As part of the Humanities Institute’s mission to publicize the social relevance of Humanities scholarship, we present HumIn Focus, an educational web series that asks scholars to reflect on the ideas lying behind pressing social issues. In each episode, we ask scholars to reflect on ideas in their work in ways that expand and enrich questions of current concern. In so doing, we hope to both broaden and deepen conversations about those questions in ways that emphasize how what we do in the Humanities matters crucially for all of us.
We examine the history of the American carceral system and ask what happens to the human being behind bars. We hear from humanities scholars, legal experts and prisoners, focusing on just solutions that might reduce prison populations and restore the humanity of prisoners while preparing them for life after prison. Continue »
The COVID 19 pandemic has provided a stress test for the American healthcare system. In Rethinking Care, we view healthcare through the lens of the humanities, focusing on ways to repair some of the inequities of the system, and provide better care for healthcare workers and patients alike. Continue »
Penn State humanities scholars explore the ongoing quest to achieve the promise of American democracy despite the many past, present and future obstacles to equality and social justice. Continue »
Humanities scholars at Penn State reflect on migration, mobility and the ethics of hospitality so as to better understand the context of the debate on immigration and refugees in the US and around the world. Continue »
This WPSU documentary explores the impact of the Vietnam War on the lives of Pennsylvanians who fought, protested, or prayed for their loved ones to come home alive.
Hosted by actress and advocate Mariska Hargitay, and told by Detective Deirdri Fishel, Telling Amy’s Story follows the timeline of a domestic violence homicide.
Explore some of the many textile arts that can be found throughout the state, examining the traditions behind them and the motivations of the craftspeople creating them.
