The departments and programs of the Humanities Division are committed to the study of human meaning as it is expressed in diverse languages, explained in diverse literatures, and reflected upon from diverse philosophical and religious perspectives. Students seek to understand the values and purposes that make practices and systems worthwhile. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to critically consider how individuals and communities make sense of their world is an essential skill. Explore majors, minors, concentrations, and academic programs in the humanities.
American English Institute
Arabic Studies
Chinese
Cinema Studies
Classical Civilization
Classics
Comparative Literature
Creative Writing
Comics and Cartoon Studies
Digital Humanities
Disability Studies
English
Environmental Humanities
News from Humanities
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World-Class Faculty in the Humanities
Stephen Shoemaker
Professor of Religious Studies
Stephen Shoemaker teaches courses about Christian traditions and is a prolific contributor to research related to ancient and early medieval Christian traditions in early Byzantine and Near Eastern Christianity.
Shoemaker has received research fellowships over the years and received two in 2024 to complete the translation of the earliest surviving Christian hymnal from sixth-century Jerusalem, which is in Old Georgian. The fellowships include one from the National Endowment for the Humanities for 2024–2025 and a Senior Fellowship funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation).
He recently published The Quest of the Historical Muhammad and Other Studies on Formative Islam (2024) and is the co-author of The Capture of Jerusalem by the Persians in 614 CE (2024).
Stacey Alaimo
Professor of English
Stacey Alaimo’s research explores the intersections between literary, artistic, political, and philosophical approaches to environmentalism. She has published three books and more than 60 scholarly articles, on such topics as toxins, gender and climate change, environmental justice, queer animals, Anthropocene feminisms, marine science studies, the blue humanities, and new materialist theory.
Her concept of trans-corporeality has been widely taken up in the arts, humanities and sciences. She has been interviewed many times in print and podcasts. Her work has been translated into at least 12 languages and has inspired several art exhibitions.
Her fourth book, The Abyss Stares Back: Encounters with Deep Sea Life (2025), explores the science and aesthetics of deep-sea creatures since the 1930s. Alaimo currently serves as the English department’s director of graduate studies and is a core faculty member in the Environmental Studies Program.
Lowell Bowditch
Professor of Classics
Lowell Bowditch is the head of the Department of Classics. Her research explores the interface between the literature and socio-political relations of Augustan Rome.
Her newest project addresses issues of free speech and censorship in the early imperial age. She explores this through the work of Ovid in the context of the growing authoritarianism of the Augustan regime, with the planned book to draw comparisons with the contemporary political landscape.
Her previous work focused on love elegy and Roman imperialism from postcolonial perspectives. Along with multiple articles and research papers, she is the author of two books and a commentary, including the most recent, Roman Love Elegy and the Eros of Empire (London and New York 2023).
Bowditch came to the UO in 1993 and particularly enjoys mentoring classics undergraduates and master’s students.
Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages
At the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages (SGSL), UO students engage with diverse cultures, languages, histories, and lifeways across the world. Students of the humanities, from Cinema Studies to Religious Studies, will broaden and deepen their education in their field by viewing it—and experiencing it—through a global lens. GSL prepares our graduates for life after college with an interdisciplinary curriculum, innovative language teaching, abundant learning opportunities outside the classroom, and paths of study that lead to many options for real-world careers.
Research in the Humanities
Inquiry in humanities fields centers around our collective human experience. Our stories are told in many forms, be it a script, a screenplay, a religious text, in literature or in folktales. Researchers in the humanities employ tools of analysis to explore the long history and rapidly changing landscape of ideas, values and beliefs that coalesce in a different sort of knowledge about reality and human life.
2024-2025 Sponsored Research in Humanities
Between July 2024 and June 2025, researchers in CAS received $83 million to fund 199 research projects, including $1.5 million for Humanities. The research projects, which span divisions and fields of study, represent CAS's commitment to curiosity, discovery, and innovation.
Explore Other Majors and Minors in the College of Arts and Sciences
Meet our Dean
Welcome to the humanities!
With the human condition as our starting point, and an orientation spanning the past, present, and far into the future, the humanities at the University of Oregon address society’s core human questions of meaning, making, communication, and understanding.
In the College of Arts and Sciences, humanities span disciplinary fields, such as literature and languages, folklore, theatre and cinema, philosophy, classics, and religious studies. Our faculty teach students key humanistic skills such as writing, critical analysis, logical reasoning, translation, and expression. Our programs emphasize the liberal arts through engaged student learning, and our students are trained by the UO’s world-class research faculty to be resilient thinkers, capable of bringing their humanistic insights to bear on a transforming world.
Like any other time of rapid change, whether the Industrial Revolution or the technological revolution, thinkers of the human condition reflect and analyze human experiences and make it possible to share them. Through its many disciplines, the humanities inspire communication, uniting diverse communities in a common path, helping us address some of our most pressing human concerns.
We hope you will explore the humanities at the UO.
Erica Bornstein
Divisional Associate Dean, Humanities
Happening at CAS
Find daily ways to engage your career curiosity with workshops, local industry tours, alumni panels & networking events, the Winter Career & Internship Expo (1/29), and Practice Interview Day (1/30) that will help you develop skills and connections on the road to career readiness. For a full list of workshops, career tours, networking events, resume reviews, alumni panels, and more, visit career.uoregon.edu/events or register for events in Handshake. Why wait?! Stop by the University Career Center in Tykeson Hall-Garden Level ASAP to get drop-in resume reviews and other career guidance to make the most of your Career Readiness Week!
The University Career Center offers a special thanks to our Winter 2026 Career Readiness Week sponsor: Enterprise Mobility!
Resume Extravaganza Wednesday, January 21st, 11am-4pm, Tykeson Hall Commons (1st Floor) Did you know you can have someone review your resume before the Winter Career & Internship Expo? Drop in anytime to get feedback on your resume. Don’t have a resume? Come learn how to make one!
Portland Internship Experience Virtual Info Session Thursday, January 22nd, 3pm-4pm, Zoom (register via Handshake) Interested in learning more about PIE? Get an overview of the program including the application process, curriculum and expectations, resources/support available throughout the summer, and insights from last year's program.
Career Tour: Life Sciences & Beyond! Friday, January 23rd, 9am-1:30pm, meet at Ford Alumni Center Want to see what it's like to work in a state-of-the-art laboratory, do scientific research, project management, or even scientific communication. Tour Stops include: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Yogi Tea, & InVivo Biosystems. Lunch included!
Curious about the Career & Internship Expo (Virtual Info Session) Monday, January 26th, 12pm-1pm via Zoom (Register in Handshake) Learn the ins and outs of navigating the in-person Winter Career & Internship Expo, updating your Handshake profile, researching employers, and how to present yourself authentically during the expo.
How To: Interview Strategies (Workshop) Monday, January 26th, 2pm-2:45pm, Tykeson Hall Garden Level 50P (University Career Center-Conference Room) We’ll break down the different types of interviews you might face, how to prep without spiraling, and how to answer questions with confidence.
How To: Resume Writing (Workshop) Tuesday, January 27th, 1pm-1:45pm, Tykeson Hall Garden Level 50P (University Career Center-Conference Room) We’ll cover what actually matters on a resume and how to make your experience shine! Plus, we’ll break down how AI plays a role in the job application process. Leave with tips to make your resume clean, strong, and job ready!
How To: Cover Letters (Workshop) Tuesday, January 27th, 3pm-3:45pm, Tykeson Hall Garden Level 50P (University Career Center-Conference Room) We’ll show you what a cover letter really needs. Plus, we’ll dive into how AI is changing the application game and what that means for personalizing your letter. Leave with tips to make yours clear, compelling, and unmistakably you.
Your Future in Communication (Panel + Networking) Tuesday, January 27th, 4pm-6pm, Tykeson Hall 1st Floor Commons 4-5pm: Industry Insights Panel: Hear stories and ask questions of industry leaders who have excelled in their careers as communications professionals. From backgrounds and experiences in advertising, public relations, journalism, and more! Learn about the skills and connections you can develop today to thrive in the future.
5-6pm: Connect with Employers & Alumni: Grab a snack and rotate through casual small group chats with alumni, professionals, and employers to learn more about their companies, career paths, and get advice about how to find career-building opportunities and connections for your future in the field of Communication.
GitHub Portfolios for Job Seekers (Workshop) Wednesday, January 28th, 4pm-6pm, Knight Library-Dream Lab (122) Learn how to create a free digital portfolio on GitHub to highlight your coding and career readiness skills for future employers & open-source projects.
Biz Careers: Marketing, Sales, Operations & Analytics (Panel + Networking) Wednesday, January 29th, 5:30pm-6:30pm Alumni Panel in Lillis 182 + 6:30-8pm Networking Mixer in Lillis Atrium Learn from alumni about career paths and what skills and experience you can gain now to be a competitive applicant. Immediately after the panel discussion, expand your network of employer connections and learn about immediate opportunities for internships and full-time jobs.
Winter Expo Preview & Tour Thursday, January 29th, 11:15am-12pm, EMU Ballrooms/Maple First Career & Internship Expo? Or just a little nervous? Come early and get a low-stress, behind-the-scenes look at how to navigate the expo and make a good first impression with employers.
Winter Career & Internship Expo Thursday, January 29th, 12pm-4pm, EMU Ballrooms Get curious about your future and make connections with cool employers! Over 50+ businesses, non-profits, and government agencies are on campus and excited to share more with you about their organization and early career talent opportunities—especially internships and summer jobs! Take part in the Expo Scavenger Hunt to win prizes and have fun conversation starters with employers. Want to make a great first impression? Bring copies of your resume and wear an outfit that reflects your confidence, personality, and professionalism.
School of Architecture & Environment Career & Networking Fair Thursday, January 29th, 11am-3pm, Lawrence Hall Meet firms in person! Bring your portfolio, be ready to schedule an informational or internship interview. Perhaps you are seeking a job! Meet and talk to firms to establish when they might be hiring. Build your professional network. These firms are ready to mentor and offer internships and job opportunities!
Winter Practice Interview Day (Drop-Ins Welcome!) Friday, January 30th, 12pm-4pm (30-45 minutes each), Tykeson Hall 1st Floor Commons Come practice commonly asked interview questions and get active feedback on your communication style, interviewing skills, professionalism, and more. Get feedback from experienced professionals and career coaches.
Portland Internship Experience Virtual Info Session Friday, January 30th, 3pm-4pm, Zoom (register via Handshake) Interested in learning more about PIE? Get an overview of the program including the application process, curriculum and expectations, resources/support available throughout the summer, and insights from last year's program.
8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
The ROAR (Radical Organizing Activist Resource Center) is partnering with the Decolonial Philosophies Collaboratory (among others) to bring over 40 scholars from all over the world to the UO for a three-day conference. This year's theme is Decolonization and Global Justice. The conference will be held in the Erb Memorial Union. Please email the roarcenter@gmail.com with any questions or if your organization is interested in collaborating on this project.
Conference is available both in person and online. Please RSVP to receive the streaming link.
REGISTER: https://airtable.com/appA8If5KJdZl8CDx/pag0tUc5MceknPWpk/form
Website with more information, including program: https://www.decolonialphilosophiescollaboratory.com/about-6 Erb Memorial Union map: https://map.uoregon.edu/99437f5fa9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Want to see what it's like to work in a state-of-the-art laboratory, do scientific research, or even scientific communication AND explore Eugene all at the same time?! Have we got a Friday morning for you!
Students will have the opportunity to tour local life science companies that are excited to introduce you to careers (and internships!) and the growing Oregon industry. Representatives from Oregon Life Sciences (formerly Oregon Bio Association) will be on the tour and ready to share resources & connections. While at the stops, you'll get an opportunity to tour facilities as well as meet with leaders in the field.
TOUR STOPS:
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (Life sciences, diagnostics, and analytical instruments).
- Invivo Biosystems (Biotechnology Research-Gene Editing & CRO Services)
- Yogi Tea (B-Corp Sustainable Tea Manufacturing)
- LUNCH provided!
Event is FREE to ALL STUDENTS, bring a friend! Register on Handshake to get more information in the coming weeks and see what it's all about before you commit!
What do we mean by "Life Sciences" ?
It's a big term that includes LOTS of cool fields! Biotech, med tech and digital health just to name a few! People with a mission to cure patients, protect our climate and feed the world. The local life sci-industry is growing and also needs accountants, salespeople, and operations managers. For any student wishing to make a positive impact on the world, please attend.
Open to all students with an interest in learning more about local business and careers in life sciences, scientific communication, and other related majors. This is a great way to explore your future and practice having networking conversations with industry leaders before you interview for related jobs in the future!
Sponsored by University Career Center, Collaborative EDO, and Oregon Life Sciences (formerly Oregon Bio Association)
The University Career Center (UCC) strives to make Career Readiness Week inclusive and accessible for all. If you require accommodations, contact UCC Event Coordinator, Maggie Swing, mswing@uoregon.edu, 541-346-6016 preferably 5 business days in advance.
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This interactive virtual session — led by the Teaching Engagement Program, and joined by Dean of Students Dr. Jimmy Howard — is for faculty and graduate instructors to share how teaching and learning are being experienced in an environment that can feel politically and socially fraught. Our goal is for instructors to leave with a clearer understanding of available resources and strategies for navigating complex classroom dynamics (including strategies their colleagues share during the session).
Our agenda includes:
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Welcome and collective goals
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Challenges related to teaching controversial topics and academic freedom
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Your challenges or concerns
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Relevant policies and resources
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When to ask for support and who to contact
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Pedagogical strategies for navigating challenges
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Your needs or desired supports
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This is a virtual event.
Register Here: https://uomytrack.pageuppeople.com/learning/4211
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If there are questions/concerns on your mind that you’d like to share beforehand, please feel free to put them in our Agenda document.
This event is made possible by the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies and the Teaching Engagement Program at University of Oregon.