Center for the Humanities

The Center for the Humanities advocates for and supports humanistic inquiry at Grinnell in a variety of ways. Our speakers, conversation events, workshops, grants, community engagement, and co-sponsorships help ensure that the humanities remain at the heart of what it means to live the liberal arts on campus and beyond. 

We are always seeking new ways to reach more of our communities and meet diverse needs with the hope that everyone has equal access to humanistic research, teaching, and learning. In addition to the center’s own initiatives, we try to listen to what is happening on campus and be as responsive as possible. 

We hope that you will see opportunities for yourself and that you’ll encourage others to explore what we have to offer. 

Theme 2019-20: Dis/Unity and Difference

Difference is a reality of community life — as is disagreement about how to negotiate the tensions of celebrating difference and promoting unity. Does focusing on unity paper over difference? Does focusing on difference promote disunity, undermining the possibility of solidarity? In 2019-20, the Center for the Humanities will host a variety of guests who will present topics and approaches that can help us think through these pressing questions in our communities.