The digital humanities department at UCLA is set to launch this fall, offering a Bachelor's degree in the field for the first time. This interdisciplinary major combines classical humanities subjects like history and literature with technological know-how, examining the increasingly AI-enhanced world we live in.
The new program is a direct result of the growing desire among employers for graduates who can think critically while harnessing new technology. As Todd Presner, a UCLA professor of European languages and transcultural studies, put it: "It's actually at our own peril when scientists are not speaking to folks in the humanities with historical knowledge, ethical knowledge, cultural knowledge, right? And at the same time, I'd say when the humanities are not understanding the technologies in the world today, they also could be seen as irrelevant."
The major will require students to work together on projects, a valuable skillset for hiring managers seeking. Students will learn how new technologies shape culture and the human biases that enter into their use. Top of mind is the rise of generative artificial intelligence and training students to use it ethically while understanding how easily it can produce misleading content.
One alumnus, Kedaar Sridhar, credits his minor in digital humanities with landing him an internship at Microsoft. His experience working on a social media data analysis project stood out, demonstrating the power of combining human-centered storytelling with technological skills.
As employers seek workers who are well-rounded and can think critically, it's no wonder that recent survey data indicates these skills are lacking among recent college graduates. The National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 55% of hiring managers say recent grads score well in communication skills, while around half are able to work well in a fast-paced setting.
On the other hand, technology is where recent graduates do better, with about 75% of employers placing high importance on adapting to new tech or using it to achieve company goals. However, this skillset is not as highly valued by hiring managers.
Despite the challenges facing humanities departments, Dean Alexandra Minna Stern remains optimistic about the potential for digital humanities to revitalize interest in traditional humanities fields. As she pointed out: "An art history grad is more likely to get a job these days than a computer science grad," citing data tracked by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
The new department will launch with 23 faculty members, including lecturers and staff, offering courses that span multiple campus buildings. Internship opportunities are also being secured with museums like the Wende Museum, which specializes in collecting artifacts and oral histories of refugees and digitizing them.
In the end, the digital humanities major at UCLA is poised to revolutionize the way we approach technology and culture, preparing students for a world where critical thinking and technological know-how are essential. Will other institutions follow suit? Only time will tell.
Written by: Slick Manchetz | The Citizen Edition
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