College of Humanities

"At the core of humanities are these questions:

Why are we here? How did we get here? Where do we want to go, and how do we get there?"

Humanities and liberal arts the basis for a civil society

While politicians and even some colleges ponder the value of a liberal arts-based education, Jeffery Reeder, dean of California State University, Northridge’s College of Humanities, has no doubt that the lessons taught in those classes lay the foundation for society, and provide graduates with the tools for success.

“At the core of humanities disciplines—all of them—is asking questions about who we are as people, how we work together in groups and part of society and how we negotiate differences—whether it’s differences in goals, differences in ideologies, differences in our pasts or how we view our past,” Reeder said. “At the core of humanities are these questions: Why are we here? How did we get here? Where do we want to go, and how do we get there? Article continues on CSUN Today.

Congratulations to the 2024 College of Humanities Outstanding Scholar Jessica Smith

This year’s College of Humanities Outstanding Scholar was what you might refer to as a reluctant matador. You see, as a high school senior, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree at CSUN was not in Jessica Smith’s plans. As a matter of fact, when it came time to choose a university, she only landed at CSUN as a last resort. That’s because in 2020, during the height of COVID, she received rejection letters from every other school on her college wish list. Her only acceptance was from CSUN. Jessica acknowledges that having to make a compromise so early on her academic path felt like a failure. In retrospect, however, it turns out that pedagogical providence was on her side all along. Read more about Outstanding Scholar Jessica Smith.

Introducing the 2024 Humanities Dean’s Scholar Emma Carroll

Emma Carroll, the 2024 College of Humanities Dean’s Scholar, has long been focused on excellence. A Bachelor of Arts in English/Creative Writing, a 4.0 GPA, and a recurring place on the Dean’s List are just a few of the many accomplishments that clearly highlight how she never lost sight of her academic goals.
Read more about Dean’s Scholar Emma Carrol

Dean Say Elected President of National Arts and Sciences Council

March 10, 2015

Elizabeth Say, dean of California State University, Northridge’s College of Humanities, has been elected president of the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences.

Say, who is currently president-elect of the organization, will take her place as head of the council in November. The Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences is a national association of deans of colleges of arts and sciences whose purpose is to sustain the arts and sciences as a leading influence in American higher education Read more

The Art of Professor Beatriz Cortez on Exhibit

February 4, 2015

The art of Central American Studies professor Beatriz Cortez is currently on exhibit at the Stamp Gallery at the University of Maryland, College Park. The show, titled Nomad World, opened January 26, with a reception to be held February 5. Read more

Professor Breny Mendoza Publishes New Essay Anthology

December 10, 2014

cover illustration of Ensayos de crítica feminista en nuestra América

Gender and Women’s Studies professor Breny Mendoza has published Ensayos de crítica feminista en nuestra América (Critical Feminist Essays of Our Americas), collecting 19 of her theoretical-political feminist writings from the past decade. Some essays are making their debut here. Read more