10. Innovative Strategies for Humanities Education: A Conversation with Alain-Philippe Durand

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Alain-Philippe Durand discusses the importance and relevance of humanities degrees in today's job market, emphasizing the skills they provide that are in high demand. He shares insights on the success of the College of Humanities at the University of Arizona, highlighting strategies for growth, the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the innovative Applied Humanities degree that combines essential skills with professional emphasis. Dr. Durand also addresses common misconceptions about the humanities and shares success stories from alumni. Gregor Thuswaldner and Alain-Philippe Durand discuss the evolving landscape of humanities education, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the challenges faced by humanities programs, and the impact of AI on language learning. They explore the necessity of maintaining human connections in an increasingly digital world and highlight the significance of contrarian leadership in advocating for the value of humanities in education. Takeaways • Humanities degrees equip students with critical thinking skills. • There is a growing demand for humanities graduates in various fields. • Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances educational experiences. • Alumni success stories challenge the narrative of humanities being 'useless'. • The Applied Humanities degree combines essential skills with professional training.