Humanistic Studies?

In the middle of the summer I decided not to study abroad in Rome. As difficult as this decision was, I knew that it would open a lot of doors at Saint Mary's. I had to decide what classes I would be taking at Saint Mary's, and I knew this would be a good semester to get some GenEd's "out of the way." I decided to take Humanistic Studies at the suggestion of my business advisor who thought it would be a good change from the analytical business classes. So, I signed up for HUST, not knowing what to expect. Honestly, I had no idea what humanistic studies was at all!
Now, at the end of the semester of studying different people and places, I understand what this is about. Humans are not just the physical person. Rather, what defines people are often factors outside of the person. We saw in Sanders' work that he is made up of the people and simple Midwest life. I strongly connected to Sanders' love of his home and appreciation of the mundane. Others, have been greatly defined by their cultures and the cultures around them. Humanistic studies, then, seeks to study people based on external aspects that affect the internal aspects that make a person who she is. In effect, a student, like myself, of humanistic studies may come out with a better understanding of who she is- an added benefit to the GenEd credit hours!