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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Against Amnesia: LaToya Ruby Frazier
LaToya Ruby Frazier believes life is not to be "belittled or squandered"— both one's own life and the lives of others. The first work of Frazier's I encountered was "The Notion of Family," I felt this commitment then (the same is true for her body of work at large), as I did again with intense and moving clarity when I was lucky enough to attend her talk organized by the Tanner Humanities Center. I invoke the word luck because it is not every day that you meet an artist who means and owns all her utterances, imbued with both intention and care.
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Utah College Media Collaborative
PBS Utah, in partnership with Amplify Utah, is proud to announce a historical cross-campus collaborative bringing together student-led newsrooms from four public Utah universities and colleges.
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Humanities Radio Presents: Lance Olsen
Lance Olsen, Professor Emeritus of English, discusses his novel, “Always Crashing in the Same Car,” a fictional exploration of David Bowie’s consciousness and interactions in his final months battling liver cancer.
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Uncertainty on an Uninhabitable Earth: David Wallace-Wells Reflection
David Wallace-Wells is not a writer known for his optimism; his book, after all, is called, “The Uninhabitable Earth.” He is known for a bluntness sometimes read as alarmist, a direct engagement with the definite and potential harms climate change will impose that often feels pessimistic, almost antagonistic, if not towards us as readers than at least towards our shared wishful delusions about climate change as it is and will be.
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Humanities Radio Presents: Avery Holton
Avery Holton, professor of communication, discusses two of his upcoming books examining journalist burn-out and well-being titled, “The Paradox of Connection: How Digital Media Is Transforming Journalistic Labor” and “Fostering a Culture of Well-Being in Journalism.”
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1852 Legislative Session: This Abominable Slavery
Nov. 29, 2023 – During the1852 Utah legislative session, a passionate debate ensued over voting rights for Black men. Legislator and Latter-day Saint apostle Orson Pratt argued that Black men should be allowed to vote, while territorial governor and Latter-day Saint president Brigham Young strongly disagreed.
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Humanities Radio Presents: Jake Nelson
Jake Nelson, assistant professor of communication, discusses his book, “Imagined Audiences: How Journalists Perceive and Pursue the Public,” that examines the role that audiences have traditionally played in journalism, how that role has changed and what those changes mean for both the profession and the public.
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Student Success Hub Grand Opening
On Oct. 18, 2023, the College of Humanities held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new Student Success Hub inside the Carolyn Tanner Irish Humanities building and recognize the generous donors whose support and partnership brought the vision to life. The event was vibrant, featuring live classical guitar music, student-guided tours led by humanities student ambassadors, and light refreshments. Donors had the chance to explore the new space, interact with students and career success coaches, and witness the impact of their support
Events
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Jan 15
Monday
10am - 2pmRadon Awareness Month
Gardner Commons - Carolyn and Kem (GC) and Marriott Library - J. Willard (M LIB) and Union - A. Ray Olpin (UNION)
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Jan 16
Tuesday
10am - 2pmRadon Awareness Month
Gardner Commons - Carolyn and Kem (GC) and Marriott Library - J. Willard (M LIB) and Union - A. Ray Olpin (UNION)
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Jan 17
Wednesday
10am - 2pmRadon Awareness Month
Gardner Commons - Carolyn and Kem (GC) and Marriott Library - J. Willard (M LIB) and Union - A. Ray Olpin (UNION)
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Jan 18
Thursday
10am - 2pmRadon Awareness Month
Gardner Commons - Carolyn and Kem (GC) and Marriott Library - J. Willard (M LIB) and Union - A. Ray Olpin (UNION)
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Jan 25
Thursday
7pm - 8pmRick Barot
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Feb 15
Thursday
3:30pm - 4:30pmStephanie Hinnershitz - Topaz Commemoration (American West Center)
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.