Behind the S(cr)een: African Americans in the Entertainment Industries

The Obermann Humanities Symposium is an opportunity for UI scholars to explore an important topic using the lens of the humanities. Co-directors invite national and international speakers who provide an interdisciplinary response to the theme, and also highlight the work of UI and local experts. The symposium often includes an arts component, as well, as opportunities to share pedagogical approaches.
Recent symposia have explored the role of the humanities in understanding and communicating the new age known as the Anthropocene, celebrating and forming a cohesive vision for the study of Latinos in the Midwest, and an examination of Don Quixote as one of literature's most famous exemplars of parody and plagiarism.
Applications are due the second Tuesday in October each year. We are not currently accepting applications for the 2022–23 Humanities Symposium Directorship.
Applications are welcome from any faculty member whose appointment requires significant research, including scholarship and work in the arts. Directors must also have a record of scholarship in the proposed area of the humanities. Faculty who have received this award in the last 4 years are ineligible.