Humanities—the study of literature, the arts, history and philosophy—is the cornerstone of a liberal arts education. Here at Dean, our humanities studies program builds on this tradition, while also applying the key principles of these subjects in ways that are meaningful for students’ career goals and civic mindedness. We connect the classroom to the world beyond through our Humanities in Action Initiative.
Dean students studying History, English, Global Studies or Pre-law practice public humanities in unique ways. As part of the Humanities in Action Initiative, students collaborate with both on-campus programs and community partners to create resume-worthy products such as digital magazines, museum exhibits or local history films. This work feeds into co-curricular activities like historic preservation, student-produced film screenings, and conference presentations throughout the region, as well as internships.
Dean’s mission for the Humanities in Action Initiative is to build a distinctive identity for our students and faculty by applying public humanities methods; fostering civic-mindedness; and encouraging career preparation. The initiative is embedded throughout our curricular and co-curricular landscape and has a home base in applied humanities courses: Public History, Digital History, Copyediting, Digital Publishing, Mock Trial, and Advanced Writers Workshop.
Each academic year, Humanities in Action faculty plan a variety of programs designed to immerse students in the study of humanities. This includes everything from guest lectures to faculty symposia to student excursions, which blend historical exploration with contemporary humanities studies. Throughout the year, students are encouraged to connect with noted professionals working in the humanities and to develop individual research projects, creative works, and civic engagement initiatives.
Recent student activities through the Humanities in Action Initiative have included:
At ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ, all undergraduates are expected to complete an internship. Through the Humanities in Action Initiative, we have been able to connect our students to unique opportunities within their fields of interest, such as:
Twice annually, the New England History Teachers Association (NEHTA) publishes the, an academic journal with the mission of promoting scholarship of historical and educational significance. Since its founding in 1943, the Journal has been a vital part of historical scholarship and education in New England. The Journal is based at ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ in Franklin, MA and is supported by the Humanities in Action Initiative. Professor R.A. Lawson serves as managing editor and Professor David Brandon Dennis serves as digital editor.