Contact Information:
Jeremy Sanchez
Department of Communications & Humanities Chair
Contact Information:
Kate Edgar
Department of Communications & Humanities Associate Chair
Humanities & World Cultures
The humanities are fields studying human culture, thought, and expression, exploring the human experience through disciplines like literature, history, philosophy, languages, arts (visual/performing), and religious studies, focusing on critical thinking, empathy, and understanding diverse cultures across time and place, rather than empirical sciences. They aim to interpret human values, beliefs, creativity, and societal development, fostering skills in communication, analysis, and ethical reasoning.
The Humanities degree pathway seeks to cultivate responsible, globally-aware citizens through the exploration of world-wide cultural perspectives, the history of human curiosity and creative expression, interdisciplinary connections, and critical analysis of global societal issues.
Students majoring in Integrated Humanities will embark on a journey of interdisciplinary discovery, exploring the human experience across various cultural, historical, and artistic perspectives. In classes such as Introduction to Humanities, Mexican-American Studies, American Minority Studies, and World Cultures, students will encounter themes such as identity, creativity, morality, human rights and dignity, and cultural humility. They will hone their critical thinking skills by analyzing diverse cultural views and grappling with challenging questions about the nature of humanity and society. Additionally, students will cultivate their ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, as they articulate their insights and interpretations to peers and faculty.
Key transferable skills gained include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Critical Thinking & Analysis: Deconstructing complex texts, identifying underlying assumptions, and forming logical arguments.
- Communication: Strong writing, public speaking, storytelling, and editing for diverse audiences.
- Research: Finding, evaluating, and synthesizing information from various sources.
- Empathy & Cultural Understanding: Grasping different perspectives, histories, and values, crucial for global competency.
- Creativity & Innovation: Developing unique solutions and presenting ideas in novel ways.
- Problem-Solving: Applying knowledge from different contexts to tackle multifaceted challenges.
- Teamwork & Social Responsibility: Collaborating constructively and understanding societal impacts.
The humanities provide crucial transferable skills like critical thinking, communication, empathy, and problem-solving, which enhance any major by improving analysis, ethics, cultural understanding, and innovation, making STEM, business, or pre-professional students more well-rounded, better communicators, and more adaptable to complex, real-world challenges. Upon completing an Integrated Humanities pathway, students will be equipped with a versatile skill set and a deep understanding of the intersectionality of human endeavors. Graduates may pursue a range of career paths, including roles in education, journalism, cultural institutions, nonprofit organizations, and international relations. Their ability to navigate complex cultural landscapes and engage with diverse communities with cultural relativism instead of ethnocentric views will make them valuable assets for employers in our ever-growing globalized world. Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of the pathway prepares graduates to adapt to evolving professional environments, where innovative thinking and communication skills are increasingly valued. Whether they choose to pursue further academic study or enter the workforce directly, graduates of an Integrated Humanities pathway will emerge as responsible, empathetic, and culturally competent global citizens.
How the Humanities Benefit Specific Major Fields of Interest:
- Context & Ethics: Understand the societal impact, history, and ethical implications of scientific and technological advancements.
- Communication: Learn to explain complex technical ideas clearly, tell compelling stories, and present research effectively to diverse audiences.
- Problem-Solving: Approach problems with creative, interdisciplinary perspectives and analyze human factors in design and implementation.
- Patient Care: Build empathy and understanding of diverse patient experiences, cultural backgrounds, and communication styles.
- Ethical Reasoning: Navigate complex moral dilemmas with a strong ethical framework.
- Holistic View: Connect with the human side of medicine, understanding suffering, resilience, and the broader context of health.
- Research & Analysis: Hone skills in evaluating complex sources, understanding historical precedents, and constructing logical arguments.
- Civic Understanding: Develop deeper knowledge of social justice, political systems, and diverse worldviews, vital for policy and law.
- Advocacy: Improve persuasive writing and oral communication to effectively represent clients and causes.
- Leadership & Teamwork: Develop strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and empathy to manage diverse teams and global markets.
- Market Analysis: Gain insight into human behavior, history, and culture, which informs marketing, consumer psychology, and strategic decision-making.
- Communication: Master negotiation, persuasion, and clear reporting, essential for management, sales, and client relations.
Getting to Know Your Instructors:
Kate Edgar
Instructor - English & Humanities
Email: kedgar@odessa.edu
Phone #1: 432.335.6804
Office: WH 125
Laura Holder
Assoc. Prof. II – English & Humanities
Email: lholder@odessa.edu
Phone #1: 432.335.6551
Office: WH 126
Become a Wrangler Today!
Scholarship Opportunities:
Positively OC Presidential Scholarship
The Positively OC Presidential Scholarship at Odessa College offers a 2-semester tuition & fee waiver, developing student leaders who share positivity online & in the community, featuring leadership workshops & mentorship; it's part of OC's mission to uplift the Permian Basin and foster student success through campus/social media engagement.
Click Here To Complete The Positively OC Application
Student Financial Aid Scholarships
Odessa College annually awards more than $500,000 in academic scholarships to recognize scholastic merit. This is a partial list of the scholarships awarded through OC Student Financial Aid. Unless otherwise specified, students may apply for any of these scholarships with Awardspring. Students must reapply each spring for the next school year.
Click Here to Complete the Student Financial Aid Application
Strong Start Scholarship
The Strong Start Scholarship helps cover tuition and standard fees for your first credit class (up to 3 credit hours) at Odessa College during the summer term immediately following your high school graduation. (Note: Continuing education and workforce non-credit classes are not eligible.)
Click Here To Complete The Start Strong Application
Free Tuition Opportunity:
Wrangler Promise
Odessa College offers free tuition through programs like the Wrangler Promise, covering tuition/fees for eligible local high school grads to earn an associate degree, and the one-time First Class Free Scholarship for first-time students taking their initial credit class. Other aid includes Pell Grants, loans, and specific scholarships, but the core free opportunities are for new students or local residents under the Promise program, requiring FAFSA completion.