The department offers courses designed to provide midshipmen with an understanding of the origins and nature of contemporary society and culture, as well as to develop oral and written communications skills. The subjects covered include literature, history, politics, and social thought. The curriculum seeks to give all midshipmen grounding in American and maritime history, the foundations of good writing, exposure to the Western literary tradition, and awareness of comparative history, culture, and literature. During the fourth class year, all midshipmen take one English course which introduces them to literature and provides opportunities to develop their writing skills.
Every plebe also studies the history of sea power and American maritime traditions.
During the next three years, midshipmen take four additional courses, in Western literature, modern American history, modern world history, and in comparative literature and history. During the longer sea period, midshipmen complete a Humanities Sea Project, a substantial paper exploring the topic of leadership, based on a book from a department-provided reading list. For plebes who enter the Academy with weak grammar skills, the department provides a weekly support program with a writing specialist. The department ensures that writing tutors are available to all midshipmen two evenings a week. The Humanities Department, whose classrooms and faculty offices are located in Samuels Hall, also offers a variety of elective courses and opportunities for students to pursue independent study with professors.