Breadcrumb
Department of Applied Humanities
Shaping Futures Through the Humanities
The Department of Applied Humanities brings together some of the most dynamic interdisciplinary programs at Cal Poly Humboldt. Through our diverse B.A. programs, minors and certificates, you’ll develop transferable, career-related skills, including cross-cultural dialogue, media literacy, ethical reflection, and leadership capacity, while also fostering an appreciation for the intrinsic value of the humanities.
Degree Programs
Applied Humanities, B.A.
The Applied Humanities, B.A. equips you with career-ready skills like cross-cultural communication, media literacy, and ethical leadership, while deepening your understanding of how the humanities enrich everyday life. This multidisciplinary program connects humanistic knowledge with today’s workforce needs.
Philosophy, B.A.
The B.A. in Philosophy degree develops analytical, critical, and oral and written communication skills, an excellent preparation for professional and other careers. Along with required courses in history of western philosophy, contemporary philosophy, Asian philosophy, moral and political philosophy, philosophy of science and logic, you can explore a variety of electives in the above subjects such as applied ethics, philosophies of happiness and flourishing, and more.
French & Francophone Studies, B.A.
The French & Francophone Studies program immerses you in the French language while exploring the rich literature and cultures of France and Francophone regions around the world, including West Africa, the Caribbean, Quebec, and beyond. All classes are conducted in French, building both fluency and cultural insight.
Spanish, B.A.
Cal Poly Humboldt’s Spanish program offers immersive, all-Spanish instruction focused on listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while exploring the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. The program includes literature, civilization, and dedicated courses for Spanish Heritage Speakers.
Certificates & Minors
Get Hands-On Experience
From professional service-learning to internships and study-abroad opportunities, our programs provide immersive real-world opportunities outside the classroom.
A Leader in Translation & Interpretation
The Department of Applied Humanities is home to Cal Poly Humboldt’s Center for Translation & Interpretation, which provides free Spanish language oral interpretation and written translation services for students, staff, and faculty.
Personal Attention
Our small class sizes mean getting to know your professors and fellow students through your education. This community will help you grow as an academic, supporting you throughout your undergraduate career and beyond.
Place-Based Learning Communities
As an Applied Humanities freshman, you’ll participate in hands-on activities with your peers before classes even start and in some cases, have the opportunity to live in the same residence halls with your peers. Depending on your major and interests, you'll be in either the People & Planet or Dreamscapes group.
Featured Alumni
Achievements
Publications and achievements submitted by our faculty, staff, and students.
Loren Cannon
Applied Humanities
Loren Cannon (Philosophy, Applied Humanities) was invited to present his work at the American Philosophical Association’s Pacific Division Meeting, April 10, 2026. The title of his presentation was “When circumstances warrant consideration of other factors,” and the session was committed to the topic of Transgender Eligibility in Sport.
Dr. Cannon’s essay focused on a legal and moral analysis of the 1977 Case, Richards v. US Tennis Association, in which the Supreme Court of the State of New York ruled that the US Tennis Association was wrong in attempting to require gender testing of Renee Richards, a trans woman competitor. The court reasoned that its charge was to determine whether Dr. Richards was attempting to commit fraud. Finding no fraudulent activity, they ruled in her favor. Cannon responds carefully to objections to the conclusion of the court and the current state of trans athletic exclusion.
Loren Cannon
Applied Humanities
Faculty Loren Cannon, Philosophy
Loren Cannon (Philosophy, Applied Humanities) was invited to present his work at the Center On Ethics of San Jose State University on March 27th, 2026. The title of his presentation was “The Ethical and Legal Stakes of Politicizing Trans Identity.” Dr. Cannon addressed this topic by pulling from material of his recent book as well as his continued legal, moral, and social analysis of this important topic. The ninety-minute session included a presentation of his most recent analysis as well as an informal question and answer period that included meaningful engagement by both students and faculty of SJSU’s philosophy program.
Joseph Dieme
Applied Humanities
This book examines France's non-official foreign policy in Africa (1960-2024) via political essays, novels, and films from 10 Francophone African countries to better understand not only the ramifications of French neocolonialism, but also the legitimacy of the contemporary social movements calling for decolonial policies across the Francophone African world.
Published with the Press at Cal Poly.