Humanities

Explore the intellectual and creative pursuits within philosophy, history, literature, and the fine arts at Harvard.

Harvard Professor Michael Sandel Wins Philosophy’s Berggruen Prize

The creator of the popular ‘Justice’ course receives a $1 million award.

by Lydialyle Gibson

Harvard renames art film department

Renaming Visual and Environmental Studies to signal a clearer focus on making art and film

by John S. Rosenberg

John Ruskin, Victorian Radical and Art Historian

A Houghton exhibition explores the thinker’s influences and impact. 

by Marina N. Bolotnikova

Manuscripts Illuminated…by Women

Tracing lapis lazuli provides evidence that women were directly involved in creating medieval illuminated manuscripts.  

by Marina N. Bolotnikova

Philip J. Deloria, scholar of Native American studies

Philip Deloria studies American Indians and the contradictions that made America.

by Marina N. Bolotnikova

Dumbarton Oaks exhibit “Juggling the Middle Ages” is previewed

A Dumbarton Oaks exhibition connects “an enchanted past” to the human condition.

by Sophia Nguyen

Image and the Arc of Feeling

Jorie Graham’s challenging lyrics use language to give readers the experience of the poem. 

by Craig Lambert

James Baldwin’s America, in Photos

A fresh look at the writer’s work and influences

by Marina N. Bolotnikova

Durba Mitra studies gender in South Asia

Harvard’s first professor appointed solely in gender studies

by Marina N. Bolotnikova

Casey Cep reviews “These Truths: A History of the United States,” by Jill Lepore

Jill Lepore excavates the history of America, down to its bedrock values.

by Casey N. Cep

Zora Neale Hurston’s Barracoon in the Spotlight

Fresh efforts to understand the writer’s history and craft

by Brandon J. Dixon