How F&M Does Humanities

When you hear us say “humanities,” we mean subjects that study aspects of human society and culture. Subjects as wide-ranging as art and art history, music, dance, philosophy, literature and more can be found under the humanities umbrella.

When you study humanities at F&M, you'll explore the ways people across different times and places make sense of their lives in diverse forms of artistic, cultural and intellectual expression. Through your courses and hands-on work, you'll examine the range of human experience through the study of languages, literatures, philosophies, religions and cultural and artistic productions.

Mia Gwirtzman '23 has a discussion with Nicholas Bonneau, adjunct professor of history. Gwirtzman recorded a podcast focus on research in art history and public health.

Out-of-the-Classroom Learning

We emphasize hands-on experiential work. When you study humanities at F&M, you’ll have opportunities to step out of the classroom and into the field to engage in different, dynamic forms of learning. With off-campus study and research opportunities, internships and more, you’ll collaborate with world-class humanities faculty, engage with the community, get practical, real-world experience and explore questions students elsewhere might only read about.

Explore experiential learning at F&M

Careers in Humanities

After graduating from F&M, many of our students pursue graduate studies in the humanities at leading programs around the world.  Other students leverage the skills they've gained from the humanities — writing, analysis, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and cultural knowledge and awareness among others — and find success in careers in education, law, medicine, business, the nonprofit sector, and more.

Explore success beyond F&M »

See Humanities at F&M in Action

May 11, 2024

Williamson Medal Winner: Roxana Calder

The Williamson Medal is the highest student award presented each year at Franklin & Marshall’s Commencement

May 7, 2024

Student Explores Food in Italian Slow-Food Culture

Franklin & Marshall College senior Jonathan Izzo combined his twin passions for his family’s Italian heritage and for sustainable food systems to cap his academic career.

May 3, 2024

Senior Spotlight: Olha Shapovalenko

A double major in mathematics and studio art, international senior Olha Shapovalenko made the most of her F&M experience. From designing theater costumes to discovering new artistic mediums, the College “enriched my creative vocabulary,” she said.