David Stradling and Anne Steinert

Second Semester Action Plan
January 2017

David Stradling and Anne Steinert

Our first semester of work has focused on information gathering, both through round table discussions and readings that Anne and I have undertaken. Research conducted thus far has allowed us to refine our broader goals and to develop specific action areas. In addition to the final report for the NEH, we expect to generate two other documents this semester: a draft implementation grant proposal and an analysis of survey results from current students and alumni.

Project Goals

1. Match student experience (curricular and extra-curricular) with student employment outcomes.

This is the primary goal of the NEH NextGen program. Students should be better prepared for a range of employment opportunities. This preparation can come through broader curricular offerings and through improved mentoring.

2. Promote the continued value of a humanities PhD.

Our discussions have reminded us of that doctoral programs create more than experts in narrow research fields. We train broad thinkers with extraordinary writing and critical thinking skills.

3. Improve collaboration across the humanities at the University of Cincinnati.

We must continue to find areas where sharing resources and expertise better serves our students and disciplines.

4. Train better academics through interdisciplinary collaborations.

An ancillary outcome of our work should be broader training of all of our students, training that brings them more consistently in contact with scholars in multiple disciplines. This should better prepare students seeking a position in an academy increasingly enamored with interdisciplinarity.

Action Areas

1. Structural/Curricular Change

A. Develop an infrastructure for graduate internships in the humanities.

UC has developed an extensive structure for serving undergraduate interns. We should work with experts on campus to create services for graduate students who want work experiences to be part of their education. We should work to formalize existing ties to local companies, non-profits, and university offices. Where possible, we should create standing internship relationships. Potential partners include Ohio Valley History, the University of Cincinnati Press, and the digital scholarship center.

B. Develop shared humanities coursework.

We should explore the development of a shared curriculum around common skills development. One course might focus on professional development in conjunction with internships. Other courses could include pedagogy and writing, including grant writing.

2. Cultural Change

A. Faculty Dialogue:

David Stradling will meet with faculty in humanities departments to share the findings of this committee and to open a dialogue within participating departments. This dialogue should help change university culture around the employment for our PhDs outside the academy. Departments must be prepared to create curricular space for innovations around internships and shared coursework.

B. Create a Humanities PhD Website

We will develop a website for graduate students and their mentors to help them prepare for employment outside the university and to make the most of resources within the university. This site will contain links to career development materials, campus resources, internship listings, and other resources. The website could also promote face-to-face events such as workshops, tours, conferences, and even social events to build connections among PhD students in the humanities.