students who major in German or Spanish must have a grade-point average of no lower than a 2.50 in the language courses they take. In addition, students must demonstrate a writing proficiency in English according to standards described by the Foreign Language Department.
Requirements for MinorThe minor requires a total of 24 credits with a minimum of eight credits from courses numbered 3000 or higher. Foreign language education minors are required to take 28 credits with a minimum of 12 credits numbered 3000 or higher. Students interested in teaching are required to take courses in phonetics and civilization. Foreign Language 4000 Teaching of Foreign Languages is an additional requirement of the School of Education. Likewise, students interested in teaching must satisfy the language immersion requirement by enrolling in the Foreign Language Travel Abroad Seminar for at least two credits. Students who minor in French, German, or Spanish must have a grade point average of no lower than a 2.50 in the language courses they take.
A Certificate in Foreign LanguagesThis program is designed to provide students with the language proficiency skills required for oral communication in German, French and Spanish. Conversation is stressed with some emphasis on civilization in order to provide knowledge and awareness of the culture. Students in this limited sequence of language courses are encouraged to couple foreign language skills with other areas of study so as to take advantage of career opportunities in foreign languages. The program consists of 18 credits taken in an orderly sequence, which includes elementary and intermediate language courses along with a two-credit course in practical conversation. Retroactive credit may be obtained for previous study in high school. See section under Foreign Language Competency/Retroactive Credits.
The Department of Humanities offers a minor in French for students interested in combining a minor in a foreign language with other areas of study for the purpose of enhancing communication skills and career opportunities. Likewise, apart from the intellectual development that results from the study of the French language, its literature, and its civilization, students may also find professional employment in international business, marketing, civil service, and teaching.
French Minor (24 credits; 28 credits for French Education minors)Requires 24 credits with a minimum of eight credits selected from courses numbered 3000 or higher. Students interested in teaching are required to take a course in civilization. For students interested in teaching, FRENCH 4000 Teaching of Foreign Languages is an additional requirement of the School of Education. Likewise, students interested in teaching must satisfy the language immersion requirement by enrolling in the Foreign Language Travel Abroad Seminar for at least two credits. See the Humanities Department Chair for details. French minors must have a GPA no lower than 2.50 in French courses.
Required:Requires a total of 36 credits with a minimum of 20 credits selected from courses numbered 3000 or higher. Phonetics and civilization are required. For students interested in teaching, a total of 40 credits are required with a minimum of 24 credits numbered 3000 or higher. GERMAN 4000 Teaching of Foreign Languages is an additional requirement of the School of Education. Students who major in German must have a grade-point average of no lower than a 2.50 in the language courses they take, and meet the study-abroad requirement described earlier in this section.
Requires 24 credits with a minimum of eight credits selected from courses numbered 3000 or higher. For students interested in teaching, a total of 28 credits are required with a minimum of 12 credits numbered 3000 or higher. GERMAN 4000 Teaching of Foreign Languages is an additional requirement of the School of Education. Likewise, students interested in teaching must satisfy the language immersion requirement by enrolling in the Foreign Language Travel Abroad Seminar for at least two credits. See the Humanities Department Chair for details. German minors must have a GPA no lower than 2.50 in German courses.
Requires a total of 36 credits with a minimum of 20 credits selected from courses numbered 3000 or higher. Phonetics and civilization are required. For students interested in teaching, a total of 40 credits are required with a minimum of 24 credits numbered 3000 or higher. Also, SPANISH 4000 Teaching of Foreign Languages is an additional requirement of the School of Education. Students who major in Spanish must have a grade-point average of no lower than a 2.50 in the language courses they take, and meet the study-abroad requirement described earlier this section.
Requires 24 credits with a minimum of eight credits selected from courses numbered 3000 or higher. For students interested in teaching, a total of 28 credits are required with a minimum of 12 credits numbered 3000 or higher. Also, for students interested in teaching, SPANISH 4000 Teaching of Foreign Languages is an additional requirement of the School of Education. Likewise, students interested in teaching must satisfy the language immersion requirement by enrolling in the Foreign Language Travel Abroad Seminar for at least two credits. See the Humanities Department Chair for details. Spanish minors must maintain a GPA of 2.50 or higher in Spanish courses.