School of Humanities

Communication (COM)

The Department of Communication and Media offers a major and minor in Communication. These programs focus on communication competency and media literacy, helping students to develop critical thinking, research, writing, and oral communication skills. Such skills prepare majors for advanced study in communication, as well as a wide range of professional fields, including corporate training, government relations, and human resources.

The Communication and Media Department does not issue grade waivers in any of its majors or minors. Students cannot major in both Communication and Media.

English (ENG, LIT, WRI)

Courses offered in the Department of English enhance literary appreciation and interpretation and refine analytical and writing skills, techniques which help students become successful and productive professionals. English courses also acknowledge the value of the entire spectrum of the liberal arts: the other humanities, performing arts, sciences, social sciences and business. An English major provides students with a truly liberal arts education.

French (FRN)

While the Department of Languages does not offer a standalone major or minor in French, courses are available to help the student to assimilate the French language and to enjoy the literature, culture and art of France and the more than 37 Francophone countries.

Placement Test: Students with previous training in French who wish to continue the language at Heidelberg University should take the French Placement test. The results of the test and consideration of the student’s previous training in French will form the basis for placement at the appropriate level.

Credit by Examination: Students who have completed three or more years of French in high school may apply for credit by examination for courses beyond FRN 101-FRN 102. Students must make arrangements with the French faculty, complete the appropriate form in the Registrar’s Office and pay the prescribed fee at the Business Office. The results of the test should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office within the first four weeks of the semester in which the student is taking the next higher level French course. Therefore, the application procedure should be completed as early as possible.

Gender and Identity Studies (GID)

The Gender and Identity Studies minor is offered through the Department of Communication and Media. This minor focuses on gender identity and gender expression and intersections with other aspects of identity. Studying identity increases awareness of societal issues such as discrimination, violence, and health and reproductive rights.The communication and Media Department does not issue grade waivers in any of its majors or minors.

German (GMS, GER)

What makes Heidelberg’s German program unique among American universities is that students complete most of their major requirements in Germany, at one of the most prestigious universities in Europe (The Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg). During their academic year in our American Junior Year program, students who major in German Studies expand their language skills and deepen their understanding of German culture-not just by reading about it, but by experiencing the rhythms of everyday life firsthand and completing an internship in Germany. The Study Abroad Preparation course and post-study abroad German Portfolio course serve as academic bookends to the experience, providing our students with the opportunity to prepare for their year-long international experience, live it, and then reflect on it in the target language.

The American Junior Year Program’s six-week summer session in May and June offers all Heidelberg students the opportunity to earn 6-8 semester hours of credit in the intermediate and advanced levels. See the website for more information: www.heidelberg.edu/ajy.

History (HIS)

A major in History and a minor in History. History is a record of human achievements, downfalls, joys, customs and ways of thinking that, in total, have affected the lives of others. Students taking history courses can learn much from the experiences of the past and present, which enable them to have a greater understanding of how events and people influence the lives of human beings within nations or the world.

Legal Studies

Legal Studies is offered as a minor. It is designed for those interested in pursuing a law degree and for those seeking a deeper understanding of the law and its role in politics, government, history, economics, and society. Enrollment in the Legal Studies Minor is not required to be designated as a Pre-Law Student. Students interested in law school should consult with the pre-law advisor to determine the appropriate set of courses best suited for their individual preparation.

Media (COM, MED)

The Department of Communication and Media offers a major and minor in Media. These programs focus on communication competency and media literacy, helping students to develop critical thinking, research, writing, and oral communication skills. Such skills prepare majors for advanced study in media, as well as a wide range of professional fields, including broadcasting, social media, journalism, and public relations.The Communication and Media Department does not issue grade waivers in any of its majors or minors. Students cannot major in both Media and Communication.

Philosophy (PHI)

Philosophy enhances critical thinking, engenders ethical awareness and provides opportunity for the analysis and discussion of important and difficult issues and problems. The skills associated with the study of philosophy are highly valued by the legal and medical professions, government, education, business and many other areas of our society.

Political Science (POL)

Political science is a dynamic and wide-ranging discipline that explores governmental institutions, political processes, and political philosophy throughout history and around the world. Political scientists specifically study the formation and execution of policy and law, elections and voting, the nature of communities, as well as the way individuals and nations work together to solve problems, resolve disputes, and live in peace. Political scientists also consider questions of justice, law, power, liberty, equality, war, authority, rights, leadership, collective action, social choice, responsibility, and much more.

Students majoring in political science have the opportunity to cultivate an array of broadly transferable skills in writing, research, public speaking, leadership, diplomacy, strategic decision-making, interpersonal communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and analysis. Political science, then, is a popular major for those interested in careers in law, politics, journalism, public administration, higher education, foreign service, government, and the nonprofit sector. Many political scientists are also found in business management, sales, marketing, publishing, engineering, research and development, healthcare, insurance, and more.

Heidelberg University’s program focuses on the interdisciplinary study of political reality, drawing especially on the social sciences and humanities. We also strongly encourage students to apply their classroom experience through internships in Washington, DC, in Ohio, or anywhere in the world.

Religion (REL)

Courses in religion are designed to help all students gain a mature understanding of religion and appreciate the importance of values, meaning, and faith as integral parts of human life.

Spanish (SPA)

The Minor in Spanish will provide students a variety of opportunities to achieve proficiency in the language and acquire a deeper understanding of Latino cultures and literatures. In view of the historical, social, economic, political, geographical, linguistic and cultural ties and relations of the United States with Spain and Latin America, the study of the Spanish language and the Latino cultures has become a very desirable and indispensable asset for any American college student.

Students can spend a year, a semester or a summer studying at The Center for Cross-Cultural Study in Seville, Spain; Alicante, Spain; or Córdoba, Argentina. Three-week summer and semester-long courses are also offered at Cemanahuac in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Outstanding students are invited to join Chi Psi, the campus chapter of Sigma Delta Pi the National Spanish Honorary Society.