What are the Humanities?

In reflecting upon this subject, several differentAgain most colleges offer this degree as both a BA
definitions come to mind. First of all I think of all theand a BS. Thus it can in a way be considered to be
subjects, which are traditionally, included as part ofboth an art and a science thus it fits in better as a
the college of Humanities. These subjects include:science. This debate becomes even more
English, Foreign Languages, History, Art, Art History,complicated when you add in the category of the
Philosophy, Religion and Communications. In otherfine arts. This is often a separate college at most
words all of the subjects, which usually areuniversities. Then what about art? Is art humanity or
considered a BA degree and which require two yearsa science? For someone similar to myself who has no
of study of a foreign language.artistic talent whatsoever I would say it is a science,
However, the lines between these subjects and toand one that is too complicated for my
what degree they are considered part of thecomprehension. The second definition of the
Humanities can be debated. For example, at mosthumanities is often said to be that which is related to
universities one can earn either a BA in philosophy orand involves humanity. Thus any subject dealing with
a BS thus Philosophy can in a sense be consideredpeople in general. This explains better the choice of
both a part of the Humanities and a part of thesubjects, which are often included in the field. English
sciences. It is an art an thus part of the humanities infits in because it is not only a spoken language but
the sense that in order to grasp this field and toalso a written language thus the study of literature in
successfully debate any issue in the field one mustour own language causes us to learn more about
have an understanding of how it works but thenwho we are and about our past and future. Thus
again it can be a science in the sense that Philosophyhistory is also humanity for this reason. By learning
is based on the idea that there are very specific rulesabout our past we can better learn about what to
to be followed.expect in the future and about humanity in general.
The same can also be said for Music. Is it an art andHumans write history and thus history is appropriately
therefore a part of the Humanities or a science?a part of the humanities.