About the Department
The humanities explore the nature, history, imagining, and communication of the values that guide not only science and technology but other parts of the human experience. Subjects taught in the Lewis Department of Humanities include art and architectural history, communication, foreign language, history, linguistics, literature, and philosophy. Many of our courses emphasize critical thinking, communication skills, ethical awareness, and global and historical perspectives on cultural, science, and technology. If you're a student who wants to use both sides of your brain—integrating a creative, human-centered approach with an understanding of science and technology—our courses and degree programs may be right for you.
At the undergraduate level,
- the B.S. in Humanities lets you construct a broad-based program with courses from across the humanities, or specialize in one area such as history or philosophy. You may also want to explore the Honors Law Program.
- The B.S. in PTC prepares graduates to communicate effectively in businesses and organizations. Classes in document and Web design, editing, writing, linguistics, and verbal and visual communication provide practice across media, genres, and situations.
- The B.S. in JTSB, one of the few programs of its kind in the country, develops content-area knowledge, communication skills, and practical experience through field projects.
After graduation, our degrees are an excellent fit for positions that require strong communication skills, and they provide a solid foundation for graduate work in the humanities, social sciences, law, business, and other professional schools. (And, on a more practical note, Money magazine recently ranked technical writing as #13 of the best 50 jobs in the U.S., based on salary and job prospects.)
At the graduate level, our certificates and degree programs in technical communication prepare students for research, teaching, and corporate settings. Coursework combines theory, application, and practice in areas like document design, editing, information architecture, linguistics, knowledge management, project management, usability testing, and Web design. Many tech comm courses encourage collaborative projects with Chicago-area businesses, government agencies, and community organizations. Our alumni work in a variety of academic and corporate settings: Microsoft, Kaiser Permanente, Case Western Reserve University, Chicago School Board, Motorola, Siemens, Verizon Wireless, Second Life, Columbia College, and others.
Throughout our curricula, we offer students regular access to small classes, quality instruction, and learning experiences that build upon the strengths of our faculty, the IIT community, and the rich opportunities offered in Chicago and beyond. Here are just a few examples:
- In 2007 and 2008, Professor Robert Ladenson led undergraduates on II''s Ethics Bowl Team to the national finals.
- Under the guidance of Professor Susan Feinberg, Director of the Usability Testing and Evaluation Center, students regularly work with clients such as Motorola and the Museum of Science & Industry, to user-test new software, Websites, and e-learning games.
- For the past 4 years, Humanities faculty have participated in IIT's Summer in Paris program, a study-abroad opportunity for undergraduates.
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Humanities faculty have won teaching awards at both the university level and the national level and maintain a strong record of research and publication.
We invite you to learn more about the Humanities Department by exploring this site; visiting the department; contacting our undergraduate advisor, Dr. Greg Pulliam; or emailing me at riley@iit.edu.
Kathryn Riley
Professor and Chair
