Thesis Defense Announcement

The College of Arts and Sciences announces the Final Thesis Defense of

Nancy Kathleen Manning

for the Degree of Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

November 12, 2018 at 9:30 AM in Brister Hall, Room 201

Advisor: Colin Chapell

A Decline in Humanities: How Humanities Are Perceived by Higher Academia and American Society

ABSTRACT: Humanities are essential to society as human beings, giving individuals insight into personal values, human nature, and cultural meaning. In addition, humanities allow individuals to use their intellect, critical thinking skills, and abilities to express shared ideals and principles. However, there has been a decline in humanities disciplines among university institutions. Within collegiate societies humanities play a central role giving students opportunities to develop critical and analytical thinking skills, along with using imaginations. Moreover, by embracing the humanities, people learn values about diverse cultures, plus appreciate and understand the world in which they live. Furthermore, the study of humanities and intellect offer people opportunities to let go of social media, exploring emotions, thoughts, and ideas they may share with others. "Decline of Humanities" examines the decrease of humanities disciplines in higher academia plus the American public. Furthermore, Manning's paper includes sources from educational journals, academic text books, the USA Today, and The Commercial Appeal newspapers. Manning demonstrates that the humanities disciplines is declining within the higher education field and lacks interest among a certain majority of the American public.