Department of Humanities
The Department of Humanities is committed to connecting students with the enduring value of the humanities — the study of human cultural expressions in art, history, languages, literatures, writing, and philosophy across the globe.
Studying Humanities at Simmons
In addition to learning the humanistic skills of critical thinking, reading, writing, and speaking, students will develop an appreciation of the diversity of social, cultural, moral, and aesthetic values in human experience. A humanities-based education provides students with multiple career capabilities that are vital for our increasingly complex world.
Department of Humanities in the News
Children’s Literature Professor Helps Select Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winners
The Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards “recognize and reward excellence in literature for children and young adults.” As the School Library Journal reported, Professor and Graduate Program Director of Children’s Literature Cathryn Mercier chaired a group of judges who determined the 2024 awardees.
The Boston Globe Praises Literature Professor’s Daring New Book
A recent article in The Boston Globe commends Natural Magic: Emily Dickinson, Charles Darwin, and the Dawn of Modern Science (Princeton University Press, 2024) by Professor of Literature and Writing Renée Bergland.
Professor Homi K. Bhabha Delivers 2024 Robert M. Gay Memorial Lecture
Professor Homi K. Bhabha, the Anne F. Rothenberg Professor of the Humanities at Harvard University, was this year’s featured speaker for the Robert M. Gay Memorial Lecture. In his conversation with Simmons faculty and students, Bhabha emphasized the importance of dialogue with people from different backgrounds and points of view on their terms.
Professor Suzanne Leonard Discusses “Sex and the City’s” Toxic Masculinity in Los Angeles Times
“Audiences [today] are much more aware of the dangers of toxic masculinity, and that doesn't read as sexy anymore. I think you have more sophisticated feminist viewers,” says Leonard.
Assistant Professor Patrick Sylvain Offers Insights into Crisis in Haiti
After armed groups overran Port-au-Prince, thereby displacing thousands of residents and hindering access to food, Haiti’s government declared a state of emergency on March 4, 2024. According to Sylvain, Haiti must cultivate strong leadership to overcome the current crisis.
Remembering Professor Emeritus Lawrence “Larry” Langer
The recent passing of beloved Professor Emeritus of English Lawrence “Larry” Langer has deeply saddened everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him as a colleague, teacher, and mentor during a distinguished Simmons career that spanned over three decades.
Assistant Professor of History Yunxin Li Examines Gendered Foundations of Ancient Chinese Medicine
In a recent article published in The Bulletin of the Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology, Assistant Professor of History Yunxin Li explores the role of women and gender in the theory and practice of medicine in ancient China. She spoke with us about her research and what she will reflect on during Women’s History Month.
LGBTQ+ Community at Simmons
Associate Professor Sarah Leonard, who teaches the Seminar in the History of Women and Gender: “Queer Histories,” sees Simmons as an inclusive community.