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What is the Humanities Center?
As scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences at the University of Rochester, we examine human culture in its myriad forms: literature, language, media, philosophy, religion, history, anthropology, visual and performing arts, and much more. We are committed to critical thinking, reasoned discourse, inclusiveness, civility, empathy, and compassion—values that lie at the center of humanistic inquiry and that are essential for a thriving democratic citizenry. The Humanities Center, located in Rush Rhees Library, is our home base for interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration. We offer programs for faculty, students, and the public. To become an affiliate of the Center and receive emails about our events, contact humanities@rochester.edu.
Upcoming Events
Recent News
In Memoriam: Kat Sirico
Kat Sirico, a lecturer in dance production and lighting design at the University of Rochester, is being fondly remembered for their boundless creativity, dedication to students, and thoughtful approach to the craft of dance. Sirico tragically died in a workplace accident while serving as a production manager at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, Massachusetts. Read more>
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The Humanities in the World Podcast by University of Rochester Press
We are thrilled to share with you the launch of The Humanities in the World Podcast hosted by the University of Rochester Press, now available on all major podcast platforms.
What role do the humanities play in shaping the world around us? How can literature, history, philosophy, and the arts help us understand—and even change—the societies we live in?
Each episode of The Humanities in the World brings together leading thinkers and researchers from across the globe to explore these urgent questions. Through wide-ranging conversations, the series examines how humanistic inquiry engages with today’s most pressing issues—from climate justice to digital culture, from historical memory to ethical futures.
Inspired by the mission of the acclaimed book series of the same name, the podcast creates its own dynamic space for dialogue, reflection, and discovery. It celebrates a vital conviction: the humanities are not a luxury—they are essential to how we live, think, and imagine better futures.
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Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration
In the Humanities Center, faculty, fellows, students, affiliates, and the public gather to collaborate and create community. Seminars, workshops, lectures, digital projects and other forms of humanistic inquiry animate our beautiful new space in Rush Rhees Library.
Watch VideoWith majors and degree programs that incorporate dozens of disciplines.
Comprised of hundreds of courses based in the School of Arts and Sciences.
Support the Center
Rochester is uniquely positioned to pursue research that spans the arts and humanities. If you would like more information about the humanities at Rochester or the Central New York Humanities Corridor, please contact us.