Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology (AHT) offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication (ATEC), Visual and Performing Arts, History, Literature, Philosophy, and Latin American Studies. All AHT majors require a total of 120 semester credit hours and the plan must include sufficient upper-division courses to total 45 upper-division semester credit hours.
The ATEC major purposefully blends theory and practice to help students develop the skills to support and engage new modes of expression and communication emerging from the convergence of computing and media technologies. The program stresses not only the creation but also the potential applications and cultural implications of interactive media. Through ATEC courses, students will expand both the breadth and depth of their skills, with opportunities to further specialize through concentrations in Critical Media Studies and Emerging Media Arts.
Students who complete the major in Visual and Performing Arts pursue an interdisciplinary study of the arts by selecting among courses in historical context, studio practice, performance ensemble, communication, and ideas and interpretation of the arts. Students may also choose to enroll in courses associated with concentrations in the visual arts, art history, communication, dance, theatre, film, music, photo-video-digital arts, or the interdisciplinary arts.
History majors design a distinctive program of study around their interests, such as themes, topics, time periods, and historical or philosophical approaches to the subject matter. The Philosophy major poses important questions concerning why we believe and how we know, the nature of the self and its connection with society, and the foundations of justice.
The Literature program, which brings together writers and scholars dedicated to the study of literature and culture in an international and interdisciplinary context, offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of literary traditions, critical approaches, and theoretical debates. Students may opt to concentrate in Creative Writing, Spanish, or Professional and Technical Writing.
Latin American Studies majors explore the region through the study of history; economics, political science, and business; and literature, language, and culture.
Students in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology are encouraged to explore the boundaries and the interrelationships of the major fields of study within the school. The curriculum is designed to allow study that crosses and transforms traditional disciplinary lines, integrating the arts, humanities, and technology with a commitment to interdisciplinary education, the School has no conventional departments.
Teacher Certification
Students interested in teaching in secondary schools can achieve Texas Teacher Certification in English Language Arts, History, or Social Studies as part of their majors in either Literature or History. After being admitted to the University, interested students should meet with their AHT academic advisor as well as an advisor in the Teacher Development Center.
Further details may be found in the Teacher Certification section of the catalog.
Fast Track Baccalaureate/Master's Degrees
The Fast Track program is designed to permit exceptional undergraduate students in Arts, Humanities, and Technology to begin work on the master's degree before graduation.
Students should consult their AHT academic advisor for further details.
Major Honors
AHT seniors who have completed at least 30 graded upper-division semester credit hours and have a major GPA of 3.67 may elect to participate in Major Honors. These students complete a thesis or project under the supervision of an AHT faculty member and a second reader.
Students should consult their AHT academic advisor for further details.
Minors
To minor in Arts, Humanities, and Technology, students must take a minimum of 18 semester credit hours for the minor, 9 of which must be upper-division semester credit hours. Students who take a minor will be expected to meet the normal prerequisites in courses making up the minor, and should maintain a minimum GPA of 2.000 on a 4.00 scale (C average). Core courses offered by the school may count as lower-division semester credit hours toward the minor.
See all AHT Minors.
Related Minor Areas:
Minor in Gender Studies (18 semester credit hours)
The Gender Studies minor is 18 semester credit hours. The courses consist of GST 2300, two other Gender Studies core courses, and nine semester credit hours of approved Gender Studies electives.