Frequently Asked Questions

The Humanities Program is an essential part of Revelle College’s mission “to cultivate versatile and well-rounded scholars who possess a profound knowledge of multiple fields.” By studying the humanities, students develop as both individuals and global citizens. 

The humanities fulfills this charge by giving students a deeper understanding of the human experience and the processes that have led to the development of the world in which we live. Learning about the ideas, values, fears, and dreams of the people of the past helps develop empathy, promotes intellectual discourse, and builds cultural literacy. Understanding the connection between ideas and their effects makes us better-informed decision-makers and enhances our ability to evaluate meaning, to recognize patterns, and to appreciate cultural differences. 

The study of the humanities also prepares us to participate in events of local, state, national, and global significance. Moreover, it inspires the questions that drive personal growth along with scientific and technological progress.

In addition to familiarizing students with one of the world’s major intellectual traditions–which has been fundamental in shaping the culture and society of the United States–the Humanities Program aims to teach students transferable skills such as critical reading, analytical writing, communication, and intellectual self-confidence. These skills are essential regardless of one’s academic and professional path; they help students to succeed in majors that range from the humanities to the hard sciences, and they are increasingly in demand professional skills. 

All Revelle College students complete the Humanities requirement. The shared experience of taking HUM serves as an important space for students to make connections with their peers and cultivate a sense of community in Revelle College.

Essays and most assignments are graded by TAs. Every TA is trained in the teaching and grading expectations of the Humanities Program in order to ensure consistency. TAs participate in an initial pedagogical training course (HUM 200) and meet weekly with the course instructor and a course coordinator from the Humanities Program to discuss teaching practices and grading standards.

The grading of every assignment is supervised by the instructor and a course coordinator from the Humanities Program. The supervision seeks to ensure that grading and feedback standards are fair and consistent across sections within the same course and the program as a whole. 

Assigned grades reflect a student’s demonstrated mastery in analytical writing, aligned with the expectations outlined in the Humanities Program Writing Curriculum. The Humanities Program does not use grading curves; instead, each student is evaluated according to their individual achievement of the learning outcomes.

For the specific course requirements that make up the course grade, students should see their instructor’s syllabus.

Lectures by the course instructor are intended to introduce students to the historical context and central ideas of the course texts. Lectures help students make connections between broader concepts in the humanities and reflect on processes that have led to the development of the world in which we live.

Discussion sections, led by TAs, provide an opportunity for active learning through engagement and collaboration with other students in a small group setting. Discussion sections equip students with essential tools for processing and applying the course content while also developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.

Participation in discussion sections is a significant component of a student’s course grade. Active and engaged participation during sections is essential, and consistent attendance is expected. To get the most out of discussion sections, students should come prepared by reading the assigned texts and completing any pre-section assignments provided by their TA.

Editions and translations are specific to each lecture. Students are required to use the assigned versions in order to engage with lecture, participate effectively in discussion section, and ensure correct citations in the assignments. 

We strongly recommend that students purchase their books through the UC San Diego Bookstore. Booklists are available several weeks before the start of the course through the Schedule of Classes and UC San Diego Bookstore website. We recommend that students consult the syllabus while shopping in person at the Bookstore since multiple translations of the same book may be in stock for different courses. Students are expected to have all course material before the start of classes.

Students are also able to check out physical copies of their books for free through Geisel Library’s Course Reserves in three-hour increments. 

TAs are responsible for leading discussion sections and evaluating student coursework under the supervision of the lead instructor and Humanities Program. TAs design lesson plans for their sections. This includes choosing the specific topics of discussion, designing classroom activities, and organizing any pre-section assignments.

In HUM 1 and 2, section includes intensive writing instruction with assignments based on the Humanities Program Writing Curriculum available through the course Canvas site.

TAs in HUM come from a variety of academic fields. Many are graduate students in humanities departments at UC San Diego, such as History, Literature, and Philosophy. Our community of TAs also includes instructors from the social sciences as well as from engineering and the life sciences. Not all of our TAs are graduate students at UC San Diego. Some have completed their graduate work and are pursuing careers in teaching.

The Humanities Program teaches analytical writing through a program-specific writing curriculum that students access through the course Canvas site. Beyond the course, students have a number of additional resources to support their writing. We keep an updated list of available writing resources here.

Resources available through the Humanities Program can help with content mastery and writing expectations specific to the program. Campus resources focus more on general writing mechanics and transferable skills in academic writing.

The Humanities Program believes that reading ancient and modern core texts is a practice that allows you to self-consciously reflect on what gives your life value and meaning. To help cultivate this habit in your studies and life, HUM provides several opportunities to extend and deepen your study of the humanities:

Global Seminars. The Humanities Program has offered Global Seminars since 2008. They offer students an opportunity to fulfill their Humanities requirements while living abroad for a five-week summer session. These immersive educational experiences are often the highlights of students’ time in college. We have led Global Seminars in Rome, Edinburgh, Berlin, London, and Santiago. Students may fulfill up to two courses toward the HUM 3-4-5 requirement depending on the program chosen. Check here for our upcoming Global Seminar offerings.

Humanities Minor. Students who are interested in extending their study of the humanities should consider adopting the Humanities Minor. It is only seven courses, and students can use two HUM courses toward it. For more information, visit our page on the Humanities Minor. It includes a chart to help you decide if it is the right minor for you. 

Humanities Event Series. Our Humanities Event Series creates opportunities to integrate the HUM curriculum with contemporary creative engagements and the humanities. We have hosted poetry readings, theater performances, and lecture discussions. The goal of the series is to show that the humanities continue to evolve and play a role in making meaning in the contemporary world and our lives. Check here for upcoming and past events in the Humanities Event Series.