The Humanities consists of branches of inquiry that deal with what it means to be human in all its complexity, including human societies, behaviors, thoughts, cultures and relationships. ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus offers courses in philosophy, history, religion and women’s studies which cultivate students’ necessary skills to express themselves clearly on matters of ultimate human concern and issues of personal and cultural identity. Students also develop the necessary transferable skills for academic and personal success in their chosen vocations. Exploration of the customs and traditions of people living in other cultures and other historical periods stimulates students toward deeper self-examination. Strong writing and public speaking pushes students to articulate and investigate the variety of ideas about the human condition. Ultimately, students will learn to effectively challenge the status quo through critical thinking and to express their ideals from an ever-broadening knowledge base.