what is humanities essay

what is humanities essay

Importance of Humanities Education

1. Introduction

Unfortunately, due to a climate of competition and an over-emphasis on the technical side of education, the humanities are in a state of disarray and are considered dispensable frills. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Now, during a time of crisis, is when the humanities are most important. The study of humanities has the power to fortify, to guard and to protect. In many ways, it can be said that the humanities are more than a solution to our problems, they are our only hope. Now is when we must savor culture to keep us from becoming savage. Now is when we must reflect on our identities to keep from becoming lost. Now is when we must understand our history to keep from repeating it.

An education in the humanities is the key to understanding the joys, sorrows, beauty, and tragedy of the world in which we live. The study of humanities is nothing less than the study of how the world has evolved and how people throughout history have expressed feelings and ideas. Although expressing thoughts and ideas in different ways can get very complicated and technical, the basic idea is to translate one’s feelings or thoughts in order to have them better understood by others. Through literature, philosophy, music, art, and language, humans have discovered the depth of their existence. These modes of expression are the communication of understanding of one’s self and the world. They are what tie societies together, what give an individual a true identity, what make history a story.

2. The Value of Humanities Education

The major component in fundamentally understanding the importance or the value of humanities education would first be to understand what is humanities education. When the word “humanities” comes to mind, what we understand is that it is the study and interpretation of human culture, describing who we are as humans, and our current development. But then again, when we go further into detail, the term “humanities” also considers a certain field of study (like the other more famous fields such as Mechanical, Medicine, Law, and more) where it is a study that is more significant towards human culture and way of life. Based on my personal experience as a student who took 8 different humanities subjects under the law field, it defines that humanities education is a state of education where what is being taught in a more nurturing way compared to the mainstream field of study. The teaching would involve discussions that would encourage critical thinking, interpretation of theories, understanding, and sometimes debates. Basically, it is studying in a more understanding and interpreting way. Traditionally, the humanities have been defined as the study of history, literature, language, and the arts. More recently, the social sciences have also been included under the rubric of humanities. During the 1960s and 1970s, the humanities were challenged by a resurgence of scientism as a worldview that humanities studies were irrelevant and unnecessary. This viewpoint is no longer as popular, as the connection between the humanities and sciences has been emphasized in contemporary humanities curriculums. For example, the study of history is now being analyzed with an interdisciplinary approach; such as history and politics, history and philosophy, etc. It is the same with the arts, language, and literature.

3. Skills Developed through Humanities Studies

With steep changes in the job market, it is imperative that students gain skills that will allow them to adapt quickly to different jobs and career progression in a number of different fields. This is what the humanities have to offer. No doubt, the study of humanities is advantageous and deserves credit.

Through humanities, students can think creatively and critically, reason, and ask questions. These are skills that are important to have in any walk of life. In humanities, we are faced with various situations, and we have to think about the best possible way to handle a particular situation. This develops problem-solving skills within us. When a person is able to make a decision based on assessment from all angles to determine what is right, their decision would be a wise one. All of this helps individuals work towards a fulfilling life for themselves and a better society for others.

Humanities teaches the way politics and economics work, the language of politics and economics as a way of life. This in turn makes an individual a knowledgeable person when it comes to today’s world and its happenings. This subject helps in developing an awareness of the past and present. It provides opportunities for people to visit contemporary and past cultures from around the globe. Knowledge of cultures can connect people and allow for a sign of peace and harmony, as there is understanding in each other’s beliefs and traditions. This in turn can help avoid wars. With such knowledge, no one culture is seen as better than the other. Awareness of various cultures and the differences that exist between them is the first step to gaining cultural relativism. This subject helps an individual make informed and critical decisions throughout his life, which helps evaluate the achievement of humanity.

Firstly, let us come up with some reasons for what humanities are. They are an investigation of human creativity and aspiration. It is a subject that helps us understand ourselves as individuals and our place in society. The study of humanities gives an individual the capacity to think carefully, to think logically as it is analytical. It strengthens writing and reading capacity.

Persuasive Essay

4. Impact of Humanities on Society

The project used a variety of sources to piece together a better understanding of British culture and the decisions that led to its present state. This involved research into literature, art, political science, and cultural anthropology. The project produced an exhibit called “British Vision of Progress”, which was an exploration of British culture and history and was aimed at both the public and policymakers.

An example of how the humanities can benefit a particular society can be seen in a recent research project that took place in Britain in 2000. The Prime Minister Tony Blair asked for a study that would help to establish a better sense of national identity for his country. This was in response to a long-standing identity crisis that British people have had regarding their relation to the rest of Europe and the idea of being “British”.

The humanities inform us about a wide range of human concerns and aspirations. They help us to answer difficult questions such as what is considered good art and what kind of a person should he be. These are important questions that help us to consider our quest for a better society and understand the needs and motivations of the people around us.

5. Conclusion

At first, humanities education might not sound like the right way to prepare future potential employees for the job field. But when we see the quality and critical thinking of humanities students, they excel superior in any job they choose. They are built with the ability to have good communication, writing, and speaking skills, as well as critical thinking. However, others may argue that these essential skills can be developed in other social sciences fields. Yes, it’s true, but the scope will be different. In humanities, the scope of the skills is wider with a deeper understanding of foundational theories. For example, in communication skills, humanities students have to master more than three types of communication, including verbal and non-verbal, intercultural, and small group communication. All of these make it harder for humanities students to master the skills, giving them an advantage compared to students from different fields. No other study field can offer this kind of advantage. The employers have agreed that the essential skills of humanities education students are what they are seeking in their potential employees. With the increase in job opportunities with a wider scope in the job field, humanities education students are now the most wanted employees. The job market is no longer a losing end for humanities students.