Student Solution

-->

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
– Nelson Mandela

1 University

6 Courses

1 Subject

Week 13: The “Problem” of the Humanities Discussion

Week 13: The “Problem” of the Humanities Discussion

Q Introduction Science. The problem for the humanities is science. And technology. And math. And engineering. For a few decades now, the so-called STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) have trumped the humanities when it comes to funding, research, career guidance, university priorities, and college program growth. At least that is the narrative as written by many in the humanities. More recently, a number of scholars, including leading researchers at prestigious research universities, have been saying that the sciences need the humanities. However, whenever a university needs to balance its budget, humanities programs get cut first and deepest. This week, we consider whether there is a real problem in the humanities, and how to create a more effective dialogue between the humanities and the sciences. Initial Post Instructions Based on the readings noted in this activity, describe how you have or have not seen the alleged “problem” of the humanities in your experiences. Think about your high school and college experience, as well as work, your community, and other areas you have observed. Secondary Post Instructions As you respond to your classmates, compare their observations and analysis to your own.

View Related Questions

Solution Preview

The debate regarding which Humanities vs STEM is centuries old and have been under limelight since then and it is still raging and often divisive today — in academia, in professional settings, and even in casual chats between friends. Paul Smith is his article focuses on the ground that we need Humanities as much as we need science. He says that , “The humanities, the sciences and the social sciences must all work in an intelligently interdisciplinary way to get a total take on any issue and to share in a multi-perspective response” (Smith