Understanding the Humanities in Research: An Overview

When discussing the humanities, it's often helpful to begin by defining what they are not. The humanities are distinct from natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and sports. These fields are more closely aligned with empirical research and concrete, measurable outcomes, whereas the humanities are concerned with exploring the abstract and often subjective aspects of human culture, thought, and creation.

Defining the Humanities

The humanities include a diverse array of disciplines such as language and literature, history, art history, musicology, music history, and philosophy. Additionally, there are interdisciplinary fields like Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Classics, and American Studies. Each of these fields contributes to our understanding of the human experience, past and present.

The Academic Journey of a Historian

As a historian, my primary focus is on the historiography of the early modern period, specifically the 16th and 17th centuries. This involves studying the history of written history itself during that era. My research requires a deep dive into a wide array of old and rare books, as well as archives filled with unpublished documents. Since many of these sources are written in foreign languages, I have had to cultivate a strong working knowledge of several languages, along with an understanding of old handwriting and historical abbreviations. This niche field, known as paleography, was a critical component of my graduate studies and remains an essential tool in my research toolkit.

Diverse Fields of Specialization within the Humanities

Within the humanities, there are numerous fields of specialization, each with varying levels of research demands. For example, art historians often engage in extensive research, especially when it comes to patronage, iconography, and historical art markets and economies. This work requires a deep understanding of historical contexts and the motivations behind artistic creations and commissions. On the other hand, literary critics tend to focus more on the analysis of texts, which, while still requiring significant research, often leans more towards textual and contextual analysis rather than empirical investigation.

The Importance of Research in the Humanities

The level of research required can vary greatly depending on the field. In addition to the historian's focus on archival and rare book research, there are other methodologies employed in the humanities. For instance, historians and literary scholars may conduct extensive archival research, whereas art historians might examine materials from museum collections or visit sites of historical significance. The interdisciplinary nature of the humanities means that researchers often draw from multiple sources, combining historical, theoretical, and empirical approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Conclusion

The humanities play a crucial role in our understanding of the human experience, past and present. They provide a lens through which we can examine the complexities of human culture, thought, and creation. Whether it be in the form of historical research, literary analysis, or artistic examination, the humanities offer a wealth of insight into the myriad ways in which humans have shaped and continue to shape their world.