About the Program

The Humanities specialization is the interdisciplinary study of past and contemporary history of ideas and of the human experiences.  This Study includes:  philosophy, literature, and the fine arts (history of painting, sculpture, architecture, music).  An historical perspective informs the sequence. NOTE: The Humanities Specialization is currently being revised.  It will be offered in 2007-2008 as the English/Humanities Specialization.  In addition to HUM 303 (Modern Currents in the Humanities) and Aesthetics (PHI 313), both of which are required, students can select electives in literature (ENG 315, 316, 318, 348, 349) and performance arts (SPE 403, 412; TH 304, 330, 439).  Students should check with their advisors for further information.

The Humanities program will enable students to achieve the following goals and objectives:

• To achieve an understanding of past major artistic, historical, and philosophical ideas
• To offer students an appreciation of past and current human history of human experience and achievements
• To provide the basis for advanced education beyond the baccalaureate level
• To enhance critical thinking and knowledge of ethical and cultural issues throughout history
• To develop self-initiative in exploring old and current ideas and issues
• To develop an awareness of the interrelationship among the various interdisciplinary areas and art forms
• To create a foundation for the understanding of the human condition

Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) 

The Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree program is designed for students who choose to pursue a liberal arts program of study.  The degree is flexible in its design and thereby responds to diverse student needs and interests.

Students in this degree program are required to complete a specialization. Students may choose both to earn a specialization and to submit a portfolio.

To earn a specialization students select a specialization in one of the following:  Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, Legal Studies, Psychology/Human Services, or Social Welfare.  Curriculum for each of these areas and University policies follow in this bulletin.

Students who also want to earn credit for college-level learning acquired through professional work experience must submit a portfolio. The portfolio provides the mechanism for translating documented learning experience into Barry University credit.  Students are expected to submit their portfolios before completing 90 credits.
Students must attend a portfolio seminar during the first three semesters of enrollment.  It is advisable to have portfolios submitted within one year of seminar attendance.  If more than one year elapses from attendance at the first seminar, students must attend a second seminar.

Students must meet all of the following criteria at the time of portfolio submission:

1. Students have been fully accepted (see criteria for full acceptance in this bulletin/catalog).

2. Students must have completed English 302 with a grade of at least C or have demonstrated proficiency on the English exam.

3. Students must be in good academic standing (cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all Barry University coursework).

4. Students are able to document at least five years of full time professional work experience and/or community service.

If students do not meet the above criteria, the portfolio may not be submitted. Students must submit their near-completed portfolios to their directors/advisors in sufficient time to allow for revisions.  Completed portfolios must be submitted to the Miami campus in accordance with published deadline dates in the Semester schedules.  Meeting these deadlines is the responsibility of the student. The portfolio administrative fee must be paid when submitting the portfolio for evaluation.