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Humes at Davidson is community. Humes is critical.

The Humanities Program (Humes) is a year-long experience for first-year students. We ask big questions about the world and how we find meaning in it, all in a close-knit community of curious faculty and students. No single disciplinary approach can answer the big questions, so faculty come from across the college. In 2026-2027 students will learn from experts in History, Literary Studies, Media Studies, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Theatre, and more. 

Every year Humes tackles a new theme that orients our readings and discussions. Themes in recent years have included The Future and Justice. Our theme for 2026-2027 is Monsters. There’s no end to the questions about monsters we can explore. Why do monsters fascinate us? What gets called a monster? Who gets called a monster? Are monsters born or made? Can systems be monstrous? Can art be monstrous? Can monstrosity be a form of resistance? If you’re curious about these questions or have questions of your own about monsters, then Humes may be the right place for you. Contact the program chair for more information about Humanities.

The Humanities Program receives substantial programming support from the Warren and Catherine Cox Endowment in the Humanities, established by Warren M. Cox, Jr., Davidson Class of 1924, and his wife Catherine Cox Gaither, to provide support for the Humanities Program.

In addition, the Humanities Program receives support from the Epes Distinguished Lectureship in the Humanities, which provides substantial support for a visiting distinguished public intellectual or scholar to visit the course and give a public lecture related to the course each year.