What is MITHIC?
MIT Compass: Grapple with life’s big questions
World-class
research
Our distinguished faculty do field-defining work and develop the values, vision, and ethical compass of tomorrow’s leaders. They produce operas alongside research that makes the world a better place.
Without human understanding, there is no understanding. The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences is home to scholars and artists who are doing transformative work in fields that are vital to addressing the world’s most important challenges.
Making classical music and math more accessible
In math and in music, senior Holden Mui values interesting ideas, solving problems creatively, and finding meaning in their structures. “People want fresh, new, non-recycled approaches to math and music,” he says.
On technology in schools, think evolution, not revolution
“You can absolutely improve schools,” Justin Reich, an associate professor in MIT’s Comparative Media Studies/Writing program says. “And we improve schools all the time. It’s just a long, slow process, and everything is kind of incremental.”
Learn more about the research of our exceptional faculty.
Community policing in the Global South
International research co-led by MIT political scientist Fotini Christia finds an approach lauded in the US works differently in other regions. “We…highlight how one can work with the police to understand and refine police practices and think very intentionally about all the ethical considerations around such collaborations,” she says of the book that accompanies the research.
Your child, the sophisticated language learner
New research from MIT linguist and study co-author Athulya Aravind shows that a grasp of grammar helps even very young children figure out when they must acquire new words. “Even at a surprisingly young age, kids have sophisticated knowledge of the grammar of sentences and can use that to learn the meanings of new words,” Aravind says.
SHASS offers an wide array of events through our departments, programs, and centers. We’ve featured some upcoming events below. See our events calendar for opportunities to drink tea with luminaries from SHASS fields, hear groundbreaking ideas at a symposium, or attend a film screening.
“MIT in 3:00” Filmmaking Workshop
Interested in submitting a short film for the “MIT in 3:00” competition, but want to learn more about filmmaking? Join documentary filmmaker Kira Akerman for a 1-day workshop during IAP! It will be offered twice — 10am-5pm on January 28 and 30.
Aligning Innovation and Equity in the Digital Economy
MIT’s Shaping the Future of Work Initiative presents “Aligning Innovation and Equity in the Digital Economy” at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21 at MIT’s Samberg Conference Center. Join policymakers, practitioners and scholars for access to cutting-edge research, innovative policy ideas, and more.
SHASS community spotlight
The SHASS community is made of inspiring students, staff, and faculty. Meet these individuals who have big impacts in the corridors of MIT and beyond.
Latest news from SHASS
Our work has broad impact at MIT and across the globe. Read the latest about new ideas coming out of SHASS.
Making the art world more accessible
The startup NALA, which began as an MIT class project, directly matches art buyers with artists.
MIT student encourages all learners to indulge their curiosity with MIT Open Learning’s MITx
Junior Shreya Mogulothu says taking an MITx class as a high school student opened her eyes to new possibilities.
MIT philosopher Sally Haslanger honored with Quinn Prize
Presented by the American Philosophical Association, the award recognizes the professor’s lifelong contributions to philosophy.
