A drama student on stage with a quote from Mark Slouka over the image: The Humanities teach us, incrementally, endlessly, not what to do, but how to be.

The Faculty of Humanities offers a wide array of courses and programs in the traditional liberal arts disciplines of Classical Studies, History, Philosophy and Religion, Languages and Literatures; interdisciplinary programs in Liberal Arts and in Arts Administration; as well as programs in the three creative arts of Drama, Fine Arts, and Music.

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Why study Humanities?

Typically, students pursue their studies in Humanities because:

  • they want to explore fundamental questions of their existence and the broader community,
  • they want to be challenged by new ideas and points of view and the knowledge and skills gained will guide them to a career that furthers their intellectual and creative development.

Tell me more about Humanities…

  • Humanities question cultural, political, and social perspectives and ideas.
  • They pursue creativity, intellectual curiosity, and critical engagement with the past, present, and future.
  • They teach flexibility and adaptability in an ever-changing technical and globalized world.
  • They instill leadership in thought, in action, and in civic engagement.
  • They explore topics that will help them embrace the opportunities and challenges the world offers.
  • They provide learning that lasts a lifetime.

The Faculty of Humanities offers a wide range of Majors (which can easily be combined to become a double major) in programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). In addition, our faculty offers Honours programs directed toward students who wish to attain higher levels of specialization in their discipline or who intend to pursue graduate studies. Several programs also offer Minors that can be added to one’s Honours or Major program, and some programs offer concentrations or certificates.

Fine arts students working with paper
In the Molson building, we have studio spaces for print and paper-making, painting, photography, sculpting, mold-making and casting.
Four recent Bishop’s grads reflect on how studying in the humanities impacted their personal and professional paths

What programs are offered in Humanities?

Because of Bishop’s Liberal Education mission, it is easy to create your own B.A. within the Humanities by combining majors, honours, minors, concentrations, and certificates or through electives within Humanities. Combining your Humanities major with programs in other faculties such as Social Sciences, Business, or Natural Sciences and Mathematics is also possible, as is taking electives from these fields of study.

Humanities Programs

Conference in the Old Library

Visual and Performing Arts Programs

Bandeen Hall

Languages and Communications Programs

Graphic representing the different language programs we have at Bishop's (Abenaki, Mandarin, German, Hispanic, Japanese)
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What Makes Humanities at B.U. Unique?

At Bishop’s, you will find that you can pursue your passions as far as you want, with the support of your professors and with ample opportunities to take your work to the next level. At Bishop’s, it’s all about community: our classes are small and we strive to create connections amongst people within Bishop’s and outside of it.

Bishop’s offers a student-centred approach to learning. One way we do this is through organizing regular events that showcase students’ efforts and work, and demonstrate the value of a Humanities education.

Engaging Events

A showcase event entirely designed and organized by Arts Administration students, Artsfest celebrates the work of Bishop’s students through showcasing their plays, performances, artwork and publications, and connects Bishop’s to the wider cultural and artistic communities within the Eastern Townships.

The Bishop’s University Film Festival (BUFF) celebrates the creativity and skills of Bishop’s students through an annual competition in digital filmmaking. The work of our students is celebrated at the English department’s Gala Awards Night and select BUFF films can be presented at the Festival Cinéma du Monde de Sherbrooke held annually in April, and one BUFF film (selected by the BUFF executive) competes in the student competition at the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma in Montreal in October. Films highlighting research can also be submitted to the national SSHRC “Storytellers” and NSERC “Science, Action!” competitions.

Bishop’s University Film Festival (BUFF)

From Fall to Spring, acclaimed performers from Bishop’s and the extended community, come to campus to offer evening shows of classical, jazz, and rock music. This series is an integral part of our Music program.

Musique Chez Nous

The Drama department and the musical theatre concentration put on a series of shows every year, which are open to all students and the public. Ranging from Theatre ActIV which is entirely student-run to full-scale musicals in our 150-seat Centennial Theatre, students have the chance to perform for live audiences and learn about the ins and outs of back-stage operations including lighting and sound design and set construction.

Every year, fine arts students organize a show of their best work for display in the Foreman Art Gallery (on campus). Paintings, sculptures, fibre art and more are highlighted.

Designed to highlight the value of Humanities to the broader Bishop’s community, Humanities Week offers an open classroom opportunity, shows and special events that feature the Arts and presentations from Humanities scholars both within and outside of Bishop’s.

Stellar Publications and Opportunities

The Department of History and Global Studies publishes the Historical Review every year and is a collection of the best student essays for the year. The editorial team for this review is entirely made up of Bishop’s history students, many of whom are also active in the student club: the Bishop’s University History Association.

The English department publishes the Mitre. This publication includes stories, poetry, and other forms of literature produced by English students. It has been in operation since 1893!

In addition to the many opportunities throughout the year, you will also find rewarding internship and experiential learning opportunities (as with the Humanities students who contributed to the content creation of this web page!)

Internships and Funding Opportunities

Studying abroad as a part of your degree is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an intercultural academic experience. Learn about your field of study from a comparative perspective and develop intercultural communication skills and self-confidence, qualities that will help you in your future endeavors.

Exchange and Study Abroad

Students at Bishop’s University are given many opportunities to participate in research activities. Even though we are primarily an undergraduate university, we value research, which gives students the opportunity to work with professors throughout their scientific journey. We also have some fabulous scholarships and fellowships for students interested in pursuing research beyond Bishop’s.

Who are our Humanities professors?

In Humanities, our professors are award-winning researchers and teachers. They believe that the best university education is student-centered and student-directed. They are passionate, enthusiastic, and fun. They bring their knowledge and love of their subject matter to you, both in the classroom and outside of it.

Professor Gordon Barker

Learn more about our professors by:

  • watching our video playlist below,
  • visit the Faculty page of the academic program you’re interested in, and
  • see the Chairs and Deans web page for important contact information.
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