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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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
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Humanities Radio Presents: Jay Jordan
Jay Jordan, professor of writing and rhetoric studies, discusses his book, “Grounded Literacies in a Transnational WAC/WID Ecology: A Korean-U.S. Study,” that describes and theorizes the intellectual, social and material complexities of cross-border educational efforts.
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Edna Anderson-Taylor Communication Institute Opening
On Oct. 10, 2023, the College of Humanities hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the culmination of an extraordinary journey made possible by a transformative $1 million gift by Alumna Edna Anderson-Taylor and Jerry Taylor. In recognition of their unparalleled generosity and unwavering commitment to the future of communication and journalism, the college named the Communication institute – housed in the department of Communication – in her honor, officially unveiling the Edna Anderson-Taylor Communication Institute.
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By popular demand, Great Books 2 – “Great Science Books”
The College of Humanities’ new Great Books course has been a hit, according to faculty and students. “I’ve loved teaching in Great Books, a chance to hear other professors and actually talk across disciplines with students,” said Scott Black, professor of English. “It’s like being back in college.”
Events
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Dec 06
Wednesday
11am - 3pmPizza & Puzzles
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Dec 06
Wednesday
3:30pm - 5pmPanel on Violence and the Imagination
Tanner Irish Humanities Building - Carolyn (CTIHB)
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Dec 06
Wednesday
2pm - 3pmCrystals, Climate Change & Golden Spikes
Dumke Auditorium (UMFA)
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Dec 07
Thursday
3:30pm - 5pmFall 2023 Dept. of Linguistics Colloquia: Matteo Fiorini
Gardner Commons - Carolyn and Kem (GC)
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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)
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.