Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Art History and Visual Culture

Department

Art

First Advisor

James Hutson

Second Advisor

Daniel Plate

Third Advisor

Caroline Paganussi

Abstract

In response to the urgent need for more accessible, inclusive, and technologically relevant humanities education, the NextGen Humanities project was conceived as a digital initiative to reimagine pedagogical practices within art history and the broader humanities. Traditional perceptions of humanities disciplines as elite and static have contributed to declining engagement, necessitating innovative solutions that integrate open-access resources, digital tools, and inclusive frameworks. This project developed a publicly accessible platform curating free, vetted resources grounded in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and open educational resources (OER), emphasizing critical engagement, cultural inclusivity, and technological adaptability. Methodologically, NextGen Humanities combined extensive literature reviews, platform design based on user-centered accessibility principles, and a five-part evaluative framework for resource inclusion, prioritizing pedagogical impact, inclusivity, historical authenticity, ethical considerations, and community collaboration. Early implementation demonstrated that integrating emerging technologies meaningfully into humanities education can broaden access, amplify marginalized voices, and foster dynamic, participatory learning environments. Despite challenges including resource limitations, technological access disparities, and the need for faculty development in digital pedagogy, the project illustrates a viable model for democratizing humanities education in the digital age. NextGen Humanities thus contributes substantively to reshaping educational norms, advancing equity, and sustaining the relevance of the humanities in an era defined by rapid technological and social transformation.

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