The humanities teach us to question the world around us in order to better understand our place within it.
In the humanities, we seek to understand the nuances of cultural issues, to interpret human experience, and to appreciate the power of words and ideas.
By studying humanities, we broaden our historical, ethical, social and international perspectives while enhancing ourselves intellectually and creatively.
News and Awards
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A Conversation with Author Carmen Maria Machado
In modern-day America, books that explore the lives of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, queer, or transgender characters, or are written by individuals from these communities, make up the bulk of the American Library Association's annual list of the most frequently censored books in libraries and schools. According to Machado, bans on books restrict access to valuable literature and hinder students from gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
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U American West Center Hosts Cartoonist, Navied Mahdavian, for Book Reading and Discussion
Navied Mahdavian, author and New Yorker cartoonist, will be presenting his book, “This Country: Searching for Home in (Very) Rural America,” Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. in the University of Utah’s Art Building, room 158. The event is hosted by the Department of Art and History, the Department of English, and the American West Center.
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Danielle Olden, “Racial Uncertainties” at the Tanner Humanities Center
The Tanner Humanities Center is proud to welcome back former fellow, Danielle Olden, as part of the Author Meets Reader Series, Sept. 20, 2023, at 1 p.m. in The Obert C. & Grace A. Tanner Humanities Center Jewel Box. Olden will be discussing her book and ongoing research of historical racial construction and desegregation.
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The University of Utah honors scholar Greg Sarris with Award in Environmental Humanities
As chair of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Greg Sarris, distinguished chair emeritus of Native American Studies at Sonoma State University, has an extensive body of humanities work that spans media and genres: novels, memoir, film, theater, and more. In recognition of the work he has done to protect Indigenous knowledges, lands, and peoples, Sarris will receive the 2023 Utah Award in the Environmental Humanities from the University of Utah’s Environmental Humanities Graduate Program.
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Ten Humanities Undergrads Awarded Research Funding for Fall 2023
Undergraduate students, supported by a faculty member, submit a research proposal to the Office of Undergraduate Research and if selected receive a stipend for 120 hours of research work. Ten humanities students were selected for the fall 2023 Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program and the college looks forward to seeing their research come to fruition.
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Departure of Professor Erika George as Director of Tanner Humanities Center
Erika George, director of the Tanner Humanities Center and Samuel D. Thurman Professor of Law has stepped down from her role as of August 31, 2023. After four years of leadership, Geroge believes it is time to return the reins to faculty members within the Humanities.
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Humanities Students Excel Over Summer Break
Humanities students spent their summer break attending workshops, conference presentations, internships, and learning abroad.
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Dean’s Welcome Message
Welcome students, faculty, staff, and post docs to an exciting Fall 2023 semester in the College of Humanities! We have an exciting menu of new courses, initiatives, communities, and events on our schedule, enriching our established and excellent academic and student programming that continues to be offered by departments, centers, and programs.
Events
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Sep 21
Thursday
3pm - 5pmThe Publishing Process, Inside and Out
Language & Communication Bldg (LNCO)
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Sep 22
Friday
2:30pm - 4:30pmColloquium - Robyn Bluhm
Tanner Irish Humanities Building - Carolyn (CTIHB)
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Sep 23
Saturday
12pm - 1pmBest of Enemies | National Theatre Live | Tanner Humanities Center
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Sep 26
Tuesday
2:30pm - 3:30pmGrad Practica
Tanner Irish Humanities Building - Carolyn (CTIHB)
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Sep 26
Tuesday
4pm - 5pmGCSC/ENVST seminar: Snow darkening as a motivation for advancing monitoring & forecasting capabilities of mountain snow water resources
Sutton Building - Frederick Albert (FASB) and Zoom
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Sep 26
Tuesday
5pm - 6pmNavied Mahdavian (Art 158)
Art Building (ART)
Undergraduate Studies
At the U, we know studying the Humanities gives students the edge to excel in any field. Learning a second language, being able to write and speak in a compelling way, understanding history, thinking critically and creatively, crafting precise arguments, connecting local issues to a global context – it’s all humanities! The College of Humanities at the University of Utah provides our students with critical skills that prepare them to succeed personally and economically in our increasingly complex and global society.
Graduate Studies
Students embarking on graduate studies in the Humanities at the U engage in rigorous research, critical analysis, and intellectual exploration, honing their skills in interpretations, communication and critical thinking. Our graduate programs not only equip scholars with advanced knowledge but also cultivate empathy, cultural sensitivity, and an ability to navigate complex ethical and social issues, making them invaluable contributors to society as educators, researchers, writers and cultural critics.
Now, more than ever, we need the humanities.
Now, more than ever, the humanities need you.