Masterclasses in the Humanities
Masterclasses are one credit courses for undergraduate and graduate humanities majors. Students meet once a month each semester to focus on critical questions and debates using a variety of methodologies, forms, and historical contexts. Classes are structured around a topic or text that stimulates class discussion among graduate and undergraduate students. Community-building is a major part of this program. To expose Rice students to a wide variety of innovative research within the humanities, classes are often facilitated by outside scholars from throughout the U.S. Scholars lead class discussion, and also give a lecture open to all on campus. In addition to building ties between Rice and other universities, Masterclasses build community among scholarly and professional levels within Rice humanities disciplines. Each undergraduate participant is assigned a graduate mentor, and students work and discuss material with Rice professors and visiting scholars. Masterclasses act as forums through which to nourish undergraduate scholars interested in advanced research in the humanities. For more information about this year's Masterclasses, see the Resources links below.
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"I enjoy the Masterclasses not only because of the chance to interact with scholars from other universities, to get a sense of the innovative and engaging work that is happening in the discipline, but also because the Masterclasses provide valuable opportunities to learn from and connect with undergraduate and graduate students who are quite thoughtful and dedicated to their work. As an aspiring graduate student, it's a glimpse into what I hope I will be enjoying everyday in graduate school." - 2012 Rice Senior Maria Vrcek |
Masterclass Aims:
- Provides opportunities for majors to interact in an intimate setting with scholars from Rice, from the region, and from around the country
- Affords the opportunity to gain insight into the requirements and expectations of graduate and professional studies
- Exposes undergraduates to a variety of advanced research methodologies
- Encourages participants to develop and execute their own advanced research projects
- Fosters mentoring relationships between graduate and undergraduate students
Undergraduate Participation:
Undergraduates receive a one pass/fail course credit for each semester they participate in the Masterclass. Students are required to attend each one-hour seminar, and are highly encouraged to participate in any symposiums or presentations that the course includes.
Graduate Participation:
Within the Masterclass program, graduate students encourage undergraduate research and scholarly development. Grads are encouraged to meet with their undergraduate mentees throughout the semester to discuss course materials, and are required to participate in each Masterclass seminar. Like undergraduates, graduate students receive a one pass/fail course credit per semester. Additionally, they receive a modest stipend for books and/or conference travel.
Resources:
