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243 amazing humanities topics for research.

Humanities is an academic discipline that deals with studying the different aspects of culture and human society. This field has a rich historical background that distinguishes it from other empirical approaches to the natural sciences.

The different fields in humanities include archaeology, classics, philosophy, religion, linguistics, and languages. You will encounter methods such as hermeneutics and source criticism in the course of your study. It is crucial to understand that scholars in humanities significant to questions rather than answers.

What Are Humanities Topics?

These are topics that major in interpreting the known facts and look at them from a fresh perspective. Unlike sciences and other fields, there are no restrictive rules – you can create them in the form of art.

Humanities topics involve the study of human society and social relationships. Such titles are analytical and deal with the philosophical questions of what makes us human. Since they trace their origin from ancient Greece, these topics take a more historical turn.

When coming up with humanities topics, it is essential to consider the following:

They should be practical
They should impact society as a whole
Should relate the historical and current perspectives

Humanities students have the rare opportunity of understanding ancient and modern events that shape human life. You can learn all things from the romantic era’s poetry to the rise and fall of empires in the 15th century. It thus widens your understanding of the historical perspectives of almost every aspect of life.

In humanities topics, college students get strengthened in their research, writing, and critical thinking skills. But what are the best topics in humanities that you can present and score an A+?

Look at the topics below for inspiration.

Best-Rated Anthropology Humanities Paper Topics

How different aspects of the social sciences relate with humanities and human biology.
Reproducible and verifiable experiments in human anthropology
Local traditions that shape the structure and functioning of human life
Scientific methods to understand social phenomena in the society
Why do humanities use nuanced descriptions rather than general laws?
A critical look at the different branches of anthropology
Factors that inhibit the study of anthropological linguistics
Why cultural anthropology receives a cold shoulder among most undergraduate students
Describe a case study that properly illustrates sociocultural anthropology
Why is it difficult to provide a holistic account of humans and human nature?
Why do anthropologists only specialize in one sub-field?
Explain the importance of the biological, linguistic, historical, and cultural aspects of any problem.
Describe the impact of anthropology arising as a science in Western societies
Major industrial trends associated with anthropology research
Effectiveness of methodological drives in studying peoples in communities with more simple social organization
Why non-western cultures are least accepted in most countries?
The quest for holism in the study of humanities
How to use the biogenetic, archaeological, and linguistic data in humanities

Professional Topics For Humanities Classes

Factors affecting the proper record keeping of archaeological data
The role of architecture, biofacts, and Eco facts in human archaeology
Using culture history to reconstruct past lifeways in ancient culture
Explain the various changes in human societies through time.
Describe the origin of humanities in the Classical Greek
How the general education dating from the Sophists in the mid-5th century influenced humanities
The role of early Middle Ages Church Fathers in humanities
Describe the role of 15th-century Italian humanists to denote secular literary
How ancient Greek and Latin studies have helped advance research in humanities
The impact of the separation of humanities from the realm of the divine
Methods of the maturing physical sciences in the scholarly arena
Discuss the contemporary conceptions concerning the study of humanities
Conduct a complete analysis of the humanities curriculum in the U.S.A.
How to propagate a self-sufficient system of human values in the society
How to distinguish the humanities from the social sciences

High-Quality Topics For Humanities Research Papers

How different countries vary in the way of their social interactions
What is the impact of breaking down humanities into other majors?
Global political and economic issues affecting the study of humanities
Using sociology to draw a complete picture of how the world works
How to reinvent the best ideas from the past occurrences effectively
The role of critical thinking and effective communication in humanities
Which set of abilities should students have for humanities?
Discuss the factors that affect the behavior of individuals and society
Why are humanities papers on marriage among the most relevant nowadays?
Is it true that focusing on the family is vital for one’s self-development?
Discuss the notion of different societies concerning aging
Why is the world still struggling with the problem of inequality to date?
Factors affecting changes in social interactions among communities
The role of social media in shaping the perspectives of different people
Evaluate the factors affecting teenagers in the 21st century

Impressive Topics For Humanities Research Paper

Discuss the impact of various social movements in advocating for change
Why is child abuse still a pertinent issue in the 21st century?
The role of social backgrounds in contributing to conflicts at workplaces
What is the main challenge facing racial movements?
An analysis of the reaction of people towards social policies
Elaborate on the trends and impacts of irresponsible teenage behavior in the society
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of early marriages
Why should parents not restrict their children from accessing the internet?
Analyze the different class systems and their impact on associations
What is the primary cause of criminal organizations in different societies?
A case study of cliques among high school and college students
The risk of delaying early childhood education among children in the U.S.A.
Discuss the various clashes between different social classes in the world
What is the place of the marginalized in society?
Discuss the impact of the Me Too movement on the girl-child

Hot Humanities Research Topics

What are the leading causes of drinking among a majority of the population?
Discuss the various means of dealing with institutional crisis
The role of capitalism and communism in the study of humanities
What are the impacts of immigration into the U.S. from Mexico?
The role of gender in determining leadership positions in the society
Theoretical foundations of humanities in different institutions
Discuss the significant differences between sects and cults
Elaborate on the impact of the myths and misconceptions about coronavirus
The role of poverty in facilitating violence and civil unrest
Is cultural segmentation a good thing?
The effect of technology on preserving historical facts
Why social theories are essential in the field of humanities
Discuss the origin of the discrimination against African-Americans
An overview of the effects of cultural assimilation
Is it possible to eliminate healthcare disparities among the LGBT community?

Interesting Humanities Topics

Discuss the role of video games in advancing violence in societies
Why fashion is becoming a distraction for many in the society
Discuss why the topic of abortion is a live wire in most societies
A case study of mass media and fear during terrorism attacks
Discuss the social role of mass media in communities
Why has online dating distorted the necessity of marriages?
Discuss the evolution of lifestyles from the 15th century to date
The part of body images in appealing to emotions
Why are most college students victims of poor time management?
The effects of the social, cultural engagements in the development of societies
Discuss the political aspects that relate to social interactions
Why are primarily teenagers and youths defiant to their parents?
Why people from different nationalities differ from each other
Why can’t the millennial live without updates of any event?
Social issues affecting students in colleges and universities

Latest Humanities Project Ideas

Discuss the different branches of humanities concerned with creative audio-visual pursuits
Conduct an in-depth analysis of the human communication and behavior
Critically examine the role of the justice system in advancing equality
Current issues facing societies about the coronavirus prevention protocols
The part of statistical data relating to population
Explore the environmental foundations necessary for humanities
Look at the gender divide in society and how to address it
Discuss the cultural construct of the masculine and feminine identity
Explore the field of Geography and its relationship to humanities
How people interact with different physical features
What are the challenges when it comes to relations between nations?
Examine why language is essential for any society to thrive
The role of multi-cultural and regional dimensions to humanities
Why the study of beliefs, histories, values, and geographic backgrounds is necessary
A systematic review of the issues affecting rational arguments

Top-Tier Humanities Topics Ideas

Examine the role of religion and mythology in the study of humanities
Why is pop music gaining acceptance among the general population?
Investigate the relationship between society and social relationships
Explore how the politics and government of the United States has evolved over the ages
Study the implications of studying philosophy to the growth of a society
Dive into the impact of peer-reviewed humanities papers
The role of diversity in making the world a better place
The importance of intersectionality and discrimination in any society
Why differences can also advance peace and harmony
Discuss the social relations between Islam and Christians
Evaluate the process that led to the unification of Germany
How did the Vietnam War affect the relationships of different countries?
Outline the impacts of the great migration
Impact of the Women’s Suffrage movements in championing for female rights
How did the Ottoman Empire contribute to socialization?

World-Class Topics in Humanities

Discuss the conflict between religion and social order
What is the best disciplinary action for employees’ misconduct outside work
The role of sales tax on internet purchases
Why it is essential to understand the history of Europe in understanding humanities
Why are human beings anatomically similar?
The part of Greek and Latin texts and language in the study of humanities
Why are the classical-era scholars in important in humanities?
Discuss the role of humanities in institutions of higher learning
Why do humanities and liberal studies make up the bulk of specialization for college students
Give a substantive analysis of the renaissance-era humanists
The place of a balanced curriculum in fostering critical humanist skills
How humanities help students achieve analytical and problem-solving skills
Why do most universities require multiple humanities courses?
Discuss the events that led to the French revolution
The implications of William Shakespeare’s plays

Medical Humanities Research Topics

Discuss the ethical and humanistic dimensions of medicine
Analyze the impact of various medical and technological advances
The growing interest of researchers in the field of neuro-ethics
Discuss the relationship between medicine and humanities
How has the history of medicine varied with that of the humanities sector?
Critical issues of healthcare access and public health policy
What are the factors facing doctor-patient relationships?
Discuss how to deal with end-of-life issues in medicine
How does the media impact the study and progress of medicine?
Analyze the relationship between medicine and society
Who are the most significant scholars in medical anthropology?
A critical analysis of empathy and experience of illness
Choices available for doctors in the neonatal intensive care unit
How the issues of limited resources impact access to medical care
Analyze the ethics of medical advances

Good Research Topics For Humanities

Informed consent issues for the matter of terminal diseases
Why is humanities a rich interdisciplinary concentration?
The vital importance of diversity in any society
The state of empathy and sympathy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Explore the different aspects of poetry
Is it practical for anyone to work late in the night?
How modern literature writers find meaning and inspiration in the works
Ethical issues involved in the dialysis of the obese, homeless, and diabetic
Why motivational interviewing was preferred for patients with diabetes?
Discuss the effects of stigma among leaders
The role of technology in reshaping the future of social interactions
An innovative approach on the psychological aspects students
Discuss the essentials of a practical counseling session
Why do there exist disparities between the likeness of children to their parents
The effects of becoming a counseling psychologist

Unique Topics For Humanities Research Paper

Personal and professional reflections on the 9/11
How parents can handle children with disabilities
The impact of social media on the freedom of speech: A case of Facebook
The role of the international criminal court in maintains world law and order.
Analyze the economic context of a novel
Emergent property and consciousness in the study of philosophy
Discuss the effectiveness of the theories of punishment
Are we likely to experience a third and fourth wave of feminism?
What are the factors that are likely to cause philosophical anarchism?
Discuss the growth and spread of Pentecostalism in Latin America
Evaluate the impact of the Great Awakenings in the U.S. history
Conduct an overview of the Shia minorities in the Middle East
What are the social and cultural implications of the Religious Freedom Act?
Do atheists honestly believe that there is no God?
How to foster relationships among the Catholics and Evangelicals

College Humanities Essay Topics

The necessity of teaching children the gender issues
What is the origin of the discussions for and against gay marriages?
Is it correct to say that everyone is a stereotype by default?
An overview of the international marriages and globalism
The impact of spending more time on social networking sites
The role of social norms and cultures in a given society
Why do most people experience challenges shifting from one culture to another?
Discuss the relationship between a class and a student’s performance
Are unconventional families essential for the growth and development of any child?
Why do most students prefer foreign education over any other?
Discuss the concept of the right to privacy
Why do some studies need to engage in patriotism students?
The role of economic prosperity in influencing patriotism
Discuss the relationship between social media and addiction
A case study of WhatsApp as the best social media group in the U.S.A.

Topics in Digital Humanities

Discuss the various tools and methods for nineteenth-century American literature
Understanding how the media is involved in human interactions
Why digital communications technologies are the new norm
Analyze the nature and extent of the digital revolution
The history of computing in the humanities
A humanistic critique of the computational methods
Why most practitioners are opting for digital communication
The role of the computer as a continual tool of innovation
The process of using and building digital projects
Incorporating digital technologies in archiving archaeological data
Discuss the connection between traditional and digital textual scholarship
Large-scale digital literary analysis
Explore the potential of the digital academic data
The broader context of the digital humanities
How to computationally research and teach in humanities

Humanities And Arts Research Topics

Home-schooling
Literacy levels in America
The role of prayer in schools
Programming and advertising
The portrayal of women by media
Physical attention techniques
Affirmative action programs in the U.S.A.
What is the way forward on gambling?
Race relations
Learning disabilities
Family values
Intelligence tests
Distant learning
White-collar jobs
Morals and values

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233 Great Humanities Topics For 2023

Picking a great paper topic is the first step you need to put together a great assignment. In humanities classes, this is very important because you need to consider topics that will explore new areas in the subject but also be topics that can be thoroughly researched given the limitations of an assignment. If you ask, “what are humanities topics I can use to write a great research paper?” you can refer to the list of free humanities paper topics below:

Humanities and Arts Research Topics

These humanities research paper topics are great for students interested in art history and other related fields that take a close look at the impact art has had on society:

Impact of Middle Eastern art on Western civilization.
American art influences democracy.
The Romantic period and modern art techniques.
Depictions of war in 20 th -century art.
Defining the European distress in modern art forms.
Racist depictions in early global maps and the impact on societies.
The ways that medicine has impacted how we view cultural expression.
Human flourishing and different perspectives in modern art.
Religious influence in 19 th -century European art.
The African American experience during the Harlem Renaissance.
The influence of music on modern culture and society.
Political propaganda in 20 th century American and European art.
The Beat Generation and its influence on modern art.
Ancient art and its influence on current artistic trends.
Mayan and Aztec artistic influence on current Latino cultures.
The Reformation Period and its impact on the art of the 20 th century.
Social media’s impact on digital art and the spread of ideas.
The impact of the printing press on the widescale spread of art.
The impact that modern warfare has had on artistic expression.
The stolen art of WWII and how it relates to cultures.
Early cave paintings and the understanding of human culture.
Racism and negative ethnic depictions in 20 th -century art.
Explain the ways Japanese art influenced the country’s clothing.
Popular music is an artistic form of expression among youth.
The censorship of specific artforms and the impact on culture.
The most famous architectural works from around the world.
How architecture was influenced by foreign cultures.
Ancient Greek and Roman motifs in modern architectural works.
The influence of 20 th -century art on 21 st -century culture.
How music influences youth culture in the 21 st century.

Topics in Digital Humanities

This is a relatively new field that offers a lot of opportunities for exploration. Just be sure you consider your topic carefully, as you may have some trouble finding information in your research:

Social media’s impact on third world countries.
The impact social media has had on international relations.
The ways digital humanities is changing the educators teach children.
Explain how digital access to information affects culture.
Metadata and scholarship processing in the 21 st century.
Language processing with the use of digital tools.
Linguistics and the role digital humanities has on the future.
The study of migration using technology.
Digital tools and their role in mapping underground structures.
Digital communication creates a bigger gap between generations.
The study of ancient texts through digital technologies.
Digital humanities and the mapping of our ancestral histories.
Linked open data and the challenges it faces in gathering data.
The ways digital archiving has helped people embrace ancestral cultures.
Researching art using digital technologies.
The impact digital humanities will have on higher education.
The media’s use of digital communication can affect the way we identify culturally.
Digital humanities in the developing world.
Machine learning and its impact on the discipline of humanities.
Implementing digital tools and resources into education.
Forensic study in the search for hidden meaning in texts.
Encoding U.S. documents to improve the legal process.
Digital communication and how we view military conflicts.
Access to digital information helps people learn more efficiently.
Removing discrepancies in translations of ancient works.
Recognizing patterns in historical literature.
Digital archives and analysis of the written word.
The ways data visualization tools are changing people’s opinions.
Digital humanities change the way we view our cultural past.
The ways digital humanities have helped us visually recreate ancient cities.

Medical Humanities Research Topics

These ideas are great to write about because many discussions are occurring on the internet. Writing about medical issues is a great way to get the reader’s attention. Here are some great topics to consider for a humanities research paper:

Humanities studies impact doctor-assisted suicide cases.
The history of abortion throughout the 20 th century.
Cultural influences and prenatal genetic testing in developed countries.
The evolution of medical costs in the United States.
The ways that medical theories have been represented in art.
Informing families of patients’ illnesses throughout literature.
Wearing a mask after Covid-19 and its effects on culture.
Social distancing and the connections made through social media.
Creating a culture of social distancing to avoid future pandemics.
Giving doctors the right to work extra hours without pay.
How literature influences the use of marijuana for medical regions.
Robotics replacing the roles of nurses and doctors in the medical field.
Medical depictions in art versus religious depictions in art.
How are medical addictions portrayed in literature?
The practice of medicine across different cultures.
Medical ethics is involved in deciding who lives and dies.
Medical practices in the field of battle.
Medical care for people from low-income areas.
The impact art has had on growing the medical community.
Medical records and the development of treatments.
How humanities influence the use of alternative medicines.
How religion impacts the way patients agree to treatments.
Criminal charges for medical malpractice throughout the 21 st century.
Representation of the medical profession through the 20 th century.
The rise of confidentiality agreements in the medical field.
Questions and concerns regarding abortion in the modern age.
The decision to vaccinate or not for the safety of the greater population.
Religious impact on the medical community.
The rights of patients when religion prevents certain procedures.
Medical depictions in the art are against religious principles.

Good Research Topics for Humanities

If you don’t have a lot of time to conduct in-depth research, you may want to write about any of these topics in humanities. You will have no trouble finding information on the web, just be sure you use trustworthy sources when making your argument:

The impact television has had on modern culture.
Political commentary in modern music.
The role humanities will play on future generations.
The ways humans flourish through different shared perspectives.
The need to promote the study of humanities in schools.
The application of philosophy in western democracy.
Artistic influence during the times of war.
The ways the Depression of the 1930s influenced culture.
Broadening the mind through international travel.
Literature and the increasing rate of illiteracy in adults.
The impact music has on political propaganda.
Fair treatment of immigrants in the U.S.
Western humanities in the 21 st century.
The ways culture is shaped by modern photography.
Eastern philosophy and its influence on western cultures.
Cults and modern religious movements in American society.
Eastern religion and its influence on western beliefs.
The importance of studying philosophy in humanities.
International trade routes and the spread of cultures.
The impact of social media in modern culture.
Social media and the dissemination of international news.
The impact that media has on modern culture.
The Ottoman Empire and its role in shaping the Middle East.
The impact the 20 th migration movement had on international policy.
The lost Native-American languages and the country’s culture.
The influence that African music has had on American culture.
The impact Joe Hill had on the country’s early labor struggles.
The influence of the Beat Generation on modern culture.
The unification of Germany and its impact on international policy.
Gender expectations in American modern fiction.

Humanities Project Ideas for High School

When writing any assignment, you always want to make sure you choose a good topic. These humanities topics ideas are great for students that are still learning skills in researching and writing. Students should have no trouble finding information:

Sacrificial traditions in ancient religions and their impact on today’s society.
The impact the printing press had on spreading religion.
Theatre of the absurd and its impact on modern culture.
The protection of traditions when they are considered unethical.
Questions that arise from space exploration efforts.
The impact the IRA has had on international relations.
Interpreting Sigmund Freud’s theories in the 21 st century.
Cultural differences between Latin American countries.
The Chinese Communist Revolution and its influence on global culture.
Fairy tales and the influence they have had on modern cinema.
Symbolism in television sci-fi shows.
How the gothic genre has captured new readers.
The history of nationalism in the United States vs. European countries.
Speakeasies in the 1920s and the role they had in shaping culture.
The Sit-down strike of the mid-1930s and its impact on the 21 st century.
The impact graphic novels have had on literacy.
The United States’ Woman’s Suffrage Movement and its influence around the world.
The war protests of the 1960s and 1970s and modern American politics.
How African culture has influenced modern American culture.
The decisions that are made by public policy committees.
The Dust Bowl and how the U.S. was shaped into different regions.
How eco poetry has changed our understanding of the environment.
Folklore’s influence on how we interact with others.
How science fiction has entered the mainstream culture around the world.
Community volunteer programs and their impact on youth.
How oral history has influenced modern culture.
The impact television has had on America’s youth.
Explain the history of human violence in the U.S.
The human family unit and its role in racism.
Human interaction over social media outlets.

Humanities Essay Topics for College

The humanities research topics listed below don’t require a lot of in-depth academic research and can be dealt with by doing some easy background research on the web and then some research at the library:

Animal rights and their impact on American culture.
The effect that Third Wave Feminism has had on Europe.
The influence the Islamic religion has had on American culture.
The meaning of moral philosophy in the United States.
Similarities between religions around the world.
Political obligation at the federal level versus the state level.
How humans think about the future of the world.
The definition of the human condition is described in the Bible.
Events that led to the study of humanity at a scholarly level.
The negative effects of the temperance movement in the U.S.
The quest for happiness in modern society.
The ways theology contradicts our knowledge of medicine.
The industrial revolution’s impact on human identity.
The impact modern photography has on European and American culture.
Color and the impact it has had on the human experience.
Different definitions of freedom from around the world.
The major religious ideologies in humans and their impact on societies.
The role gender definitions play in the educational experience.
Development of new languages in today’s society.
Diverse human behaviors and cultural characteristics.
The Bible’s representation of humanities and cultures.
Humans and the root of modern society.
Possessions humans have learned to live without.
Global warming and its impact on different cultures around the world.
The evolution of violence among humans.
The reason why humans will become extinct.
The ways subcultures have developed over the decades.
Science and its influence on humanities over the centuries.
The way Roman and Greek civilizations educated themselves.
The evolution of social interactions among humans.
The way Western Civilizations developed over the centuries.
The negative impact humans have on the earth’s environment.
Music and its impact on human psychology.
The ways our environmental surroundings affect our cultures.
Present a detailed overview and analysis of global humanities.
The characteristics that separate humans from all other animals.
The importance of mistakes to improve a person’s development.
The impact war has on children in devastated areas.
How humans became the dominant species on earth.
The reasons humans have decided to procreate less.

Topics for Humanities Research Paper

Many young students find this area of study interesting. So, we have gathered several humanities research project topics that will inspire them to explore the field further without being too overwhelming:

The ways different world cultures perceive and handle death.
The role of holidays in bringing people together and strengthening the family unit.
Relationships with domesticated pets and inclusion into family life.
The cultural meaning behind family names and how they bring people together.
The role a nation’s economy has had on human development.
The evolution of socialist movements throughout the world.
The tension between religion and science throughout the centuries.
The ways humanity will change in the next century because of our current state.
An exploration of the way humanity was represented in the art of the Renaissance.
The Enlightenment Period and its impact on human development.
The Harlem Renaissance and its influence on African American culture.
Humanities in the computer age and mass information.
Human identity and the role of the Industrial Revolution in our development.
The relationship between the environment and human beings.
The impact WWI and WWII had on our understanding of humanity.
Holidays and the different ways we celebrate them.
Cultural diets from around the world and our relationship with food.
The ways different cultures define democratic freedom.
Education in liberal arts and its current role in education.
The course of American politics over the last century.

Interesting Humanities Topics for Grad School

As students become more familiar with this type of assignment and as they advance to higher academic levels, they will need to choose a topic that meets or surpass the standards of their instructors’ expectations. Here is a list targeted toward graduate-level students:

The impact that genocides have had on groups of people.
Comic books and graphic novels and their influence on America’s youth.
Super-hero movies in the 21 st century and how they are affecting culture.
The influence the media has on our understanding of society.
The most fascinating aspects of European and American culture.
Different cultures and our beliefs about the human soul.
The ways Asian literature has entered American culture.
Slavery across the centuries and the ways we still discriminate.
Early civilizations and the evolution of human societies.
Human interactions with nature and wild species.
The political divide is caused by different parties and ideologies.
World Travel and its ability to broaden our thinking of other cultures.
The influence villains in movies have on human behavior.
The ways people mistreat natural environments.
Violence in television and the ways it affects young adults.
The impact racism has had in American society.
The ways society is influenced by the media.
Diversity and inclusion among different ethnic groups.
Professional sports and their ability to bring people together.
Cultural identification and the way it affects the way we look at history.
The definition of social Darwinism in modern society.
The portrayal of women in 20 th -century European literature.

If you need more humanities research papers, we can put you in contact with one of our academic experts trained in the subject. He or she can provide you with a custom list you can apply to any kind of assignment. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Send us an email or call us by phone, we are always glad to help.

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Incredible Humanities Research Paper Topics For Students

Table of Contents

As humans, we have an insatiable desire to understand the world around the people who inhabit it and us. From the earliest days of civilisation, we have used various means to express our curiosity, including art, literature, music, philosophy, and religion. Today, we call these fields the humanities, and they continue to be a vital part of our lives and society.

Humanities research topics are as varied as the human experience itself. They encompass everything from the study of ancient civilisations and cultural artefacts to contemporary issues such as climate change, globalisation, and social justice.

Whether you are interested in the history of art, the philosophy of science, or the literature of a particular era, there is a humanities research topic that can captivate your attention and fuel your intellectual curiosity.

One of the most exciting things about humanities research is the way it can challenge our assumptions and broaden our perspectives. By delving into the past and present of different cultures and societies, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and diversity of human experience. We can also develop critical thinking skills, hone our communication abilities, and learn to appreciate the power of creative expression.

Moreover, humanities research topics can be an essential tool for addressing contemporary issues and advancing social change. From analysing the role of media in shaping public opinion to exploring the ethical implications of emerging technologies, the humanities can provide valuable insights and perspectives on some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

In this blog, we will explore some of the most fascinating and thought-provoking humanities research topics. Whether you are a student looking for inspiration for your next research project or a lifelong learner seeking to broaden your horizons, we hope that these ideas will spark your curiosity and inspire you to delve deeper into the world of the humanities.

How To Choose The Right Humanities Research Topics?

Choosing the right humanities research topic is essential for a successful and fulfilling research experience. However, with so many fascinating topics to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Here are some tips to help you select the right humanities research topic for you.

Explore Your Interests:

Start by exploring topics that genuinely interest you. Consider your passions, hobbies, and personal experiences. Do you love reading novels or studying art history? Have you always been fascinated by philosophy or anthropology? Identifying your interests can help you find a research topic that you will enjoy and be invested in.

Find The Gap:

Look for gaps in the existing literature on a particular topic. What questions have not been answered or explored in-depth? This can provide you with a unique angle for your research, and it can also help you make a significant contribution to your field.

Consult With Your Mentor:

Consult with your academic advisor, mentor, or professor for guidance and advice. They can offer valuable insights into potential research topics, provide feedback on your ideas, and offer suggestions for further exploration.

Consider The Feasibility Of The Topic:

Make sure that the topic you choose is feasible within the time and resources you have available. Consider the scope of the research, the availability of sources, and the practicality of the research methods you will use.

Consider the significance of the topic:

Consider the significance of the topic you choose. Will it make a meaningful contribution to your field or discipline? Will it have broader implications for society or culture? Choosing a topic that has broader significance can make your research more meaningful and impactful.

Brainstorm with peers:

Brainstorm with your peers and colleagues for fresh ideas and perspectives. Collaborating with others can help you identify potential research topics that you may not have considered on your own.

Stay flexible:

Finally, it is essential to remain flexible and open to change. As you delve deeper into your research, you may find that your initial ideas and assumptions need to be revised or adjusted. Staying flexible and open to new ideas and perspectives can lead to more fruitful and meaningful research.

Choosing the right humanities research topic requires a combination of personal interests, research feasibility, and broader significance. By following these tips, you can identify a research topic that is both fulfilling and impactful and that will contribute to your field and to society at large.

Humanities Research Paper Topics

Are you looking for subject specific Humanities research paper topics or type specific topics? You will find everything here. Keep reading!

Subject-Based Humanities Topics For Research

Humanities Research Topics on History
The Role Of Women In The French Revolution
The Impact Of The Cold War On American Society
The Cultural Significance Of The Renaissance
The Influence Of Ancient Greek Democracy On Modern Politics
The Social And Economic Effects Of The Industrial Revolution
Humanities Research Topics In Philosophy
The Ethics Of Artificial Intelligence
The Philosophical Implications Of Quantum Mechanics
The Philosophy Of Consciousness And The Mind-Body Problem
The Concept Of Justice In Political Philosophy
The Philosophy Of Art And Aesthetics.
Humanities Research Paper Topics On Literature
The Representation Of Race In Literature
The Role Of Women In Contemporary Literature
The Impact Of War On Literature
The Use Of Allegory In Literature
The Influence Of Postmodernism On Literature.
Good Research Topics For Humanities On Linguistics
The Impact Of Language On Thought And Perception
The Origins And Development Of Language
The Role Of Language In Culture And Identity
Language Acquisition And Learning
The Impact Of Bilingualism On Cognitive Development.
Humanities Research Topics Based On Religion
Comparative Study Of World Religions
The Relationship Between Religion And Violence
The Role Of Religion In Shaping Social And Political Movements
The Impact Of Religious Beliefs On Health And Well-Being
The Concept Of The Divine In Various Religious Traditions.
Humanities And Arts Research Topics And Art History
The Cultural Significance Of Ancient Art
The Role Of Women In Art History
The Impact Of Technology On Contemporary Art
The Symbolism And Meaning Of Art In Different Cultures
The Influence Of The Avant-Garde On Modern Art.
Humanities Research Paper Topics On Anthropology
Cultural Anthropology And The Study Of Human Societies
The Relationship Between Environment And Culture
Human Evolution And The Origin Of Homo Sapiens
The Impact Of Globalisation On Cultural Identity
The Role Of Anthropology In Contemporary Social Issues.
Humanities Research Topics On Archaeology
The Archaeology Of Ancient Civilisations
The Use Of Technology In Archaeology
The Study Of Human Migration And Settlement Patterns
The Interpretation Of Archaeological Data And Artefacts
The Role Of Archaeology In Heritage Management And Preservation.
Humanities Research Topics On Cultural Studies
Popular Culture And Its Impact On Society
The Relationship Between Media And Culture
The Study Of Subcultures And Countercultures
The Role Of Cultural Institutions In Shaping Cultural Identity
The Impact Of Globalisation On Cultural Diversity.
Digital Humanities Research Paper Topics
The Impact Of Digital Technology On The Humanities
Digital Archives And Their Use In Research
Text Mining And Computational Analysis In The Humanities
The Ethics Of Digital Humanities Research
The Development Of Digital Tools For Humanities Research.
Medical Humanities Research Topics
The Role Of Narrative Medicine In Healthcare
The Relationship Between Medicine And Culture
Medical Ethics And The Treatment Of Vulnerable Populations
The Impact Of Art And Literature On Health And Well-Being
The Use Of Humanities-Based Interventions In Medical Education.
Humanities Research Paper Topics On Musicology
The History And Development Of Classical Music
The Cultural Significance Of Jazz Music
Music And Identity In Popular Culture
The Impact Of Music On Emotional And Cognitive Processes
The Study Of Music In Different Cultures And Traditions.
Humanities Research Paper Topics On Film Studies
The History Of Cinema And Film Technology
The Representation Of Gender And Sexuality In Film
The Role Of Film In Shaping Cultural Identity
Film Theory And Its Impact On Film Criticism
The Influence Of International Cinema On Hollywood.
Humanities Research Paper Topics On Theatre And Performance Studies
The History Of Theater And Performance
The Role Of Theatre In Social And Political Change
Performance Theory And Its Application To Contemporary Theatre
The Relationship Between Theatre And Identity
The Impact Of Globalisation On Theatre And Performance.
Humanities Research Topics On Gender And Sexuality Studies
The Social Construction Of Gender And Sexuality
Queer Theory And Its Application In Gender Studies
Feminism And The Intersection Of Race And Gender
Gender-Based Violence And Its Impact On Society
The Role Of Gender And Sexuality In Popular Culture.
Humanities Research Topics On Communication Studies
The Impact Of Digital Media On Communication
Communication In Intercultural Contexts
The Role Of Language In Communication
The Study Of Persuasion And Rhetoric
The Impact Of Communication On Social Change And Activism.
Humanities Topics For Research On Political Science
Theories Of Democracy And Their Application In Contemporary Politics
The Role Of International Organisations In Global Governance
The Relationship Between Religion And Politics
Political Polarisation And The Rise Of Populism
The Impact Of Media On Political Communication And Discourse.

Tone & Type-Based Humanities Topics For Research

Easy Humanities Research Paper Topics
The Cultural Significance Of Tattoos
The History Of Chocolate And Its Cultural Significance
The Impact Of Social Media On Self-Expression
The Art Of Storytelling In Different Cultures
The Relationship Between Fashion And Identity.
Simple And Easy Humanities Research Topics
The Cultural Significance Of Food
The History Of Board Games And Their Social Impact
The Use Of Music In Religious And Cultural Rituals
The Role Of Dance In Cultural Expression
The Influence Of Technology On Language And Communication.
Excellent Humanities Research Paper Topics
The Ethics Of Artificial Intelligence In The Humanities
The Impact Of Colonialism On Indigenous Cultures
The Relationship Between Literature And Mental Health
The Influence Of Architecture On Social Behaviour
The Role Of Museums In Shaping Cultural Memory And Identity.
Top-Quality Humanities Research Paper Topics
The Relationship Between Language And Thought
The Impact Of War On Cultural Heritage And Identity
The Intersection Of Race, Class, And Gender In Contemporary Society
The Representation Of Disability In Art And Literature
The Role Of Art In Social Justice Movements.
Interesting Humanities Project Ideas For Exam
Create A Documentary On A Historical Event Or Cultural Phenomenon
Design An Art Exhibit On A Social Or Political Issue
Write A Collection Of Short Stories Exploring Themes Of Identity And Culture
Conduct A Linguistic Analysis Of A Particular Language Or Dialect
Develop A Website On The History And Cultural Significance Of A Particular Tradition Or Festival.
Best Humanities Project Ideas
Create A Multimedia Installation Exploring The Relationship Between Technology And Human Emotions
Write A Historical Novel Based On A Significant Event Or Era
Develop A Comprehensive Oral History Project On A Particular Community Or Cultural Group
Produce A Feature-Length Film Or Documentary On A Contemporary Social Issue
Curate An Art Exhibit Exploring The Intersection Of Art And Science.
Captivating Humanities Research Topics
The Portrayal Of Women In Media And Popular Culture
The Influence Of Globalisation On Local Cultures And Traditions
The History And Cultural Significance Of Street Art And Graffiti
The Relationship Between Religion And Politics In Contemporary Society
The Impact Of Environmental Degradation On Cultural Heritage And Identity.
Amazing Humanities Research Paper Ideas
The Role Of Empathy In Literature And Art
The Impact Of Technology On The Music Industry
The Representation Of Mental Illness In Literature And Film
The Impact Of Social Media On Political Activism And Social Movements
The History And Cultural Significance Of Traditional Medicine And Healing Practices.

In conclusion, the humanities offer a diverse range of research topics that are fascinating and impactful. From exploring historical events and cultural traditions to examining contemporary social issues, there is no shortage of fascinating and thought-provoking areas of study. Whether you are interested in literature, philosophy, art, music, or any other aspect of the humanities, there are endless possibilities for research and discovery.

The humanities help us to better understand ourselves, our communities, and the world around us. By engaging in humanities research, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of human experiences and make meaningful contributions to our society and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are some good humanities research paper topics.

Some good humanities research paper topics include the influence of Greek mythology on modern literature, the impact of the Renaissance on art, the relationship between religion and politics, and the history of human rights.

2. How do I choose a humanities research paper topic?

To choose a humanities research paper topic, consider your interests, the scope of the assignment, and the resources available to you. Narrow down your topic by asking questions and doing preliminary research.

3. What should I include in my humanities research paper?

Your humanities research paper should include a clear thesis statement, supporting evidence, and an analysis of your findings. It should also be well-organised and properly cited using a recognised citation style.

4. How can I conduct research for my humanities paper?

You can conduct research for your humanities paper by using online databases, visiting libraries and archives, and conducting interviews with experts in your field. Be sure to evaluate your sources and use reliable information.

5. What is the best way to organise my humanities research paper?

The best way to organise your humanities research paper is to start with a clear outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Use headings and subheadings to organise your ideas and make sure your paper flows logically.

6. How do I write a strong introduction for my humanities research paper?

To write a strong introduction for your humanities research paper, start with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention. Provide background information on your topic and clearly state your thesis statement.

7. Can I use first-person pronouns in my humanities research paper?

It depends on the guidelines provided by your instructor or the requirements of the assignment. Generally, it is best to avoid using first-person pronouns unless you are specifically asked to do so.

8. What is the difference between a humanities research paper and a scientific research paper?

A humanities research paper focuses on the study of human culture and creativity, while a scientific research paper is based on empirical evidence and experimentation. Humanities research papers often use qualitative research methods and rely on analysis and interpretation.

9. How can I improve my writing skills for my humanities research paper?

You can improve your writing skills by practising regularly, reading examples of strong academic writing, and seeking feedback from your peers or an instructor. You can also attend writing workshops or use online writing resources.

10. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a humanities research paper?

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a humanities research paper include plagiarism, poor organisation, lack of focus, and failure to cite sources properly. Be sure to proofread your paper carefully and use reliable sources.

Alexander Andeerson

Hi, my name is Alexander Anderson. I am 30, and I am an English writing expert based in Melbourne. I started writing and blogging from a young age, and most of my write-ups are based on real experiences and self-taught. Currently, I write Academic Blogs for Students all across the Globe at MyAssignmenthelp.com. In addition to guiding students on their writing projects, I have also written on the topics of modern and contemporary art. If there’s something that I love more than Literature and art, it’s my Hungarian furry bud “Amos”. When I am not working, I am spending time with this greatest blessing in my life.

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120 Original Humanities Topics To Write Best Essay

There are several interesting humanities topics for students to explore. Suppose you’re studying anthropology, cultural studies, or anything in history, you will need humanities project ideas that could boost your creativity while searching for research ideas or writing your paper or project. Topics in humanities are also essential depending on your career interest as a lawyer.

Finding the creativity needed to spur project humanity essay topics for your work is often difficult. You need to think in-depth, refer to your notes, and spend hours online for original topic ideas. Whether you’re a high school, college, MBA, or Ph.D. student, this article is for you.

How To Write Good Humanities Essay

Sometimes, even as a writer, it’s hard to make your paperwork the best at one go. You need the best strategies to create an excellent essay or report, even after gaining humanities essay topics ideas.

If you need to finalize if you’ve done right by what you’ve written, ask these questions after reading your draft:

Is my topic broad enough? You need to consider this if you have a broad topic. You’d want to break it down into smaller parts and simplify it. For example, suppose your essay is about how technology has affected communications, break the topic into two subtopics: traditional communication methods and the role of major social media platforms.
Is my topic too narrow? If your topic is too narrow, ask yourself if there are other ways of looking at your subject from other perspectives and include them.
Is my paper organized in the most logical order? Now is the time to look at the overall organization of your paper if you’ve read through your rough draft and gained feedback from an editor. A good way to do this is by using a topic sentence for each paragraph which leads to the next question:
Does each paragraph have a clear topic sentence? Topic sentences are an essential part of any paragraph. They let the reader know your main point and guide them through each sentence, ensuring that it fits in with your topic. A good topic sentence is clear, concise, and specific and comes in the first paragraph. It also states the main idea of a paragraph.
Proofread your essay: Proofread your essay for capitalization, grammar, and spelling errors. If you’re unsure how to spell a word, use a dictionary or a spell checker. It will help if you consider using synonyms in place of common words where appropriate. This can help to create more interesting sentences.
Take a break and reread your essay: The best way to improve your essay is by taking a break and then rereading it with fresh eyes. Take some time to rest, do something else, take a walk — whatever helps you clear your head and come back to your essay with a new perspective.
Reread it as a reader would: If you still don’t know how to fix the issues in your essay, try “rereading” it as if you were an outside reader. This will allow you to see any inconsistencies you may have missed earlier.
Ask someone else for help: If none of these suggestions worked for improving your essay and making it better than before, ask someone else for help. Let this person read because they might spot things you’ve never discovered before. Take this feedback and see how you can implement the suggestions.

You can use or rephrase any of these topics for your next thesis. You will also learn how you can improve a bad essay at the end of these original humanities topics ideas:

Humanities Essay Topics

You may have already guessed that humanities is an interdisciplinary field. There are many disciplines within the humanities, each with a specific focus. You can brainstorm with the following ideas:

Examine the challenges that lead to migration
Does reading more books reduce socialization?
Argue why immigrants should be legalized as citizens?
What are the consequences of domestic violence on children?
How does domestic violence between couples affect a conservative environment?
Discuss why domestic violence is a norm in many Muslim societies
With reference to three wars, what is the core agenda of war?
How does childhood influence a child’s personality?
Explain when teachers and parents should teach sex education
Discuss the challenges of child marriages and examine if poverty is a core reason.
Analyze the best ways to tell kids about sex
Explain why people around the world should care about Ukrainians
Explore the arguments in support of isolating a country because they’re insistent on keeping nuclear weapons
What are the factors responsible for social and political backwardness in developing nations?
Comment on the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing and what should’ve happened to the US
Comment on whether or not any country or body can check the US government’s excesses
What is your comment on UN peacekeeping missions in Africa and Asia in the past decade?
What are your thoughts about US withdrawal from Afghanistan a year ago
Would you say the UN has failed in the Palestine Question?
Would you say the world wars and the Cold War brought global order or challenged existing systems?

Humanities Argumentative Essay Topics

Humanity is a course that requires an argument, opinions, and creativity banters. You also need to be knowledgeable to be capable of presenting controversial topics in the best ways. You can source inspiration for your next paper from these humanities paper topics:

Is war a prerequisite for peace in modern societies?
Are humans responsible for climate change?
Elon Musk once said that his money could not solve world hunger; what do you think are the intricacies affecting the resolution of global hunger?
Men don’t deserve paternity leave: here is why.
Freelancers should be placed on pension in the companies they work with
The tax system is unfair and corrupt.
Should people adopt cryptocurrency to avoid taxes?
Is automation a tragic invention?
Is it ethical to use animals in research?
Are smartphones a desperate invention, and do they endanger us?
Should the government keep tracking and monitoring humans?
Should torture to considered a norm for criminals?
Should citizens be allowed to own guns, especially in societies with an active police force?
Are artists the mirrors of their countries?
Should developing countries be kept in debt?
Is the death penalty an effective judgment?
Gun violence is a consequence of popular access to guns: discuss
Men should use condoms: discuss
Those that don’t support abortion want to control women.
Beauty pageants and shows are exploitative, and they’re right to be so: discuss.

Humanities Research Topics

You need to let your mind wander and muse around various humanities topics to find the best for your next essay. As a required field that deals with humans and how the world works, here are research topics that may pique your interest and challenge your beliefs:

An in-depth assessment of polygamy in America
An in-depth assessment of polyandry in (country of your choice)
What do religions say about the afterlife, and what do atheists say?
Examinations are more of a trap than an intelligence assessment
Rationalize the heat toward the LGBTQ community
Marginalized people will remain marginalized, and here is why
Euthanasia is a human right and should not be questioned: discuss
Why there should be restrictions on what teachers teach students in school
Here is how to reduce healthcare costs in the US
The main challenges of pandemics
Do NGOs play a major role in developing countries or contribute to destroying them?
Statement: rich countries are not obligated to help developing countries
Organ transplant services: an examination on how crime has infiltrated the industry
Reasons why college athletes deserve compensation
How a reduction in childbirth will not (or will) end the climate crisis.

Interesting Humanities Topics

Humanity essay topics are also expected to be interesting and not necessarily humorous. They must be insightful and smart in the delivery too. Here are original humanities essay topics to impress your teachers, professors, and colleagues in class:

Comment on music and criticism
A comment on the study of humanities
The science field is better than the humanities
Obesity should be a problem for any thinking parent
What is the Enlightenment Age all about?
The role of predictions in how the world works
The impact of labor on politics
The most active members of the societies are the busiest and play less role in their politics
Comment on the black lives matter movement
Prostitution should be made a job
Prostitutes are endangered species, but they’re humans
Laws protect some people yet endanger some who are not even criminals
An opinion on the case of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard
Are activists the true voice of their movements?
How fashion trends affect rationality in the world.

Humanities Project Ideas

Humanity is a vast subject, and you need to be informed before embarking on any projects. You can source ideas from these 15 humanities topics ideas:

How does social media affect society and vice versa?
Bullying is like terrorism: discuss
Relationship between food and culture
Relationship between food and religious beliefs/biases
Is social media activism effective?
Account for the start and finish of the #MeToo movement
Examine the nature of human and animals sacrifice
Discuss cultural stereotypes and the role of superstitions
Lessons about migration and its effects
How suicide is becoming a culture
Sexist advertisements and how they shape gender narratives
India and its popular sexual violence culture
China and its popular human rights abuses
The role of the US in human rights abuse in Libya
The role of the World Bank in the poverty of selected developing countries.

Topics In Digital Humanities

Digital humanity is a growing field that is constantly evolving and changing. It’s a way to learn about technology and discover how it affects or helps people. Here are a few research topics around digital humanities:

Technology and its influence on the study of humanities
How technology controls the future
The role of online casino games in socialization
The role of gaming in creating an idle American youth population
The challenges of remote work and productivity
An overview of the printing press and present technology
The destructive power of America, thanks to technology
An in-depth look into how technology shapes the century
How humans interact with technology or robotics
The perspectives of Elon Musk on technology
Communications and how technology could make the world unsafe in the future
Videogames and violence: a critical review
A critical review of the effect of online gaming and people’s health
Identify why millennials fear missing out on technology
How significant is TikTok in modern marketing strategies?

Humanities And Arts Research Topics

Exploring the history of humanities is a fascinating subject. Both music, art, and culture contributed to the growth witnessed, and here are a few topics that might pique your interest when you begin your custom essay writing :

An overview of afrobeat in the international music industry
How music is being used as propaganda
The role of Caribbean music in understanding the history
What’s the relationship between art and mystery
Books with objectionable words should be banned: discuss
Liberal laws are not liberal because they don’t protect some people: discuss
The influence of cultural revolutions in selected countries
The impact of advertisement on people’s perception of the world
The role of popular media in advocating feminism
The role of music in promoting violence.

Medical Humanities Essay Topics

The medical part of humanities is sensitive and can sometimes be controversial. This is because you’ll attempt debating what’s ethical and what should be done. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Doctors support patient request for euthanasia out of pity
Nurses and the concept of sympathy
Medical ethics and practices triumph racial and religious differences: discuss
Should doctors report their clients to authorities for putting their health in jeopardy?
Doctors are responsible for drug abuse: discuss
The vulnerabilities of healthcare software and why they shouldn’t be used
Should drug prices increase because demand increases?
Every medical practitioner should be unique with their treatments: discuss
An overview of different medical beliefs in three countries
An analysis of unethical beliefs and bias in global health care.

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128 Unique Humanities Topics For Your Research Papers

Many students struggle to find humanities topics worth researching. That’s because most students think the humanities are only about ancient cultures and dead languages. However, social science and humanities explore how humans document and process different experiences. These study fields enable learners to understand intellectual and personal scales, such as culture, heritage, and identities. When studying humanities, students explore past self-exploration and philosophy to political views, economic issues, culture, and religion.

What Are Humanities?

The humanities are educational disciplines that study aspects of human society and culture. In the Renaissance, “humanities” referred to the studio humanitatis, a Medieval Latin phrase meaning “liberal arts or studies.” In the medieval curriculum, the seven liberal arts were grammar, rhetoric, and logic (the trivium); and arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music (the quadrivium). Academicians chose these subjects because they considered them essential for a free person—a citizen—to know so that they can actively participate in civic life, voting, holding office, serving on juries, and so forth.

Today’s humanities definition includes all those original seven subjects plus literature, history, philosophy, archaeology, anthropology, jurisprudence, comparative religion, and ethics. Topics in humanities help us understand aspects of our culture and others, how people lived in the past, what they believed, how they worked and played, what kinds of governments and social structures humans developed, and the type of art and technology they created. In other words: How did we get to be where we are today?

How To Improve A Bad Paper

Perhaps, you’ve chosen a topic and written an essay. Unfortunately, you might not like your paper because you feel it doesn’t meet your educator’s quality standards. In that case, follow these tips to improve it.

Make your description, anecdotal details, and sensory and imagery details more specific.
Make your paper more concise to convey ideas with few words
Use transition phrases or words
Make your thoughts understandable and clear to the reader
Check the organization to ensure ideas flow logically
Proofread and edit your paper.

Writing a research paper for a high grade is not an easy task. It’s better to hire a research paper service and get your papers complete on time.

Interesting Humanities Topics

Do you love writing about exciting topics? If so, here’s a list of interesting ideas to explore in your humanity paper.

Investigating changes in gender roles in modern society
Exploring the differences between wars and interstate conflicts
Texas case study- How poverty affects tertiary education
Examining the illegal immigrants’ implications on host countries in Europe
How conflict theory can help prevent the fight for family resources
Is poverty a social issue?
Detailed analysis of the problems faced by people living with disabilities
Contemporary music and political commentary
The bible’s role in the US democracy’s development
Exploring labour struggles in Europe and their effects on global and local politics in the 19th century
Investigating the essence of studying humanities
Exploring the enlightenment age- What does it mean?
Examining the Appalachian regional identity
The race problem in the US- Exploring its causes
Analyzing the Black Lives Matter movement and its role in the race theory
How consumerism affects sustainability
A closer look at the counterculture’s benefits in society
A critical view of the differences between cults and sects
Analysing gender studies- What are the emerging issues?
Cultural appropriation- Investigating why it causes a political contest
Fashion trends in modern society- Examining their connection with cultures
Should governments legitimize prostitution?
The influence of oral history on modern culture
How graphic novels affect literacy
Discuss the pros and cons of studying humanities
How bullying is challenging to prevent in schools
Investigating the environmental foundations for humanities
Explore cultural stereotypes and how superstitions shape them
Compare animal and human sacrifice in religion
Analyzing human behaviour and communication

These are exciting topics to consider in this academic field. Nevertheless, take sufficient time researching your preferred title to write a winning paper.

Good Humanities Paper Topics

High school, university, and college students need good topics to impress teachers and earn top grades in their classes. Here are such ideas.

How the law-making process relates to bureaucracy
Why public choice awareness is vital
A historical analysis of the Indian migrant workers
How the Neolithic revolution affects cognitive abilities
Should America implement more restrictive laws about gun ownership?
Ethical issues surrounding media advertising
Why youth culture is complex for older generations to understand
LGBT people and straight people’s rights- How do they compare?
The absence of face-to-face interactions- Does it cause misunderstanding in communications on social media?
Why democracy fails- Iraq case study
What causes the Israel-Palestinian wars?
Spirituality and gender- Is there a connection?
Is the world hauling toward a Third World War?
Discuss relevant anthropology issues
Hinduism- Does it affect Indian socio-political development?
Factors affecting the 21st-century teenagers
Social media’s role in shaping people’s perspectives
Factors affecting social interactions and their changes among communities
Why the world struggles with the inequality problem to date
Discuss the ageing notion among different societies

Pick a title in this category and develop it via research. Nevertheless, ensure it enables you to answer the question your educator poses.

Humanities Project Ideas

Did the educator ask you to pick a topic for your humanities project? If so, here are humanities topics for research projects to consider.

The role of funding in education
What limits collision admission policies?
Is doping prevalent in sports?- Explain why
Investigating prisoners’ life and prisons
Macroscopic trends- Analysis of cultural change
Digital archives- A textual analysis
Why pedagogy lacks a focus
Information access issues in society
How online publishing affects humanities
Tools for cultural analysis- Why they are vital for humanities
Doctors’ role in assisted suicide
Violence perpetrators and administrators’ role in campus
Capital punishment and its ethical downside
Legal drinking age- Who should determine it?
Why achieving modesty is difficult nowadays.
Crisis- When international intervention is justified
African socialism- How it compares between the 1950 and 1980s
Lessons learned from Europe and US immigrant crisis
Comparing and contrasting foreign policies in the UK and China
Should governments ban alcohol and beer advertisements?

Please choose a topic from this list and develop it via extensive research. Ensure that your paper has relevant information to impress the educator.

Easy Humanities Topics Ideas

Maybe you’re searching for an easy idea to explore in your paper. In that case, consider these ideas for your essay.

Investigating age and changes in body image
How social environment prompts people to relocate to cities
Deviance development among urban youths
Does reading more books make people less or more social?
Illegal immigrants- Should governments make them legal citizens?
How does gender-based violence affect kids’ personalities
Sociological perspectives of child development and interracial adoption
Parental control limits on child’s personality
Investigate the adverse effects of teenage pregnancies
Analyze war negotiations strategies- Provide 20th-century case studies

These are relatively easy topics to consider for academic papers. Nevertheless, they still require some research.

Arts and Humanities Research Topics

Are you interested in humanities and arts research topics? If so, this list has some ideas worth exploring.

Contemporary art and the feminist movement
Art education- Why it helps learners think differently
Advertisements- Should the audiences view them as modern art?
Mythology’s impact on Ancient Greece’s sculptures
Government accountability and democracy in the US
How did the cultural revolution affect the Chinese art
The second migration- How it affects Harlem Renaissance’s art
Sharing pieces of art and music online- Is it a legal practice?

Consider these titles if you want to write about art and humanities. However, prepare to spend sufficient time researching your topic before writing.

Medical Humanities Topics

Do you want to explore medical humanities in your research? If so, here are some interesting titles to consider for your essay and help you take the first step toward a good research paper done for you.

Does global warming cause tropical diseases?
Child vaccination- Should the government make it mandatory?
How exercising can affect a person’s life negatively
Is using animals in drug tests a good idea?
Should governments limit drug tests on humans?
Is the world ready for another pandemic?
How the world managed the COVID-19 pandemic
Medical research- The threats and their mitigation
Should hospitals test individuals with mental issues in or outside their immediate communities?
Doctors should provide medical assistance against the guardian’s wishes
Parents should regulate social media use to prevent or reduce the addiction impacts
How the COVID-19 pandemic prompted society to rethink global healthcare coordination

These are good humanities research topics that touch on the medical field. Nevertheless, they also require some research to write high-quality papers.

Topics in Digital Humanities

Digital humanities are also worth exploring in academic papers. Here are exciting titles to consider in this category.

Printing press history and its role in information dissemination
Art presentation in America during the digital age
The information technology age and humanities studies
How video games contribute to violence in modern society
Is digital technology a bane, or does it provide an improved life?
The influence of modern gadgets on individuals’ mental health
Social media and its impact on people’s lives
Technology and modern devices- How they affect relationships

After extensive research, these are some of the best topics worth writing humanities papers about in college. However, every student should choose a title according to guidelines from their teacher or professor.

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220 Best Humanities Research Topics to Get Started

Table of Contents

Humanities is a broad academic discipline that deals with the various facets of culture and human society. It mainly involves the study of languages, philosophy, literature, religion, art, history, law, archaeology, and anthropology. If you are a humanities student, then as a part of your course, you will have to submit a research paper on any interesting topic related to the subject. In case, you are unsure what topic to choose for your humanities research paper, then check this blog post. For your convenience, here, we have presented a list of the great humanities research topics in various categories. Also, we have shared a few significant tips for selecting a good humanities research topic.

Without wasting your time, explore this blog post and get more ideas for humanities research paper writing.

Tips for Selecting a Good Humanities Research Topic

Before jumping into the humanities research topics list, first, let us take a look at how to select a good humanities research topic.

Usually, when it comes to research paper writing assignments, your professors will share some writing prompts for you to choose from. But, at certain times, they will allow you to select a topic on your own. In such a scenario, you may get confused about what topic to choose.

If you are given a chance to select the humanities research topic of your choice, follow the below-mentioned tips. It would help you identify an ideal humanities research topic.

Pick a practical research topic.
Choose a topic that belongs to your area of interest.
Go with a topic that is related to both the current and historical perspectives.
Give preference to the topic that is impactful to society.
Never pick a topic with no or less research scope.
Select a topic that is matching to the research methodology of your choice.
Consider a topic that is interesting and informative to your readers.
Choose a research topic that has extensive information and credible sources for reference.
Select a topic that contains valid facts, evidence, or examples supporting your major points of discussion.

Besides all these steps, before finalizing your research topic, check whether the topic you have identified stands in line with the writing guidelines of your professor or university. Once you have chosen a perfect humanities research topic, start writing the research paper by using your writing skills, after conducting deep research.

List of the Best Humanities Research Topics

To write a humanities research paper, you can choose a topic from any discipline such as arts, religion, philosophy, medicine, etc.

Especially, to make your topic selection process simple and help you save time, below we have added a list of outstanding humanities research paper ideas on various categories. Go through the entire list carefully and pick any topic that is convenient for you to research and write about.

Basic Humanities Research Paper Topics

Assess the best strategies for negotiations during wars.
How do body image issues change with age?
Does book reading make people more social?
How does economic prosperity affect the feeling of patriotism?
Explain the effects of gender-based violence on children’s personalities.
Explain how social media affect America’s political decisions.
What are the social changes in developed nations?
Research the effectiveness of the UN in fostering global peace.
Discuss the negative impacts of teen pregnancies.
What is the role of America in Europe’s restoration after WWII?
Discuss the role of artists in a time of war
Application of the views of Socrates to western democracy in the 21 st Century
Evaluation of Appalachian language and its academic power
Critical analysis of the role of conflicts in violence
Why building resilience is important for ensuring environmental sustainability?
Perspective pathways to greater human flourishing
Regional Identity and Appalachian Language
The 18th Century Conventions of Feminism and Jane Austen
How can the theories of Socrates be applied to 21st-century Western Democracy?
Briefly discuss the historical tension between religion and science with examples

Excellent Humanities Project Ideas

Compare human and animal sacrifice in religion.
Are fast foods spoiling traditional food cultures?
What are the pros and cons of studying gender issues in school?
How photography is framing public opinion in the 21st century?
Investigate the role of the justice system in advancing equality.
Compare African socialism in the 1950 and 1970s.
Discuss the environmental foundations necessary for humanities.
Explain the pros and cons of studying humanities.
Discuss how cultural stereotypes are developed by superstitions.
Why is it hard to stop bullying in school?
Research why language is essential for any society to thrive.
What impact do graphic novels have on literacy?
Assess human communication and behavior.
How oral history has affected modern culture?
How science fiction has invaded the mainstream culture around the world?
How do intersectionality and gender bias affect inclusion and diversity in the workplace?
Describe the current status of transgender and other sexual minority communities in Canada
Discuss some common social justice issues across every country in the world
Humanity is the best religion and the essence of human existence: Explain
Impact of the feminism movement on society

Great Humanities Research Paper Topics

Discuss the link between bureaucracy and the law-making process.
Write about the executive power in the US.
What are the ethical issues involved in media advertising?
Explain the connection between Italian fashion and Chinese culture.
Discuss the impact of dual nationality on political views.
Analyze the effects of poverty in rural communities.
How Twitter has transformed into a powerful political platform?
Is capitalism the best system?
What is the impact of the Neolithic revolution on people’s cognitive abilities?
Discuss the effects of daily family routines on a child’s development.
How to differentiate the humanities from the social sciences?
Explain the role of capitalism and communism in the study of humanities.
What are the global political and economic issues that affect the study of humanities?
Discuss the effects of irresponsible teenage behavior in society.
Discuss the pros and cons of early marriages.
Analyze the humanities curriculum in the U.S.A.
Write about the origin of humanities in Classical Greek.
What are the factors that inhibit the study of anthropological linguistics?
Explain the factors that modify the behavior of individuals and society.
Explain the impact of the Me Too movement on the girl-child.

Captivating Humanities Research Topics

What are the effects of Consumerism on sustainability?
Write about the fashion trends in society.
Research the social problems faced by people who are with disabilities.
Why does cultural appropriation always result in political contests?
Should poverty be treated as a social issue?
What are the benefits of countercultures in society?
How to prevent the fight for resources in families using the conflict theory?
What is the role of the bible in the development of US democracy?
Explain the major differences between interstate conflicts and wars.
Using the critical race theory analyze the Black Lives Matter activist movement.
Analyze the impact of different class systems on associations.
What are the various clashes between different social classes in the world?
Discuss the effect of various social movements in advocating for change.
What is the ultimate cause of criminal organizations in different societies?
Explain the effect of technology on preserving historical facts.
Explore the reaction of people towards social policies.
Discuss the differences between sects and cults.
What is the impact of the separation of humanities from the realm of the divine?
Discuss the role of critical thinking and effective communication in humanities.
What is the role of early Middle Ages Church Fathers in humanities?

Humanities Research Topics in Philosophy

Discuss election ethics.
What are the main causes of war?
Prepare a case study of Europe in the 20th century based on the application of socialism.
Discuss the inference of learning philosophy for the growth of a society.
Discuss the implications of scientific realism on judgment by scientists.
How to eradicate corruption in society?
Explore mind philosophy and problems with dualism.
Discuss the main challenges involved in regulating the environment using laws.
Are morals relative to society or culture?
Using Aristotle’s perspectives define a perfect government.

Humanities and Arts Research Paper Topics

How does art education make people think differently?
Discuss the effect of music on modern culture and society.
Explain the impact of the Cultural Revolution on Chinese art.
Compare the themes in modern and traditional Caribbean music.
What is water puppetry in Vietnamese tradition?
Analyze the Mayan art and society.
Explain the music and political propaganda in the 20th century.
Compare the role of liberal arts education in the 20th and 21st centuries.
What is the use of totem masks in Papua New Guinea art?
Discuss the causes of the decline of art in medieval Europe.
Explain how Japanese art influenced that country’s clothing.
How the modern art is related to American suffering?
What is the effect of the printing press on the wide-scale spread of art?
What is the influence of ancient art on current artistic trends?
Describe the ancient Greek and Roman motifs in modern architectural works.
Discuss the effects of social media on digital art and the spread of ideas.
Explain the K-pop music style and subculture.
Explain the impact of mythology on the sculptures of Ancient Greece.
Depict war in 20th-century art.
Should advertisements be seen as a form of modern art?

Medical Humanities Research Topics

Can exercise ruin a person’s health?
Should a doctor be allowed to offer medical help against the desires of the guardian?
Discuss the impact of various medical and technological advances.
Explain how to deal with end-of-life issues in medicine.
How are medical addictions portrayed in literature?
Where the people with mental issues should be treated- in or outside their communities?
Explain the history of abortion throughout the 20th century.
What is the relationship between medicine and humanities?
Examine the practice of medicine across different cultures.
Is it ethical to use animals for testing drugs?
Discuss the ethics of medical advances.
Explain the medical practices in the field of battle.
Discuss the criminal charges for medical malpractice throughout the 21st century.
How do humanities affect the use of alternative medicines?
Discuss the religious impact on the medical community.

Digital Humanities Research Paper Topics

Why do social media make people feel lonely as opposed to connecting them?
How to incorporate digital technologies in archiving archaeological data?
Discuss the history of computing in the humanities.
Explain the effect of Modern devices and technology on people’s relationships.
Evaluate the nature and extent of the digital revolution.
What are the effects of video games on violence in society?
Have a closer look at humanities studies and the age of information technology.
Discuss the history of the printing press and its role in spreading ideas.
How do modern gadgets affect people’s mental health?
Should we adopt a scientific approach to the problem of alcoholism?
Does digital technology offer a better life?
Explore the potential of digital academic data.
Discuss the future of digital communication.
Explain how data visualization tools are changing people’s opinions.
Discuss the change in people’s jobs because of technological developments.

Humanities Research Topics on Religion

Discuss the conflict between religion and social order.
Compare the two most ancient religions in society.
What is the role of religion in contemporary society?
Explain the concept of reincarnation in different religions.
What is the major reason for the emergence of new religions?
What is the importance of the church in the well-being of society?
Compare funeral rituals in two religions of your choice.
Explain the difference between new and older religious movements.
Discuss the positive changes that can be achieved through religious practices.
Analyze the concept of Goddess and God in religion.
Explain the similarities between religions around the world.
What is the effect of sacrificial traditions in ancient religions on today’s society?
Discuss female clergy in religions.
What is the relationship between religion and science?
Explain the role of religion and mythology in the study of humanities.

Amazing Humanities Research Ideas

What are the effects of cultural assimilation?
Explain why the topic of abortion is a live wire in most societies.
What is the role of poverty in facilitating violence and civil unrest?
Why has online dating twisted the necessity of marriage?
Why is pop music gaining acceptance among the general population?
Is cultural segmentation a good thing?
Prepare a case study of mass media and fear during terrorist attacks.
How to handle the institutional crisis?
Why social theories are significant in the field of humanities?
What is the role of gender in determining leadership positions in society?
Explain the social issues that affect students in colleges and universities.
Analyze the effects of the great migration.
Why are primarily teenagers and youths resistant to their parents?
Explain the consequences of intersectionality and discrimination in any society.
Compare pop music and classical music

Read more: Great Human Rights Topics For Writing Academic Papers

Outstanding Humanities Research Topics

Write about Western humanities in the 21 st
Discuss symbolism in television sci-fi shows.
Explain the evolution of socialist movements throughout the world.
Write about humanities in the computer age and mass information.
How does online publishing affect humanities?
Describe the Bible’s representation of humanities and culture.
Write about community volunteer programs and their impact on youths.
Discuss the influence of science on humanities over the centuries.
Present the different definitions of freedom from around the world.
Why the tools for cultural analysis are essential for humanities?
Alternative dispute resolution mechanism for the settlement of environmental disputes in Nigeria: A Study of Ojodu Community, Lagos State
Describe the scarily lucrative business model of human trafficking
Technical Change And Productivity in the Manufacturing Industry in Imo State of Nigeria
How the military force of a nation can promote human security in conflict situations?
Analyze the governance and service delivery of the local government in the Kiruhura District of Uganda

Top-rated Humanities Dissertation Topics

What are the challenges faced by adult graduates with learning technologies?
Explain the impact of the internet on the emotional maturity of the students.
How do the qualities of family life affect parent-child relationships?
Assess the link between classroom quality and learning results in kindergarten.
Is creativity a type of fantasy?
What are the major causes of the Cold War?
Discuss the effect of adoption on parent-child relationships.
Investigate how racism affects a family unit.
What are the political and social implications of design?
Explain the future of humanity in an extraterrestrial world.
Examining the most effective tactics for wartime negotiations: Utilize three 20th-century example studies.
When should kids start receiving sex education?
Offspring of multinational marriages facing identification challenges.
Who is responsible for defending human rights on a global scale? A study of the International Criminal Court’s efficacy.
The major reason for misunderstandings in social media communication is a lack of face-to-face encounters.

Read more: Interesting Dissertation Topics to Consider for Academic Writing

Informative Humanities Research Ideas

Answering the challenging inquiries What is the main reason for the conflicts between Israel and Palestine? Can it or it be dealt with?
How Twitter has become a potent political tool.
Do gender and spirituality go together?
Should the United States be held accountable for the severe harm that its use of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki caused to Japan?
Should social media use be controlled to lessen the risk of addiction and other adverse effects?
Discuss the role played by NGOs and free-of-cost education service delivery organizations to develop underdeveloped nations
Participation motives and competitive orientation of football players in the Kenyan Women’s Premier League
Analyze the central idea of marriage in African Religio-Culture with reference to the Maasai of Kajiado County, Kenya
Critical analysis of women’s political participation: a case of Bomachoge constituency in Kenya (1963-2013)
Association between paternal illicit drug and alcohol consumption, complementary feeding and children’s nutrition status

Awesome Humanities Research Topics

A critical look at the different branches of anthropology
Explain the various changes in human societies through time.
How to propagate a self-sufficient system of human values in the society
What is the impact of breaking down humanities into other majors?
Discuss the notion of different societies concerning aging
Elaborate on the impact of the myths and misconceptions about coronavirus
Discuss the political aspects that relate to social interactions
Explore the field of Geography and its relationship to humanities
A systematic review of the issues affecting rational arguments
Evaluate the process that led to the unification of Germany

Final Words

Out of the different ideas suggested in this blog, select any topic of your choice and draft a brilliant humanities research paper. In case, you need help with humanities research paper topic selection and writing, get in touch with us immediately. We have numerous subject experts on our platform to offer you high-quality humanities assignment help online. Mainly, in accordance with the requirements you share with us, our humanities assignment helpers will prepare and deliver a plagiarism-free research paper prior to the submission date and will also help you in fetching top grades.

So, without any hesitation, place your order and enjoy the benefits of our humanities research paper help service at a reasonable cost.

220 Amazing Religious Research Paper Topics and Ideas

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200 Captivating Humanities Research Topics and Ideas

Table of Contents

Would you have to submit a humanities research paper? Are you looking for the best humanities research topics? Don’t worry! Especially, to make your topic selection process easier, in this blog, we have compiled a list of unique humanities research topics and ideas on different themes associated with the subject. If you get stuck with your topic selection, continue reading this blog to get exclusive research topic ideas for your humanities dissertation. Also, from here, learn how to select a good topic for your humanities research paper.

Humanities Research Paper Topic Selection Tips

In the research paper writing process, selecting a topic is the first and most important step. Usually, your professors will provide a set of research paper writing prompts for you to select from, or they will give you the liberty to come up with any humanities dissertation topic of your choice. No confusion arises when you are already given some research topic ideas. However, the topic selection will become harder when you have the privilege to select the topic on your own.

If you are asked to choose a good humanities research topic of your choice, then during the topic selection make sure to consider the following.

The research topic you choose should be practical.
It should be from the research area of your interest.
It should relate to the current as well as historical perspective.
The topic should impact society completely.
It should have a wide research scope and match the research methodology of your choice.
It should be interesting and educative to your readers.
The topic should contain more information and credible sources for references.
The topic should have proper facts, evidence, or examples supporting your major points of discussion.

Additionally, along with the above-mentioned tips for selecting a good humanities research topic, before finalizing the topic, remember to check whether your topic satisfies your professor’s writing guidelines, if there are any.

After you have selected a topic, perform in-depth research on that topic and use your writing skills to prepare a top-notch humanities research paper.

List of Humanities Research Topics and Ideas

Humanity is a broad academic discipline that focuses on the various aspects of culture and human society. Majorly, the subject deals with the study of languages, philosophy, literature, religion, art, history, law, archaeology, and anthropology. So, for writing a humanities research paper, you can very well choose any topic or subtopic that is related to the field. But to reduce your topic selection effort, here we have listed some interesting humanities research topics and ideas in different categories. Feel free to go through the below-mentioned list and pick any humanities topic that is convenient for you to research and write about.

Simple Humanities Research Topics

Evaluate the effectiveness of the UN in fostering global peace.
Discuss the impact of social media on America’s political decisions.
Explain the role of America in the restoration of Europe after WWII.
Discuss the social changes in developed nations.
Explore the negative impacts of teen pregnancies.
Does reading books make people more social?
Analyze the best strategies for negotiations during wars.
Explain the impact of gender-based violence on children’s personalities.
How do body image issues change with age?
How does economic prosperity impact the feeling of patriotism?
Discuss the impact of anti-racism on a country’s socio-economic and cultural growth
Describe a Dystopian society with an example
Analyze the role of vocational training and education in the 21 st Century
Great awakenings in the history of America
Discuss the consequences of the Women’s Suffrage movement

Excellent Humanities Research Paper Topics

Critical evaluation of the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act
Comparative analysis between Gothic architectural style and modern architectural style
Compare and contrast Harlem Renaissance and French Renaissance
Compare and contrast Shia and Sunni minority groups in the Middle East
Why has Pentecostalism become a significant part of the political and religious landscape of Latin America?
Explain the role of the bible in the development of US democracy.
Discuss the benefits of countercultures in society.
Analyze the Black Lives Matter activist movement using critical race theory.
How to prevent the fight for resources in families using the conflict theory?
What are the main differences between interstate conflicts and wars?
Analyze the social problems faced by people who are with disabilities.
Discuss the impact of Consumerism on sustainability.
Should poverty be considered a social issue?
Discuss the fashion trends in society.
Why does cultural appropriation always result in political contests?

Top-quality Humanities Research Paper Topics

Discuss the impact of the separation of humanities from the realm of the divine.
Analyze the reaction of people towards social policies.
Explain the role of early Middle Ages Church Fathers in humanities.
Discuss the significant differences between sects and cults.
What is the role of critical thinking and effective communication in humanities?
Discuss the impact of various social movements in advocating for change.
Analyze the different class systems and their impact on associations.
The effect of technology on preserving historical facts.
Discuss the various clashes between different social classes in the world.
What is the primary cause of criminal organizations in different societies?
Is capitalism the best system?
Discuss the impacts of poverty in rural communities.
Evaluate the impacts of daily family routines on a child’s development.
How Twitter has developed into a powerful political platform?
Explain the impact of the Neolithic revolution on people’s cognitive abilities.

Interesting Humanities Research Ideas

Discuss the ethical issues related to media advertising.
What is the relationship between bureaucracy and the law-making process?
Explain the impact of dual nationality on political views.
Analyze the executive power in the US.
Discuss the connection of Italian fashion to Chinese culture.
Discuss the factors that inhibit the study of anthropological linguistics.
Analyze the humanities curriculum in the U.S.A.
Discuss the impact of the Me Too movement on the girl-child.
Describe the origin of humanities in Classical Greek.
Discuss the factors that affect the behavior of individuals and society.
Explain the Global political and economic issues affecting the study of humanities.
How to distinguish the humanities from the social sciences?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of early marriages.
What is the role of capitalism and communism in the study of humanities?
Explain the impacts of irresponsible teenage behavior in society.

Best Humanities Project Ideas

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of studying humanities.
Compare African socialism in the 1950s and 1970s.
Why is it hard to prevent bullying in school?
Explore the environmental foundations necessary for humanities.
Explain how cultural stereotypes are shaped by superstitions.
Discuss the main advantages and disadvantages of studying gender issues in school.
Compare human and animal sacrifice in religion.
Examine the role of the justice system in advancing equality.
Are fast foods killing traditional food cultures?
How photography is shaping public opinion in the 21st century?
Analyze human communication and behavior.
Examine why language is essential for any society to thrive.
How science fiction has entered mainstream culture around the world?
Discuss the impact graphic novels have had on literacy.
How oral history has influenced modern culture?

Research Paper Topics on Humanities and Arts

Compare the role of liberal arts education in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Analyze the Mayan art and society.
What are the causes of the decline of art in medieval Europe?
Write about music and political propaganda in the 20th century.
Explain the use of totem masks in Papua New Guinea art.
Discuss the impact of the Cultural Revolution on Chinese art.
How does art education help people to think differently?
Describe water puppetry in Vietnamese tradition.
Discuss the influence of music on modern culture and society.
Compare the themes in modern and traditional Caribbean music.
Discuss the impact of mythology on the sculptures of Ancient Greece.
Explain Social media’s impact on digital art and the spread of ideas.
Should advertisements be viewed as a form of modern art?
Write about the K-pop music style and subculture.
Explain the depictions of war in 20th-century art.

Humanities Research Paper Topics Related to Philosophy

Discuss the impact of the printing press on the wide-scale spread of art.
Explain how Japanese art influenced that country’s clothing.
Have a closer look at ancient Greek and Roman motifs in modern architectural works.
How the modern art related to American suffering?
Discuss the influence of ancient art on current artistic trends.
What are the main challenges involved in regulating the environment using laws?
How to fight corruption in society?
Analyze perfect governments using Aristotle’s perspective.
Research mind philosophy and problems with dualism.
Are morals relative to society or culture?
Prepare a case study of Europe in the 20th century based on the application of socialism.
Write about election ethics.
Discuss the implications of scientific realism on judgment by scientists.
Analyze the main causes of war.
Discuss the implications of studying philosophy for the growth of a society.

Digital Humanities Research Topics

Explain the history of the printing press and its role in disseminating ideas.
Discuss the impacts of video games on violence in society.
Should we adopt a scientific approach to the problem of alcoholism?
Discuss humanities studies and the age of information technology.
How do modern gadgets influence people’s mental health?
Explain the history of computing in the Humanities Assignment .
Why do social media make people feel lonely as opposed to connecting them?
Analyze the nature and extent of the digital revolution.
How to incorporate digital technologies in archiving archaeological data?
Discuss the impact of Modern devices and technology on people’s relationships.
How will digital communication look in the future?
Does digital technology provide a better life?
Discuss the change in people’s occupations because of technological developments.
Explore the potential of digital academic data.
Explain how data visualization tools are changing people’s opinions.

Humanities Research Topics Based on Religion

Compare new and older religious movements.
Explain the significance of the church in the well-being of society.
Compare the concept of Goddess and God in religion.
Analyze the main differences between funeral rituals in the two religions of your choice.
Analyze the positive changes that can be achieved through religious practices.
Discuss the role of religion in contemporary society.
Explain the conflict between religion and social order.
What causes the emergence of new religions?
Explore and write about the two most ancient religions in society.
Discuss the concept of reincarnation in different religions.
Write about female clergy in religions.
Explain the similarities between religions around the world.
Research the role of religion and mythology in the study of humanities.
Discuss the impact of sacrificial traditions in ancient religions on today’s society.
Explain the relationship between religion and science.

Medical Humanities Research Topics

Discuss the relationship between medicine and humanities.
Should people with mental issues be treated in or outside their communities?
Is it good to use animals for testing drugs?
Discuss the history of abortion throughout the 20th century.
Research the practice of medicine across different cultures.
Analyze the impact of various medical and technological advances.
Can exercise spoil a person’s health?
How are medical addictions portrayed in literature?
Should a doctor be allowed to offer medical help against the desires of the guardian?
Discuss how to deal with end-of-life issues in medicine.
Criminal charges for medical malpractice throughout the 21st century.
Analyze the ethics of medical advances.
Religious impact on the medical community.
Write about medical practices in the field of battle.
How do humanities influence the use of alternative medicines?

Outstanding Humanities Dissertation Topics

Analyze how racism affects a family unit.
Assess the causes of the Cold War.
Discuss the future of humanity in an extraterrestrial world.
Explain the impact of adoption on the parent-child relationships.
Discuss the political and social implications of design.
How do the qualities of family life influence parent-child relationships?
Explain the challenges faced by adult graduates with learning technologies.
Is creativity a kind of fantasy?
Discuss the influence of the Internet on the emotional maturity of the students.
Assess the relationship between classroom quality and learning outcomes in kindergarten.
Perspective pathways to greater human flourishing
Analyze the characteristics of a Dystopian society with examples
Describe the role played by freedom and liberty in 20 th and 21st-century societies
Analyze the tradition and implications of liberal arts education in the 18 th and 19 th Century
How do stigma, prejudice, and stereotypes impact modern society and its growth?

Awesome Humanities Research Topics

Explain the ethics of artificial intelligence in the humanities.
Discuss the influence of Postmodernism on literature.
Explain the impact of bilingualism on cognitive development.
Discuss the relationship between religion and violence.
Explain the role of women in Art history.
Discuss the use of technology in archaeology.
Analyze the impact of globalization on cultural diversity.
Write about text mining and computational analysis in the humanities.
Explain the cultural significance of jazz music.
Explain the theories of democracy and their application in contemporary politics

Captivating Humanities Research Topics

How to deal with the institutional crisis?
Is cultural segmentation a good thing?
The role of gender in determining leadership positions in society.
Prepare a case study of mass media and fear during terrorist attacks.
Why social theories are important in the field of humanities?
Explain the role of poverty in facilitating violence and civil unrest.
Discuss the effects of cultural assimilation.
Why is pop music gaining acceptance among the general population?
Discuss why the topic of abortion is a live wire in most societies.
Why has online dating distorted the necessity of marriage?
Why are primarily teenagers and youths defiant to their parents?
Discuss the social issues affecting students in colleges and universities.
Research the impacts of the great migration.
Explain the importance of intersectionality and discrimination in any society.

Amazing Humanities Research Paper Ideas

Explain the role of social backgrounds in contributing to conflicts at workplaces.
Why is fashion becoming a distraction for many in society?
Explain the effectiveness of the theories of punishment
Explore the field of Geography and its relationship to humanities
Discuss the factors that cause philosophical anarchism.
Explore the different aspects of poetry
Explain the impact of breaking down humanities into other majors.
Discuss the theoretical foundations of humanities in different institutions
Analyze the role of multi-cultural and regional dimensions in humanities
Discuss the impact of online publishing on humanities

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Humanity Essay Topics

Humanity is the study of humans, their history, beliefs, and ideologies. Students are expected to understand humanity since it affects their lives in several ways. While students can learn about humanity in different ways, they’ll get a deeper understanding of human concepts by writing essays on humanity topics. We have noticed that most students go through stress before they get interesting humanity essay topics. As a way to save students from stress, we’ve compiled the list of popular and best humanity essay ideas. Students won’t struggle before they know what to write about each of the ideas because we internally selected ideas that are easy but captivating. We believe that all the essay topics below will help students in obtaining excellent grades. Also, we believe that the topics will enlighten students as they do research while writing their essays. We urge students to approach their essays with confidence, knowing that they have the best essay topics to write about.

Captivating humanity essay topics

Definitions of Freedom and Humanities
How the ancient People Survived in Times of War
Western Humanities and Civilizations
Why the Study of Humanities is Essential
The Relationship between Humanities and Science
The pathways to better human flourishing
How the Bible describes humanity
Human Subcultures
A Detailed View of Global Humanities
Humanities Traditions and Human Diversity
The major ideologies of humans
The history of humans
How the activities of humans changed the world climate
What makes humans unique among all creatures?
Can humans control the effects of global warming?
The relationship between human beings and their environment
Analysis of the true name of humans
Why is humanity fascinating?
Humanity will never stop changing
Why is the economy a major theme of study in humanity’s development?
Humanity and law
Humans can’t do without making choices
How did Shakespeare portray humanity in his works?
The humanity in monsters
Humans and mortality
What is the link between horoscope and humans?
Humans can’t live without culture
What will be the hope of man in the next century?
Do humans truly have souls?
What is the fate of humanity after death?
How can the environment influence the actions of man?
The period before man became civilized
Human Identity and The Industrial Revolution
How humans documented information in ancient time
Modern Human Interactions
Human Family Unit and Racism
Human Beings and Violence
Racism among humans
Humanity: an insight into the way modem man still relies on the experiences of ancient men
Humans and emotions
What can a modern man learn from the ancient man?
The roles of social interactions in human relationships
Human as social beings
The major facilitators of every human relationship
The interpretative ability of humans
Human beings and free will
What it really means to be a human
Human beings and languages
Are human beings closely linked to other primates?
Analysis of humans from a sociological perspective
Human beings and adaptation
The evolutionary heritage of humans
Can humans truly become cyborgs?
Can humans ever become perfect?
Why are human beings imperfect?
Human beings and enculturation
Heidegger’s Letter on Humanism
Humans and the root of modern society
The dominance of man upon the planet earth
How did world war II change the fate of humanity?
Human beings and their weaknesses
How mistake drives humans towards perfection
Human beings and temperance
Are humans the only creature that thinks about the future?
Humanity: will it cease to exist someday?
The desires of humans to live long
The desires of humans to pass on their genes
The inborn desires of man
Human beings and self-preservation
Humanity: the fight for survival
How does instinct influence human?
Greed as one of humanity’s instincts
How the study of humanity began
Things that humans can’t live without
Humans quest for happiness
Humans in modern society
How the activities of man have changed the world over the years
How technology will change the way humans will live in the future
Hidden facts about the human race
The origin of man
Cultural diversity among humans
A sociological description of humans
Activities of humans during the time of industrial revolution
How Human ideologies began
The major ideologies of man before the time of civilization
How emotions control humans
Why do humans need emotions?

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Dr. Carol A. MartinHu 208 Intro to HumanitiesFebruary 08, 1999In the memoir, Colored People, Henry Louis Gates Jr. talks about what was the untalked about racial rule inintegrated schools. Now that the races had been blendedtogether there was still the line of race andgender(Gates p. 98) that could not be crossed. In the story by…

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Macbeth PaperDecember 14, 1998People have a hard time getting what they want; in fact, the things they want can be incompatible with each other. The attempt to reach one of these goals can simultaneously hurt the other. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the protagonist, Macbeth, is lured to murder the king, Duncan, by the desire for…

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Humanities is the study of human culture through being analytical. In the humanities are language, history, philosophy, religion and the arts. The analyzing of these subjects helps to understand and mold humanities. It is a very widespread subject that covers multiple little subjects and time periods. These include the Medieval, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and…

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Richard Shaw , Massey University

First contact with aliens could end in colonization and genocide if we don’t learn from history

David Delgado Shorter , University of California, Los Angeles ; Kim TallBear , University of Alberta , and William Lempert , Bowdoin College

Bailout, Band-Aid or back to basics? 3 questions NZ’s university funding review must ask

Nicola Gaston , University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Why arts degrees and other generalist programs are the future of Australian higher education

Catharine Coleborne , University of Newcastle

The humanities should teach about how to make a better world, not just criticize the existing one

Robert Danisch , University of Waterloo

William Wordsworth and the Romantics anticipated today’s idea of a nature-positive life

Jonathan Bate , Arizona State University

How social sciences and humanities programs can prepare students for employment

Sandra Lapointe , McMaster University

Creative skills will be crucial to the future of work. They should take centre stage at the jobs summit

Esther Anatolitis , RMIT University

Friday essay: Simon During on the demoralisation of the humanities, and what can be done about it

Simon During , The University of Melbourne

Humanities are essential in understanding the Russian war against Ukraine

Kyle Frackman , University of British Columbia

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Paul X. McCarthy , UNSW Sydney and Colin Griffith , CSIRO

Entrepreneurship classes aren’t just for business majors

Lisa Bosman , Purdue University and Stephanie A. Fernhaber , Butler University

History made the world we live in: here’s what you’ll learn if you choose it in years 11 and 12

Heather Sharp , University of Newcastle and Debra Donnelly , University of Newcastle

Why studying arts like acting or dance can better equip business students for the post-COVID world

Lucy Gill-Simmen , Royal Holloway University of London

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Adam Behr , Newcastle University

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Adam Clulow , The University of Texas at Austin

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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

Please note: Many of these prompts are still open to comment by students 13 and up.

Technology & Social Media

1. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 2. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 5. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 6. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 7. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 8. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 9. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

10. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 11. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 12. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 13. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 14. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 15. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 16. Should Your School Day Start Later? 17. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 18. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 19. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 20. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 21. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 22. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 23. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 24. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 25. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 26. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 27. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 28. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 29. Does Your School Need More Money? 30. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 31. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 32. Do Kids Need Recess?

College & Career

33. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 34. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 35. Should Everyone Go to College? 36. Should College Be Free? 37. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 38. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 39. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 40. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 41. Is Student Debt Worth It?

Mental & Physical Health

42. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 43. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 44. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 45. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 46. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 47. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 48. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 49. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 50. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Race & Gender

51. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 52. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 53. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 54. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 55. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 56. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 57. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 58. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

59. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 60. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 61. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 62. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 63. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 64. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 65. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 66. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 67. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 68. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 69. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 70. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 71. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 72. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

73. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 74. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 75. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 76. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 77. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 78. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 79. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 80. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

81. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 82. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 83. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 84. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 85. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 86. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art?

Parenting & Childhood

87. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 88. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 89. Should Parents Track Their Teenager’s Location? 90. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 91. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 92. What Should We Call Your Generation? 93. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 94. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 95. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 96. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 97. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 98. When Do You Become an Adult?

Ethics & Morality

99. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 100. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 101. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 102. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 103. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 104. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 105. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 106. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 107. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Government & Politics

108. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 109. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 110. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 111. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 112. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 113. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 114. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 115. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 116. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 117. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 118. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 119. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 120. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? 121. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 122. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 123. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 124. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 125. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other?

The place of the humanities in today’s knowledge society

Rosário Couto Costa ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7505-4455 1

Palgrave Communications volume 5 , Article number: 38 ( 2019 ) Cite this article

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Over the past four decades, the humanities have been subject to a progressive devaluation within the academic world, with early instances of this phenomenon tracing back to the USA and the UK. There are several clues as to how the university has generally been placing a lower importance on these fields, such as through the elimination of courses or even whole departments. It is worth mentioning that this discrimination against humanities degrees is indirect in nature, as it is in fact mostly the result of the systematic promotion of other fields, particularly, for instance, business management. Such a phenomenon has nonetheless resulted in a considerable reduction in the percentage of humanities graduates within a set of 30 OECD countries, when compared to other areas. In some countries, a decline can even be observed in relation to their absolute numbers, especially with regards to doctorate degrees. This article sheds some light on examples of international political guidelines, laid out by the OECD and the World Bank, which have contributed to this devaluation. It takes a look at the impacts of shrinking resources within academic departments of the humanities, both inside and outside of the university, while assessing the benefits and value of studying these fields. A case is made that a society that is assumed to be ideally based on knowledge should be more permeable and welcoming to the different and unique disciplines that produce it, placing fair and impartial value on its respective fields.

Introduction

In August 2017, the World Humanities Conference took place in Liège, Belgium. The theme was Challenges and Responsibilities for a Planet in Transition , and it was organized in cooperation with UNESCO. The rationale for this conference can be summarized as follows:

“The humanities were at the heart of both public debate and the political arena until the Second World War. In recent years their part was fading and they have been marginalized. It is crucial to stop their marginalization, restore them and impose their presence in the public sphere as well as in science policies Footnote 1 ”

I participated in this event and it gave me hope that it would be possible to reverse the general trend of devaluating the humanities, something that has been going on since the early 1980s, namely in the UK and in the USA (Costa, 2016 ). Such a phenomenon has coexisted with an acceleration in globalization and a widespread rise of neoliberalism, two trends which have been gradual and simultaneous in their origins (Heywood, 2014 ). In regard to the growth of neoliberalism, while in the 1980s only four countries had what could be reasonably categorized as neoliberal governments (Chile, New Zealand, the UK and the USA), at the beginning of the 21 st century that number had multiplied all around the world (Peck, 2012 ).

This marginalization of the humanities has been a gradual process that manifested itself at different times throughout the countries in which it can be observed. A global approach was used for studying this process (Costa, 2016 ), along with available OECD data which consisted of a subset of thirty countries and recorded the period between 2000 and 2012 Footnote 2 . Under these circumstances, “graduates by field of education” Footnote 3 is arguably one of the few relevant indicators that we can establish. On analysing it, one can conclude that despite some variance in tendencies for each individual nation, there is an overall shift that allows us to confidently corroborate such a devaluation when we compare figures for the year 2000 with those of 2012. This approach was further complemented with the analysis of case studies and existing academic literature on the topic (Costa, 2016 ).

With that in mind, it seems paradoxical that in a so-called knowledge society, one that should be ‘nurtured by its diversity and its capacities’ (UNESCO, 2005 , p.17), not all knowledge fields would be valued in an equitable manner. So why does it happen and why namely at the expense of the humanities? Conversely, what are the reasons for looking at the humanities in a more positive light? These reasons have long been known, but can nowadays lack sufficient recognition. The goal of this comment is to address these questions.

The way to find the answers to these discussion points begins with an analysis of political documents written within the framework of international organisations such as the World Bank and the OECD during the transition into the 21st century. This analysis identifies some political guidelines that have plausibly influenced the global shift in the number of graduates by field of education occuring between 2000 and 2012. Afterwards, we take a look at the impact that these guidelines have had both within and outside of the University. Once done, we reflect on the benefits of studying the humanities and on the complementarity of the various knowledge fields within society.

The political constraints of the devaluation of the humanities in an academic context

Taking into account the already long history of the University, its most recent transformation has been marked by the principles of neoliberalism and the pace of this change has increased since 1998 (Altbach et al., 2009 ). It is in this particular institutional context that the devaluation of the humanities has been taking place. If we pay attention to the general guidelines that have been at the core of this paradigm shift, we can see that the humanities have been confronted not so much with a direct and explicit denial of their benefits, but with the exalting of skills and traits strongly connected to other knowledge fields, such as business administration. This reasoning is based on the following analysis of some specific documents that are enlightening examples of this occurrence.

At The World Conference on Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century , organized by UNESCO in 1998, in Paris, two talks expanded on how the University was already undergoing a process of transformation—one from a practical point of view, and the second from a conceptual one.

In the first talk, titled The Financing and Management of Higher Education: a Status Report on Worldwide Reforms (Johnstone et al. 1998 ), the authors explain how the World Bank implemented its political agenda in order to reform the University throughout the 90s in several countries. A political decision to reduce public investment fundamentally altered the financial and managerial scenarios of the University. A result of this was that the academic sector was steered towards the markets, with an explicit mention in the report that this shift was meant to align with neoliberal principles.

The consistency of this reform has been hailed as remarkable by the cited authors. It has followed similar patterns across all countries independently of existing differences between them with regards to political and economic systems, states of industrial and technological development, and the structuring elements of the higher education system itself.

In the other talk, titled Higher Education Relevance in the 21st Century , Michael Gibbons ( 1998 ), counselor to the World Bank, affirms the urgency of a new paradigm for the University, and theorizes such a transformation. Accordingly, the main mission of the University would be to serve the economy, specifically through the training of human resources, as well as the production of knowledge, for that purpose. Other functions would be cast into the background. In order for this institution to adjust to its new priorities, the author affirms that a new culture would have to impose itself on the University: a new way of considering accountability—so called “new accountability”—with financial accounting at its core; the dissemination of a new practice of highly ideological management (“new public management” or “new managerialism”); and a new way of utilizing human resources with the goal of maximizing efficiency. In short, an entrepreneurial outlook on the concept of “University”.

A few years later, the document The New Economy. Beyond the Hype (OECD, 2001 ) essentially anticipated the impact of the then new model of University on the prioritization of the various fields of knowledge. The success of this “New Economy”, where a noticeable rise in investment in information and communication technologies (ICT) was apparent, required individuals qualified not only to work with these technologies but also fit to answer the new organizational challenges brought about by them. Due to this, areas such as ICT and management began to become promoted more strongly, namely in higher education and research, and the connection between higher education and the job market strengthened.

An indirect discrimination of the humanities was thus induced, with real-world consequences. One of the symptoms relating to such a social phenomenon has been a progressively lower relative representation of graduates in humanities and, in some countries, also of the absolute representation, especially with regards to doctorate degrees. For instance, in the period between 2000 and 2012, while the number of humanities graduates rose by a factor of 1.4—and that of total graduates by a factor of 1.6 overall—those in the area of business administration increased by a factor of 1.8 Footnote 4 . For perspective, this accounts for virtually a fifth of total graduates. In other words, although academia within the humanities is growing, it is doing so at a disproportionately lower pace than when compared with other fields.

As Pierre Bourdieu had already outlined in Homo Academicvs (Bourdieu, 1984 ), alterations in the relative representation of students of certain areas, and thus of respective University staff, have an impact not only on power balances within the University, but also on its influence on society itself. The author saw these as morphological changes—a point of view that shapes the following considerations.

The impact of shrinking resources within academic departments of the humanities

With regard to the internal impact of shrinking resources within academic departments of the humanities, we can identify several clues as to how the University has generally been placing a lower importance on the humanities Footnote 5 :

Cuts in the financing of research and teaching;

a lower share of the space and structure within the University, through the elimination of courses and even departments;

undervalued human resources (fewer job offers, falling wages, overloaded work schedules, aging staff, lack of opportunities for the young);

a decrease in library resources and the like;

the use of evaluation methods typical of scientific activity and which are unadjusted to the specificity of the humanities, indirectly resulting in pressure to change communication practices specific to these fields and weakening their social impact;

the extent to which some fields in the humanities are weakened, reaching dimensions so residual that they become at risk of disappearing.

These phenomena, even when not simultaneous, contribute to paving the way to further devaluation as they ultimately work together to make the humanities look progressively less attractive. In an academic context we are essentially confronted with a vicious cycle of devaluation. The next two sections deal with a series of reasons for why it becomes urgent to break such a cycle.

If on the one hand we are witnessing a shrinking of resources within academic departments of the humanities, on the other we can see a clear reduction in the relative representation of humanities graduates entering the job market. Without going too much into detail on the interdependence between these two phenomena, they stand as symptoms of a clear loss of influence of the humanities on society itself – perhaps the result of a growing incomprehension of their usefulness. Indeed, the field appears to be held hostage to a way of appreciation that is overly focused on the economy, established by those who govern and apparently accepted by most of those governed. Governors in particular tend to have a peculiar, restricted and limited way of evaluating, classifying and neglecting the humanities, even if opinions amongst themselves are not always in agreement. Through this lens, the field can be pretentiously seen as a luxury, as economically irrelevant, or even as useless - worse still, as an obstacle to access the job market Footnote 6 .

These dynamics make it even more difficult for academics in the humanities to convince others of the relevance of their area. Therefore, when competing with other areas for resources, the overall trend has been to deprioritise the humanities.

In the above-mentioned report titled Towards Knowledge Societies , UNESCO recognized that political choices tend sometimes to place a high importance on specific disciplines, namely ‘at the expense of the humanities’ (UNESCO, 2005 , p. 90). These words are coated with a subtle yet sharp sense of loss. But what is in fact lost when the humanities see their presence in society diminished?

The benefits of studying the humanities

An analysis of several sources of information, such as surveys, studies and websites, has made it possible to understand the point of view of different social actors who believe there are advantages to graduating in the humanities (Costa, 2016 ). Students (Armitage et al., 2013 ), graduates (Lamb et al., 2012 ) and researchers (Levitt et al., 2010 ) in the humanities share their opinion on what the main advantages are, and their takes coincide with the way humanities courses are promoted on the websites of the universities that were taken into account in the analysis Footnote 7 . As it would turn out, these advantages match the profile of the ideal employee as outlined by a group of employers as a condition to achieve success at their companies, according to a separate study that is unrelated to the humanities in particular (Hart Research Associates, 2013 ). In other words, even neoliberal standards and concerns are adequately addressed.

At its core, this acknowledgement of the value of the humanities can be looked at in three independent, mutually reinforcing levels: the comprehensive knowledge, skills and mindset that come with studying the field, and which are not easily outdated. These assets represent the genuine and specific character of studying these disciplines, and substantially differ from the priorities set by the political guidelines mentioned earlier. The following picture clarifies the scope of each of these levels (Fig. 1 ).

Benefits of studying the humanities. Source: adapted from Costa, 2017 , with permission of the Portuguese Association of Professionals in Sociology of Organizations and Work–APSIOT. The figure is not covered by the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence

The attraction of studying the humanities lies precisely in that which one sets out to know and experiment with when one opts to study them. History, philosophy, languages and literature, to mention a few, are nuclear subjects that give us direct access to knowledge on that which is fundamentally and irreducibly human.

The challenge that this knowledge presents us with, and the effort of interpreting and attributing meaning to ourselves and that which surrounds us, are enhancers of the skills and mindset highlighted in the above graphic and their value is undeniable. Critical thought, acknowledgement of others, the ability to adjust to different realities and so forth are indispensable traits in any situation—in any institution, organization, government or company. It would thus follow that the humanities should be as explicitly and directly promoted by public policy as is specialized knowledge that directly serves firms and markets.

In spite of the value that can be recognized in studying the humanities, it stands that in the last few decades education in the field has been reduced to an almost insignificant dimension relative to other areas. It should be noted that demand in higher education is representative not just of the expectations of the students, or even of their educational and social backgrounds. It is also conditioned by the choices of a large group of social actors, interdependent amongst themselves Footnote 8 , such as decision makers – be it national or international, political or institutional –, employers and parents. But this depreciation has not been exclusive to higher education only. It has led to generalized deficits in knowledge, sensitivity and imagination, cognitive resources which are necessary to the acknowledgement of real problems within society and likewise to the development of possible solutions. The ability for citizens to possess and demonstrate a mindset of critical thinking has in this way been undermined.

One can thus argue that, at the very least from a social standpoint, much could be lost here. Martha Nussbaum warned in 2010 about the dangers this poses to democracy itself. The number of billionaires has nearly doubled as wealth has become even more concentrated in the last ten years since the financial crisis, worsening social inequalities (OXFAM, 2019 ). A society of consumption and uncontrolled, unregulated and acritical exploitation of natural resources is hindering sustainable development. Perhaps somewhat ironically, even the market economy registers some losses of its own in this scenario. The University of Oxford studied the career path of a group of their graduates in humanities, who had been students from 1960–1989, and subsequently produced a report that ‘shines a light on the breadth and variety of roles in society that they adopt, and the striking consistency with which they have had successful careers in sectors driving economic growth’ (Kreager, 2013 , p. 1). This conclusion contradicts the vision, or perhaps the bias, according to which graduations within the humanities are considered useless and of no value, especially for the economy and the labour market in general. The TED Talk Why tech needs the humanities Footnote 9 (December 2017) addresses this issue in the light yet personal manner of someone who has experienced it first hand.

On the complementarity of the various knowledge fields within society

In contrast to the trend within the humanities, from 2000 to 2012 and as previously mentioned, graduates in the area of business administration grew both in numbers and in relevance. Georges Corm ( 2013 ) considers that a new wave of employees, trained in accordance with the neoliberal ideas, has emerged in the job market. In his opinion, this is noticeable for instance in the case of MBAs, which in general have a similar format in use in the best schools around the world. Engwall et al. ( 2010 ) had already come to the conclusion that these graduates have become the new elite, taking up the leadership positions within organizations, replacing graduates namely in law and in engineering.

According to Colin Crouch ( 2016 ), ‘financial expertise has become the privileged form of knowledge, trumping other kinds, because it is embedded in the operation of […] the institutions that ensure profit maximization […]. Under certain conditions this dominance of financial knowledge can become self-destructive, destroying other forms of knowledge on which its own future depends’ (ibid., p. 34). Indeed, ‘serious problems arise when one kind of knowledge systematically triumphs over others’ (ibid., p. 35), a sentiment the author illustrates by giving examples related to engineering and geology. It can be argued that such a large pool of graduates and post-graduates in business administration has severely disrupted the balance and the complementarity of wisdom in society.

The environmental disasters and social crises that have marked the last decade, and which we have all witnessed, mean that the priority which had been given to some fields of knowledge is a concern not just of the academic community, but that it should instead be seen as an issue for all of society. If we start discrediting certain kinds of knowledge, we might end up discrediting all which are not in accordance with the interests that prevail in society at any given point in time, interests which in turn might not necessarily have the common good as their priority. This would be akin to opening a Pandora’s box.

Where has this led us? For instance, few of us are unaware of the difficulties that scientific evidence faces today in order to be appreciated and accepted by people who are farthest from the world of science, and who will more easily trust populist discourses (Baron, 2016 ; Boyd, 2016 ; Gluckman, 2017 ; Horton and Brown, 2018 ). Current disinvestment in the teachings of philosophy, particularly in the young, pulls us away from the basic foundations of knowledge and science, ultimately furthering the establishment of a post-truth society.

Concluding remarks

The process of devaluation of the humanities fortunately has not been enough to nullify the voice and ongoing work of their community. The World Humanities Conference, mentioned at the very beginning of this text, is a sign of the vitality and pertinence that this field still holds. When we look at the topics discussed at this conference, they are undoubtedly of great relevance for the society of today: ‘Humanity and the environment’; ‘Cultural identities, cultural diversities and intercultural relations: a global multicultural humanity’; ‘Borders and migrations’; ‘Heritage’; ‘History, memory and politics’; ‘The humanities in a changing world. What changes the world and in the world? What changes the humanities and in the humanities?’; and ‘Rebuilding the humanities, rebuilding humanism’. Events like this conference allow for the hope that a new and virtuous cycle for the humanities could be on the upswing for the benefit of all of society. One which will be more permeable and welcoming to all knowledge and skills, valuing all of its fields in a fair and impartial manner. Ultimately, the hope is to have a society that is zealous and proactive in the protection of a rich diversity of knowledge from the establishment and dominance of political hierarchies.

In: http://www.humanities2017.org/en .

Set of years for which OECD data are available in a usable way (verified in 23 May 2018 at OECD.Stat).

According to the ISCED 1997 (levels 5A and 6)—International Standard Classification of Education 1997 (first and second stages of tertiary education).

For this indicator, data for a subset of thirty OECD countries were used.

This systematization is based on the interpretation of a plurality of official statistics and reports on several countries (Costa, 2016 ).

Observations based on several publications, some of which are included in the bibliography (Benneworth and Jongbloed, 2010 ; Bod, 2011 ; Bok, 2007 ; Brinkley, 2009 ; Classen, 2012 ; Donoghue, 2010 ; European University Association, 2011 ; Fish, 2010 ; Gewirtz and Cribb, 2013 ; Gumport, 2000 ; Nussbaum, 2010 ; Weiland, 1992 ).

Harvard University ( http://artsandhumanities.fas.harvard.edu ), Stanford Humanities Center ( http://shc.stanford.edu/why-do-humanities-matter ), University of Chicago´s Master of Arts Program in the Humanities ( http://maph.uchicago.edu/directors ) and MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences ( http://shass.mit.edu/news/news-2014-power-of-humanities-arts-socialsciences-at-mit ). Data last updated from these websites: October 2015.

This statement is highly influenced by the thought of Norbert Elias, namely his concept of configuration (Elias, 2015 [1970]).

https://www.ted.com/talks/eric_berridge_why_tech_needs_the_humanities#t-7974 .

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Costa, R.C. The place of the humanities in today’s knowledge society. Palgrave Commun 5 , 38 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-019-0245-6

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-019-0245-6

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2.1: Critical Thinking Essay

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Andrew Gurevich
Mt Hood Community College via MHCC Library Press

In the first few weeks, we will watch several TED Talks about the nature of the brain, the complex relationship between critical and creative thinking, and how emerging research in hemispheric science sheds some light on how we think about the world. We will also read several articles on the same (or similar) topics. After watching these talks, we will also review some of the basic material on how arguments are evaluated in academic contexts (by exploring the Greek model of Logos, Pathos & Ethos). Then in your essay, please address the following:

What is the importance of developing a proper understanding of the nature of critical and creative thinking and how the two must be used in relationship to one another? With quotes and references to the TED Talks , class readings, and your own research and experience, please discuss what we are learning about the nature of critical and creative thinking and how we must use the two in conjunction to help us generate ideas for collaborative design and problem solving.(HINT: This should be the lens through which you generate your primary thesis statement which will, in turn, direct the ways you develop and discuss the rest of the elements you have been asked to explore. In other words, use this as the frame by which you choose what you will focus on with regard to the nature of the brain, critical thinking and argument.)
If appropriate to your thesis, discuss how the emerging research in brain hemispheric science influences our understanding of the critical and creative thinking processes.
If appropriate to your thesis, discuss how evidence-based approaches to argument (Logos) are central to properly developing, analyzing and understanding the arguments we encounter in the world.
If appropriate to your thesis, what is the importance of cultivating “intellectual humility” and avoiding the panic often associated with “being wrong” in the process of becoming strong critical and creative thinkers?

Remember, an essay is an “attempt” to interact meaningfully with concepts that require careful, thoughtful reflection and exploration. Think of this assignment as a conversation between yourself and the speakers about the substantive issues the TED Talks address.

Assignment Details:

3-5 sources consulted in the essay and listed on a Works Cited page.
3-4 pages, double-spaced, 12.pt font. MLA format.
Present your main idea in a clear thesis statement in the Introduction.
Support your claim or focus with evidence and examples from the TED Talks and some more external research.
Present one major point (in a topic sentence) per paragraph and explain it fully, with detailed support and examples, before you move on to your next point/paragraph.
Wrap up your essay with a conclusion that revisits your overall topic and thesis.
Remember to include an “in-text” citation following each source you quote, summarize or paraphrase.
We have several pages posted here in The Writing Process page that deal with proper MLA documentation. Please refer to them.
Consult the MHCC databases for relevant articles related to your research.
Submit your essay by the due date on the schedule in the appropriate place in the week’s lesson module.
Follow the submission instructions there for uploading your essay.

Things to Consider:

You may write an essay that is more personal but based in the relevant research. Or you may write an essay that is more clinical and objective in scope that looks at the issue from a societal and/or cultural perspective. Either way, pick something that is interesting to you and to your own life, career path, goals, etc. and make it relevant to the material we have been covering so far.
Remember, also, that a thesis statement may begin (in a draft form) as a question but by the time you turn your essay in, it has to be stated as an assertion.
Develop your thesis through a primary pattern of development: (personal narrative, comparison/contrast, cause/effect, etc.) These can be explored in “The Writing Process” section of our BlackBoard page.

Sample Topics:

These are listed in rough form. You may pick from these or develop your own:

Intellectual humility, grounding critical thinking in sound reasoning and authoritative, relevant support, and being curious and asking the right questions.
Importance of being wrong, withholding judgment until enough evidence is gathered, and considering multiple perspectives.
Being “critical” of something is not the same as attacking or dismissing it. Critical and Creative Thinking. What each is and how they work together.
Left and Right Hemispheres. What the new research shows and how this influences our understanding of the critical and creative thinking processes.
Memory and the pitfalls and opportunities it presents when engaged in critical and creative thinking processes.

Sample Outline:

Topic choice (converted to a workable thesis statement):

Strong critical and creative thinking skills include the abilities to: recognize the importance of being wrong, withhold judgment until enough evidence is gathered, and consider multiple perspectives.

General Introduction and a developed Thesis based on the above topics.
Importance of being wrong. Support paragraphs that use proper references to the TED Talks, your own experience and external research.
Withholding judgment until enough evidence is gathered. Support paragraphs that use proper references to the TED Talks, your own experience and external research.
Considering multiple perspectives. Support paragraphs that use proper references to the TED Talks, your own experience and external research.
Conclusion that revisits main Thesis and provides a sense of closure.

Essay on Humanity

500 words essay on humanity.

When we say humanity, we can look at it from a lot of different perspectives. One of the most common ways of understanding is that it is a value of kindness and compassion towards other beings. If you look back at history, you will find many acts of cruelty by humans but at the same time, there are also numerous acts of humanity. An essay on humanity will take us through its meaning and importance.

Importance of Humanity

As humans are progressing as a human race into the future, the true essence of humanity is being corrupted slowly. It is essential to remember that the acts of humanity must not have any kind of personal gain behind them like fame, money or power.

The world we live in today is divided by borders but the reach we can have is limitless. We are lucky enough to have the freedom to travel anywhere and experience anything we wish for. A lot of nations fight constantly to acquire land which results in the loss of many innocent lives.

Similarly, other humanitarian crisis like the ones in Yemen, Syria, Myanmar and more costs the lives of more than millions of people. The situation is not resolving anytime soon, thus we need humanity for this.

Most importantly, humanity does not just limit to humans but also caring for the environment and every living being. We must all come together to show true humanity and help out other humans, animals and our environment to heal and prosper.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

The Great Humanitarians

There are many great humanitarians who live among us and also in history. To name a few, we had Mother Teresa , Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana and more. These are just a few of the names which almost everyone knows.

Mother Teresa was a woman who devoted her entire life to serving the poor and needy from a nation. Rabindranath Tagore was an Indian poet who truly believed in humanity and considered it his true religion.

Similarly, Nelson Mandela was a great humanitarian who worked all his life for those in needs. He never discriminated against any person on the basis of colour, sex, creed or anything.

Further, Mahatma Gandhi serves as a great example of devoting his life to free his country and serve his fellow countrymen. He died serving the country and working for the betterment of his nation. Thus, we must all take inspiration from such great people.

The acts and ways of these great humanitarians serve as a great example for us now to do better in our life. We must all indulge in acts of giving back and coming to help those in need. All in all, humanity arises from selfless acts of compassion.

Conclusion of the Essay on Humanity

As technology and capitalism are evolving at a faster rate in this era, we must all spread humanity wherever possible. When we start practising humanity, we can tackle many big problems like global warming, pollution , extinction of animals and more.

FAQ of Essay on Humanity

Question 1: What is the importance of humanity?

Answer 1: Humanity refers to caring for and helping others whenever and wherever possible. It means helping others at times when they need that help the most. It is important as it helps us forget our selfish interests at times when others need our help.

Question 2: How do we show humanity?

Answer 2: All of us are capable of showing humanity. It can be through acknowledging that human beings are equal, regardless of gender, sex, skin colour or anything. We must all model genuine empathy and show gratitude to each other and express respect and humility.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo.

M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and take a position on it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject, otherwise you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. (You don't need to know everything, though.) Part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one that you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives.

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure to get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

50 Possible Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay, opinions matter and controversy is based on opinions, which are, hopefully, backed up by facts. If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics as well.

Is global climate change caused by humans?
Is the death penalty effective?
Is our election process fair?
Is torture ever acceptable?
Should men get paternity leave from work?
Are school uniforms beneficial?
Do we have a fair tax system?
Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
Is cheating out of control?
Are we too dependent on computers?
Should animals be used for research?
Should cigarette smoking be banned?
Are cell phones dangerous?
Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
Do we have a throwaway society?
Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
Should companies market to children?
Should the government have a say in our diets?
Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
Should members of Congress have term limits?
Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
Are CEOs paid too much?
Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
Should creationism be taught in public schools?
Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
Should English be the official language of the United States?
Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
Should the alcohol drinking age be increased or decreased?
Should everyone be required to recycle?
Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
Is it good that same-sex couples are able to marry?
Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
Does boredom lead to trouble?
Should schools be in session year-round ?
Does religion cause war?
Should the government provide health care?
Should abortion be illegal?
Are girls too mean to each other?
Is homework harmful or helpful?
Is the cost of college too high?
Is college admission too competitive?
Should euthanasia be illegal?
Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
Is affirmative action fair?
Is public prayer okay in schools?
Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
Is greater gun control a good idea?
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Humanities Lab transforms in-class research into real-world impact

Asu library, humanities lab partnership connects students with resources for research inquiry, information literacy.

Two people standing in front of a bookshelf smiling

(From left) Student Jessica Hladik and ASU Associate Liaison Librarian Mimmo Bonanni in front of the "Ecofeminist Expressions" featured collection on the second floor of Hayden Library. The collection was inspired by the Gendering Peace and Security Humanities Lab. Photo by Jordyn Kush/ASU Library

As fall 2024 humanities labs launch in the new semester, the Arizona State University Library and Humanities Lab commemorate an eight-year partnership in addition to the latest outcome of their collaboration: the unveiling of a new student and librarian-driven featured book collection, titled " Ecofeminist Expressions ."

The Humanities Lab’s unique format offers collaborative and transdisciplinary learning experiences for students and faculty by tackling pressing social challenges through a framework that leads with the humanities.

The embedded librarian partnership, which launched in fall 2017, pairs Humanities Lab courses and their corresponding social challenges (i.e., deconstructing race; sustainable fashion; Indigenous food systems) with expert librarians from specialized areas such as humanities, social sciences and Indigenous knowledge.

“Librarians have special skills in information and material collection, storage and retrieval, which is a major asset for students who’ve never had to work with specialized databases,” said Humanities Lab Program Manager and Humanizing Digital Culture co-faculty Monica Boyd . “An embedded lab librarian also means that the librarian is engaged with the course material alongside the student. Librarians have worked closely with student teams to create outcomes ... and enriched their lab’s inquiry through their own interests.”

With librarians in each lab course, the collaboration ignites students' ability to turn research inquiries into public-facing and actionable outcomes, including the new “Ecofeminist Expressions” collection, curated for the ASU community.

These transdisciplinary teams enrich the labs and student experiences, connecting students with the abundant resources available in the library.

“This partnership has allowed both entities to collaborate around a shared vision of creating a space for the deeper exploration of the challenging topics offered by the Humanities Labs,” said Debra Riley-Huff , associate university librarian for Engagement and Learning Services at the ASU Library. “Having librarians embedded in the labs means the students get to experience the relevance of both information literacy and the required levels of research and understanding needed to be information literate. The embedded librarians can bring tools and research methodology closer to students who may need to be made aware of them.”

This has been a welcome opportunity for librarians to work closely with faculty and students throughout the entire course.

“What's most fulfilling for me is being able to work with the two Humanities Lab faculty members, as a team and collaboratively, creating a course that engages students' curiosity and intellectual research and creativity,” said Mimmo Bonanni , a social sciences librarian at ASU. Bonanni has participated in four different labs, including " Deconstructing Race " and " Gendering Peace and Security ," the first in a series of UNESCO BRIDGES Humanities Labs.

A close-up of book spines displayed on a shelf

Photo by Jordyn Kush/ASU Library

Two people holding books showing the book covers in focus.

For students like Jessica Hladik, an academic senior majoring in business (sustainability) and supply chain management (with minors in Spanish and economics), having Bonanni in her Gendering Peace and Security Lab made all the difference.

“Mimmo was an incredibly supportive figure whose passion for learning and storytelling was clear to myself and my peers in the lab,” which includes her lab and "Ecofeminist Expressions" partner, Chimerezie Okezie, an informatics major in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering . “Not only did he help us with our research, but he taught us how to better navigate the resources available to us through the ASU Library system so that we could become better researchers on our own,” Hladik said.

Humanities Labs are open to all ASU students regardless of their major. The labs are the only program of its kind in the U.S.

Miki Caul Kittilson , professor and vice dean in the College of Global Futures , was the co-lead for the Gendering Peace and Security Lab . “In this lab, students connected the goals of peace, gender equity and sustainable futures for all through a transdisciplinary and comparative focus. Despite the fundamentally interconnected challenges of climate, security and gender equality, advocates and policymakers often treat each problem in isolation,” Kittilson said.

This particular lab worked with the UNESCO and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and brought together a team to help answer a global call to action to improve human lives and protect the environment.

“The SDGs are built on decades of work,” Kittilson said. “Students in our lab explored the conditions that created the possibility of the SDGs, and through question-based learning, worked together to re-imagine them.”

Fall 2024 Humanities Lab offerings

Interested in learning more about future labs?

Review the fall 2024 list .

For the lab's final project, Hladik and Okezie worked on an "ecofeminism in media" book list with the idea of sharing the list throughout the ASU and Tempe communities and libraries. Bonanni was impressed with the bibliography and connected with the ASU Library’s Open Stack Collections team to collaborate to turn the original list into a featured collection. The result is the “Ecofeminist Expressions'' book and film collection that is currently located on the second floor of Hayden Library .

Kittilson emphasized how the project skillfully connects issues with sustainability. “Jessica and Chimereze’s project draws on literature to raise fundamental questions central to the analysis and re-imagining: What is gender? What do we mean by gender equality? What is peace? How do we define conflict? What do we mean by environment? How are these things connected?” Kittilson said.

“Ecofeminist Expressions” includes thought leaders who have contributed to the field, a branch of feminism and political ecology wherein people draw on the concept of gender to analyze the relations between humans and the natural world. Materials in the collection include fictional books, films and foundational titles from ecofeminist theorists.

Kittilson said, “Jessica and Mimmo’s book display is important because it provides an opportunity for students to explore these important and urgent questions through literature. Data and research are always important, and yet this connection through literature and art is vital to connecting us as human beings to these complex and urgent challenges of planetary health and peace.”

For Hladik, she hopes the featured collection can serve as a resource for students and visitors interested in learning more about the intersectionality of gender equality, women’s rights and environmental challenges.

“The original project sought to address the disconnect that may exist between how individuals understand the bond between social and environmental sides of sustainability,” Hladik said. "Although sustainability is built on environmental and social themes, there may be a lack of understanding of how they are intertwined.

“I believe creating a space where these stories are more accessible for members of the ASU community gives power to the ecofeminist movement and promotes learning for anyone who happens to come across it.”

This story was co-written by Marilyn Murphy and Maureen Kobierowski.

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Should college essays touch on race? Some feel the affirmative action ruling leaves them no choice

CHICAGO — When she started writing her college essay, Hillary Amofa told the story she thought admissions offices wanted to hear. About being the daughter of immigrants from Ghana and growing up in a small apartment in Chicago. About hardship and struggle.

Then she deleted it all.

“I would just find myself kind of trauma-dumping,” said the 18-year-old senior at Lincoln Park High School in Chicago. “And I’m just like, this doesn’t really say anything about me as a person.”

When the Supreme Court ended affirmative action in higher education, it left the college essay as one of few places where race can play a role in admissions decisions. For many students of color, instantly more was riding on the already high-stakes writing assignment. Some say they felt pressure to exploit their hardships as they competed for a spot on campus.

Amofa was just starting to think about her essay when the court issued its decision, and it left her with a wave of questions. Could she still write about her race? Could she be penalized for it? She wanted to tell colleges about her heritage but she didn’t want to be defined by it.

In English class, Amofa and her classmates read sample essays that all seemed to focus on some trauma or hardship. It left her with the impression she had to write about her life’s hardest moments to show how far she’d come. But she and some of her classmates wondered if their lives had been hard enough to catch the attention of admissions offices.

“For a lot of students, there’s a feeling of, like, having to go through something so horrible to feel worthy of going to school, which is kind of sad,” said Amofa, the daughter of a hospital technician and an Uber driver.

This year’s senior class is the first in decades to navigate college admissions without affirmative action . The Supreme Court upheld the practice in decisions going back to the 1970s, but this court’s conservative supermajority found it is unconstitutional for colleges to give students extra weight because of their race alone.

Still, the decision left room for race to play an indirect role: Chief Justice John Roberts wrote universities can still consider how an applicant’s life was shaped by their race, “so long as that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability.”

“A benefit to a student who overcame racial discrimination, for example, must be tied to that student’s courage and determination,” he wrote.

Scores of colleges responded with new essay prompts asking about students’ backgrounds. Brown University asked applicants how “an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you.” Rice University asked students how their perspectives were shaped by their “background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity.”

WONDERING IF SCHOOLS 'EXPECT A SOB STORY'

When Darrian Merritt started writing his essay, he knew the stakes were higher than ever because of the court’s decision. His first instinct was to write about events that led to him going to live with his grandmother as a child.

Those were painful memories, but he thought they might play well at schools like Yale, Stanford and Vanderbilt.

“I feel like the admissions committee might expect a sob story or a tragic story,” said Merritt, a senior in Cleveland. “And if you don’t provide that, then maybe they’re not going to feel like you went through enough to deserve having a spot at the university. I wrestled with that a lot.”

He wrote drafts focusing on his childhood, but it never amounted to more than a collection of memories. Eventually he abandoned the idea and aimed for an essay that would stand out for its positivity.

Merritt wrote about a summer camp where he started to feel more comfortable in his own skin. He described embracing his personality and defying his tendency to please others. The essay had humor — it centered on a water gun fight where he had victory in sight but, in a comedic twist, slipped and fell. But the essay also reflects on his feelings of not being “Black enough” and getting made fun of for listening to “white people music.”

“I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to write this for me, and we’re just going to see how it goes,’” he said. “It just felt real, and it felt like an honest story.”

The essay describes a breakthrough as he learned “to take ownership of myself and my future by sharing my true personality with the people I encounter. ... I realized that the first chapter of my own story had just been written.”

A RULING PROMPTS PIVOTS ON ESSAY TOPICS

Like many students, Max Decker of Portland, Oregon, had drafted a college essay on one topic, only to change direction after the Supreme Court ruling in June.

Decker initially wrote about his love for video games. In a childhood surrounded by constant change, navigating his parents’ divorce, the games he took from place to place on his Nintendo DS were a source of comfort.

But the essay he submitted to colleges focused on the community he found through Word is Bond, a leadership group for young Black men in Portland.

As the only biracial, Jewish kid with divorced parents in a predominantly white, Christian community, Decker wrote he constantly felt like the odd one out. On a trip with Word is Bond to Capitol Hill, he and friends who looked just like him shook hands with lawmakers. The experience, he wrote, changed how he saw himself.

“It’s because I’m different that I provide something precious to the world, not the other way around,” he wrote.

As a first-generation college student, Decker thought about the subtle ways his peers seemed to know more about navigating the admissions process . They made sure to get into advanced classes at the start of high school, and they knew how to secure glowing letters of recommendation.

If writing about race would give him a slight edge and show admissions officers a fuller picture of his achievements, he wanted to take that small advantage.

His first memory about race, Decker said, was when he went to get a haircut in elementary school and the barber made rude comments about his curly hair. Until recently, the insecurity that moment created led him to keep his hair buzzed short.

Through Word is Bond, Decker said he found a space to explore his identity as a Black man. It was one of the first times he was surrounded by Black peers and saw Black role models. It filled him with a sense of pride in his identity. No more buzzcut.

The pressure to write about race involved a tradeoff with other important things in his life, Decker said. That included his passion for journalism, like the piece he wrote on efforts to revive a once-thriving Black neighborhood in Portland. In the end, he squeezed in 100 characters about his journalism under the application’s activities section.

“My final essay, it felt true to myself. But the difference between that and my other essay was the fact that it wasn’t the truth that I necessarily wanted to share,” said Decker, whose top college choice is Tulane, in New Orleans, because of the region’s diversity. “It felt like I just had to limit the truth I was sharing to what I feel like the world is expecting of me.”

SPELLING OUT THE IMPACT OF RACE

Before the Supreme Court ruling, it seemed a given to Imani Laird that colleges would consider the ways that race had touched her life. But now, she felt like she had to spell it out.

As she started her essay, she reflected on how she had faced bias or felt overlooked as a Black student in predominantly white spaces.

There was the year in math class when the teacher kept calling her by the name of another Black student. There were the comments that she’d have an easier time getting into college because she was Black .

“I didn’t have it easier because of my race,” said Laird, a senior at Newton South High School in the Boston suburbs who was accepted at Wellesley and Howard University, and is waiting to hear from several Ivy League colleges. “I had stuff I had to overcome.”

In her final essays, she wrote about her grandfather, who served in the military but was denied access to GI Bill benefits because of his race.

She described how discrimination fueled her ambition to excel and pursue a career in public policy.

“So, I never settled for mediocrity,” she wrote. “Regardless of the subject, my goal in class was not just to participate but to excel. Beyond academics, I wanted to excel while remembering what started this motivation in the first place.”

WILL SCHOOLS LOSE RACIAL DIVERSITY?

Amofa used to think affirmative action was only a factor at schools like Harvard and Yale. After the court’s ruling, she was surprised to find that race was taken into account even at some public universities she was applying to.

Now, without affirmative action, she wondered if mostly white schools will become even whiter.

It’s been on her mind as she chooses between Indiana University and the University of Dayton, both of which have relatively few Black students. When she was one of the only Black students in her grade school, she could fall back on her family and Ghanaian friends at church. At college, she worries about loneliness.

“That’s what I’m nervous about,” she said. “Going and just feeling so isolated, even though I’m constantly around people.”

The first drafts of her essay focused on growing up in a low-income family, sharing a bedroom with her brother and grandmother. But it didn’t tell colleges about who she is now, she said.

Her final essay tells how she came to embrace her natural hair . She wrote about going to a mostly white grade school where classmates made jokes about her afro. When her grandmother sent her back with braids or cornrows, they made fun of those too.

Over time, she ignored their insults and found beauty in the styles worn by women in her life. She now runs a business doing braids and other hairstyles in her neighborhood.

“I stopped seeing myself through the lens of the European traditional beauty standards and started seeing myself through the lens that I created,” Amofa wrote.

“Criticism will persist, but it loses its power when you know there’s a crown on your head!”

Ma reported from Portland, Oregon.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .

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