The Division of Humanities offers opportunities and tools for individuals to explore,
interpret and analyze the human experience, as they seek their place within community.
Courses offered by the Humanities division develop interpersonal communication skills,
strategies for critical thinking, and methods for creative practice. The division
provides frameworks for students to acquire and apply knowledge related to:
Effective oral and written communication
Identification and appreciation of works of literature, art, music, and theatre
Conversational skills in foreign language
Contextual understanding and analysis of cultures and belief systems
Creation and performance of works of art, music, theatre, and writing
Recognition and consideration of diverse perspectives
A Learning Support program in reading and writing is provided.
Art
The department of art cultivates appreciation and application of the arts and includes
development of fundamental skills and concepts for students pursuing education in
Fine/Studio Arts, Art Education, Art History, and Digital Media. Introduction to Art
and Art History courses support General Education goals of the college by introducing
students to a wide spectrum of art, spanning many time periods and cultures, with
focus on development of critical observation and analysis.
Located in the Art Wing of the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Building at the Morristown
Campus, all labs include professional quality equipment such as a digital workstations,
a variety of ceramic kilns, electric pottery wheels, and spacious drawing and painting
studios. Gallery spaces serve to acquaint students with current professional artists
and to showcase student work in all-student shows. Seminars in professional practices
help prepare the students to function as visual artists. Instructors are highly trained,
practicing artists who are dedicated to encouraging the individual student to reach
his or her highest level of skill and creativity.
Communication
The department of Communication seeks to enable students to think critically and communicate
effectively thereby preparing them for careers in the fields of broadcasting, journalism
and mass communication. The department also provides training in communication skills
for effective communication in interpersonal, business and professional settings.
The department of English teaches students to think critically, write effectively
and develop sensibilities to the literary tradition of the Western World through offerings
in composition and literature. The discipline emphasizes language skills and the literary
arts.
The Foreign Language discipline seeks to reveal how other peoples express, interpret,
and live out their personal existences through their language and culture. Students
learning a foreign language are better prepared for functioning in today’s global
society, made more culturally aware, and benefit from an enriched educational experience.
SPAN 1005 Spanish Communications for the Hospitality Industry
SPAN 1006 Spanish Communication for Healthcare Workers
SPAN 1010 Elementary Spanish I
SPAN1020 Elementary Spanish II
SPAN 2010 Intermediate Spanish I
SPAN 2020 Intermediate Spanish II
SPAN 2900 Problems and Topics in Spanish Studies
Consult the current college catalog for course descriptions and details.
*French and German classes may be offered when a significant number of students express
interest in the course. This is determined on a semester-by-semester basis.
Spanish Placement Options
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Students who are native speakers or who have taken Spanish in the past or have a strong
foundation in Spanish can apply for PLA. Students must complete a PLA application
and complete either a Departmental Exam or an External Exam.
Students must complete a PLA application and pay a $25 fee per class of which they
are attempting to test out. They then take a placement test with one of the professors
who will proctor the test, grade it, and discuss placement with the student. Students
must score 75% or higher on the test to pass. While students do have a reported grade
for the test, the grade does not appear on the student’s transcript. Students receive
credit hours, but the grade does not appear on the transcript nor does it impact GPA.
External Exam – CLEP Test for Spanish
This exam will allow students to receive credit for 0, 6, or 12 hours depending on
how they score on the test. Students receive credit hours, but no grade so it will
not impact GPA. There is a testing fee from CLEP and from the WSCC testing center
for this test.
Students who are native speakers or who have taken Spanish in the past can schedule
a placement test with one of the Spanish professors. This may also include a short
oral interview in Spanish. Immediately after completing the test and/or interview,
students will be advised as to which level of Spanish would be best for them to enter.
This is an option if a student does NOT need to show credit for previous semesters
of Spanish. For example, majors requiring all four semesters of a foreign language
like AA English, would not be able to place up using this test.
Challenge Test
Students currently enrolled in a Spanish class who are native speakers or who have
taken Spanish in the past can contact their instructor requesting to schedule a challenge
test for the class in which they are enrolled. These students can take the final exam
during the first two weeks of class. If their score on the exam is acceptable to both
the student and professor, then the student stays registered in the class, but does
not have to attend nor complete any further assignments. The student will receive
the grade that they earned on the final exam as their final class grade, which will
be factored into their GPA.
Contact the Lead Faculty for Foreign Languages if you have any questions.
Non-Credit Courses
Walters State Community College offers a few non-credit courses in Medical Spanish
and Spanish in the workplace. For more information contact Workforce Training at 423-585-2675.
Music and Theatre
The department of Music and Theatre presents traditional and non-traditional musical
styles through both listening and score reading and provides training and opportunities
for involvement in public performance, stagecraft, set building, and acting.
Both music majors and non-majors are offered the opportunity of involvement in a performing
ensemble. The Concert Choir, Community Chorale, and Sensations Ensemble are available
to vocalists, and instrumentalists can be involved in the jazz band and/or symphonic
band. Each of these ensembles offers academic credit of one hour per semester.
Theatre Performances
Students who are interested in theatre are offered a variety of performance opportunities
throughout each academic year. The Walters State Stage Company provides the campus
and community with outstanding productions which have recently included Little Women,
White Christmas, The King and I, Camelot, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Hamlet, Shenandoah,
Big River, Walk Toward the Sunset, An Evening with Cole Porter, Sister Act/Chicago
Highlights, Christmas Holidays, Rock On, Forever Christmas, Movie Magic, and Broadway.
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered to deserving music and theatre students each year. These
scholarships are available to both majors and non-majors. In addition to the traditional
application and transcript requirements, students are required to audition for the
music and/or theatre faculty. Students who are interested in a theatre scholarship
should contact the Humanities Division at 423.585.6947.
Philosophy
The associate of arts degrees in philosophy involves reasoning and thinking critically
about all areas of life: science, religion, art, politics and morality. Its purpose
is to understand and evaluate our most basic beliefs and values and to integrate them
in a coherent view of ourselves and the world.