LOCATION

Burrus Dickinson Hall Division

DIVISION CHAIR

Dr. Scott Hemmenway

The Humanities Division finds its center in the study of what it means to be human. Humans long for the infinite; therefore, the Humanities profess religion, the spiritual vision of life. Humans seek to understand; therefore, the Humanities profess diversity, as found in the visions of life held in languages and by various cultures. Humans imagine; therefore, the Humanities profess literature, the poetic vision of life. Humans manifest their longings, their inquiries, their diversity, and their imagination in the written word, therefore, the Humanities profess grace and precision in those expressions. A student who has encountered these visions is prepared for life and for whatever pursuit he or she should decide to affirm. Such a student is particularly prepared for public service and for the professions of ministry, education, law, communications, and journalism.

The Division offers majors in Communication, English, English with Teacher Certification, and Philosophy and Religion. Minors are offered in communication, French, Literature, Philosophy and Religion, Spanish, and Writing.

Dr. Kathy Whitson

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Dr. Kathy whitson

Professor of English, specializes in Modern and Contemporary literature and has further interest in Native American literature. She has published several articles and book reviews and is the author of Encyclopedia of Native American Literatures and Encyclopedia of Feminist Literature. Other scholarly interests include ecocriticism, poetry, and linguistics. She serves as the coordinator of the freshman seminar program (IDS 101) and Chair of the Assessment Committee. B.S. and M.A. Southeast Missouri State University; Ph.D. University of Missouri.