A New Era for The Humanities

Stephanie Kirk, director of the Center for the Humanities in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, is helping humanities Ph.D. students prepare for careers beyond the declining tenure-track market. In response to shifts in academia since 2008, she promotes programs that highlight students’ transferable skills in research, writing, collaboration, and leadership. Supported by grants from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Center offers workshops, community partnerships, and internships with St. Louis organizations. 

The Return of Ulysses
The Humanities in Practice

This lecture draws on examples from English studies, medieval studies and the humanities, the three areas in which Lees conducts her work, to explore what the humanities in practice tell us about their potential at this critical juncture.

Red light protrudes from gate
Humanities Futures

Debates have raged over whether the latest crisis of the humanities is rhetoric or reality. In either case, perceptions matter, and such perceptions have real consequences. So what should be done?