Today’s workplaces are looking for a different kind of professional. While technical skill is still required to solve increasingly difficult problems, it’s not the end-all-be-all that it once was. Instead, hiring managers are now looking for well-rounded individuals who can approach problems from a humanistic perspective.
This gap in professional training led to the creation of the IE Arts & Humanities Division at IE University. The division serves as a transversal platform that introduces the humanistic component into the core curriculum, no matter the program. Ensuring that students are exposed to the arts and humanities both inside and out of the classroom, this cutting-edge approach forges professionals who are better fit for the changing business and social landscape.
The importance of arts and humanities
A firm grasp of arts and humanities is key to developing logic, intuition, emotion and imagination. It promotes a new way of thinking that complements a mindset built around science and technology. This technique is vital to training future professionals to solve emerging socio-economic challenges in innovative and sustainable ways. As a Bachelor in International Relations student and president of the IE Arts and Business Club, Covadonga Romero values this approach. She further drives the importance of this way of thinking by explaining that, “arts and humanities enrich my degree studies. Understanding one helps me understand the other.”
The focus on humanism ingrains IE University students with a deeper understanding of the human and cultural factors that drive professional interaction, coupled with a big-picture view on the ethics and impact of their decisions. These are necessary skills to have in workplaces that are increasingly affected by technology, globalization and misinformation. Professor Goretti Gonzales explains that humanities courses will give you the creative ability to interact with others from different cultural backgrounds and belief systems. She says, “just by having these natural conversations, you will become stronger at your craft.”
Arts and humanities across our programs
The arts and humanities are incorporated into every program offered by IE University. The Division is intended to act as an interdisciplinary space where students can contribute to conversations on societal issues from a diverse range of skills, interests and educational backgrounds. They get to interact with peers from other disciplines, strengthening a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.
Every art and humanities course focuses on developing students’ critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills. They also help in establishing an ethical framework for decision making, as well as improving skills in written and oral communication. Catalina Tejero is the associate head for management and development for the IE Arts & Humanities Division. She stresses that arts and humanities-related content teach students to develop a mindset that always encourages them to ask questions, noting that “art doesn’t usually provide a lot of answers, but it always triggers critical thinking.”
The Arts and Humanities Division is a vital part of IE Impact, which is the core undergraduate curriculum for IE University. Every student is required to take one humanities course from a predetermined selection at either the Segovia or Madrid campuses. We also design and teach courses in various master’s programs.
Outreach and the IE Foundation Prizes in the Humanities
Additionally, The Arts and Humanities Division’s outreach efforts are an integral part of the rich culture and vibrant social life at IE University. We have organized many enriching events, both on and off-campus, for our community members. As president of the IE Arts and Business Club, Covadonga has been actively involved in this outreach process. She explains,
My goal is to prove that no matter what you are studying, art is important for your academic, professional and personal growth.
Covadonga Romero
In conjunction with the IE Foundation, the Division also holds the IE Foundation Prizes in the Humanities every year. The main aim is to celebrate the best creative works from our students, alumni, faculty and staff. These prizes recognize our community’s humanistic vision, critical thinking and unique creative voice. The competition is divided into five different categories: short story, poetry, video, photography and short essays. Prizes are awarded to the top three best submissions in each category. The division also organizes talks, webinars, visits and other events to foster engagement with the wider IE University community.