Hum students are people with diverse backgrounds and knowledge who are geographically situated in the DTES/South and nearby areas, and are working to overcome obstacles and roadblocks—financial, institutional, educational, governmental, health and social.
There are no pre-requisites required to apply for a Hum course, but students must be living on a low-income, in the DTES/South area (or be a natural community member—volunteer, community organizer, displaced resident), and have experienced barriers to accessing post-secondary education.
Hum courses are for people who wish to expand their intellectual horizons in an accessible, challenging and respectful environment. Applicants must have a love of learning, basic literacy skills and be willing to attend classes, complete assignments and participate in group discussions. Applications for these non-credit courses are accepted not on the basis of past academic history, but on applicants’ desire and ability to be part of the Hum Programme.
What our students have to say
“I was set free [of] the context that I inherited with my writing because I was able to write about my traumatic life. It was a healing journey for me. I have been in and out of therapy, but it was my writing that set me free. This whole experience at UBC was the most wonderful thing in my life. It gave me confidence and independence. It was like my soul woke up.”
– Buffalo Star Woman (Sandra Delorme), Humanities 201, 2015-16
“Humanities has been a very valuable aspect of my year. I feel it has really helped me to have a little more understanding as to where I stand in this world. I have had the pleasure of meeting some beautiful people. Thank you UBC for this opportunity to have been taught in a way that I needed to be taught.”
– Muskawyinakopê escweo (Tammy Harper), Humanities 101, 2014-15
“We started with First Nations studies, then to ancient Greek philosophers. We got through the Enlightenment to Globalization. We talked about culture, colonialism, and capitalism with our five touchstones: People, Power, Place, Knowledge, and Time. What did I get? I got to open my eyes widely. I got to listen to different voices. I got my mind to think historically, critically, and creatively. What a nice learning experience I had with you!”
– Cindy ^_^ QT, Humanities 101, 2015-16
“Hum is special, because we are engaged in learning. We learn through active interaction in the classroom. Hum is special, because it is not only about the classroom but also about connecting people, building a community of like-minded people. Hum is special, because it is not only another program but also opens doors to reflection and healing.”
– Wilson Liang, Writing 201, 2015-16
“I am surprise and pleased to feel so welcomed into a group. I found that I enjoy writing and am very encouraged by the warm, welcoming acceptance I got from all of the class as I read my work aloud . . . I highly encourage anyone who has an interest in writing, or even just wants to meet smart people from our part of town. It is an amazingly easy place to share our work.”
– Terry Lawrence, Writing 101, 2015-16
“What a wonderful group of generous and unique individuals. I so appreciated the way people really listened to one another, and no one monopolized the airwaves. And I loved listening to the writings read aloud. There’s a lot of talent in this group!”
– Leith Harris, Writing 101, 2014-15
