Humanities 101 Promotes Education Without Barriers
Free community outreach program saw another successful year at Trent University Durham GTA
Trent University Durham GTA offered Humanities 101 for its fourth consecutive year, this fall. Humanities 101 is a ten-week, non-credit program designed to provide those who have encountered financial or other barriers with access to higher education. The program ran at the Trent Durham campus on Tuesday evenings throughout the fall semester and was based on similar programs at institutions across Canada.
The program was free of charge and admission required only a recommendation from a local social services agency. There were no assignments or tests, and incidentals including public transportation, childcare expenses, and writing materials were covered by the University. This year’s cohort included 14 students who completed the program on November 28.
“Humanities 101 connects Trent Durham GTA with the larger community, makes life-long learning accessible, and welcomes our neighbours from across the region to our campus,” explained Amber Ashton, manager of Academic Programs and Campus Operations. “The dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff, combined with the support of many community agencies and enthusiastic participants, make this program possible.”
Each week a professor from a different discipline delivered a one-hour lecture followed by a one-hour seminar discussion to inspire a dialogue among the program participants. Participants were able to examine a range of disciplinary perspectives, including business, humanities and social sciences.
“It is exciting to be involved with a program that breaks down barriers and opens doors to post-secondary education,” said Dr. Alba Agostino, senior lecturer and program coordinator for the Child and Youth Studies program at Trent University Durham GTA. “This is my second year as a Humanities 101 instructor and the experience provides both professors and participants with an opportunity to discuss abstract academic issues, engage in rich conversations, and share diverse perspectives.”
The University hopes to continue offering this program in the future. To learn more about the Humanities 101 program at Trent University Durham GTA, visit trentu.ca/durham/humanities101.