Department Of Humanities
What are the Humanities?
The Department of Humanities offers classes in languages, writing, literature, history, philosophy, and religion. All of these are central to what it means to be human. Taking these classes can help you learn to better communicate with others, to better understand others, to better understand our past and present, and to take part in some of the central questions that humans have always asked (for example, Why did that happen? Is this ethical?)
If you are interested in learning the lessons of the past and applying them to the present and the future; writing novels or songs; learning about other cultures and your own through literature, history, and language, we have the classes for you!
We offer majors in English (BA) and History (BA), and minors in English, History, and Philosophy & Religion.
We also offer content courses for English Education majors and Social Studies Education majors.
English
Do you want to write novels? Or, maybe you prefer to read and discuss with others what you’ve read? Maybe you enjoy writing and want to help others write more clearly? An English major or minor may be for you.
Possible Careers for an English major or minor:
- Creative Writing
- Technical Writing
- Editing
- Teaching
- Producing/Journalism
- Publishing
- Marketing
An English major is also not only good preparation for graduate school in English, but also for Law School.
An English minor works well with many other majors and careers and after you have completed your English General Education requirements you only need 3 more English classes for a minor!
You can find out more about the major by clicking on the course requirements. You can find out more about the minor by clicking on the course requirements. You can always contact Dr. Michelle Gompf for information.
History
The study of history can help us to better understand and navigate through the increasing complexity and uncertainty of the modern world in which we live. The skills that Concord’s History program provides you to do this–the ability to analyze and interpret evidence, think critically, and synthesize trends in data–are valued by employers in many businesses as well.
Careers in History
- Teaching
- Work in Museums
- Work in Archives
- Government Careers
A History major prepares you for success in graduate school and law school.
A History minor works well with many other majors and careers. After you have completed your General Education requirements you may only need 4 more History classes for a minor.
Find out more by clicking on the course requirements above, or contact Dr. Jonathan Berkey. We look forward to having you in our program!
Philosophy & Religion
Philosophy, literally, the love of wisdom, is the rational exploration of fundamental questions about ourselves and the world in which we live. Is there a God or something like God? How do we know the truth? Is the moral life objective, relative, or entirely subjective? What does it mean to be a human person? What are our rights? Our responsibilities? And many, many more.
The Philosophy & Religion Program works closely with others to enable students to pursue a minor or a series of electives in support of a wide range of careers in the arts, humanities, law, science, social science, and professional degree programs.
The Philosophy & Religion Program is in full compliance with the current Policies, Statements, and Reports of the American Philosophical Association
Click here to find out more about the minor in Philosophy and Religion or contact Dr. Tom McKenna to get involved.
Our Faculty and Staff

Gompf, Michelle
Professor of English/Chair, Department of Humanities
304-384-6085
mgompf@concord.edu

Powell, Tina
Assistant Professor of English / Writing Center Director
304-384-6288
tpowell@concord.edu

Williams, George
Assistant Professor of English / Veterans Advocate
304-384-5171
gwilliams@concord.edu