The Humanities Fellowship

Examine and engage the human world from a multitude of perspectives

Do you find yourself asking the big questions? Are you looking to delve into an aspect of life you’re passionate about and transform it into a career? At Moravian University, we invite you to apply to our Humanities Fellowship, where you will expand your horizons with like-minded students and learn how exploring the humanities can have an impact not only in your career, but in your life. 

You don’t have to declare a humanities-focused major to participate–we welcome anyone with an excitement for the humanities, including first-year students with undeclared majors. We invite students with interests in business, teaching, healthcare, environmental studies, art and music, mathematics, etc., to also consider adding a humanities focus to their studies. This fellowship’s purpose is to expand your worldview and enhance your ability to think critically and creatively about a variety of topics. If this applies to you, please consider applying for the Humanities Fellowship!

Here at Moravian, we strive for our students to obtain a well-rounded education. Our Humanities Fellowship supports this goal and the interests of our students, as our advisors guide students in bridging the gap between vocation and career. 

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What are the Humanities?

The humanities encourage the study of a diversity of people, places, and societies throughout history to the present day, connecting us with others to discover answers about what is ethical and true. English literature, the arts, law, philosophy, global religious studies, and history are some of the most common areas of study. But in addition to focusing on content knowledge in these fields, study in the humanities also provides you with the opportunity to develop skills, such as effective teamwork, critical thinking, research, analysis, and writing for many different audiences, that can build your foundation for any academic or professional field.

Studies of current labor trends clearly show that more employers are seeking evidence of a candidate’s ability to solve problems, work as a team, and develop strong communication skills. Because the Humanities excel in the development of these essential abilities, HF students will be better equipped to pursue a broader range of full-time employment opportunities after graduation.

Why Participate?

Fellows receive special advising, participate in specialized HF-designed courses, create educational “maps” that help them to bridge classes with career development, and serve as part of a cohort of up to 12 students who will collaborate in unique projects, courses, travel experiences, service learning, and activism.

Fellows are also supported in discerning, planning, and implementing the process of moving from their four-year education to employment/graduate school or other post-college options–as there are vast opportunities, many of which are not immediately obvious, for a graduate with a background in humanities.

Fellowship Requirements

Humanities Fellows must meet the following standards to remain in the program after acceptance:

• Successful participation in the fall and spring humanities seminars and in the HF professional development seminar
• Good academic standing in a humanities program
• Dedicated participation in all Fellowship activities and requirements
• Demonstrated commitment to the idea/mission of the engaged humanities

Scholarship

Through the Humanities Fellowship, students can be awarded up to an additional $5,000 on top of their merit scholarship. Factors to be considered will be the applicant’s academic background, presentation, demonstrated interest, and financial need. 

How to Apply

We’re excited to learn more about your interest in and passion for the humanities! Your submission will show your passion for one or more of the humanities  (English and Writing Arts, Global Religions, History, Modern Languages, Philosophy); and/or additional multidisciplinary programs with strong anchors in the humanities (Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Peace and Justice Studies, Africana Studies, Medieval Studies). Remember that you may align one of the areas above with other interests, such as business, teaching, healthcare, environmental studies, art and music, mathematics, etc. 

Here are the steps you should take to apply: 

1. Choose a question or issue of concern to you, your community, and/or the world. (Think about local/global issues we all face, such as sustainability and climate change, poverty, inequality and racial justice, health and healthcare, war and peacebuilding.)
2. Choose a creative medium:
   • An essay, poem(s), other work of writing you have composed
   • A short film (or selection from a longer film) you have created
   • A Powerpoint or Prezzi that showcases your advocacy, exploration, or service
   • A podcast, blog, or other form of communication that shows how you are mobilizing passion in the humanities with concern, advocacy, and action
   • Make up your own format—we’re open! 
3. Create a project that covers your question/concern and showcases your passion for study in one or more of the humanities that would allow you to explore your concern more deeply. Please feel free to draw on academic work, creative work, and/or efforts you have expended in your community.
4. Fill out the application and attach your submission. 

If selected, you’ll be asked to prepare a 15-minute presentation to make to a small group of Moravian humanities faculty and students. You’ll receive more information about this part later!

Nominations from Counselors, Teachers, and Community Leaders

Secondary school counselors, teachers, and community leaders are welcome and encouraged to nominate high school seniors who they believe will be a good fit for HF.  Students who have already begun their freshman year at Moravian University may apply or be nominated by faculty or advisors to join the HF in their sophomore year. 

Please complete the HF Nomination Form. The nominee will receive an email notification with instructions on how to submit their application. Questions should be directed to Kaylee Lagler, admissions counselor, at laglerk@moravian.edu or 610-625-7854. 

Student Profiles

Contact 

For more information, contact Kelly Denton-Borhaug, Professor, Global Religions or John Black, Professor and Chair of the English Department & Co-Director of Medieval Studies.