The UC Davis Humanities Institute serves as a central hub for interdisciplinary scholarship across literature, philosophy, history, and cultural studies at the University of California, Davis.
Designed to connect faculty, graduate students, and community partners, the institute supports public lectures, collaborative research, and critical dialogue about pressing social questions.
| Core Mission | Primary Programs | Key Partners | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promote cutting-edge humanities research and pedagogy | Public lecture series, annual conference, faculty research clusters | UC Davis Library, Davis Humanities Center, local school districts | huminst@ucdavis.edu, humanities.ucdavis.edu |
| Strengthen undergraduate and graduate engagement | Undergraduate symposium, graduate workshop fellowship, digital humanities labs | Department of English, History, Philosophy, UC Davis Writing Center | 530-752-1122 (main office) |
| Connect campus with Sacramento region communities | Public humanities labs, K-12 teacher workshops, community reading groups | Sacramento Public Library, local museums, California State Archives | On-campus office: Humanities Building, Room 1300 |
Research Initiatives and Public Scholarship
At the forefront of public humanities, the UC Davis Humanities Institute supports faculty-led research clusters that address topics such as digital storytelling, migration, and environmental ethics.
Through funded projects and community partnerships, institute initiatives translate scholarly work into accessible formats like documentary screenings, walking tours, and collaborative archives.
Graduate Training and Curriculum Development
Graduate students benefit from structured mentorship, cross-departmental seminars, and mini-grants for dissertation research presented through the institute’s public colloquium series.
The institute also advances curriculum development by sponsoring new course modules that integrate critical theory, archival methods, and inclusive pedagogy across humanities departments.
Undergraduate Engagement and Digital Humanities
Undergraduates gain hands-on experience through the institute’s fellowship program, where they work with faculty on digital exhibits, oral history projects, and data visualization.
Workshops on digital tools, citation management, and public writing help students build a portfolio that strengthens applications for graduate school and diverse careers.
Community Impact and Long-Term Vision
By prioritizing accessibility, the UC Davis Humanities Institute seeks to broaden participation in cultural conversations and ensure that rigorous humanities research informs local and regional decision-making.
- Engage with diverse campus and community audiences through accessible public programs
- Support interdisciplinary research that connects humanities methods with social challenges
- Develop scalable digital projects that preserve local histories and make scholarship openly available
- Provide structured mentorship for undergraduates and graduate students at every stage of their academic journey
- Build long-term partnerships with schools, libraries, and cultural institutions across the Sacramento region
FAQ
Reader questions
How can faculty propose a new research cluster through the UC Davis Humanities Institute?
Faculty should submit a brief project description, anticipated outcomes, and a list of potential collaborators to huminst@ucdavis.edu, after which institute staff will schedule a planning meeting and outline next steps for approval and funding.
Are there specific deadlines for undergraduate fellowship applications each year?
Yes, the institute typically opens fellowship applications in early September and closes submissions in late October, with notifications issued by early December for the following academic year.
What support does the institute offer for digital humanities projects led by graduate students?
Graduate students receive stipends, access to specialized software, and one-on-one consultations with digital humanities specialists, along with opportunities to present prototypes at the annual symposium.
Can community organizations in the Sacramento region request a public event or workshop through the UC Davis Humanities Institute?
Community partners may submit event proposals at least eight weeks in advance, outlining goals, audience, and logistics; institute staff will review the request and coordinate space, publicity, and possible funding support when feasible.