Humanities

Explore the rich stories of history, literature, philosophy, and the Christian faith

a mbroSe humanities

Bachelor of Arts History • English • Christian Studies • General Studies An Overview

THE HUMANITIES: CONNECTING THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE How does history influence current culture?

How can studying literature help me communicate better?

As a Christian, how can I respectfully engage with other cultures and religious traditions?

How can philosophy explain the different ways people view the world?

How did Christianity develop into the faith I know today?

These questions belong to the study of the humanities, which focuses on the voices and events that have shaped and influenced human thinking and creativity. As a student in the humanities, you will learn to empathize more deeply with other people, cultures and traditions, by interacting with their rich stories in your readings. You will strengthen your communication skills and become adept at interpreting subjective and objective information. While these are essential skills for the workplace, they will also shape you for life. For centuries, people have looked to the humanities to guide and deepen their moral, spiritual and intellectual approaches to the world.

So why study the humanities at Ambrose?

Interdisciplinary: Each degree in the humanities requires you to take a range of courses in complementary fields. For instance, you can expand your study of Greek and Roman history through classes in Greek philosophy, and Greek and Roman literature.

Faculty/student Interaction: Class sizes are small, so faculty get to know their students and students get to know their faculty. This leads to robust integration across disciplines, as well as opportunities to do research under the direct guidance of faculty.

Faith Integration: Faculty bring their Christian perspectives to bear on questions that concern what it means to be human—questions that sit at the core of the humanities. What does human freedom look like? Is it possible? Why do we suffer? What makes for beauty?

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Literature at times strengthens our existing sympathies and convictions; at other times, it juxtaposes our sympathies against our convictions; and sometimes, it directly challenges both.”

Dr. Jonathan Goossen, Chair of Humanities and Associate Professor of English

Writing and Communication Skills During your time at Ambrose, you will study with the same professors multiple times. Year by year they will guide you as you develop in your writing and communication skills. Because they get to know your work well, they can tailor their instruction to your individual needs. In addition, most senior classes include student presentations, something that is rare at larger universities. This gives Ambrose Humanities alumni a distinct advantage in their graduate studies, where proficient writing and presentation skills are essential.

An Ambrose

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PROGRAMS Bachelor of Arts—Christian Studies (3 or 4 years) Christian Studies explores the different traditions of the Christian faith. As a student in this program, you will gain a biblical, theological, philosophical and historical framework that enables you to live out the gospel holistically, in both your personal and your professional life. Choose from two program streams: Biblical Studies or Christian Theology. Some of the career paths open to students with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies are teaching, social work, law, and church or parachurch work.

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I have found the principles of Christianity to be very beneficial in managing people. Everyone needs grace and forgiveness. Learning more about the Christian faith and the unfathomable depth of God’s love and mercy helped me develop my leadership from a biblical perspective.”

From a survey of Ambrose alumni

Sample Courses The Rise and Fall of the Israelite Monarchy Life and Letters of Paul Theologies from the Margins Prayer Paths to God The Church and Contemporary Spiritualities

Bachelor of Arts—English (3 or 4 years) As an English major, you will travel vicariously to worlds near and far. Small seminar-style classes encourage deep discussions of classic literary works and theories, while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. You will build confidence in your own ideas and in your writing through exposure to related areas of study, such as history, theatre, and philosophy. This will inspire thoughtfulness and reflection essential to an intelligent, diverse and harmonious approach to life. You will also have the opportunity to wrestle with the big questions of faith and society, as you study how others have explored these through literature.

With a BA in English, our alumni have begun their careers as copy writer, editor, journalist, lawyer and professor.

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My written and verbal communication skills that were honed through the English program have been assets to me when seeking employment.

My passionate and well-crafted cover letters have impressed employers, and my verbal communication, both in interviews and on the job, is invaluable.”

From a survey of Ambrose alumni

Sample Courses Ancient World Literature and Mythology

Modern Literary Theory

The Medieval Imagination

Children’s Literature

Shakespeare

Advanced Writing Skills

Nineteenth-Century Novels

Canadian Literature

C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Inklings

The Bible in Literature

Modern World Literature

Reading Poetry

Tragedy and Comedy

The Short Story

Bachelor of Arts—General Studies (3 years) General Studies is a great option when you know you want a university degree but are uncertain of the career path you want to take. It is also a great option if you are heading for professional post-graduate studies, such as education or law. Through General Studies, you will open up your mind and your world, studying a wide range of subjects and discovering possibilities for your future.

Through research projects, writing assignments and presentations, you will develop the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills valued by employers.

You will also grow personally and academically, supported by your classmates and expert faculty who will encourage you as you move confidently into the career of your choice. Our General Studies alumni have successfully pursued careers in law, education, public relations, human services and public administration.

Diploma In University Studies (2 years) This program introduces you to many different fields and career paths. Through flexible course options, you will explore the humanities, social sciences, science, fine arts, religious studies and more. Credits taken in this program can transfer into a degree program at Ambrose and other universities.

This ultimate “sampler” program will help you discover the subjects that ignite your passion.

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I am thankful for my time at Ambrose and the manner in which my spiritual horizons expanded during my time there. I am thankful for my expanded understanding of different traditions across the globe, and also for my minor in Philosophy.”

From a survey of Ambrose alumni

Bachelor of Arts—History (3 or 4 years) History provides a unique lens through which to view the world. As a history student, you will gain a deep understanding of how the past informs current issues, pop culture and everyday life. You will explore the rich stories and identities that have influenced Canadian society and the world at large. You also will be encouraged to think critically about your place in the world and grow as an active and engaged citizen. Courses and projects in public history are an opportunity to develop the skills and literacy required to make significant and direct contributions to the community, as well as obtain practical workplace experience.

Some of the career paths open to History alumni are curator, archivist, heritage interpreter, research analyst, foreign services officer, immigration officer, teacher and technical writer.

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The Ambrose History program helped me develop academically, spiritually and emotionally. It gave me the critical skills and courage I needed to engage with the world, and I learned humility as I listened to the voices of those around me.

This degree is valuable if you want to interact with your community and the world in meaningful ways.”

From a survey of Ambrose alumni

Sample Courses Ancient Empires of Greece and the Near East The Fall of Rome and the Collapse of Complex Societies

The Protestant Reformation History of Genocide and Mass Violence Canada since Confederation

Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and the Medieval North

Public History

Christianity in Canada

History of Evangelicalism

Nazi Germany Canada During the World Wars History of the World Wars

Military History Themes in World History

FACULTY Jonathan Goossen, PhD Associate Professor of English; Chair of Humanities

Teaching/research interests: Renaissance literature; tragedy and comedy; early literary theory Rita Dirks, PhD Associate Professor of English

Teaching/research interests: comparative literature; modernism; women’s and gender studies Ken Draper, PhD Professor of History

Teaching/research interests: Canadian history; public history; history of Evangelicalism

Darren Dyck, PhD Assistant Professor of English

Teaching/research interests: medieval and Renaissance poetry and drama; classical literature and myth; C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and the Inklings Kyle Jantzen, PhD Professor of History

Teaching/research interests: religion and nationalism in Nazi Germany; Holocaust and genocide; North American Christian responses to Jewish persecution Ken Nickel, PhD Associate Professor of Philosophy

Teaching/research interests: history of philosophy; philosophy of religion; philosophy of law

Rob Snow, PhD Associate Professor of History

Teaching/research interests: Gospels; Greek linguistics; the influence of the Old Testament and Jewish apocalyptic literature on the New Testament Ryan Wilkinson, PhD Associate Professor of History

Teaching/research interests: ancient and medieval history and archaeology; late Roman Empire; historical social collapse; history of Christianity

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ADDITIONAL FACULTY FROM THE SCHOOL OF MINISTRY Christina Conroy, PhD Assistant Professor of Theology

Jon Coutts, PhD Assistant Professor of Christian Theology

Colin Toffelmire, PhD Associate Professor of Old Testament

The history program at Ambrose provided an excellent foundation for my transition to a master’s degree program immediately following graduation. In particular, I found that the smaller class sizes and intimate environment at Ambrose prepared me for the intensity of graduate school. While students who graduated from larger universities were taken off guard by the smaller class settings and intense focus each student receives in graduate studies, this was merely a continuation of my experience at Ambrose.”

From a survey of Ambrose alumni

SIGNS OF EXCELLENCE FROM EXTERNAL REVIEWS English—“Whether the discussions were about academic performance, course-related topics, or career paths, it was significantly more common for Ambrose English students to meet and talk with their professors than it was for their counterparts from other Canadian universities and colleges who participated in the NSSE* survey.”

General Studies—“In answer to the NSSE* question of how they would evaluate their entire educational experience at their institution, fully 100 percent of Ambrose General Studies seniors surveyed answered “Good” or “Excellent,” 25 per cent higher than the Canada-wide answer to that question and 14 percent higher than the Alberta-wide response among students participating in the survey.”

Christian Studies—“Significantly, every one of the Christian Studies alumni surveyed reported feeling satisfied or very satisfied with their main job.”

Christian Studies Alumni Satisfaction with Current Main Job 4 YEAR 3 YEAR

43%

80%

20%

PROGRAM

0

10 Satisfied

57%

63%

37%

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Very Satisfied

History—“AU’s History program has an excellent track record based on its relatively short history of placing its students in discipline-related work…and in training people for educational advancement at the MA and PhD level. It is indicative of the high quality of the program that graduates are finding such success in the private sector and are considered with such high regard by professional and graduate programs.” *2020 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)

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A SAMPLING OF GRADUATE DEGREES EARNED BY HUMANITIES ALUMNI MA in English Literature: Dalhousie University, University of Alberta Master of Studies in English Literature: University of Oxford PhD in English: University of Toronto, University of Victoria, University of Alberta Master of Library and Information Services: University of Western Ontario Master of Theology: Regent College MA in Religion: Yale Divinity School MA in Christian Studies: Regent College PhD in Religion (Hebrew Bible): Emory University (Atlanta) MA in History: University of Saskatchewan, University of Calgary, McMaster University MA in International Development Studies: St. Mary’s University (Nova Scotia) MA in Teaching and Learning: McGill University PhD in History (enrolled): McGill University PhD in Psychology: University of Calgary

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO APPLY? Five Grade 12-level courses with a minimum overall average of 60%: All programs: English (30-1 for Alberta) For English, History, and General studies, three more academic courses plus an additional course

Visit ambrose.edu for full admission and program requirements

For Christian Studies, two more academic courses plus two additional courses

Faith Inspired Learning Ambrose University 150 Ambrose Circle SW Calgary, Alberta Canada T3H 0L5 1 (403) 410-2900 www.ambrose.edu