Division of Humanities

Humanities Areas of Study


The Division of Humanities offers opportunities and tools for individuals to explore, interpret and analyze the human experience, as they seek their place within community. Courses offered by the Humanities division develop interpersonal communication skills, strategies for critical thinking, and methods for creative practice. The division provides frameworks for students to acquire and apply knowledge related to:

  1. Effective oral and written communication
  2. Identification and appreciation of works of literature, art, music, and theatre
  3. Conversational skills in foreign language
  4. Contextual understanding and analysis of cultures and belief systems
  5. Creation and performance of works of art, music, theatre, and writing
  6. Recognition and consideration of diverse perspectives
  7. A Learning Support program in reading and writing is provided. 

 

Art

The department of art cultivates appreciation and application of the arts and includes development of fundamental skills and concepts for students pursuing education in Fine/Studio Arts, Art Education, Art History, and Digital Media. Introduction to Art and Art History courses support General Education goals of the college by introducing students to a wide spectrum of art, spanning many time periods and cultures, with focus on development of critical observation and analysis. 

 
 
Art Studio Facilities
Located in the Art Wing of the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Building at the Morristown Campus, all labs include professional quality equipment such as a digital workstations, a variety of ceramic kilns, electric pottery wheels, and spacious drawing and painting studios. Gallery spaces serve to acquaint students with current professional artists and to showcase student work in all-student shows. Seminars in professional practices help prepare the students to function as visual artists. Instructors are highly trained, practicing artists who are dedicated to encouraging the individual student to reach his or her highest level of skill and creativity.

 

Communication

The department of Communication seeks to enable students to think critically and communicate effectively thereby preparing them for careers in the fields of broadcasting, journalism and mass communication. The department also provides training in communication skills for effective communication in interpersonal, business and professional settings.

 

English

The department of English teaches students to think critically, write effectively and develop sensibilities to the literary tradition of the Western World through offerings in composition and literature. The discipline emphasizes language skills and the literary arts.

 

Foreign Language

The Foreign Language discipline seeks to reveal how other peoples express, interpret, and live out their personal existences through their language and culture. Students learning a foreign language are better prepared for functioning in today’s global society, made more culturally aware, and benefit from an enriched educational experience.

 
 
Courses Offered

French

  • FREN 1010 Elementary French I *
  • FREN 1020 Elementary French II *
  • FREN 2010 Intermediate French I*
  • FREN 2020 Intermediate French II *

German

  • GERM 1010 Elementary German I *
  • GERM 1020 Elementary German II *
  • GERM 2010 Intermediate German I *
  • GERM 2020 Intermediate German II *

Spanish

  • SPAN 1000 Beginning Conversational Spanish I
  • SPAN 1001 Beginning Conversational Spanish II
  • SPAN 1005 Spanish Communications for the Hospitality Industry
  • SPAN 1006 Spanish Communication for Healthcare Workers
  • SPAN 1010 Elementary Spanish I
  • SPAN1020 Elementary Spanish II
  • SPAN 2010 Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 2020 Intermediate Spanish II
  • SPAN 2900 Problems and Topics in Spanish Studies

Consult the current college catalog for course descriptions and details.

*French and German classes may be offered when a significant number of students express interest in the course. This is determined on a semester-by-semester basis.

Spanish Placement Options

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Students who are native speakers or who have taken Spanish in the past or have a strong foundation in Spanish can apply for PLA. Students must complete a PLA application and complete either a Departmental Exam or an External Exam.

Prior Learning Assessment

 

Departmental Exam

Students must complete a PLA application and pay a $25 fee per class of which they are attempting to test out. They then take a placement test with one of the professors who will proctor the test, grade it, and discuss placement with the student. Students must score 75% or higher on the test to pass. While students do have a reported grade for the test, the grade does not appear on the student’s transcript. Students receive credit hours, but the grade does not appear on the transcript nor does it impact GPA.

 

External Exam – CLEP Test for Spanish

This exam will allow students to receive credit for 0, 6, or 12 hours depending on how they score on the test. Students receive credit hours, but no grade so it will not impact GPA. There is a testing fee from CLEP and from the WSCC testing center for this test.

CLEP Exams

 

Placement Test

Students who are native speakers or who have taken Spanish in the past can schedule a placement test with one of the Spanish professors. This may also include a short oral interview in Spanish. Immediately after completing the test and/or interview, students will be advised as to which level of Spanish would be best for them to enter. This is an option if a student does NOT need to show credit for previous semesters of Spanish. For example, majors requiring all four semesters of a foreign language like AA English, would not be able to place up using this test.

 

Challenge Test

Students currently enrolled in a Spanish class who are native speakers or who have taken Spanish in the past can contact their instructor requesting to schedule a challenge test for the class in which they are enrolled. These students can take the final exam during the first two weeks of class. If their score on the exam is acceptable to both the student and professor, then the student stays registered in the class, but does not have to attend nor complete any further assignments. The student will receive the grade that they earned on the final exam as their final class grade, which will be factored into their GPA.

Contact the Lead Faculty for Foreign Languages if you have any questions.

Non-Credit Courses
Walters State Community College offers a few non-credit courses in Medical Spanish and Spanish in the workplace. For more information contact Workforce Training at 423-585-2675.

 

Music and Theatre

The department of Music and Theatre presents traditional and non-traditional musical styles through both listening and score reading and provides training and opportunities for involvement in public performance, stagecraft, set building, and acting.

 
 
Performing Ensembles

Both music majors and non-majors are offered the opportunity of involvement in a performing ensemble. The Concert Choir, Community Chorale, and Sensations Ensemble are available to vocalists, and instrumentalists can be involved in the jazz band and/or symphonic band. Each of these ensembles offers academic credit of one hour per semester.

Theatre Performances
Students who are interested in theatre are offered a variety of performance opportunities throughout each academic year. The Walters State Stage Company provides the campus and community with outstanding productions which have recently included Little Women, White Christmas, The King and I, Camelot, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Hamlet, Shenandoah, Big River, Walk Toward the Sunset, An Evening with Cole Porter, Sister Act/Chicago Highlights, Christmas Holidays, Rock On, Forever Christmas, Movie Magic, and Broadway.
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered to deserving music and theatre students each year. These scholarships are available to both majors and non-majors. In addition to the traditional application and transcript requirements, students are required to audition for the music and/or theatre faculty. Students who are interested in a theatre scholarship should contact the Humanities Division at 423.585.6947.

 

Philosophy

The associate of arts degrees in philosophy involves reasoning and thinking critically about all areas of life: science, religion, art, politics and morality. Its purpose is to understand and evaluate our most basic beliefs and values and to integrate them in a coherent view of ourselves and the world.

 

Additional Areas of Study

 

Developmental Reading and Writing Program

The Developmental Reading and Writing program assists students in developing the ability to read and write effectively.

WRITING lab

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