The Public Humanities Program seeks to build knowledge democratically and respond critically to twenty-first-century challenges, ranging from social inequalities to climate change. In this minor, you will work collaboratively and creatively to develop original research and programming with local communities, public-interest groups, and other publics, which actively engage the public in meaningful dialogue and knowledge production. Central to this work is meeting people where they are to create engaging narratives based on critical analysis and writing, cultural documentation, fieldwork interviews, participant observation, and media production. Through your coursework, you will use the methods of the humanities to develop a public-facing project and a portfolio of work, which may include podcasts, films, exhibitions, public events, zines, performances, and other programming.
The Department of American Studies (AMST) hosts and supervises the minor in AMST’s Orser Center for the Study of Place, Community, and Culture, in collaboration with the Dresher Center for the Humanities.