NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Department of Humanities and Politics

The programs and courses in Department of Humanities and Politics are designed to engage you in our diverse, dynamic, and globalized world, and to encourage understanding and exploration of our humanity. Our location, in the heart of the Americas, lends itself to an array of enriching cultural experiences and exciting academic and professional opportunities. Steeped in the liberal arts tradition, we offer innovative and diverse interdisciplinary programs that emphasize critical thinking, reading, and writing. You will benefit from small class sizes taught by a team of dedicated, full-time faculty, who are committed to working with you inside and outside the classroom to ensure that your college experience is as full and rewarding as it can be.

Explore the Department of Humanities and Politics undergraduate and graduate offerings (see undergraduate and graduate pages). The department also offers a range of co-curricular opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students (see Student Opportunities page). Click to read the profiles of the faculty in the Department of Humanities and Politics (Faculty Profiles). 

Au Café: Coffee and Conversation Hour

Au Café brings together French-language students, native and heritage French speakers, and French-language enthusiasts to speak and practice French in a relaxed setting. Au Café meets several times a semester and is moderated by French instructors in the department. It is open to all members of the NSU community and public. For more information, contact Dr. Yvette Fuentes, yf60@nova.edu.

El Cafecito: Coffee and Conversation Hour

El Cafecito brings together Spanish language students, native and heritage Spanish speakers and Spanish-language enthusiasts to speak and practice Spanish in a relaxed setting. El Cafecito meets several times a semester and is moderated by Spanish faculty and advanced Spanish students in the department. It is open to all members of the NSU community and public. For more information, contact Dr. Yvette Fuentes, yf60@nova.edu. 

The Reel: NSU’s Annual Film Series

The Reel is a series hosted by the Department of Humanities and Politics that offers NSU students, faculty, and other members of the university and local community curated film screenings every Fall and Winter semester. Attendance is free of charge. Following each screening, the audience engages in a faculty-led discussion of the film and the cultural issues it raises. Showings have included Academy Award winners, international films, blockbusters, and more. For more information contact The Reel's coordinator, Dr. Yair Solan, ysolan@nova.edu. 

Story Booth: What’s Your Story?

Story Booth is a series hosted by the Farquhar Honors College that fosters community and diverse cultural and social expressions through an understanding and appreciation of global literatures and languages. Stories are universal and they help us to make sense of the world by sharing our experiences. Story Booth partners with student organizations across the university to hear how each of us makes meaning. From remembering our first stories to conversations about the power, good and bad, of fiction, Story Booth connects us. What’s your story? For more information, contact Andrea Nevins, andrshaw@nova.edu

Style Us: Writing and Professionalization Workshops

Style Us is a series hosted by the Department of Humanities and Politics that focuses on preparing humanities students from across the university with the strong communication and etiquette skills necessary to navigate the writing and professional conventions of their fields. In the past, the department has hosted workshops focused on topics ranging from creative writing to interview, conference, and career preparation for students majoring and minoring in the humanities—including but not limited to those in English, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, International Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, and Legal Studies. For more information, contact Dr. Aileen Miyuki Farrar afarrar@nova.edu.

Undergraduate Student Symposium and Film Festival

The Undergraduate Student Symposium is a showcase for student scholarship in research and creative projects. Students may submit applications for research papers for presentation or poster format. There is also a Student Film Festival, in which exceptional student short films are showcased and judged.

Arts in Health Student Club

The Arts in Health Student Club promotes the use of art in healthcare to create a more well-rounded environment. Through campus events and initiatives, the club aims to raise awareness about the importance of incorporating arts into healthcare practices and advocating for greater integration of arts-based interventions. For more information, please contact Dr. Amanda Furiasse (afuriass@nova.edu).

Book Club: Wyrd

Wyrd is an official student organization that seeks to unite individuals with a common interest in reading and literature. They work to foster a love of reading, literature, and discussion; provide an outlet for creativity and critical thinking; and use literature as a way to learn more about current and past societal issues. For more information, please contact the faculty advisor, Dr. Aileen Miyuki Farrar (afarrar@nova.edu), or visit their Instagram.  

Film Club: Fin Films

Fin Films is the official film club of NSU, connecting students with a shared interest in film. It is open to cinema connoisseurs and casual movie fans alike. The club hosts on-campus movie nights and provides a place to meet and discuss all things film. For more information, contact the faculty advisor, Dr. Yair Solan (ysolan@nova.edu), or follow their Instagram for upcoming events.

Hooked

Hooked is dedicated to the art of crocheting and organizes events where students can put their crocheting skills to use for a greater cause. Whether it's creating blankets for local shelters or crafting toys for children in need, Hooked brings students together to channel their passion for crocheting into meaningful contributions to the community. For more information, please contact Dr. Amanda Furiasse (afuriass@nova.edu).

Mock Trial Team

NSU’s Mock Trial Team brings together students interested in law school or in honing their public speaking abilities. During a mock trial competition, students are assigned different roles (prosecuting attorney, defense lawyer, witness, etc.) and then perform these roles in a simulation of an actual court case against other universities. Students spend several months learning the case and working on their roles in preparation for the regional competition. The winning teams advance to the next round, culminating in the National Mock Trial Competition.

Open to: NSU undergraduate students of all majors

What You Can Learn: Improve your speech and debate skills, learn how to craft a convincing argument

Contact: G. Nelson Bass III, Ph. D., J.D., associate professor, Department of Humanities and Politics | (954) 262-8099 | nbass@nova.edu 

Model United Nations Team

The Nova International Relations Association (NIRA) is NSU’s award-winning Model United Nations team. NIRA brings together a diverse group of students interested in global issues and provides a forum for students to discuss international relations. NIRA represents NSU at statewide and regional conferences, has competed at the largest regional Model U.N. conference in the South, and has won several state and regional awards. NIRA also hosts a high school Model U.N. conference on the NSU campus, at which NIRA members act as committee chairs, running the entire simulation. Team members have gone on to serve as conference staff members after graduation.

Open to: NSU undergraduate students of all majors once they have successfully completed POLS 2400 – Model United Nations (offered each Fall, Monday evening from 6-8 p.m.)

What You Can Learn: Improve your research, writing, public speaking, teamwork, and parliamentary skills; meet like-minded students

Contact: G. Nelson Bass III, Ph.D., J.D., associate professor | (954) 262-8099 | nbass@nova.edu

Student Club for the National Donor Marrow Program

The Student Club for the National Donor Marrow Program is committed to spreading awareness about the importance of joining the National Donor Marrow Program (NDMP). With a mission to save lives, NDMP organizes various events and initiatives on campus and in the community to educate others about the critical need for bone marrow donors. For more information, please contact Dr. Amanda Furiasse (afuriass@nova.edu).

Spanish Club

This organization has been established to promote the Spanish language and create an awareness and appreciation of Hispanic culture. The organization is open to all students interested in learning more about Hispanic culture and practicing or improving their Spanish language skills. For more information, please contact Dr. Yvette Fuentes (yf60@nova.edu).

Undergraduate-Graduate Leadership Council (UGLC)

The department also hosts the Undergraduate-Graduate Leadership Council (UGLC). One of the primary aims of the UGLC is provide an outlet for the undergraduate and graduate students in our Department to interact with each other and hone mentorship and leadership skills. It is also intended to provide a student forum for career and academic advancement. The UGLC is entirely student driven and is facilitated by faculty cooperation. The council is run by a committee of six students, 3 graduate students and 3 graduate students, chosen by their peers.

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of History and Political Science.

What You Can Learn: Learn about job opportunities, graduate options, and leadership.

Contact: Ransford Edwards, Ph.D., assistant professor | (954) 262-8205 | redwards@nova.edu

Alpha Mu Gamma National Collegiate Foreign Language Honor Society, Alpha Alpha Zeta Chapter of NSU

Founded in 1931, Alpha Mu Gamma is the oldest and largest national collegiate foreign language honor society in the United States. Alpha Mu Gamma celebrates all foreign languages, honors those who excel at them, and promotes cultural understanding. Alpha Mu Gamma hosts annual cultural events, such as National Foreign Language Week, and offers its members scholarship opportunities. For information about joining Alpha Mu Gamma and for application requirements, please contact Dr. Yvette Fuentes, yf60@nova.edu. 

Phi Alpha Delta

The department houses the pre-law chapter of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity (PAD), which is an international, co-educational fraternity dedicated to pro­moting professional competency, service, and professionalism within the legal community. NSU’s undergraduate chapter is focused on creating strong bonds between students, teachers of the law, and legal professionals. PAD provides students with numerous opportunities for legal exposure through courthouse visits, LSAT practice sessions, and visits from admissions counselors from various law schools. PAD sponsors a shadowing program that partners undergraduate students with law school students to explore the law school experience. Undergraduate PAD members also work with NSU’s College of Law PAD chapter to host and attend relevant events.

Open to: NSU undergraduate students of all majors

What You Can Learn: Gain insight into the law school experience, sharpen your LSAT skills, network with like-minded students and legal professionals

Contact:
Teng Li, Ph.D., J.D. Pre-Law Coordinator | (954) 262-8211 | tli@nova.edu

Pi Sigma Alpha

NSU is now home to the 826th chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. NSU’s chapter, Alpha Lambda Rho, is focused on recognizing and cultivating creative student leaders through scholarship and service. Benefits include recognition of academic excellence, the right to wear honor regalia, opportunities to attend the National Student Conference, scholarships for graduate study, best paper awards, annual chapter activity grants, and pathways to student leadership.

Each year, up to five students across the United States are awarded a scholarship of $2,000 to support their first year of graduate school in political science. An additional five students are awarded a scholarship of $2,000 to support time in Washington, DC for a credit-based internship. Pi Sigma Alpha also recognizes a winner and two runners up for the best honors thesis award. There is an annual student research conference in February for members and a national undergraduate journal—Undergraduate Journal of Politics—is published twice a year. For students interested in playing a role in raising the image of the department through creative programming, the national office also offers chapter activity grants each fall for up to $2,000.

Open to: NSU students majoring in Political Science with the requisite GPA.

What You Can Learn: professional development, public speaking, research, writing, collaboration with cohorts and faculty members.

Contact: Ransford F. Edwards Jr., Ph.D., assistant professor | (954) 262-8205 | redwards@nova.edu

Sigma Tau Delta: English Honor Society

Students who are English majors or minors and have achieved high academic accomplishment may be eligible for membership in Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. For more information, please contact Dr. Aileen Miyuki Farrar, afarrar@nova.edu. 

• Center for the Humanities Internship
• History Fort Lauderdale Internship
• Immigration Law Offices of Richard A. Hujber Internships
• Graduate Internships
• Undergraduate Internships
• South Florida Irish Film Festival (SFIFF) internship
• JK Closing Attorneys Law Firm Internship
• Legal Aid Service of Broward County Internship
• Department of Humanities and Politics Student Scholar Fund
• Tír na mBláth, Irish Cultural Organization of South Florida Internship

The Current

NSU's student-run newspaper (apply to be a staff writer, editor, or reporter).

Digressions

The NSU Center for the Applied Humanities is dedicated to engaging the wider South Florida community through cultural initiatives, training, and partnerships. We aim to make the humanities accessible to everyone, from students and scholars to local teachers and community organizations. The Center serves as a vital resource for exploring the connections between the humanities and a variety of other fields, all with the goal of enriching our collective understanding of the world.

Learn More About the Center

Open to South Florida high school students.

The NSU Undergraduate Mock Trial Team is working on creating a Mock Trial Skills Workshop in collaboration with local high schools. Faculty advisers who are interested in learning more should contact the Mock Trial Coach: Bill Barner at rbarner@nova.edu. 

Faculty advisers and teams interested in attending should contact:

David Kilroy, PhD, department chair
(954) 262-8021 | dkilroy@nova.edu

Open to South Florida high school students.

NSU’s award-winning Model United Nations team (NIRA: the Nova International Relations Association) hosts an annual Model U.N. conference for South Florida high school students each Fall. This annual event brings student delegates from local high schools to the NSU campus in Fort Lauderdale/Davie, Florida for a full day of debating global issues and working within the parameters of an actual UN General Assembly meeting. This event is led entirely by NSU students. The 2017 conference welcomed more than 120 Broward County-area high school students to the NSU campus.

Faculty advisers and teams interested in attending should contact:

G. Nelson Bass III, J.D., Ph.D., assistant professor
(954) 262-8099 | nbass@nova.edu