In reflecting upon this subject, several different definitions come to mind. First of all I think of all the subjects, which are traditionally, included as part of the college of Humanities. These subjects include: English, Foreign Languages, History, Art, Art History, Philosophy, Religion and Communications. In other words all of the subjects, which usually are considered a BA degree and which require two years of study of a foreign language.



However, the lines between these subjects and to what degree they are considered part of the Humanities can be debated. For example, at most universities one can earn either a BA in philosophy or a BS thus Philosophy can in a sense be considered both a part of the Humanities and a part of the sciences. It is an art an thus part of the humanities in the sense that in order to grasp this field and to successfully debate any issue in the field one must have an understanding of how it works but then again it can be a science in the sense that Philosophy is based on the idea that there are very specific rules to be followed.

The same can also be said for Music. Is it an art and therefore a part of the Humanities or a science? Again most colleges offer this degree as both a BA and a BS. Thus it can in a way be considered to be both an art and a science thus it fits in better as a science. This debate becomes even more complicated when you add in the category of the fine arts. This is often a separate college at most universities. Then what about art? Is art humanity or a science? For someone similar to myself who has no artistic talent whatsoever I would say it is a science, and one that is too complicated for my comprehension.

The second definition of the humanities is often said to be that which is related to and involves humanity. Thus any subject dealing with people in general. This explains better the choice of subjects, which are often included in the field. English fits in because it is not only a spoken language but also a written language thus the study of literature in our own language causes us to learn more about who we are and about our past and future. Thus history is also humanity for this reason. By learning about our past we can better learn about what to expect in the future and about humanity in general. Humans write history and thus history is appropriately a part of the humanities.

Foreign Languages make up a part of the humanities for the same reason as English and History. They tell the story, and inform on the culture and language of the different peoples of the world, thus enlarging one's perspective on the human race. Communications also fit in under this same domain. Languages are a means by which we can communicate and the study of communications and the different methods of communication can only enrich one's understanding of the human race, our cultures and our natures.

Then there are the fields of Philosophy, Art and Music which as has been previously explained can be considered both a part of the humanities and a part of the science or the performing arts. However, when considered under the definition of that which pertains to being human, it can easily be said that these subjects form an important part of the humanities. Philosophy because it examines the fundamental questions all humans wonder about. Art because it is a way for us to express our creativity and many people reproduce copies of other people in their art. Music because not only do humans write it but also it is written for humans and also offers another form of expression can also be considered a part of the humanities.

The last definition I would like to examine, goes back to the 18th century when there was developed a school and a movement called the Humanist movement or school and the subjects which we now consider to be part of the humanities are those which were studied by this group.