What We Do

Humanities Scholars participate in beyond the classroom programming focusing on literature, language, philosophy, history, culture and other humanities disciplines. Throughout the year, students may attend the scheduled humanities themed events that interest them the most. Past programs have included:

• Dinner & Dialogue discussions with Ohio State faculty. Past discussions have included:
  • North African Social Movements: Professor Franco Barchiesi, Department of African-American Studies
  • Psychology of Sexuality: Professor Lisa Cravens-Brown, Psychology
  • The Civil Rights Movement in the Age of Obama: Professor Hasan Jeffries, History
  • Consciousness and the Vegetative State: Professor Declan Smithies, Philosophy
• Quarterly Book Club with a “Banned” Book Club during the spring. Past Book Club choices have included: Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert and The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini.
• Doc & Talk film discussions. Past discussions have included: Good Hair, The King’s Speech, and God Grew Tired of Us
• Cultural and Arts events around Columbus. Students recently attended the Short North Gallery Hop, Columbus Italian Festival, Columbus Asian Festival, Broadway Across America: Mary Poppins, Columbus Museum of Art
• Humanities Film Festival project. Students form groups to create short humanities focused videos that align with a central theme. The project culminates during winter with the showing of student projects and presentation of awards to the outstanding entries.
• Humanities focused trips to cities such as Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C.

Academics

While the majority of Humanities Scholars programming happens beyond the classroom, students do have two opportunities to interact in the classroom with other Scholars during their first year on campus:

• Some Humanities Scholars take English 110 together during the fall of their first year.
• All incoming Humanities Scholars take a Humanities Seminar course designed to establish community while featuring weekly humanities topics during the fall of their first year.

One of the signature academic events during the spring is the Humanities Scholars “Banned” Book Club. Students read a book that has been banned or challenged by a school, community, or level of government. Several discussions are planned throughout the spring that allow students to reflect upon the book as they read. The final discussion typically includes dinner and is facilitated by a faculty member. Past “Banned” Book Club choices have included: The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky.

Community

The Humanities Scholars community is incredibly supportive and welcoming. First-years live together in Haverfield House (unless commuting from home) and participate in a team-building retreat during their first quarter on campus. The half day retreat allows first-year students to meet each other while participating in various low-rope course challenge activities. Freshmen are also paired with mentors, upper class Humanities Scholars, who first years work with throughout the school year to assure a smooth college transition.

Educational discussions, off campus trips, and frequent social activities, help all students connect with other Scholars who share similar humanities interests. Past social activities include:

• Winter Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo
• Potluck & Movie Nights
• Dime-a-Dog Night at the Columbus Clippers
• Intramural sports teams
• All-Scholars Ice Skate

Leadership

The Humanities Scholars Leadership Council acts as an advisory group to the Program Manager and is an outstanding opportunity for students to develop leadership skills. Scholars may apply to be part of the Leadership Council as early as the end of their first year on campus. The Leadership Council is divided into the following committees: Academics, Communications, Community Service, Cultural, Spring Trip, and Social. Committee members are able to gain valuable project management and leadership experience as they brainstorm, create, and execute beyond the classroom programming for the entire Humanities Scholars community.

Service

Community service is an important aspect of the Humanities Scholars Program. Students have the opportunity to participate in local service projects and attend service trips around the region. Past service initiatives have included:

• Treat the Hungry – students wear costumes and “Trick or Treat” for canned goods in a local Columbus neighborhood
• Volunteering with the Franklin County Dog Shelter
• Mid-Ohio Foodbank Volunteering
• Local Soup Kitchen and Shelter Volunteering
• Overnight service trip to Indianapolis to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity