The American Academy of Arts and Science recently released a report called The Heart of the Matter which speaks to the vital role of the Humanities and Social Sciences in the fostering of an engaged, active, and productive citizenry.  Inevitably, this will spark renewed discussion of the social value of the humanities.  Under threat on university campuses, the Humanities and Social Sciences have a number of defenders.  I’ve appended three links which might fuel discussion on this important issue:

1. Anthony Grafton and James Grossman, “The Humanities in Dubious Battle” (July 1, 2013)
2. Andrew Motion, “The Bonfire of the Humanities,” Romanes Lecture (Oxford, June 2011).
3. Crisis in the Humanities: Problems and Possible Solutions (Chair, Jack Stevenson) Panelists: Nick Mount, Joe O’Connell, Germaine Warkentin, Janet Paterson.  (University of Toronto, January 2011).