In a world driven by technology, it seems easy to take learning for granted. Computers and smart phones have made books and handwritten forms of communication practically outdated.
Despite these modern conveniences technology has given us, we must not forget the importance of education and creativity that go beyond the screen of an iPhone.
These gadgets, which make tasks more convenient, cannot replace the substantiality of mental stimulation we receive from learning firsthand.
ASU’s Project Humanities will concentrate on the study of language, literature, culture, philosophy, religion and history. This initiative, launching the week of Feb. 7, is going to bring attention to the humanities in a yearlong celebration that includes public events and activities highlighting research and creativity.
Noted speakers helping launch the project include Sherman Alexie, an author, poet and screenwriter, and Jim Leach, chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Project Humanities events will occur on each of the four ASU campuses and focus on “Humanities at the Crossroads: Perspective on Place.”
Neal A. Lester, who is dean of humanities for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is leading the project. Lester explained, “The idea of place holds many meanings.” He said that “place” is essential to the study of humanities, since it encompasses how people view themselves and others.
Lester also discussed why the humanities have been pushed aside. “Within higher education, the humanities, particularly foreign languages and cultural studies, have increasingly fallen victim to budget cuts,” he said.
Project Humanities is not intended to just shine the spotlight on worldly and creative education. It will also establish a sense of unity within ASU through understanding different cultures and ways of thinking.
The initiative will even address some questions relevant to the sciences, such as “How are humans more alike than unalike?” and “Is technology the liberator or oppressor?”
ASU President Michael Crow recently spoke about the project, saying, “The humanities enhance our lives, give meaning to our professions and provide us with the tools to think critically about society and transform it in positive and meaningful ways.”
There is a lot of truth in that statement. Everyday life is so fast-paced that what we do sometimes loses intellectual meaning. Being exposed to the humanities more frequently would allow everyone to establish a greater understanding of self and other people, as wells as learn how to interact with people positively.
At times, I view our society as separate rather than united. People are disinterested in becoming educated in subjects that don’t directly relate to them or offer instant gratification.
This applies to the study of the humanities, which puts a great amount of focus on a group of people rather than the individual. With the development of technology only increasing, so must the extent of education.
Science and innovation can only proceed with informed and well-rounded individuals doing the work. Project Humanities is an imperative step ASU is taking toward a more unified, globally-aware university.
Contact Isabelle at inovak@asu.edu
