Humanities Division News and Events
Notes of resistance
February 24, 2021
History Professor Eric Porter delves deeply into jazz improvisation as a means for "resistance, survival, and promoting one’s own resiliency."
LASER talk to feature research by UCSC deans of the humanities and social sciences
February 22, 2021
The event will feature research presentations by Jasmine Alinder, Dean of the Humanities (“Representing Japanese American Incarceration”), and Katharyne Mitchell, Dean of the Social Sciences (“Sanctuary Space and Insurgent Memory”).
Annual Jewish Studies Diller Lecture to feature award-winning author Sarah Stein
February 11, 2021
This year’s Helen Diller Distinguished Lecture in Jewish Studies will feature guest author and scholar Sarah Abrevaya Stein—in conversation with UCSC’s Neufeld-Levin Chair of Holocaust Studies, Alma Heckman—on Wednesday, February 17, at 5 p.m.
UCSC awarded National Endowment for the Humanities grants to support faculty research
January 28, 2021
UC Santa Cruz has received two grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to support faculty research and writing leading to book projects.
In Memoriam: Buchanan Sharp (1942–2020)
January 19, 2021
With profound sadness, we announce the death of Buchanan Sharp, professor emeritus of history, an extraordinary person, a lively spirit, and one of our department's most outstanding teachers.
Humanities Institute launches 2021 Deep Read with Tommy Orange’s novel ‘There There’
January 14, 2021
Following the success of last year’s Deep Read with guest author Margaret Atwood, The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz has announced the second installment of its new program that invites the campus and community to think deeply about literature, art, and the most pressing issues of the day.
UCSC’s Living Writers Series a place to shelter in the storm
January 8, 2021
“Shelter and Place” is the theme of the 2021 winter installment of the Living Writers Series at UC Santa Cruz. Curated by Micah Perks, professor of literature and director of the Creative Writing Program, the now virtual series will run from January 14 through March 4, on Thursday nights throughout the winter quarter.
UC Santa Cruz scholar of Chinese American history Judy Yung dies at 74
January 4, 2021
Judy Yung, a pioneering author and scholar of Chinese American and women's history, died on December 14, 2020.
Research partnership explores bonds between mothers and nonspeaking autistic children
December 18, 2020
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz and the University of Virginia have been collaborating to better understand behaviors and beliefs that may strengthen relationships between mothers and children with nonspeaking autism.
Campus publishes sixth edition of “inquiry@UC Santa Cruz” research magazine
December 8, 2020
The stories, crafted by alumni of the world-renowned UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Master’s Program, cover projects across the five academic devisions.
An unflinching look at America’s tragic past
November 24, 2020
Journalist and bestselling novelist Ta-Nehisi Coates drew an audience of 1,200 for a live discussion about his new novel, the legacy of slavery, and the aftermath of the presidential election.
Two UCSC professors elected 2020 AAAS Fellows
November 24, 2020
Linguist Matthew Wagers and microbiologist Fitnat Yildiz have been awarded the distinction of AAAS Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
'Living in a Frayed Democracy': Ethics lecture to feature noted alumnus Ezra Klein
November 19, 2020
UC Santa Cruz will present "Living in a Frayed Democracy," a trans-Atlantic public dialogue, featuring noted UCSC alumnus and journalist Ezra Klein and London political economist William Davies, as part of the Humanities Division’s Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture Series on Dec. 5.
Humanities Institute to host acclaimed writer Ta-Nehisi Coates in special post-election event
November 12, 2020
Coates will be in conversation with Adam Serwer, staff writer at The Atlantic magazine, to discuss his acclaimed novel "The Water Dancer"—as well as the state of the country after the election
The 2020 new Slug reality: Handling adversity and transitioning to a virtual learning experience
November 9, 2020
Remote learning has its challenges, but the newest class of Banana Slugs is making the most out of this uncharted experience.
Elaine Sullivan awarded American Historical Association prize for innovation in digital history
November 8, 2020
UCSC associate professor of history Elaine Sullivan and alumnus Vincent DiGirolamo have each received a 2020 prize from the American Historical Association.
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.