Part 1

Helen Small’s introduction to The Value of the Humanities states that there are 5 distinct ways that humanities contribute to the public good. The first one states that they study the meaning-making practices of the culture, focusing on interpretation and evaluation with an indispensable element of subjectivity. This reminds me of my intercultural communication class that I took last semester. In this class I learned that there are multiple ways that communication can be interpreted among groups of people and is never fixed. The 4th distinct way humanities is important is described as critical thought and debate. This is important in a professional setting because it translates into problem solving skills in a concise way. When I think about the broader social value of the humanities, I agree with several of Smalls’ claims, specifically “democracy needs us”. This is because the ability to analyze and question responsibly will give humanities a deeper meaning. 

Part 2

In my future professional career I hope to work within live entertainment, specifically programming. This entails artist contracts, backstage hospitality, and run of show logistics. The main purpose of this job is to provide artists and their managers with venue support so they can perform as well as get paid for it. 

I have a major in Communications and Media Arts and a triple minor in Business Administration, Marketing and Writing. These are extremely broad things to study but every single piece of work I have done within academics has led me to the career I want to pursue. The program goals of the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communications and Media Arts are strongly focused on providing our students with the oral, written, technical and critical thinking skills. I will take these skills into the workplace by providing clear communications between the venue and the artists. I will also have the necessary skills for positive workplace relationships. Some specific skills listed within the Communication major include negotiation and collaboration in an effective manner, writing for specific purposes and situations, and using communication technology effectively and ethically in a professional setting. Alongside my major of communications I have a minor in business administration. The mission of the Business programs is to prepare students for ethically and socially responsible roles in business, not-for-profit organizations, and society in general. This will help me achieve my career goals because I hope to work with non-profit art organizations and when one does that they have to perform ethically. I also have a minor in marketing. The learning outcomes will develop skills continually in demand driven by the evolving needs of businesses to connect with customers in an increasingly digital and global marketplace. You will need these skills in almost any type of work that you are in. I also have a minor in writing. One of the learning objectives is to provide meaningful, substantive peer feedback in both professional and feedback in creative, professional, and discipline-specific writing contexts which will be extremely helpful in a professional context.