Our Purpose
The purpose of the humanities program at Point is to equip students to become effective ambassadors for Jesus Christ, as well as thoughtful and productive citizens. These goals are accomplished by means of broad exposure to the intellectual heritage of the West, as well as the development of a comprehensive Christian worldview. Humanities department graduates are thus in a position both to understand the culture around them and to offer a thoughtful, Christian perspective on that culture.
The purpose of the general studies program at Point is to provide the core curriculum for all students. With the realization that many entering students have not yet decided on a definite program of study, a basic outline of courses has been organized into a core curriculum. The core curriculum can serve as a guide during the freshman year and into the sophomore year. These courses help students determine their abilities and interests, and serve as a foundation on which to build their degree programs.
Our Program
Studies in the humanities include philosophy, literature, history, religion and arts. Students are invited to participate in what has been called the "Great Conversation" -- that centuries-long dialog regarding the meaning and significance of human existence. Humanities students spend time in reflection on the ideas of some of the greatest minds in history, from Plato to Plantinga. They develop an appreciation for masterpieces of art and literature, from classical to contemporary, learning to discern the true from the false, the valuable from what is otherwise.
At Point, we believe that the life of the mind is an integral part of the Christian walk. Students are encouraged to think carefully and critically. Above all, students are invited to think "Christianly" -- to explore the full implications of a Christian worldview as it has a bearing upon the topics of the Great Conversation.
Your Career and Ministry
The humanities program provides an excellent foundation for anyone seeking to enter full-time Christian service. The emphasis placed upon critical thinking and communication skills, the exposure to great works of literature and art, and the fundamental understanding of the culture around us provide the minister with the resources for effectively communicating the Gospel to contemporaries.
Graduates with degrees from the Department of Humanities and General Studies are also prepared to engage in graduate study in a variety of disciplines, including seminary studies, history, English and other disciplines. Humanities, English and history majors are often students planning careers in law, politics, journalism and business, and are prepared for an array of entry-level roles such as copy writer, editorial assistant, historian and archivist.
The Department of Humanities and General Studies offers bachelor’s degrees in English, English and biblical studies (dual major), history, humanities, and humanities and biblical studies (dual major).
Humanities Programs
The major in humanities is offered for those who wish to investigate the development of culture, values and worldviews through an interdisciplinary study of history, literature, philosophy, religion and arts. Students may elect to specialize in any of the following: English, literature, philosophy, writing, or interdisciplinary studies. Point University offers a unique opportunity to study the humanities through junior-level courses that offer a thorough examination of Western culture.
English Programs
The major in English is offered for those who wish to develop their understanding and use of the English language through challenging reading, effective writing and critical thinking. The curriculum includes courses in literature, linguistics, and writing — academic, professional, journalistic, and creative. Students desiring to earn the B.A. may study Spanish. Dual majors with biblical studies combine close analysis of literary texts with Christian texts. At Point, you will be a member of a small, close-knit community of English scholars who are prepared for graduate studies or a multitude of careers.
Additional information on the English major can be found by clicking the link in the menu bar at left.
History Program
Apart from being extremely enjoyable and enabling students to learn about the past – that is, to understand the past and, through it, come to a far better understanding of the present – history also offers students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for Christian citizenship in the 21st century. The B.A. in history offers a student a broad range of courses in historical studies. Students begin with foundational courses in American and world history. A variety of in-depth upper-level courses are available for students in three major fields in historical studies: U.S. history, European history and world history. Research and writing are emphasized in the program, as well as hands-on experiences through internships and study abroad. All history majors study a foreign language through the intermediate level.
Additional information on the history major can be found by clicking the link in the menu bar at left.
Minors
The department also offers the following minors for those pursuing majors in other departments:
- English
- History
- Humanities
Senior Thesis
The Senior Thesis provides an opportunity for a senior majoring in English, history or humanities to complete an extended independent study project in preparation for graduate school. The project includes a rigorous research component on a topic of interest to the student and is supervised by a full-time faculty member. See
Senior Thesis Procedure (PDF) and
Senior Thesis Proposal (PDF) for more information.
Full-time faculty members:
D. J. Dycus, Ph.D. (web page)
Professor of English and Humanities, Department Chair
Kim Macenczak, Ph.D.
Professor of History and Education
Holly Carey, Ph.D. (web page)
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies
Sarah Huxford
Instructor of English and Communications
Allie Bruce
Instructor of English
Jennifer A. Craft
Instructor of Humanities
W. Grant Vickery
Instructor of English
Sonja Kelley-Ray
Instructor of Sociology
Susan Ryan, Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Education and English
Andrea Pope-Smith
Instructor of Sociology
Part-time and adjunct faculty members:
Kristen Berry
Adjunct Instructor in English
Mandy Cook
Instructor in Physical Education
Randy Douglas
Instructor in Physical Education
Ingrid Gamboa de Arce
Adjunct Instructor of Spanish
R. Edwin Groover, Ph.D.
Professor of History
Joanna Jury
Adjunct Instructor of History and Literature
Alan Kemper
Instructor of Exercise Science
Matthew L. Portwood
Adjunct Instructor in English
Carlyle Schock
Adjunct Instructor in English
Ansley Sharp
Adjunct Instructor of History
Alan S. Wilson
Instructor in Physical Education
For more detailed information on the department and its degree programs, see the
Point Catalog or contact the
registrar or
department chair.