Humanities

Open Book When you study liberal arts at St. Olaf, you make sense of the world, learn how to think and reason, and develop skills like clear, effective writing and persuasive public speaking. We help students practice disciplined thought, reflect on the patterns of their thinking, and pursue intellectual inquiry with the utmost empathy.

Q & A with Dean of Humanities Charles Wilson '69

Charles WilsonThe fundamental reason for studying the liberal arts is that it’s good to know. We often say that the liberal arts provides a thickness to one’s being in the world, without which one is less of a scholar. If you can’t see Shakespeare in your mind and hear the diction, you’re less of a scholar; if you don’t know what Plato said and meant, you’re less of a scholar as well.

That said, this is the faculty where you are going to learn to think critically and to write well. It’s where you are expected to work in groups intelligently and where you will be given many opportunities to learn oral communications skills. Read more »

French HouseTaking FLAC

Called “FLAC” for short, Foreign Languages Across the Curriculum has become a model for colleges and universities nationwide. Students proficient in Chinese, French, German, Norwegian, Russian or Spanish have the opportunity to read short texts in their original language in history, religion, sociology, political science and chemistry courses. Learn more about FLAC »

Latin Play-ful

Latin PlayThe biennial Latin play, always a musical comedy written by ancient dramatist Titus Maccius Plautus and directed by Professor Anne Groton, is about as playful as a play can be. Think Gilbert and Sullivan, Romanstyle, with a couple of modern elements and inside jokes thrown in. More about the Latin play »

Going International

Knowing a second language has been a big steppingstone for St. Olaf graduates in international careers. Just ask Daniel Hamilton, Ph.D., who went from majoring in German at St. Olaf to serving as an adviser to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in President Bill Clinton’s administration.

Norwegian-American Historical Association

The St. Olaf-based Norwegian-American Historical Association (NAHA) boasts one of the nation’s most comprehensive collections of photos and documents on Norwegian immigration and Norwegian descendants living in the United States. More about NAHA »

Cool Class

The Beats
The Beat Generation represents a moment in 20th Century American literature history that continues to capture the imaginations of readers. Examine writers such as Kerouac, Ginsburg, DiPrima and Snyder, and explore how the literary movement they inspired is linked to the Cold War, the sexual revolution, rock ‘n roll and more. [close]

Cool Class

Christian and Islamic Ethics
Compare Christian and Islamic conceptions of the relationship between God and humanity as foundations for thinking about moral excellence and obligation. Students examine how theological commitments and methods in each religious tradition affect approaches to ethical issues such as sexuality, war and politics. [close]

Cool Class

Buddhism, Peace and Justice
Students examine contemporary Buddhist moral teachings on social issues such as violence and peacemaking, human rights and social justice, and humanity and the environment. They also consider the moral paradigms of Christianity and Buddhism. [close]

Cool Class

Lutheran Heritage
What issues did Luther face? What issues do Lutherans face today? Examine why Luther was controversial in his day and how the church has evolved. [close]

Cool Class

Comparative Hispanidades
Students explore a topic pertinent to more than one geographic area of the Spanish-speaking world. With a focus on comparative analysis through reading, discussion and writing, topics may include “Dictatorship and Literature” and “Human Rights and Social Justice.” [close]

Cool Class

Language in Society
What is the role of language in our society? What is the impact of bilingualism in the United States? Through the collection and analysis of data, students examine issues of language and gender, language and power and language variation and change. Taught in Spanish. [close]

Off-Campus Opportunity

Theater in London
Critique some of the world’s best theater in London, where you’ll see some 20 performances. And take excursions to Stratford upon Avon, Oxford and Canterbury. [close]

Off-Campus Opportunity

Learning in the French Caribbean
In this Interim program students study the French language and the French Caribbean culture on the island of Martinique. The course includes home stays, field trips and lectures. [close]

Off-Campus Opportunity

Semester Exchange
Every year five German students study at St. Olaf and 15 St. Olaf students study in Germany, choosing from universities in Konstanz, Paderborn or Flensburg. [close]

Off-Campus Opportunity

Arts in Vienna
Explore Vienna’s cultural traditions as revealed through museums, theaters, operas, operettas, concerts and the city’s architectural masterpieces in this Interim course. [close]

Off-Campus Opportunity

Term in Oslo
This program balances classroom study, fieldwork, travel-study and an internship working in a social welfare organization. You’ll examine Norway’s national identity, including immigration issues and multiculturalism. [close]

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