Humanities 1 & 2

Welcome to Humanities 1 and 2!

Global Humanities I and II is a two-term sequence in the fall and winter term that introduces first-year students to the interdisciplinary richness of the humanities. Through an exploration of compelling texts, films, paintings, and other artworks that speak to key moments in global culture, students are invited to learn about the stories, images, and ideas that shape and reshape our world. Weekly lectures are paired with small, lively discussion sections in which students work with professors and peers to hone their analytical and writing skills. The themes of the courses change every year.  Examples of past themes are "What is the Good Life" (Fall 2023), "Varieties of Intimacy" (Winter 2024), “(In)Equalities” (Fall 2024), “Longing and Belonging” (Winter 2025), "Decadence" (Fall 2025), and "Believability" (Winter 2026). The theme of HUM 1 (Fall 2026) and of HUM 2 (Winter 2027) will be announced in the summer of 2026.

Humanities 1 satisfies the Writing 5 requirement. Global Humanities 2 is a continuation of Humanities 1. Humanities 2 satisfies the First Year Seminar requirement.

The student experience

See what Dartmouth students have to say about the humanities sequence:

The Humanities at Dartmouth

The humanities sequence is hosted by The Leslie Center for the Humanities. The Leslie Center provides support to the humanities at Dartmouth through colloquia, seminars, symposia, and conferences, as well as activities for students, faculty and visitors.