RISD Undergraduate Degrees - BFA: History, Philosophy + the Social Sciences

RISD distinguishes itself among art schools by emphasizing the value of liberal arts studies as a complement to studio work. A firm grounding in the liberal arts will give you, among others things, a confident grasp of historical, cultural and social contexts; a strong critical vocabulary; skill in creative research; and an improved ability to express yourself in speaking and writing.

To graduate, students are required to complete 14 three-credit courses in Liberal Arts: three courses in English (9 credits), four courses in the History of Art and Visual Culture (12 credits), three courses in History, Philosophy and the Social Sciences (9 credits), and four additional courses (12 credits) in any of the three departments or in special divisional electives that fall outside those departments.

visit risd admissions | view videos

HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY + THE SOCIAL SCIENCES OVERVIEW

History, Philosophy and the Social Sciences (HPSS) is an interdisciplinary department that offers a wide variety of courses on the nature of human life – past and present – in its psychological, social, political, intellectual, philosophical and cultural contexts and manifestations. Courses in Western and world history, philosophy, psychology, anthropology, political science, sociology, religion and American and cultural studies are designed to help you broaden your knowledge while developing stronger critical thinking, reading and writing skills.

OPTIONAL CONCENTRATION IN HPSS

At any point in your time at RISD you may choose to pursue a Concentration in HPSS (8 courses/24 credits), which offers opportunities to integrate the disciplines and critical methodologies of the department in deeper, more focused ways.

Requirements
• 1 introductory/foundational HPSS course (3 credits)
• 5 HPSS track-affiliated courses (15 credits)
• 2 additional courses (HPSS, LAEL, English, Art History, Studio,
or non-RISD) (6 credits)

Concentration tracks
American Studies
Asian Studies
Belief Systems
Comparative Political Systems
Contemporary Issues and Public Policy
Culture, Race, and Ethnicity
Environmental Studies
European Studies
Gender and Sexuality
Media Studies
The Self in Society

SELECTED COURSES

Muslims and Islam: Local and Global
Perspectives
Philosophy of Religion
Propaganda and Social Commentary
Refugees, Migrants and Displaced
People
Revolution, Capital, and War
Stereotypes and Prejudice
Visual Perception
Women in Asia

Latin American Society
Jazz in America
Abnormal Psychology
Anthropology of Gender
Art and Archaeology of Ancient China
Artists as Public Intellectuals
Ecological Responsibility in Art and Design
Emperors, Gods and Slaves
Ethnographic Film
Introduction to Social Theory