Digital Humanities Workshops
What are the humanities?
According to the 1965 National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act, "The term 'humanities' includes, but is not limited to, the study of the following: language, both modern and classical; linguistics; literature; history; jurisprudence; philosophy; archaeology; comparative religion; ethics; the history, criticism and theory of the arts; those aspects of social sciences which have humanistic content and employ humanistic methods; and the study and application of the humanities to the human environment with particular attention to reflecting our diverse heritage, traditions, and history and to the relevance of the humanities to the current conditions of national life."
What is the most important element of an application for a Digital Humanities Workshop?
The crucial element is the specific humanities content of the project, as reflected in the print and digital resources with which teachers will work; the significance of the topics, questions, and readings that will be at the core of the intellectual conversation; and the qualifications of the humanities faculty involved in the program.
Are program officers available by phone or e-mail to answer questions?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to contact us to discuss applications prior to their submission. The staff can be reached at 202-606-8380 or education@neh.gov.
What other help is available?
A list of recent awards is available, and applicants may ask for samples of previously funded projects. Prior to submitting a proposal, applicants are encouraged to contact program officers who can offer advice about preparing the proposal and review draft proposals. These comments are not part of the formal review process and have no bearing on the final outcome of the proposal, but previous applicants have found them helpful in strengthening their applications. Program staff recommend that draft proposals be submitted four weeks before the deadline. Time restraints may prevent staff from reviewing draft proposals submitted after that date.
Does my institution need a grant writer to prepare an application?
No. Successful proposals reflect the direct engagement of humanities faculty in the framing of the application.
I just found out that my institution is already planning on submitting other applications in response to the Digital Humanities Initiative this year. Can only one project be funded?
No. It's possible that others would be funded.
We have an existing in-service program for teachers. Can Digital Humanities Workshops grants be used to fund additional work in the program?
Yes, but the application must clarify how the proposed project would enable study opportunities that could not be addressed through existing resources.
How long a grant period should I request?
The grant period for Digital Humanities Workshops is twelve to eighteen months.
How can I make arrangements for K-12 participants to receive CEU or in-service credit?
Your state board of education or your state department of education can advise you on the procedures for gaining approval of the Digital Humanities Workshop as a provider of CEU or in-service credits.
If my institution receives NEH funding, may we also accept funding from other sources?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to seek funding from diverse sources. Submitting proposals to other funders has no bearing on how NEH reviews proposals. We do ask that you tell us about those applications so that we understand the project's funding situation.
What is a humanities scholar?
Someone who has an advanced degree in a discipline of the humanities is generally considered a scholar.
When should I start consulting with scholars about a project?
As a general rule, the earlier scholars are involved in a project the better. Usually projects recommended for funding are ones in which scholars have helped shape the project's conceptual framework.
Is it acceptable to rely on a single scholar for a project?
Generally, projects that rely on input from a single scholar are not as competitive as others. Working with more than one scholar allows participants to explore a diverse range of interpretive possibilities.
How do I find the right scholarly advisors for a project?
Check with your local college or university to see if any faculty members have relevant expertise or could suggest the names of other scholars. State humanities councils often maintain lists of scholars who have participated in education programs.
How do I know whether my project is more appropriate for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) or the National Endowment for the Humanities?
If your project involves the creation of musical compositions, dance, painting, poetry, short stories, novels, or projects that focus on arts performance or training, then NEA would be a better choice for your application. NEH does support projects that provide an analytical, reflective, or historical perspective on the arts.
How long do I have to wait to hear about the outcome of my application?
Applicants will be notified by June 15, 2008 and successful applicants will receive award documents by mail in July.