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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Aliens, Tyrants, Greek Tragedy, Social Media, Racial Tensions and the Costs of Upward Mobility: Great Books Explores Them All
There is only one course at the University of Utah that will take students on a journey of studying one the greatest Greek tragedies to studying the relationship between the humanities and theories of evolution to studying aliens and how they communicate. The course will also take students on a powerful exploration of ambition, power, and the nature of evil, with one of literature’s greatest villains. Led by a team of top professors in the College of Humanities, HUM 1500: Great Books, engages students in a rich and rewarding experience that offers insight into the foundational questions and challenges that motivate and vex the human condition.
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Aileen H. Clyde Women’s History Lecture Series with Dr. Heather Belnap
In recognition of the complexity and change experienced by 20th century women in Utah and elsewhere, the mission of the Aileen H. Clyde 20th Century Women's Legacy Archive is to document and preserve the history of women whose lives and work helped create social and cultural change. Each year the Department of History in partnership with the Aileen H. Clyde Women’s History Initiative host an annual lecture illuminating women’s history. This year’s lecturer will be Dr. Heather Belnap.
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Working with Joy and Passion: Keys to a Successful Career with Holly Rowe
Holly Rowe celebrates nearly 30 years as one of sports most versatile announcers. The 3 time Emmy winner was named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023 winning the Curt Gowdy Award.
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An Unexpected Lens Into the American Racial Story
Fortuitous timing and a researcher dissatisfied with current historiography led to the discovery of new documents, two databases, three books, and accolades for University of Utah History professor Paul Reeve.
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Humanities Radio Presents: Kendall Gerdes
Kendall Gerdes, assistant professor of writing and rhetoric studies, discusses her book, “Sensitive Rhetorics: Academic Freedom and Campus Activism” explores sensitivity as a term of art in rhetoric.
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Danielle Endres Discusses Indigenous Resistance to Nuclear Waste
The Tanner Humanities Center at the University of Utah hosted a talk with Danielle Endres, professor of communication and director of the U’s Environmental Humanities program. Endres discussed her new book Nuclear Decolonization: Indigenous Resistance to High-Level Nuclear Waste Siting, which details the activism of the Western Shoshone, Southern Paiute and Goshute people against establishing nuclear waste repositories on Indigenous land.
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Creating a New Generation of Environmental Leaders
The College of Humanities and the School for Cultural & Social Transformation at the University of Utah have partnered to foster the next generation of environmental leaders through a new interdisciplinary undergraduate certificate in Environmental Humanities and Transformative Justice.
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Author of “Pachinko,” Min Jin Lee, Speaks at the University of Utah
The University of Utah’s Tanner Humanities Center will host Min Jin Lee, author of “Free Food for Millionaires” and editor of “The Best American Short Stories 2023,” as part of the Author Meets Readers series at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. Lee will be in conversation with David Roh, professor of English at the U. A book signing hosted by The King’s English will follow with Lee’s novels available for purchase.
Events
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Mar 29
Friday
6pm - 7pmBorderlands Conference
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Mar 29
Friday
9am - 10:30amThe Speech Acquisition Lab presents the Emerging Scholars in Language Science Series
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Apr 01
Monday
12pm - 1pmWidowhood and intellectual labour in the mid-20th Century: The Indian-Argentinian-American Story of Dona Luisa Coomaraswamy with Professor Malvika Maheshwari
Tanner Irish Humanities Building - Carolyn (CTIHB)
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Apr 03
Wednesday
12pm - 1pmRevisiting the "Comfort Girls" of Report #49: Gender, Race, and Documentation on the Battlefield in Burma, 1944
Tanner Irish Humanities Building - Carolyn (CTIHB)
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Apr 03
Wednesday
1pm - 3:30pmPracticing History Workshop
Tanner Irish Humanities Building - Carolyn (CTIHB)
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Apr 04
Thursday
12pm - 1pm"Desert Time" | C.J. Alvarez
Tanner Irish Humanities Building - Carolyn (CTIHB)
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.