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
Philosophy
Loren Cannon (Philosophy, Applied Humanities) was requested to present his work at the American Philosophical Association's Central Meeting, in Chicago, February 18-21. He presented his most recent essay, "Court of Supreme Contradictions: A Changing Legal Landscape for LGBTQ+ Americans," in the session on LGBTQ+ Philosophy of Law. His latest work explores the relationship between the pro-LGBTQ+ rights rulings in 2015 (Obergefell) and 2020 (Bostock) and how the arguments of several Supreme Court ruling since 2020 together present a much less optimistic picture, especially with regards to broad based social acceptance including the contexts of health care, education, and commerce. This changing legal climate has ramifications for LGBTQ+ persons and our intent to live flourishing lives as well as the stability of the Obergefell and Bostock rulings themselves.
Esmeralda Macias, Aldina Kelecija, Peter Biren, and Viacheslav Kozlov
Philosophy
In April, Cal Poly Humboldt undergrad philosophy students were invited to Pacific University of Oregon to their 27th Philosophy Conference to discuss their authored essays. Esmeralda Macias, Aldina Kelecija, Peter Biren, and Viacheslav Kozlov discussed topics like the ethics of pornography, philosophical intuitions surrounding AI, and positivism in the Latinamerican canon.
Dr. Loren Cannon
Philosophy
Dr. Loren Cannon (Philosophy), was interviewed and quoted in an NPR article entitled Trump's anti-trans effort is an agenda cornerstone with echoes in history by Odette Yousef. The online version of the article was published on February 6th. Additionally, he was interviewed and quoted by French Journalist, Camille Ribot, for her article L’obsession anti-trans de Donald Trump which was published February 19th in the French publication, “La Croix.” Both journalists contacted Dr. Cannon due to his expertise in analyzing the recent politicization of trans persons and the role the current federal administration is taking in targeting this population. Dr. Cannon’s book, “The Politicization of Trans Identity: An Analysis of Backlash, Scapegoating, and Dog-whistling From Obergefell to Bostock,” published in 2022, serves as the basis of his analysis.