Fascinated by history? The University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Arts and Letters, or UST Artlets, has a story etched in every brick.
Established in 1896, UST Artlets is the oldest liberal arts school in the Philippines. It started as the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras following Spanish tradition. The faculty prides itself as a Center of Excellence in Philosophy. It also excels in Communication, Literature, and Journalism. The Commission on Higher Education recognizes these achievements.
Initially, the University of Santo Tomas offered courses in liberal arts and philosophy. This began with the university’s founding in 1611. These courses became formalized with the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters in 1896. A College of Liberal Arts was established in 1926. It offered preparatory courses for Law and Medicine. The College of Liberal Arts split into Arts and Pure Sciences. Pure Sciences evolved into the College of Science. The College of Liberal Arts then merged with the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters in 1964. This merger resulted in the name “Arts and Letters”.
The Faculty of Arts and Letters initially offered limited programs. These included Associate in Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Literature, and Bachelor of Philosophy. Over time, new courses and majors developed. In 1971, the faculty expanded its offerings. New Bachelor of Arts degrees included Asian Studies and Behavioral Science. Additional degrees were Communication Arts, Economics, and Journalism. Students could also study Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and Translation. Translation was eventually discontinued due to low enrollment. In 1994, Legal Management was introduced. This program combined business management and law. In 2002, a double degree program with the College of Education began. It was a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Secondary Education in Social Sciences. This program ended in 2007 due to government regulations. In June 2011, A.B. History and A.B. English Language Studies were added. August 2018 saw the start of A.B. Creative Writing.
UST Artlets currently offers thirteen academic degree programs. These range from Asian Studies to Sociology. Each major has a student union called a “society”. The college has approximately 4000 students. The Communication program has the largest student population. UST Artlets is located in the St. Raymund de Peñafort Building. It shares this space with the College of Commerce and Business Administration. The Communication and Journalism programs use facilities in the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes Building.
The Faculty of Arts and Letters has a student publication called The Flame. Established in 1964, it gives voice to the students. The Flame has faced challenges like censorship during Martial Law. It continues to provide a platform for discussion and expression.
The Faculty of Arts and Letters Student Council represents the students. It traces its roots back to the Pax Romana. This student forum operated during Martial Law. The ABSC was founded in 1980. It was the first student council of its kind in the country.
The UST Faculty of Arts and Letters continues its tradition. It molds future leaders and thinkers. Its rich history and dedication to excellence make it a unique place.