The Importance of History and Humanities Courses in College
Colleges often require history and humanities courses as part of the general education requirements. Understanding the rationale behind these requirements can help students appreciate the value of these courses in their overall college experience and future endeavors.
Why Colleges Mandate History and Humanities Courses
Colleges require history and humanities courses for several reasons, reflecting the broader goals of a liberal arts education. Here are some key points:
Critical Thinking Skills
Humanities courses encourage students to analyze texts, arguments, and historical contexts. This fosters critical thinking and reasoning skills, which are valuable in any field of study. When students engage with complex texts and historical events, they learn to evaluate evidence, understand multiple perspectives, and form well-supported conclusions.
Cultural Awareness
History and humanities explore diverse cultures, values, and perspectives. This helps students understand and appreciate the complexities of the world, a trait increasingly important in our globalized society. Knowledge of different cultures and traditions can broaden students' worldviews, making them better prepared to interact with people from various backgrounds.
Communication Skills
These courses often emphasize writing and oral presentations. Essential skills in both personal and professional contexts, students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively. Effective communication is crucial for success in any career, and these courses provide a solid foundation for developing strong communication abilities.
Ethical Reasoning
Engaging with historical events and philosophical ideas helps students grapple with ethical dilemmas and moral questions. This prepares them for responsible citizenship and decision-making. Understanding the ethical dimensions of issues can lead to more thoughtful and informed choices, both personally and professionally.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Humanities and history courses often intersect with other disciplines, enriching students' understanding of the world and promoting a well-rounded education. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to draw connections between different areas of study, fostering a more holistic view of knowledge.
Personal Growth
Studying history and the humanities can be intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling. These courses encourage self-reflection and a deeper understanding of one's place in the world. The ability to think critically, analyze complex ideas, and engage with different perspectives can lead to personal growth and maturity.
Compare College Graduates
I used to wonder why we had to take all these other courses that we wouldn't seem to 'use' in our careers and 'real life.' Now, having lived life and completed three careers with college graduates, I see a clear difference. One group of graduates took the time to actually engage with what they were learning. They either agreed or disagreed with the material, letting their minds expand from the texts. Their way of speaking reflects this intellectual engagement, and they earn the respect of those around them because of the way they carry themselves and approach life.
On the other hand, there are those who 'just' got through college by taking 'easy' courses and 'just' wanted to pass. They were more focused on the rewards of a college degree, like 'more money' or 'better job prospects.' Their personalities reflect their attitude and, in many cases, they don't end up with the 'high paying job' they hoped for. Some of these individuals are the same people they were before college, and their way of speaking and thinking doesn't change much.
These required courses, in addition to major requirements, make one well-rounded and teach critical thinking. If you have met people who are just content with where they are in life, regardless of whether they graduated from college or not, you'll see some of them are irritating. They're not bad people necessarily, but you can see they don't have the motivation to expand their minds. History and humanities courses help make us better human beings. They help build our intelligence while we study our chosen majors and/or are on the course to our chosen careers.
Engaging with history and humanities is not just about passing a course; it's about enriching one's life and understanding. These courses offer a perspective that goes beyond the immediate practicality of the classroom, contributing to the development of a more informed and thoughtful individual.