The humanities are the cornerstone of higher education. They underpin all the academic disciplines by shedding light on the underlying assumptions of social policy, technological development, economic planning, and public and private values. Study of the humanities provides students with historical perspective and cultural awareness, and with the ability to express themselves clearly and accurately, to evaluate critically both ideas and actions, and the courage to make choices on shared values and priorities.

UC Santa Cruz Humanities programs are nationally recognized for their quality and for the prominence and dedication of their faculty. Undergraduates in the Humanities have the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects with award-winning results.

Along with our diverse academic departments, the Division of Humanities is home to a wide variety of interdisciplinary collaborations, path-breaking special projects and research programs, and unique areas of study. For example, the History of Consciousness Department is a nationally and internationally acclaimed doctoral program, while the Linguistics Department consistently ranks among the top five programs in the country. In addition, the Institute for Humanities Research offers scholarly conferences, distinguished guest speakers, and colloquia that enhance the intellectual life of the campus. The Feminist Studies and American Studies Departments and the Jewish Studies program maximize the strengths of our faculty in history, literature, and philosophy. The Humanities Division is also home to the Dickens Project, an internationally renowned research group; the Satyajit Ray Film and Study Collection, at work preserving the films and archives of the Bengali master filmmaker; and the Linguistics Research Center, which facilitates and disseminates original research in theoretical linguistics.

We invite you to discover the Humanities at UC Santa Cruz! Explore this web site. Attend a public lecture given by a world-class UCSC scholar. Read a book written by a distinguished faculty member. And please consider supporting the Division's education, research, and outreach activities with a financial gift. Your generous commitment will sustain the path-breaking scholarship and rigorous teaching that will transform our world for decades to come.

Georges Van Den Abbeele

Dean, Division of Humanities

Deans Office