Obermann Symposium

Stand-up comedian at 2019 "Misfitting" Humanities Symposium

Andrew Tubbs performing stand-up comedy at the 2019 Symposium, Misfitting: Disability Broadly Considered

Opportunity to explore an important topic in the arts & humanities

The Obermann Symposium (formerly Arts & Humanities Symposium) is an opportunity for UI scholars to explore an important topic using an interdisciplinary lens. 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.

This is an award of up to $15,000, including significant staff support. Read more and apply.

2024–25 Obermann Arts and Humanities Symposium

As calls for transnational solidarity among reproductive justice movements emerge, communities are asking how reproductive liberation is tethered to various social movements. Directed by Lina-Maria Murillo (Gender, Women's, & Sexuality Studies and History) and Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz (Communication Studies and Gender, Women's, & Sexuality Studies), this symposium brings together scholars and artists with local, regional, and global perspectives to bear on the pursuit of reproductive justice as the University of Iowa Press launches a new book series: “Locating Reproductive Justice: Global and Regional Perspectives."

Join us for transnational, cross-disciplinary conversations featuring readings, seminars, and discussions on March 27–28, 2025, in Iowa City. All symposium events are free and open to the public.

symposium website