RasGuides: *General Education Courses*: Humanities

Humanities: Description and Student Learning Outcomes

Humanities is the study of human culture and expression around the globe. In the area of Humanities, students will demonstrate understanding and application of knowledge that provides an historical glimpse into a broader human perspective. Courses in this category provide students with learning experiences that include gaining knowledge of the arts and developing a global outlook.

Describe how human expression and the arts reflect a universal experience in order to gain a global perspective.

Analyze the arts and human expression to gain a diverse and broad worldview.

Humanities

The Rasmussen University Online Library has a lot of different ways for you to find sources for your research. Check out our video series for more information about getting the most out of the online library, including information about:

Beginning a research project can be overwhelming! Consider following these steps to get your research assignment rolling!

Read your assignment thoroughly; highlight requirements and due dates.
Do some background research; consult your textbook, encyclopedias, or Research Starters database.
Develop a library database search statement:
- Brain storm key words that describe your topic or the concepts you are researching
- Watch this short video to learn how to write your search statement
- Perform a search in Discovery or a subject-specific database (click on the Articles tab above for recommended databases)
- Refine your search results and select articles for your research assignment.
Take notes as you read through the resources you have selected.
Record the bibliographic information for resources selected to use when creating APA references.

Best Library Databases for Humanities

Start your search for articles using the library databases linked below:

Academic Search Complete via EBSCO
Articles from all subject areas gathered from more than 11,000 magazines, journals, books and reports. Subjects include astronomy, multicultural studies, humanities, geography, history, law, pharmaceutical sciences, women's studies, and more. Coverage from 1887 to present. Start your research here.
America: History and Life via EBSCO
America: History and Life™ with Full Text is the definitive database of literature covering the history and culture of the United States and Canada, from prehistory to the present.
AtoZ World Cultures
General information on over 175 countries.
Discovery All-in-One Search
Discovery is an all-in-one search platform. Search most of our academic databases at one time on our familiar, easy-to-use EBSCO platform.
European Views of the Americas: 1493 to 1750 via EBSCO
This database covers the history of European exploration as well as portrayals of native American peoples.
Literary Reference Center via EBSCO [graphical]
Information on authors (biographies and interviews) and their works (plot summaries, literary criticism, book reviews, and the actual texts of some poems, short stories and classic works).
ProQuest (PQ Central +)
Business, justice studies, technology and design, and allied health disciplines are all covered in this database of databases! Highlights include access to HOOVERS business content, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times.
CQ Researcher
Provides unbiased reports, pros and cons, overview, history and pointers to further resources on today's current topics.

Library eBook Databases: Humanities

Access ebooks on your topic by searching the databases linked below:

eBook Central via ProQuest
(Formerly known as ProQuest Ebook Central)
eBook Central via ProQuest is a collection of ebooks selected by Rasmussen University Librarians to aid in research and support course assignments.

When logging in for the first time, you may be prompted to search for your institution. Search for 'Rasmussen' and select it from the list and you will then be routed to the main search page.
eBooks and Academic eBooks via EBSCO
24/7 access to eBooks and eAudiobooks in all program areas.
Cloud Library (3M)
A collection of ebooks that supports leisure reading, life-long learning, and course assignments.

----Once the page opens, click the appropriate box for the device you are using to download the app.
You cannot use this database without using the app.

Selections from our eBook Collection

American Literary Minimalism by Robert C. Clark
ISBN: 9780817387501
Publication Date: 2015-01-01
American Political Thought : An Alternative View by Jonathan Keller and Alex Zamalin
ISBN: 9781317213864
Publication Date: 2017
Art of the 20th Century by Dorothea Eimert
ISBN: 9781785259302
Publication Date: 2016-03-09
The Handbook of Creative Writing by Steven Earnshaw (Editor)
ISBN: 9780748689392
Publication Date: 2014-05-30
An Introduction to Critical Thinking and Creativity by J. Y. F. Lau
ISBN: 9781118033425
Publication Date: 2011-04-22

Video Databases: Humanities

Reliable Websites: Humanities

American Film Institute
The American Film Institute,a nonprofit educational arts organization, provides leadership in film and television and is dedicated to initiatives that engage the past, the present and the future of the moving image arts.
American Political Science Association
The American Political Science Association is the leading professional organization for the study of political science. APSA brings together political scientists from all fields of inquiry, regions, and occupational endeavors to deepen understanding of politics, democracy, and citizenship.
Art News
ARTnews is the oldest and most widely circulated art magazine in the world.
International Conference for the Study of Political Thought
The International Conference for the Study of Political Thought is an international, interdisciplinary organization of scholars and informed citizens interested in preserving and encouraging a broad, humanistic style of thinking about politics.
National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities.
PEN America
PEN America champions the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Their mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture.
Poets & Writers
Poets & Writers is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization serving creative writers. It's mission is to foster the professional development of poets and writers, to promote communication throughout the literary community, and to help create an environment in which literature can be appreciated.
Variety
Variety is the film industry's primary trade publication.

Build an APA Tool Kit

Watch APA Quick Start for an overview of the APA citation style
Download a copy of the pre-formatted APA paper template to use for all of your APA assignment.
Print out a copy of the APA Sample Paper to use as a model for you APA assignments.
Use the APA Paper Checklist as you review your paper before submitting for a grade.
Consider making an appointment with an APA tutor for assistance with this citation style.
Create an account in NoodleTools and use it to create your References list.
Consult the APA Guide to find answers to your APA questions, then bookmark it for easy access.

Use Writing Resources for a Polished Paper

Consult the Writing Guide for step-by-step instructions for various types of writing assignments
Develop a thesis statement and create an outline prior to writing your paper.
Create a Grammarly account and upload all written assignments to find grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Submit your paper to the Online Writing Lab for feedback from a professional tutor.
Make an appointment with a Rasmussen tutor to review your written assignment.

Are you having trouble finding high quality resources for your research project?

Are you not feeling confident about using the library databases?

Make a Research Appointment for one-on-one assistance!

Click on the button below, click on "Suzanne Schriefer" to view available times from the calendar, select the time you would like to meet!

RasMuse Student Anthology

Find previous issues and submission instructions in the RasMuse Student Anthology Guide.