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Humanities and Social Sciences

Humanities and Social Sciences

Celebrate the diversity of the world through our humanities and social sciences programs. You can choose to study one of many cultures or languages offered as well as anthropology, history, political science, sociology and more.

Africana Studies

Africana Studies is an interdisciplinary degree that examines the histories, political and cultural movements, institutions, economies, and identities of Africans and the African diaspora. Africa's own overlapping cultures along with the disbursement of African people offer a comprehensive exploration.

Anthropology

Anthropologists analyze and study all aspects of humanity throughout the world. At SIU, our program encompasses the four aspects - modern human societies (Socio-cultural Anthropology), past human societies (Archaeology), human communication (Linguistic Anthropology), and human and primate biology (Biological Anthropology).

Creative Writing

Creative writers learn techniques to compose and develop works of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. These innovative skills teach students to confidently accept and work through challenges by expanding their outlook. Graduates are prepared for careers including journalism, business, entertainment, and government.

Criminology and Criminal JusticeOnline Option

A degree in CCJ is a starting point for any criminal justice-related career. We offer a Bachelor of Arts degree, a CCJ minor and a Forensic Science minor, as well as Master of Arts and a Ph.D. degree.  Join one of the biggest programs on campus, enjoy the diversity we offer, and study with faculty who bring real-world experience to the classroom. Earn your bachelor’s degree online, and learn with the same curriculum as on campus.

English

The study of literature and written communication help develop critical analysis, logical thinking, creative interpretation, and cultural awareness. English majors build a solid foundation in communication, research, and humanities. These skills are an asset for any profession.

HistoryOnline Option

Studying the past teaches us valuable lessons about the present and future. Students are encouraged to look beyond historical facts and question the surrounding circumstances. Graduates emerge with a well-rounded education perfect for a wide range of careers.

Languages, Cultures, International Studies

This program prepares students to understand and collaborate with our global society. Students learn modern and classical languages and gain an understanding of cultural contexts throughout the world. Our faculty is versed in literature, linguistics, pedagogy, philosophy, and foreign cultures.

Linguistics

Linguistics is the study of language. Students explore the sounds of language, word construction, sentence structure, and meaning. Linguists understand how language is learned and processed mentally, how it is used in socio-cultural contexts, and how it changes over time.

Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. At SIU, students explore logic, ethics, metaphysics, political and legal philosophy, the philosophy of science, the philosophy of technology, the history of philosophy, and the philosophy of religion.

Sociology

Sociology is the intricate study of human behavior, its social consequences, social changes, and social life. Topics include criminology, delinquency, deviance, identity, marriage and family, race/ethnic relations, religion, sex, gender roles, social movements, social thought, and victimology.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Teaching English to non-English speakers involves a thorough understanding of the English language. Students learn teaching techniques, study different cultures, their customs, and distinct learning styles. Graduates are prepared for exciting careers in the United States and abroad.

University Studies Online Option

This program allows students to build their own bachelor of arts or bachelor of sciences degree without a formal, declared major. Through the University Studies program, an advisor helps students create a custom degree based on their specific needs and interests.

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

This in-depth program explores gender and sexuality in global societies past and present. While it focuses on women's experiences, including race, class, and culture, it also naturally relates to broader themes such as masculinity, queer theory, and feminist theory.

Below you can find the program you are interested in and the degrees, minors, and online options offered for that program. You will see some programs have specializations (for undergraduate programs)/ concentrations (for graduate programs) listed. These are focused areas of study.
Program Bachelor's Master's Doctoral Minor Online
Africana Studies BA Certificate  
  • Africana Studies
 
Ancient Practices minor
  • Ancient Practices
Anthropology BA MA PhD
  • Anthropology
 
Creative Writing   MFA      
Criminology and Criminal Justice BA MA PhD
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice
 BA
English BA, BS MA PhD
  • English
 
Specializations/Concentrations:
Creative Writing BA      
Literature BA MA      
Preprofessional BA      
Rhetoric and Composition MA      
Historical Studies     PhD  
History BA,BS MA
  • History
 BA
Specializations/Concentrations:
History Honors BA,BS        
Languages, Cultures,
International Studies
BA    
  • American Sign Language
  • Chinese
  • Classical Civilization
  • East Asian Civilization
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • International Studies
  • Japanese
  • Latin
  • Mythology
  • Spanish
 
Specializations/Concentrations:
African and Middle Eastern Studies BA        
Asian and South Pacific Studies BA        
Classics BA        
East Asian Language and Culture BA        
European Studies BA        
Foreign Language and International Trade BA        
French, German, or Spanish BA        
Latin American and Caribbean Studies BA        
Latino and Latin American Studies minor      
  • Latino and Latin American Studies
 
Linguistics BA MA  
  • Linguistics
 
Native American Studies minor      
  • Native American Studies
 
Peace Studies minor      
  • Peace Studies
 
Philosophy BA MA PhD    
Political Science BA MA PhD
  • Political Science
 
Specializations/Concentrations:
International Affairs BA        
Pre-Law BA        
Public Service BA        
Sociology BA MA PhD
  • Sociology
 
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages   MA      
University Studies BA, BS     BA, BS
Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies minor or certificate   Certificate  
  • Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies