Everything Is Interconnected
I attended my first spoken word poetry event in the 10th grade. I have always considered poetry beautiful, but seeing it performed aloud transformed the art entirely for me. The rhythm of the words, the spotlight illuminating the poet and the appreciative snaps of the audience each time there was a particularly impactful line all combined to create a magical environment where the power of words connected us all.
Growing up in Florida, a state where the liberal arts are often undervalued and underfunded, I turned to spoken word poetry as an outlet to express my creativity and humanity. Now, as a sophomore pursuing a dual major in English and creative writing and ancient Mediterranean studies at Oxford College, I have witnessed firsthand how studying the humanities — specifically poetry, literature and art — can work in tandem with science in unexpected ways.
For example, in my Roman history class last semester, we analyzed Virgil’s epic poem “The Aeneid” about the foundation of ancient Rome through the lens of medical and combat trauma. At the end of the semester, we had the privilege of visiting a medieval hospital in Siena, Italy.
The former entryway to the building was decorated with frescoes depicting the medical care the hospital promised its patrons. Some who came to the hospital when it was first built may not have had the ability to read or write. Portraying medical practice through the common language of art strategically informed patients of what care to expect from the hospital and reassured patients that they would be helped.
In this simple yet beautiful way, using art as a form of communication helped make medical treatment accessible to all in Siena and ultimately saved lives. I began to see real-life examples of how the arts, humanities and sciences can work together to benefit society.
The interconnected nature of STEM and the humanities continues to show up throughout my studies. One of the most thought-provoking discussions I’ve had this semester happened while my classmates and I examined Shakespeare’s play “King Lear.” We looked at this classic work in uncommon ways, specifically the terms of what constitutes a medical disability accommodation in the 8th century compared to our 21st-century world. Analyzing “King Lear” in this way allowed us to gain a greater understanding of value systems and public policy across history. It also inspired new ways of thinking among my classmates, most of whom were not English majors.
I think critics of the arts and humanities have lost sight of the infinite interconnections they have with science. They are complementary in nature — and always have been. Together, they inspire discovery and heighten meaning. And places like Oxford and Emory that nurture an interdisciplinary approach to studying these fields provide students like me with a more holistic view and curiosity about the world.
Shannan Adams is a sophomore at Oxford College pursuing a double major in English and creative writing and ancient Mediterranean studies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, knitting and walking in thunderstorms.
