New course introduces freshmen to the power of arts and humanities

The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at USCA has introduced a dynamic new course for first-year students: HSSI A150 – Introduction to Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Designed to spark curiosity and showcase the broad opportunities within the college, the course brings together six professors and 90 enthusiastic students for a collaborative, team-taught experience.

“To capture these students’ imaginations in the first semester of their freshman year,” says Forrest Anderson, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, “faculty came together to design a shared course that encourages students to explore additional classes, pursue minors, or even declare majors in fields like English, Communication and Emerging Media, History, Languages, Political Science, Sociology, and Theater.”

Backed by a 2021 study from the Association of American Colleges and Universities, Anderson challenges the myth that degrees in the arts, humanities, and social sciences lead to low-paying careers. “The learning priorities that executives and hiring managers value most are the ability to communicate effectively, think critically, make ethical decisions, and work in teams,” he explains. “These skills come from engagement with the arts, humanities, and social sciences. This course, along with our minors and majors, gives students a leg up and makes them competitive in the job market."

Throughout the semester, students engage with these essential skills by reading and analyzing A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. Every two weeks, they’re introduced to a new professor who explores the play from a unique disciplinary lens.

“English offers us a controlled glimpse into the chaos of human interactions,” says Dr. Todd Hagstette, professor of English. When students study the play as literature, he explains, “we can begin to confront the issues we all face as members of our culture and become adept at navigating life, work, and relationships.”

Senior Instructor of Communication and Emerging Media Elizabeth Webb adds, “I’m thrilled to be part of the team teaching this innovative course. We’re using A Raisin in the Sun to explore family communication, identity, and the forces that shape human connection. Students also examine how media representations influence cultural narratives and shape how we see ourselves and others.”

Other faculty bring additional dimensions to the discussion: Dr. Melencia Johnson investigates the sociological themes; Dr. Sarah King provides historical context; Dr. Angel Ranales explores language and culture; and Ashley Jensen focuses on theatrical design elements.

A key highlight of the course happens on Friday, Sept. 12. Theatre Professor Dewey Scott-Wiley, who has directed A Raisin in the Sun in the past at USCA, and Leadership Gift Officer, Carlos Baxley, who has played almost every male role in the play, will visit class to speak directly with the students. 

Thanks to donor support, students also attend a live performance of the play and an on-campus showing of the off-Broadway production Pipeline.

Far more than a typical freshman seminar, HSSI A150 offers an immersive, multidisciplinary experience that connects students with passionate faculty, exposes them to live theater, and builds critical skills that will serve them well throughout college—and beyond.

For more information, please contact Forrest Anderson at forrest.anderson@usca.edu or at 803-641-3784.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.