Advisors Workshop

The Advisors Workshop on Humanities and University Education saw a total of 130 advisors across all four campuses along with invited staff and administrators. There were 14 Bachelor's degree holders, 49 Master's degree holders and 9 Doctorate degree holders across several disciplines such as Social Work, Education, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities/Arts, Business, Counseling, Public Affairs/Public Policy/Law, Interdisciplinary. Not only did advisors receive a buffet lunch and Project Humanities t-shirts, but the first 25 Advisor registrants received complimentary copies of Martha C. Nussbaum’s Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs Humanities (Princeton, 2010).

The Itinerary of the Advisors workshop can be viewed here.

How does humanities contribute to an undergraduate education?

Many areas of education overlap, relate, and are broad enough to expand a student’s knowledge as it relates to the world they live in.
Helps students to be more well rounded
General studies as well as provide an important perspective
Learn to appreciate complexity & ambiguity, a critical & inquiring attitude, develop empathy & tolerance for people of different backgrounds/values, and respond more fully in complex world!
I believe it helps foster a better understanding of self and others and contributes to one’s overall sense of culture
It broadens students’ knowledge beyond their majors. Increase intellectual capacities.
They give students insight to society and people as a whole.
Allows students to enroll in courses and learn about the areas that they may have a strong interest.
Writing and Critical thinking are integral parts of a humanities program. There are invaluable skills for students to develop.
They help us understand people through the study of culture, religion, philosophy, etc.
Humanities studies offers a well-rounded range of skills like critical thinking, interpersonal, communications, and writing skills , all of which are valuable in any workplace.
Give them all a well-rounded experience.
Gives students a broad knowledge base, makes students well-rounded.
Allows student to broaden knowledge, not so tunneled.
Historical perspectives learn how to think creatively & critically, values of different cultures.
It’s important for students to have a “well-rounded” education and to have some knowledge in all areas.
I believe humanities education make undergraduate students more well-rounded and instills a greater appreciation of the arts and how humankind expresses itself and why.
Gives a well-rounded background to a college degree – opens more areas of interest
Views of other disciplines & subjects that add to and impact society.
For many majors it is one of the few opportunities to broaden perspective.
Humanities give students a greater awareness of the depth & diversity of the human condition.
A world without arts is not worth living in. Humanities make a world worth living in.
It is important to give students a broader perspective of the world, how it works and global and cultural influence on our thoughts, behaviors, action and way we see things.
Adds breath to the undergraduate degree.
Creates good citizens knowledgeable in different areas that provide other avenues of connecting with other individuals.
Contribute to broadening perspectives, develops new interest, passion
Students can discover the commonalities they share with other human beings
It gives students the ability to learn about the human existence and to have an open mind to ideals/people, etc. They perceive as ‘different,’ learn to have empathy as well.
It adds a well-rounded aspect to any degree.
This allows students to see how social sciences, natural sciences, etc. connect to the real world and culture.
Increases understanding and empathy of all populations and individuals.
Gives breadth to their education, expand knowledge in areas they wouldn’t otherwise explore.
It makes a more well-rounded student by becoming aware of different disciplines.
Helps students see the world and understand the world. Introduces students to religion, art, music, philosophy.
Students learn what is to be human through exposure to our history and cultural ideals.
Helps students understand more than just what their major is about.
By providing a broader understanding of the world around us, they give a greater/richer context for their own studies.
Humanities “flesh out” and give meaning to the physical sciences and social sciences. Humanities is the study of human condition & provides students with intellectual skills, specifically; critical, analytical & speculative skills.
It broadens a student’s perspective and exposes the students to paths they may not have been familiar with previously, hopefully heading to a more well-rounded education and understanding of humanity.
The questions addressed by humanities underpin all other disciplines. They tell us what it means to be human. They enrich our humanity and make us special.
All majors need humanities courses as part of their education. It is of utmost importance for people to become good citizens to learn about what it means to be human.
You can learn how to live your life but arts and humanities give a reason to live your life.
Humanities contribute by studying values, philosophies, religions, and ethics. Also, contributes towards understanding and interpreting historical traditions. Moreover deepens one’s awareness of literature and the analysis of such.
Broad understanding of the world & how people express themselves & make meaning.
They are part of a ‘well-rounded’ education; helps us realize our value as human beings, what makes us unique.

For a detailed review of the Advisors Workshop from the perspective of Kristen LaRue, click here.