School of Humanities
Empowering future educators, artists, and creative entrepreneurs with world-class training in education, film, theater, and multimedia, grounded in the Ubuntu philosophy to inspire communities, foster cultural impact, and build sustainable careers.
About the School
The School of Humanities develops educators, artists, and cultural leaders equipped to shape hearts and minds — in the classroom and on the stage or screen. Its programs combine deep craft training with entrepreneurial thinking, preparing graduates not just to practice their discipline but to build sustainable careers and ventures around it. Every program is rooted in the Ubuntu philosophy of interconnectedness, mutual respect, and community-centered growth.
The MA in Education with Montessori Teacher Credential prepares certified Montessori educators for early childhood or elementary classrooms worldwide, combining online coursework with an in-person practicum and a nine-month supervised teaching placement. The MA in Film, Theater, and Multimedia Studies trains actors, writers, filmmakers, and creative entrepreneurs to master their craft while building profitable entertainment careers. Undergraduates can pursue the BS in Business Education with Montessori Teacher Credential or the BS in Film, Media and Entertainment Business, both offered jointly with the School of Business.
Dr. Paul Easterling
Dean of the School of Humanities. A Rice University graduate, he previously taught at the University of Houston and Bowie State University. His expertise spans African American religious history, culture, Islam, and popular culture, and he has played a key role in developing Osiri University's Humanities programs.
School at Glance
- MA in Education with Montessori Teacher Credential: 36 credits minimum, including a nine-month practicum at a Montessori school.
- MA in Film, Theater, and Multimedia Studies: 30 credits minimum, culminating in an original portfolio of produced work.
- Montessori pathway leads to an American Montessori Society (AMS) Teacher Credential.
- Film and theater curriculum covers directing, scriptwriting, cinematography, acting, and production management — all equipment-inclusive, so a smartphone camera is enough to complete every exercise.
- Up to nine transfer credits accepted toward a master's degree from prior university coursework.
Programs
Master's
Prepares certified Montessori educators for early childhood or elementary classrooms through coursework, in-person training, and a practicum.
36 credits
Master's
Develops creative professionals and cultural leaders skilled in storytelling, production, performance, and multimedia content creation.
30 credits
Courses
HUMA 473
Develops the craft of acting for stage and camera, training the actor's instrument through major acting traditions and text analysis. The course culminates in a prepared capstone scene performance with reflection.
3 credits
HUMA 573
Develops the graduate-level craft of acting for stage and camera, training the actor's instrument through major acting traditions. The course culminates in a prepared capstone scene performance with reflection.
3 credits
HUMA 306
Examines child development by integrating contemporary theories with a culturally responsive approach, covering physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual growth. Students also examine the impact of bias, trauma, and inequity on early development.
3 credits
HUMA 506
Examines child development at graduate depth by integrating contemporary theories with a culturally responsive approach across physical, cognitive, and emotional domains. Students examine the impact of bias, trauma, and inequity on development.
3 credits
HUMA 482
Teaches how moving images are designed and captured to carry story and feeling, covering camera fundamentals, lighting, composition, and color. The course is equipment-inclusive — every exercise can be completed with a smartphone camera.
3 credits
HUMA 582
Teaches how moving images are designed and captured to carry story and feeling, at graduate depth covering camera, lighting, and color. Every exercise can be completed with a smartphone camera.
3 credits
HUMA 204
An eight-week hybrid course developing rigorous, independent reasoning alongside compassionate relational insight through case studies and reflective journaling. Students learn to evaluate evidence and arguments for both logical validity and their impact on fairness and community.
3 credits
HUMA 305
Explores the integration of cultural subjects in the Montessori classroom alongside classroom leadership, observation, and family-involvement strategies. Students study normalization, the three levels of obedience, and Positive Discipline practices.
3 credits
HUMA 505
Explores the integration of cultural subjects in the Montessori classroom alongside classroom leadership and family involvement, at graduate depth. Students study normalization and Positive Discipline practices.
3 credits
HUMA 480
Examines the director's craft across stage and screen, from script interpretation to staging, blocking, and shot design. The course culminates in a director's book: a complete directing plan for one scene conceived for both media.
3 credits
HUMA 580
Examines the director's craft across stage and screen at graduate depth, from script interpretation to staging and shot design. The course culminates in a director's book conceived for both live performance and camera.
3 credits
HUMA 312
Examines the three-year Montessori history, geography, and biology curriculum for children ages 6–9 through the framework of Cosmic Education. Students study the Great Lessons, timelines, and key biology materials for the Elementary classroom.
3 credits
HUMA 315
Provides an integrated study of geometry within Cosmic Education alongside classroom leadership for the Elementary I classroom (ages 6–9). Students study Montessori geometry materials while building observation, planning, and discipline skills.
3 credits
HUMA 314
Explores Montessori methods for literacy, grammar, and communication mastery, including reading comprehension and creative expression. Students learn how Montessori materials support children's growing ability to think critically and self-express.
3 credits
HUMA 313
Explores Montessori methods for developing mathematical understanding through concrete materials that lead to abstract reasoning. Students gain practical experience presenting materials for numeration, operations, fractions, and measurement.
3 credits
HUMA 481
Examines the producer's role in carrying a project from idea to audience, covering financing, packaging talent, and distribution strategy. The course culminates in a producer's package and pitch.
3 credits
HUMA 581
Examines the producer's role in carrying a project from idea to audience at graduate depth, covering financing strategy and distribution planning. The course culminates in a producer's package and pitch.
3 credits
HUMA 210
An eight-week hybrid course exploring the science and philosophy of happiness and well-being through positive psychology, intercultural philosophy, and ethics. Students compare Western, Eastern, and African approaches and apply evidence-based well-being strategies to their own lives.
3 credits
HUMA 304
Prepares students to identify, sequence, and present materials supporting Language Arts development in the Montessori early-childhood classroom. Students refine techniques for fostering literacy, communication, and a love of language.
3 credits
HUMA 504
Prepares graduate students to identify, sequence, and present materials supporting Language Arts development in the Montessori early-childhood classroom. Students refine techniques for fostering literacy and a love of language.
3 credits
HUMA 301
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the educational principles and historical foundations of the Montessori method, including the prepared environment and the teacher's role as guide. Students examine Montessori's vision of cosmic and peace education.
3 credits
HUMA 501
Provides a graduate-level introduction to Montessori's educational principles and historical foundations, including the prepared environment and the teacher's role as guide. Students examine Montessori's vision of cosmic and peace education.
3 credits
HUMA 399
An intensive, in-person practicum-based course providing supervised, hands-on experience implementing Montessori philosophy in authentic classroom settings. Candidates observe experienced educators, practice lesson presentations, and engage in reflective teaching.
6 credits
HUMA 599
An intensive, in-person graduate practicum providing supervised, hands-on experience implementing Montessori philosophy in authentic classroom settings. Candidates observe experienced educators and engage in reflective teaching.
6 credits
HUMA 302
Explores the philosophy and purpose of the Practical Life area in Montessori early-childhood classrooms, covering grace and courtesy, movement, and care of self and environment. Students learn to sequence, design, and present practical-life activities.
3 credits
HUMA 502
Explores the philosophy and purpose of the Practical Life area in Montessori early-childhood classrooms at graduate depth. Students learn to sequence, design, and present practical-life activities that build independence.
3 credits
HUMA 499
A supervised nine-month field experience in an approved Montessori school where candidates progressively take responsibility for instruction, planning, and family communication. The practicum emphasizes reflective practice and professional growth as a Montessori educator.
6 credits
HUMA 699
A supervised nine-month graduate field experience in an approved Montessori school where candidates take progressive responsibility for instruction and family communication. The practicum emphasizes reflective, professional growth as a Montessori educator.
6 credits
HUMA 483
Teaches how to turn a script and budget into a workable production plan, covering scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating cast, crew, and logistics. The capstone is a complete production book for a short project.
3 credits
HUMA 583
Teaches how to turn a script and budget into a workable production plan at graduate depth, covering scheduling, budgeting, and on-set safety. The capstone is a complete production book for a short project.
3 credits
HUMA 472
Teaches the craft of writing for performance, covering dramatic structure, character development, dialogue, and professional screenplay and stage-play formats. The course culminates in an original short script, revised and pitched.
3 credits
HUMA 572
Teaches the graduate-level craft of writing for performance, covering dramatic structure, character, and professional screenplay and stage-play formats. The course culminates in an original short script, revised and pitched.
3 credits
HUMA 303
Prepares students to present the Montessori Sensorial and Math curricula for children ages 2.5 to 6, refining the senses and fostering early mathematical thinking. Students study the sequential order and purpose of the Montessori didactic materials.
3 credits
HUMA 503
Prepares graduate students to present the Montessori Sensorial and Math curricula for children ages 2.5 to 6. Students study the sequential order and purpose of the Montessori didactic materials in both areas.
3 credits
HUMA 300
Introduces the African philosophy of Ubuntu — "I am because we are" — as a framework for understanding consciousness, ethics, and collective flourishing. Students examine how self-awareness and interconnectedness shape learning, leadership, and community.
3 credits
HUMA 570
Introduces the African philosophy of Ubuntu — "I am because we are" — as a graduate-level framework for consciousness, ethical responsibility, and collective flourishing. Students examine implications for education, leadership, and society.
3 credits
Osiri University’s School of Humanities empowers educators and changemakers through globally relevant programs in education and Montessori teaching, fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and impactful leadership in diverse learning environments.
Programs
Courses
- HUMA 473 — Acting for Film and Theater
- HUMA 573 — Acting for Film and Theater
- HUMA 306 — Child Development
- HUMA 506 — Child Development
- HUMA 482 — Cinematography
- HUMA 582 — Cinematography
- HUMA 204 — Critical Thinking
- HUMA 305 — Cultural and Leadership (Early Childhood)
- HUMA 505 — Cultural and Leadership (Early Childhood)
- HUMA 480 — Directing for Film and Theater
- HUMA 580 — Directing for Film and Theater
- HUMA 312 — Elementary Cosmic Education
- HUMA 315 — Elementary Geometry and Leadership
- HUMA 314 — Elementary Language and Grammar
- HUMA 313 — Elementary Mathematics
- HUMA 481 — Film Producing
- HUMA 581 — Film Producing
- HUMA 210 — Happiness
- HUMA 304 — Language (Early Childhood)
- HUMA 504 — Language (Early Childhood)
- HUMA 301 — Montessori Philosophy
- HUMA 501 — Montessori Philosophy
- HUMA 399 — Practical Applications
- HUMA 599 — Practical Applications
- HUMA 302 — Practical Life (Early Childhood)
- HUMA 502 — Practical Life (Early Childhood)
- HUMA 499 — Practicum
- HUMA 699 — Practicum
- HUMA 483 — Production Management
- HUMA 583 — Production Management
- HUMA 472 — Scripting for Film and Theater
- HUMA 572 — Scripting for Film and Theater
- HUMA 303 — Sensorial & Math (Early Childhood)
- HUMA 503 — Sensorial & Math (Early Childhood)
- HUMA 300 — Ubuntu Mind
- HUMA 570 — Ubuntu Mind