Voices For the Humanities

4Humanities is a platform for people from different parts of society and the world to give voice to the enduring and contemporary importance of the humanities. Why study and creative expression in such areas as literature, history, languages, philosophy, classics, art history, cultural studies, and others (see “What Are the Humanities?”) so valuable to individuals and societies? The voices gathered here say why.

* 4Humanities seeks out both original and reposted statements about the humanities from people in business, the sciences, entertainment, universities, high schools, and other sectors. We also report on significant developments and initiatives related to the humanities.

* Listen to the voices in our sections on “Advocacy Statements & Campaigns,” “The Changing Humanities,” “Student Voices,” and “International Correspondents.”

* Also listen to the voices gathered in our special projects “Humanities, Plain & Simple” and “Backpack Mini-documentaries.”

For those wishing to consult resources in framing their own statement for the humanities, 4Humanities offers a “Guide to Issues in Humanities Advocacy” and its “The Humanities Matter!” infographic.

Humanities in the Twenty-First Century: Innovation in Research and Practice (MLA 2013 Panel)

Posted by Alan Liu

Advocacy Statements & Campaigns, Scholarship on the State of the Humanities

For the 2013 Modern Language Association convention in Boston, 4Humanities co-leader Christine Henseler organized a panel titled “Humanities in the Twenty-First Century: Innovation in Research and Practice.” The panel, which occurred on January 4, 2013, featured the following papers: “The Promise of Humanities Practice,” Lynn Pasquerella (President, Mount Holyoke College). “Making the Humanities ‘Count,’” David […]

Interview with Scott Kildall and Nathaniel Stern

Posted by LindsayThomas

Digital Humanities to Advance the Humanities, International Correspondents

By Eva Kekou, 4Humanities International Correspondent I had the honor of interviewing Scott Kildall and Nathaniel Stern, who both share an immense passion for art and creativity. I am glad we crossed paths some time ago and glad they are my friends now. Enjoy this interview and Happy New Year! Eva Kekou: Can you give […]

Nithya Caleb, “Whither Humanities In a Market-driven World?”

Posted by Alan Liu

Advocacy Statements & Campaigns

“India has 15 IITs and an equal number of IIMs, but there’s no exclusive centre for fine arts, philosophy, religion or linguistics,” Nithya Caleb begins in a wide-ranging article in The New Indian Express (17 Dec. 2012) about the shrinking mindshare–not to mention funding share–for the humanities around the world. Interviewing educators and spokespersons for […]

Interview with Artist and Curator Michelle Kasprzak

Posted by LindsayThomas

Digital Humanities to Advance the Humanities, International Correspondents

By Eva Kekou, 4Humanities International Correspondent As an international correspondent based in Europe, I decided to interview Michelle Kasprzak, an international curator for electronic and media art and a Canadian, originally, who is now based in Holland. Michelle Kasprzak, a self-trained artist, decided some years back to move to Europe. First she moved to the […]

Michael Meranze, “The Knowledge that Dare Not Speak Its Name”

Posted by Alan Liu

Advocacy Statements & Campaigns

First appeared on Christopher Newfield’s Remaking the University blog, 14 Dec 2012. Reposted by permission. For some time now, the humanities and the interpretive social sciences have been the canaries in the mineshaft of higher education. Language departments have been eliminated or consolidated, plans put in place to charge students higher tuition for taking the […]