Humanities Division News and Events
Sir Isaac Julien’s dreamworld comes alive at the de Young Museum in San Francisco
April 22, 2025
"I Dream a World," the acclaimed new exhibition at the de Young Museum through July 13, marks the first major retrospective of Isaac Julien—an internationally celebrated artist and Distinguished Professor of the Arts and Humanities—offering an expansive look at his groundbreaking career.
Reviving Indigenous languages: $600,000 grant honors the linguistic tapestry of Oaxacan immigrants in California
April 3, 2025
The Humanities Institute (THI) at UC Santa Cruz has been developing a community-engaged research project to create an exhibition delving into the role those languages play in sustaining Oaxacan immigrant culture in California’s Central Coast.
Acclaimed poet and cultural theorist Fred Moten to deliver this year’s Hayden V. White Lecture
April 1, 2025
The celebrated poet, scholar and theorist Fred Moten will give this year’s Hayden V. White Distinguished Annual Lecture on Wednesday, April 9 at the Hay Barn on campus. The talk, which is free and open to the public, starts at 6 p.m.
Six UC Santa Cruz professors awarded 2025 NEH Grants for groundbreaking research on AI, colonial violence, and social justice
March 24, 2025
Six UC Santa Cruz professors have received prestigious 2025 National Endowment for the Humanities awards this year, advancing scholarship on topics ranging from colonial violence to the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
Lactation room opens at Humanities One, with help from donor funds and a proud Banana Slug
March 17, 2025
A new lactation room is now open in Humanities One at Room 228, thanks to an anonymous donor, and in collaboration with Cassi Janakos, ( Porter '11, business management economics) chief operating officer and co-founder of Healthy Horizons, the first company to offer corporate lactation programs at scale.
An interview with Jennifer Finney Boylan: Celebrated trans author and advocate visits UC Santa Cruz during a critical moment for trans rights
March 13, 2025
Bestselling author Jennifer Finney Boylan, one of the nation’s most influential and recognizable advocates for trans rights, is currently serving as scholar-in-residence at UC Santa Cruz during a fraught time for both trans rights and the humanities.
Critical Imagination in Crisis Times: A Conference on the power of the Humanities at UC Santa Cruz
March 10, 2025
In times of growing inequality, political upheaval, and climate crisis, how do we imagine a different future, one that breaks free from the cycles of crisis and oppression? This question will be explored in depth at UC Santa Cruz's Critical Imagination in Crisis Times conference at Merrill College on Tuesday, March 11.
Prominent trans rights advocate and bestselling author Jennifer Finney Boylan will deliver Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture
February 25, 2025
Jennifer Finney Boylan, a celebrated author, LGBTQ+ advocate, and prominent voice in the transgender rights movement, will invoke the spirit of American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart during her Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture on Tuesday, March 4. Boylan is currently Scholar In Residence at The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz.
UCHRI grants advance Humanities research on campus
January 17, 2025
This year, UC Santa Cruz researchers are advancing cutting-edge projects that tackle critical issues such as antiracist education, environmental resilience, and the intersections of identity and power, with critical funding from the University of California Humanities Research Institute (UCHRI).
Honoring UCSC’s 2024 Alumni Awards recipients
January 13, 2025
Six alumni were honored on Oct. 25 at the Alumni Awards Celebration dinner. Learn more about each recipient and watch their video feature.
Uncovering an ancient alphabet
January 7, 2025
Back when she was an intrepid graduate student, renowned University of California, Santa Cruz Egyptologist Elaine Sullivan contributed to the discovery of the world’s earliest known alphabet. This historic find has only recently come to light.
Campus secures funding for innovative research projects addressing climate action and linguistic diversity
December 17, 2024
Two cutting-edge research projects led by the University of California, Santa Cruz have been awarded funding through the University of California’s Multicampus Research Programs and Initiatives (MRPI). This underscores the university's leadership in advancing creative and impactful solutions to global challenges.
Celebrating the Humanities: Spring Awards 2022-2023
May 25, 2023
The UC Santa Cruz Humanities Division annual Spring Awards Ceremony recognizes undergraduate student, faculty, and alumni achievements. Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 4–6:30 p.m. at the Cowell Provost House.
Modernity, Conspiracy, and Open Education: Online Humanities Offerings from UC Santa Cruz
March 22, 2023
In the past year, some UC Santa Cruz Humanities faculty have opened their courses to the world through the campus partnership with Coursera.
Humanities Division Newsletter Fall 2022
December 16, 2022
Greetings from the Humanities at UC Santa Cruz! In early November, I had the opportunity to present at the National Humanities Conference. This fall, we also launched a new certificate program called “Humanizing Technology,” with new courses starting in winter 2023.
Humanizing the metaverse
December 12, 2022
A Humanities Institute fellowship brings trained humanists into high-tech companies, providing firms with creative and fluid thinkers while also giving scholars a view into how their expertise can be used in different positions.
Humanities Division Newsletter Spring 2022
May 18, 2022
Message from Dean Alinder: Welcome to our first Humanities Division Newsletter! As I near the end of my second year as Dean, I am excited about the initiatives underway in the Humanities Division. I look forward to keeping you up to date on our activities through this newsletter.
Celebrating the Humanities: Spring Awards 2021–22
May 13, 2022
Join us for our annual celebration recognizing student and faculty academic achievement in the Humanities Division at UC Santa Cruz.
Serious Wordplay
May 12, 2022
Professors in UC Santa Cruz’s creative writing concentration encourage risk and responsibility, leading a program that’s experimental, playful, smart, and fresh.
Miriam Ellis, lecturer emerita (1927—2022)
March 31, 2022
Miriam Ellis an indelible mark on students and colleagues in French, theater, music (especially opera), and administration
Legal studies major Aissata Ba selected to meet Michelle Obama
November 5, 2021
Aissata Ba, a second-year legal studies major, has been selected to participate in a special event with Michelle Obama on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.
Talented leaders show why arts and humanities matter
October 25, 2021
UC Santa Cruz Magazine features Humanities Dean Jasmine Alinder and Arts Division Dean Celine Parreñas Shimizu. Both are committed to raising the visibility of the humanities and arts, highlighting their power to deepen critical thinking, heighten sympathetic imagination, and prepare students to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Humanities Welcomes New Faculty and Staff
October 6, 2021
The Humanities Division welcomes new faculty and staff in the fall quarter of 2021.
KSQD: The Humanities Institute Fosters Community Engagement
September 29, 2021
Tune into KSQD's Talk of the Bay podcast for conversation about how UCSC’s Humanities Institute (THI) is nurturing graduate students and a connection with the Santa Cruz community. Host Suki Wessling is joined by UCSC's Dean of Humanities Jasmine Alinder and graduate student and THI Public Fellow Morgan Gates.
Celebrating Postdoctoral Scholars in the Humanities
September 20, 2021
The Humanities Division celebrates our postdoctoral scholars during National Postdoc Appreciation Week.
UC Santa Cruz celebrates 50 amazing years
March 18, 2015
UCSC to offer new B.A. degree in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies
June 06, 2014
Beginning this fall, students at UC Santa Cruz can now declare a major in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies (CRES), leading to a new bachelor of arts degree.
Associate Professor Ochoa Publishes New Book
May 28, 2014
UCSC Feminist Studies Associate Professor, Marcia Ochoa, has publishes a new book entitled "Queen for a Day: Transformistas, Beauty Queens, and the Performance of Femininity in Venezuela". Please join the Feminist Studies Department in a conversation and book party on Wednesday, June 3rd, 5-7pm in Humanities 1, Room 210.
Humanities Division Hosts Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Speaker Series
November 1, 2012
Sunaina Maira, Professor of Asian American Studies at UC Davis, will give a lecture on Tuesday, November 13 at 4:00 p.m. in the Humanities 1 building, Room 210.
Uncommon People / Gail Hershatter: Bringing women's stories to light
October 15, 2012
Gail Hershatter built a career by talking to people left out of history.
UCSC History professor Dana Frank provides an op ed article for the L.A. Times
August 24, 2012
UCSC History professor Dana Frank provides an op ed article for the L.A. Times concerning the State Department and human rights in Honduras.
UC Presidential Chair in Feminist Critical Race and Ethnic Studies
July 01, 2012
Bettina Aptheker and Karen Yamashita received a highly prestigious University of California Presidential Chair in Feminist Critical Race and Ethnic Studies. Professors Aptheker and Yamashita will co-hold the Chair for a three-year period beginning July 1, 2012 and ending in June 30, 2015.
Gary Young has been named 2012 Artist of the Year
March 21, 2012
Gary Young has been named 2012 Artist of the Year by the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission.
Dr. Karan Singh to deliver Satyajit Ray Lecture at UCSC
September 8, 2011
Distinguished Indian statesman and diplomat Dr. Karan Singh will deliver the 2011 Satyajit Ray Lecture at UC Santa Cruz on Saturday, September 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall.
William A. Ladusaw Appointed Humanities Dean
July 14, 2011
William A. Ladusaw, professor of linguistics, has accepted an appointment as dean of the Division of Humanities.
Right-Wing Populism and the Crisis of Organized Labor
April 19, 2011
“Right-Wing Populism and the Crisis of Organized Labor” The Center for Labor Studies presents a lecture with Bill Fletcher, Jr. Right-wing populism is a phenomenon deeply rooted in the US system. It tends to emerge in a virulent form during times of economic distress and crisis. It plays upon fears and prejudices and is integrally connected to matters of race. Bill Fletcher, Jr. will address the importance of understanding right-wing populism and the role that a renewed labor movement can play in combating this irrationalist and divisive force.
Rethinking Capitalism conference
April 1, 2011
The second annual Rethinking Capitalism conference, April 7-9 at UC Santa Cruz, will investigate the economic and social systems that help prop up and preserve capitalism in the aftermath of the crisis of 2008. The conference is free and open to the public.
History grad teaches English and blogs from China
December 21, 2010
Get updates about our History alum, Matt Palm, and his adventures in China!
New Faculty Publication: Eric Porter "The Problem of the Future World"
December 8, 2010
Professor and Chair of American Studies, Eric Porter, has a new book out.
Bill Ladusaw and Jim McCloskey elected fellows of Linguistic Society of America
October 19, 2010
Two of our professors from Linguistics have been elected as fellows the Linguistics Society of America.
Karen Yamashita Named National Book Award Finalist for I Hotel
October 19, 2010
Literature Professor Karen Yamashita has been named a finalist in the 2010 National Book Awards for her novel, I Hotel.
UC Santa Cruz doctoral programs earn high marks in national review
September 29, 2010
Two Humanities doctoral programs have been identified as distinctions among research activity-based doctoral programs.
New Publications from Humanities Faculty
September 3, 2010
Check out the latest publications from some of our outstanding faculty
UC Santa Cruz professor one of top academic experts on Honduras
September 1, 2010
Dana Frank, Professor of History, has become one of the top academic experts on Honduras. Read why...
Professors to present New Orleans lecture on anniversary of Katrina
August 20, 2010
American Studies Professor Eric Porter will deliver a lecture on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in San Francisco
UC Santa Cruz approves new major in Jewish Studies
June 24, 2010
Dean's & Chancellor Award Recipients Announced for Humanities Division
May 14, 2010
Recipients of the Dean's and Chancellor's Award for 2009-10 have been announced
Tanya Honig wins Outstanding Staff award
April 30, 2010
Message from the Dean - Budget Update April 2010
April 22, 2010
Read about the latest installment of budget reduction the Humanities Division faces in 2010-11
Literature professor Nathaniel Mackey receives Guggenheim for poetry
April 21, 2010
Literature professor Nathaniel Mackey has been awarded a 2010 Guggenheim Fellowship for poetry.
Sandra Chung elected vice president of Linguistic Society of America
February 17, 2010
UCSC professor of linguistics Sandra Chung has been elected as vice president and president-elect of the Linguistic Society of America (LSA)
UC Santa Cruz lecturer named first Poet Laureate of Santa Cruz County
January 27, 2010
UC Santa Cruz humanities lecturer Gary Young has been named the first-ever Poet Laureate of Santa Cruz County.
