The Human Society Major

Anthropology, History, Political Science

Are you curious about how people have shaped the societies they live in—and how you might shape yours? Explore human societies from the prehistoric to the modern day in the Human Society major.

Our BA in Human Society uses a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on Anthropology, History, and Political Science, to examine people and societal institutions such as government, law, and religion. In doing so, it considers both collective and individual choices as well as their ramifications.

We live in an increasingly connected and complex world. Workplaces need employees who can think broadly, analyze carefully, and communicate insights effectively to diverse audiences. Your experiences reading a medieval text, critiquing political tracts, examining ancient artefacts, and analyzing different interpretations of societal changes will sharpen your reading, analysis, research, and writing skills. Pursuing an internship, whether in a politician’s office, a museum, or a law firm, gives you an opportunity to apply these skills while exploring possible career pathways.

Human Society at Bryn Athyn

The Human Society major’s requirements allow you to shape your program by selecting from a range of courses in the major’s three disciplines. One of its signature experiences is an annual Reacting to the Past course, in which students take on the roles of historical figures, immerse themselves in moments of crisis, and make decisions for collective action during multi-week role-playing games set in the past.

The Human Society major emphasizes critical reading and analytical skills to prepare you to participate in society in professional, civic, and personal contexts. It also encourages you to reflect on the kind of choices you want to make as you engage in your own life in society. The New Church teaches that the kind of life that leads to heaven is not a life of withdrawal from the world but a life lived in society: a life of thoughtfulness and of acting honestly and fairly in every responsibility and interaction with others.

Trajectories

Here's what graduates of Bryn Athyn's Human Society program have done with their degrees:

Program Forms and Resource Links

• Forms
  • Major Checklist
  • Major Application Form
  • Core Program Checklist
  • Law and Society Minor Checklist
  • Medieval Studies Minor Checklist
  • History Minor Checklist
• Course Catalog
• Internships
• Career Resources
  
• Academic Advising
• Study Abroad
  
• Research