Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a series of responses to common questions regarding the humanities sequence, and reasons to consider these courses as a valuable step towards becoming a successful student and scholar.

Why two terms?

The HUM courses cover a great range of eras and texts. Two Dartmouth quarters allow barely enough time to study this material. Hence the two-term sequence.

If I am accepted, do I have to take both terms?

No. You may choose to complete Humanities 1 in the fall and receive credit for fulfilling the Writing 5 requirement. If you choose not to take Humanities 2 in the winter, which fulfills the first-year seminar requirement, you will be required to take another designated first-year seminar

* Please note: If you begin by taking Writing 5 in the fall term and then decide you would like to apply for Humanities 2 in the winter term as your first-year seminar, you may do so if there are spaces available. More information is available here: https://www.dartmouth.edu/hums1-2/apply_for_humanities_2.html

What do I need to know about the First-Year Writing Requirement?

The first-year writing requirement is a sequence intended to equip students with the skills to develop and present scholarly work. Humanities 1 & 2 together fulfill the first-year writing requirement. That is, Humanities 1 replaces Writing 5 and Humanities 2 replaces the first-year seminar.

What dates do I need to know?

The application period for Humanities 1 (Fall 2025) and Humanities 2 (Winter 2026) opened on June 1, 2025 and closed on June 30, 2025.

Who are this year’s faculty?

HUM 1 Fall 2025, "Decadence",  will be taught by Min Young Godley (English and Creative Writing), Lucas Hollister (French and Italian), Carlos Manchillo (Spanish and Portuguese), Analola Santana (Theater), Devin Singh (Religion), and Kenny Walden (Philosophy).

HUM 2 Winter 2026, "Believability", will be taught by Jessica Beckman (English and Creative Writing), Petra McGillen (German Studies), and Paul Young (Film and Media Studies).