"The Humanities Expand Your Horizons": Facilitating Transformative Learning Among Adults During a Crisis

• In Event: Transformative Learning in the Humanities

Abstract

This paper draws on my experience directing and teaching in the Clemente Veterans’ Initiative [CITY]—a free, college credit-bearing humanities course for veterans and military-connected civilians—during the social, political, and public health crises of 2020-2021. Three primary themes emerged from autoethnographic data collected over two semesters: the transformative power of the humanities; the importance of sustained, rich dialogue; and quality over quantity. When faced with a disorienting dilemma or crisis, educators might consider incorporating humanistic texts and art into their courses to promote reflection and perspective transformation; pursuing dialogic, synchronous instruction to build community; and making course adjustments to focus more on students’ deep engagement with material rather than mastery.

Author

• Charity Anderson