Humanities
Why Study Humanities at UNC Asheville?
Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from the University of North Carolina Asheville and gain a deep understanding of human cultures, histories, and ideas. This interdisciplinary program weaves together philosophy, literature, history, and the arts to prepare students for meaningful careers in education, law, public service, communications, and beyond. Students can also explore complementary minors such as Anthropology, Political Science, or Religious Studies to broaden their perspective, or take individual courses as non-degree seeking students to enrich their personal and professional growth. With opportunities for faculty-mentored research, study abroad, and hands-on community engagement, UNC Asheville’s Humanities program equips graduates with the critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural literacy needed to thrive in a complex, interconnected world.
Courses & Curriculum
Courses & Curriculum
Focused on exploring human culture, history, and ideas across time and place, the Humanities minor complements the liberal arts mission of UNC Asheville by emphasizing critical thinking, communication, creativity, and cultural literacy. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the complexities of human experience from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
I have been surprised at how much this endeavor has fostered my personal growth and self-confidence.
Humanities Department Faculty
Get to know the dedicated and interdisciplinary faculty who guide and inspire Humanities students. Learn about their research interests, teaching approaches, and the diverse perspectives they bring from fields such as philosophy, history, literature, and the arts to the UNC Asheville academic community.
Eva Hericks Bares, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer of Art History and NEH Distinguished Professor in the Humanities
Office: 213 Owen Hall
Phone: (828) 258-7724
Email: ebares@unca.edu
Alvis E. Dunn, Ph.D.
HUM 324 Coordinator ; Associate Professor of History
Office: 206 Whitesides Hall
Phone: 251-6620
Email: adunn1@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Wednesday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Thursday 11:45 am – 12:45 pm
Megan R. Underhill, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: 206 Zageir Hall
Phone: 6976
Email: munderhi@unca.edu
Office Hours
By appointment only (email to schedule)
Lise Kloeppel
Chair & Associate Professor of Drama; Coordinator of K-12 Theatre Arts Licensure, LA 478 Coordinator, Coordinator of K-12 Visual Arts Licensure
Office: 112 Whitesides Hall
Phone: 251-6940
Email: lkloeppe@unca.edu
William Bares
NEH Distinguished Professor; Professor of Music
Office: 222 Lipinsky Hall
Phone: (828) 250-2312
Email: wbares@unca.edu
Office Hours
Tuesday 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Wednesday 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Friday 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Leslee Johnson
HUM 124 Coordinator and Lecturer of English
Office Hours:
Monday: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Tuesday: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Wednesday: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
and by appointment
Giovanny Pleites-Hernandez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Political Science, Humanities 414 Coordinator
Office: 204 Zageir Hall
Phone: 251-6634
Email: gpleites@unca.edu
Casey King
Lecturer of Environmental Science, Director of Sustainability
Office: 006 Karpen Hall
Phone: (828) 350-4556
Email: cking10@unca.edu
Renuka Gusain, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary; International Studies and Humanities; HUM 214 Coordinator; CTL Faculty Fellow 2025-27
Office: 216 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3952
Email: rgusain@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 am – 1:00 pm or by appointment
Elena Adell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Spanish
Office Hours
Monday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tuesday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Or by appointment
Sonia Kapur, Ph.D.
Chair of Interdisciplinary & Global Studies
Office: 207 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3943
Email: skapur@unca.edu
Office Hours
Monday 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, or by appointment
Kirk Boyle, Ph.D.
Professor of English and Roy Carroll Professor of Honors, Arts, and Sciences
Phone: 3915
Email: kboyle@unca.edu
Office Hours
Monday – 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Wednesday – 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
By appointment
Related Programs
Ready for What's Next?
Deepen your understanding of human cultures, histories, and ideas, and build a foundation for addressing the complex social, ethical, and cultural issues that shape our world.