Dr. M settles himself behind his desk. As he shuffles papers in a neat stack and clears his throat, it is difficult not to notice the stark counterbalance that exists in his office. He is ensconced in a bizarre contradistinction of negative space and expressive chaos.
The right side of the room is barren, but for a few utilitarian objects: a computer, some papers and several carabiners racked with keys. The left, however, is a cultural and literary explosion. Amidst the movie posters and works of art, a bookshelf stands steadfast in the corner. It is choked with books on every abstract topic a curious mind could contemplate: arts, writing, cinema, the humanities. The room itself seems to be representative of something much deeper -- a symbolic balance of sorts. It begs the mind to wonder, to ask questions. Though the office itself may not be an have been intended to inspire such analysis from students, that is the intention of professor who resides in it.
Dr. M himself holds a doctorate of arts in the humanities. However, he is one of the dwindling few who can make such a claim. The number of humanities diplomas awarded is less than half of what is was in the 1960s, according to one Harvard magazine article, How to Reinvigorate the Humanities. In a world that places more and more emphasis on the sciences and technological advancement, some are beginning to question of the value and worth of the humanities.
“The humanities give our existence context,” Dr. M explained. “These days, I think we’re losing sight of that.”
The humanities are what make us fundamentally human. Though they are not essential to our survival, they enrich our lives and help us make better decisions, he says. Subjects such as philosophy, literature, religion, art, music and history are all references to our unique ability to create, remember and reflect.
However, in a time when jobs are harder and harder to come by due to economic hardship, it is not surprising that many students are hesitant when it comes to the humanities. Former student Nick W. does not feel that pursuing his degree would have benefited his potentiality for employment. In fact, he believes that continuing his education would have decimated his future because of burdensome student debt and a lack of focus on his studies.
“I really need to be doing physical work,” he explained. “Like homework and sitting in class just don’t do it for me. It was the same kind of boring lecture in different classrooms. It wasn’t going to help me get a job.” He left SUNY Cobleskill after spending one semester in the social sciences program, a sister discipline of the humanities. He now works for a tree removal and pruning company in Massachusetts.
Despite the fact that many students see no viable outcome from it, 92 percent of higher education institutions mandate their students to take courses in humanities in order to graduate, regardless of their major, according to the Association of American Colleges and Universities article, Humanities by the Numbers.
Stephanie M, a sophomore in the humanities program, was originally a histotechnology major. “I knew I could get a job in that field,” she said breezily, taking a quick break from writing a midterm paper, “but it just felt so cookie cutter.” Unsure of what exactly she wants to do with her life, she feels that by studying humanities she can gain a sense of direction. Because she is unsure, the exploratory nature of the humanities is very helpful. Not only does she find it more interesting and rewarding, but she feels that she is becoming a more well rounded individual with broadened horizons. In a world teeming with technology and specializations, the need for individuals with general knowledge on a variety of subjects is of great value.
Humanities are an excellent place to begin. General courses eventually become more specific, giving students the chance to sample a full spectrum of ideas and possibilities for future careers. That way the exploratory process of figuring out what one want to do with their life can begin during the college years. However, without specification, it could be difficult to pinpoint an exact career field.
Emma T, an alumni of both the Associates in Humanities program and the Bachelors in Communication program at SUNY Cobleskill, as well as the 2015 recipient of the Chancellor’s Award, is grateful for the exposure she received in the humanities degree program. When asked if she had any reservations about her future opportunities for employment she was unconcerned.
Having followed a very carefully curated career path and chosen to remain debt free, she does not feel an itching anxiety that gnaws at many graduates. However, she offered some cautionary advice: “While I value the contribution my humanities degree made to my prospects, I think it's important to never satisfy oneself with only one area of focus.” This summer she will be interning with a senior U.S. district court judge.
That said, many worry that by taking humanities they could spend a lot of time and money and graduate without any marketable skills, as in the case of Nicholas W. While a graduate of a humanities program may not be on the road to becoming a brain surgeon or receive training for a trade, they do possess competence in other areas that employers are searching for in potential candidates.
According to a study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities in the article, Humanities by the Numbers, “Ninety-three percent of employers agree that ‘"a [job] candidate's demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major."’
With a diverse course load that weaves the threads of human understanding, communication, and the arts, students are able to garner these types of skills. Despite technology, the need for interpersonal communications skills and critical thinking will not disappear. There will always need to be some point of interaction between human beings, hence the humanities.
It is often seen by many as an easy degree. Unlike the sciences, there are no hard and true facts, but rather abstract thoughts and ideas communicated through various media. However, what makes it a seemingly effortless degree is, in fact, what makes it incredibly complicated. Because there is no one answer or one way to arrive at a conclusion, there is a lot more of a complicated thinking process that goes into answering questions and writing essays.
“This is by no means a ‘soft degree,’” Dr. M said. “Students have to not only read and understand materials, but be able to discuss them. Read Socrates. Read "War and Peace." It’s not simple.” Stephanie M confirms this. Thinking that anything would be easier than the sciences, she found herself gravely mistaken. However, despite being knee deep in assignments that require more than rote memorization, she feels she has honed her interpersonal and analytical skills, both of which, she has no doubt, will serve her in her future career path.
When it comes to choosing a major there is no direct, easy answer. Professor M insists that students must be passionate about what they are studying otherwise they will regret it. Humanities does not have to be a final destination to be beneficial. It could be a mode of transportation; the train that goes to the transfer station.
“Humanities wasn't the end for me, it was the beginning,” Emma T concluded.
