Our Pursuit
The Humanities reach far and wide and into every dimension of life. We invite you to join us in exploring some of the biggest questions of our time — on who is at the center of the study of medicine; on ethics and morality in the face of disaster; on the place of law and politics in the future of democracy; on the digital arts that connect the arts and engineering; on the substance of real justice; and on the shape and consequence of a life well lived.
The humanities pursue the study of the human experience, past and present, encompassing the study of history and art history, languages and literatures, philosophy, religion, and visual and dramatic arts. Our students learn skills in critical analysis, interpretation and argument, analytical writing, and oral presentation in both individual and collaborative undertakings. They investigate how societies, cultures, human values, and everyday experiences have been transformed, represented, and remembered over time.
Through research collaborations and partnerships that reach broadly and deeply into Houston, we provide Rice students opportunities to intern and engage in other experiential learning experiences with professionals in medicine, museums and cultural institutions, environmental, energy and educational institutions, local legal and judicial systems, businesses, and local civic and non-profit organizations.
The best way to get to know us is by exploring our websites and following us on social media (@RiceHumanities). Prospective students, be sure to attend any of our information sessions. And be sure to join us for an upcoming public event. You're always welcome. Current students, consider taking any of our introductory courses and one of our popular Big Questions courses, which invite students from outside the humanities and allow them to see the ways in which humanities inquiry can help make sense of the world we live in and the daily dilemmas we all face.