UC Assistant Professor of Classics Florence Gaignerot-Driessen is studying ancient ceremonial figurines she found on Crete dating back more than 2,000 years. She's working with 3-D printing and ceramics at DAAP to build replicas.

Humanities

The humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences encompasses story, culture, ideas, language, interpretation, actual pasts and possible futures, and much else that touches upon ordinary human concerns.  Our students and alumni often remark upon the deep relevance of what they learn to their everyday lives.  While each of the seven humanities departments represents a unique set of academic interests, they all tap into collective curiosities about ourselves and others in order to inspire new ways of understanding, and improving, the world.   

Our award-winning faculty researchers, writers, and educators also provide students with essential skills – from the traditional to the cutting edge – for their lives after graduation.  Co-op opportunities likewise help students discover how to put their passions into practice in nearly any career.  Today’s humanities majors are tomorrow’s most thoughtful and innovative leaders. 

Latest News

1

What can you do with an English degree?

Wondering what to do with an English degree? Discover top careers for English majors — from content strategist to UX writer — plus tips to turn your skills into a job you love.

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‘Forty Under 40’ includes eight UC alumni

August 4, 2025

Eight notable University of Cincinnati alumni have been named by the Cincinnati Business Courier to its annual “Forty Under 40” Class for 2025. For three decades, the Business Courier has showcased Cincinnati’s next generation of leaders from a wide range of fields, including medical, engineering, business, and the arts.

3

Shakespeare comes to UC campus for Welcome Week

Event: August 22, 2025 7:00 PM

For most, college welcome week is a fixed image: Incoming freshman student mixers, food trucks; maybe some cornhole. But why is the College of Arts and Sciences bringing Shakespeare to Clifton this year for Bearcats Welcome?

4

Bearcats for Life: UC shows up big at the Ohio State Fair

August 1, 2025

Last month, the College of Arts & Sciences recruitment team and Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) partnered with the central office of admissions to bring the spirit of Bearcats for Life to the Ohio State Fair. Together, the team created a fun, interactive booth experience that connected with more than 450 youth and families, sparking curiosity, conversation, and Bearcat pride.

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Humanities in the News

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Shifting Forces: The evolving debate around dark energy

June 27, 2025

In an article in Undark Magazine, a new device has the scientific community questioning whether established theories on dark energy are still valid. Science philosopher Melissa Jaquart weighs in on how methods and long held beliefs challenge the status quo.

4

Romans traded exotic animals across empire

June 10, 2025

MSN highlights UC Classics research in Pompeii that showed ancient Romans traded exotic animals such as giraffes. Professor Steven Ellis discovered giraffe bones while excavating the ancient city entombed in ash from a volcanic eruption.

5

UC College Credit Plus student celebrates high school and...

May 29, 2025

Caden Elrod made history for Cincinnati Public Schools and the University of Cincinnati this month by graduating first with a bachelor’s in math and statistics at UC and then on May 22 with a diploma from Walnut Hills High School. His story aired on WLWT and Local 12 News in Cincinnati.

6

ThinkTV: Silent No More — silent film star on screen again

May 16, 2025

Starting May 16, slient film star Theda Bara’s life story will be featured on CET and ThinkTV’s “The Art Show” with contributions from UC faculty and staff: Jennifer Glaser, associate professor and head of the Department of English, Chris Harter, head of the Archives and Rare Books Library and Holly Prochaska, preservation librarian and head of the Preservation Lab.

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