School of Humanities
Explore complex ideas, universal concepts, and expression
The School of Humanities is comprised of the major disciplines of English, history, philosophy and religion. In other words, we are the school that examines and celebrates the human capacity for expression, empathy and critical evaluation. Offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees, our programs delve into what makes culture and society what it is: How did we get here? Why do we think as we do? Our school challenges students to think critically and question one’s basic assumptions, all the while exploring the best that has been thought, written and argued throughout recorded time.
Meet our faculty Plan your visit
Featured Faculty
Dr. Sam Bruton |
Dr. Heather Stur |
Dr. Ery Shin |
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| Bruton is a Professor of Philosophy and Director of USM’s Office of Research Integrity. His recent scholarship focuses on applied ethics, especially research ethics, and he frequently teaches courses in the Philosophy of Law, Critical Thinking, and Ethical Theory. When not philosophizing, he can frequently be heard playing jazz piano. In Spring 2020, his quartet celebrating the music of Dave Brubeck will be performing at Duling Hall in Jackson, the Natchez Music Festival, and Hattiesburg’s Festival South. | Heather Stur is an associate professor of history and fellow in the Dale Center for the Study of War & Society. She is the author of three books and is writing a book about General Buford Blount, who led the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division into Baghdad in 2003. Outside work, Dr. Stur is either training for a marathon or cheering for her kids at their basketball, baseball, and soccer games. |
Specializing in modernism and avant-garde practices, Ery Shin is an assistant professor of English at the University of Southern Mississippi. Her first book, Gertrude Stein’s Surrealist Years, is forthcoming from the University of Alabama Press, while separate essays have appeared in Modern Language Studies and the Journal of Modern Literature. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys watching horror movies (the kitschier, the better), ice skating, following street dance trends, and sampling new Southern cuisine. |
Our Programs
The School of Humanities offers innovative and challenging undergraduate and graduate programs in our disciplines, including programs in secondary education in English and social studies/history.
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Our Research
The School of Humanities offers a range of research and creative opportunities for study. The philosophy program offers a Pre-Law emphasis degree ideal for students interested in Law School. The English program, with its emphasis in literary history and analysis, also houses a nationally recognized creative writing program. History offers a full range of history courses along with dynamic studies in war and society, part of the acclaimed Dale Center for the Study of War and Society. Students pursuing secondary education in English or Social Studies/History take part in school-based learning experiences with practicing teachers and graduates of our programs.