UBC Faculty of Arts

Are you a current or incoming UBC Student looking for part-time work in a professional setting? Work Learn Winter 2024 job postings are now live on CareersOnline until August 19th!

Learn more at students.ubc.ca/worklearn

Want to know what a UBC Go Global Exchange seminar is like?

Emma Li, a UBC International Relations student, spent her summer diving into the vibrant culture of Barcelona, Spain.

From literature to architecture, she experienced it all! Discover her journey, how she conquered pre-exchange jitters, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way. Read about her adventure:

Global Exchange Insider: An immersion in Barcelona’s literature, architecture, urbanism and current affairs | UBC Global Are you a UBC undergrad thinking about going on a student exchange? It can be a daunting decision. You might wonder, what’s it like spending a year or a semester in another country? How can you prepare? And how do you handle it when things go sideways? We talked with UBC undergrads who studied abr...

A huge congratulations to Arts students Piper Logan and Florence Symonds! They've recently won the silver medal with Canada's Women's Rugby Sevens at the 2024 Paris Olympics! 💜🎉🥈

Dr. David Green, co-lead of the new Stone Centre on Wealth and Income Inequality at the Vancouver School of Economics at UBC, has co-authored a study that reveals signs of potential high school dropouts as early as Grade 4. Discover how these findings could change the approach to preventing troubled adulthood and supporting at-risk youth. Learn more: https://news.ubc.ca/2024/07/signs-of-high-school-dropout-and-troubled-adulthood/

📣 Arts faculty, staff, and students!

We’re seeking members of the Arts community to join one of four working groups focused on our new strategic pillars: Engagement, Research, Sustainable Futures, and Teaching & Learning. Help shape the Faculty’s future, and express your interest in joining a working group by August 12: l8r.it/r1IR

Congratulations to the Faculty of Arts winners of the 2024 UBC Public Humanities Public Engagement Awards: Dr. Elizabeth “Biz” Nijdam, graduate student Susanna Cassisa (Dept. of Central, Eastern & Northern European Studies, UBC), and Dr. Helena Wu (UBC Asian Studies)!

These awards are given to individuals who have exhibited outstanding public humanities engagement, and whose work has expanded the range of voices in public discourse. Learn more: https://publichumanities.ubc.ca/public-engagement-award/public-engagement-award-winners-2024/

In June, Faculty of Arts members shared their expertise on a wide range of topics with the media. They've covered everything from Metro Vancouver board members to the power of short stories and the history of nuclear tests in India.

Check out more insights from our knowledgeable faculty: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/arts-in-the-media-june-2024/

☀️📚 Update your summer reading list with this year's intriguing books by Arts faculty. Dive into posthumanism, critical race theory in classic films, medieval French literature, the evolving dynamics of q***r nightlife, and more! These works offer compelling insights into societal transformations and cultural discourse: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/new-books-by-arts-faculty-to-add-to-your-reading-list/

UBC Department of Geography, Film at UBC, Theatre at UBC, UBC School of Creative Writing, UBC French, Hispanic and Italian Studies, UBC Sociology, UBC Philosophy, UBC Anthropology Department, The Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice UBC, UBC Journalism, UBC Department of English Language & Literatures, UBC Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies

When History Speaks Back: UBC History Students Contribute to Vancouver’s Local Oral History - Department of History Students in UBC History course HIST 400: The Practice of Oral History contribute to Vancouver's local history in their final assignments.

Dr. David Gaertner (UBC Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies, UBC Department of English Language & Literatures) urges caution in AI use and encourages sustainable content generation practices to counter the extractivist logic of settler colonialism. He also highlights the historical contributions of Indigenous and Black communities to technology, advocating for alternative paths towards a sustainable future.

Learn more about the Indigenous perspectives and challenges of AI: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/indigenous-data-stewardship-stands-against-extractivist-ai/

Congratulations to the 15 UBC-led projects (several involving faculty members from the UBC Department of Geography, UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and UBC Political Science) that received funding through the New Frontiers Research Fund.

Learn more about the recipients and their projects: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/ubc-arts-researchers-receive-new-frontiers-research-fund/

Congratulations to the eight Faculty of Arts researchers who have received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Partnership Grants and Partnership Development Grants competition.

Learn more about the funded projects: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/eight-arts-faculty-receive-funding-from-sshrc-grants-competition/

Film at UBC, UBC School of Information, UBC Department of History, UBC Department of Geography, UBC Political Science, The Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice UBC

Congratulations to the 2024 UBC Public Humanities Research Cluster recipients!

$30,000 was awarded to "Circumpolar Indigenous Storytelling" and "Q***r and Trans Anti-Fascisms" — projects to boost research and collaboration among Humanities scholars, including many from the Faculty of Arts at UBC.

Learn more: https://publichumanities.ubc.ca/research-clusters/public-humanities-research-clusters-2024-26/

In summer 2022, Lama Mugabo from Hogan's Alley Society teamed up with social work students in SOWK 440C-529A to craft an anti-Black racism toolkit for social workers. This groundbreaking initiative will shape future social work courses at UBC.

Learn more about the project, and how you can participate in future social work courses: https://communityengagement.ubc.ca/news/hogans-alley-society-and-ubc-students-combat-anti-black-racism

Is AI revolutionizing journalism or introducing unprecedented risks? Dr. Alfred Hermida (UBC Journalism) provides insights into how generative AI is reshaping news and the essential questions we must ask. Will AI be the transformative force journalism needs, or will it bring unforeseen challenges?

Learn more: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/asking-the-right-questions-on-ais-untapped-potential-for-journalism/

The UBC Faculty of Arts is on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam). As part of the new BA degree requirements "Place and Power" invites students to critically explore the history and contemporary conditions of Vancouver and BC.

Drs. David Gaertner and Linc Kesler, discuss why it's vital for Arts students to understand power systems, Indigenous social relations, inequality structures, and diverse cultural identities: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/why-does-place-and-power-matter-a-qa-with-dr-linc-kesler-and-dr-david-gaertner/

(UBC Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies, UBC Department of English Language & Literatures)

Meet Alex Sangha (BSW'99), an Arts alum who co-founded the Sundar Prize Film Festival. The festival showcases stories of social change and is a celebration of resilience and the “capacity to flourish” that Alex witnesses daily as a social worker and counsellor.

The University of British Columbia Magazine recently sat down with Alex to learn more about him, and his inspiration for creating the Sundar Prize and Film Festival, happening this weekend: https://magazine.alumni.ubc.ca/2024/changemakers/art-activism

Meet Lisa Kariuki (she/her), a UBC International Relations student who just graduated in the Class of 2024! Lisa was also a work-learn student, with UBC's Office of Community Engagement as the Communications and Engagement Assistant.

Learn about Lisa's experience as a work-learn student, and hear her advice to help maximize your work term: https://communityengagement.ubc.ca/news/work-learn-with-lisa/

Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation Elder Margaretta James (a MA student at The Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice UBC, and scholar in residence at UBC's St. John's College) shares her story and the significance of her home, Yuquot.

Learn more about this "Friendly Cove" and its histories of Indigenous-Asian encounters: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/transpacific-connections-with-mowachaht-muchalaht-elder-margaretta-james/

This June, discover the rich history of First Nations representation in urban spaces, experience Māori artist Lisa Reihana’s powerful installation, and delve into Indigenous political advocacy at the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery.

Plus, don’t miss out on guided tours of the outdoor art collection, exploring themes of home and identity on the UBC campus. Check out the Arts events not to miss this summer: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/arts-events-not-to-miss-this-summer-2024/

Image credit: Image from In Pursuit of Venus [Infected], 2015-2017. Courtesy of Lisa Reihana, New Zealand at Venice, and Artprojects. Sourced from Museum of Anthropology

In May, Arts faculty members shared fascinating insights on a variety of topics including personality traits, q***r nightlife, and Canada’s divorce rates. See what else faculty members discussed in the news: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/arts-in-the-media-may-2024/

For new students in 2024/25, the new Ways of Knowing Breadth Requirement provides a learning experience that encourages you to explore and understand how various perspectives shape our connections to the Indigenous lands in British Columbia and with each other 🌎️! From climate justice to sustainability efforts, how can the Ways of Knowing breadth requirements help you to gain more insight about climate change?⁠
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We asked four Arts faculty members from UBC School of Creative Writing, Vancouver School of Economics at UBC, UBC Political Science, and UBC School of Information to share what you can expect from their areas of study on this topic. Read the full story here: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/ways-of-knowing-spotlight-climate-change/

UBC Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions interim Director Dr. Chris Tenove explores AI's risks in journalism: disinformation, bias, and job displacement.

Discover how ethical guidelines emerge as essential navigational tools, guiding journalists through the complex terrain of AI to safeguard the integrity of their profession. Uncover the pivotal discussions shaping the future of journalism in the age of AI: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/ethical-ai-policymaking-can-rebuild-public-trust-in-journalism/

UBC Journalism

Explore the transformative power of joy in the Asian community as Arts alumni Aydin Quach reflects on reclaiming heritage and identity amidst adversity. This final instalment of the 'Through our eyes, with our voices' series delves into the importance of creating safe spaces for celebration and solidarity.

Discover how personal experiences and shared festivities help combat anti-Asian hate and foster resilience: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/through-our-eyes-with-our-voices-making-space-for-joy-part-iv/

Congratulations, Class of 2024! 👨‍🎓✨💜

Your journey starts now. Dive into these empowering tips from our Arts alumni and set off on your post-graduation adventure with the best guidance and inspiration: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/advice-from-alumni-class-of-2024/

As an Arts student or new grad, you’ve got the top skills employers are looking for. The trick is knowing how to communicate these skills effectively. To help you out, here are 5 ways to talk about your Arts degree with employers. Learn how to make your degree shine!

https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/5-ways-to-talk-about-your-arts-degree-with-employers/

👨‍🎓 Looking to connect with Arts alumni but not sure where to start?

Join the UBC Hub of Ten Thousand Coffees! This online network has over 2,000 friendly Arts alumni who are excited to share their experiences and help you grow. Come meet your future mentors and make lasting connections: https://www.tenthousandcoffees.com/schools/ubc

🎓🎉 CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2024! 🎉🎓⁠
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YOU DID IT!! 💪⁠ This week is all about celebrating YOU and your incredible achievements!⁠

The Faculty of Arts is ready to support you as you embark on the next phase of your journey. Network with fellow alumni, access invaluable career resources, and stay connected with your alma mater: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/graduation/

In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, we’re highlighting two passionate professors behind Arts courses that explore Asian identity, history, and culture.

Dr. Ayaka Yoshimizu reveals the intricacies of ASIX 220: Indigeneities in Asia and Asian Diaspora, while Dr. Laura Ishiguro discusses her journey in developing ACAM 300: Dis/Orienting Asian Canada. We spoke with both professors to learn about their insights, inspirations, and teaching approaches: https://www.arts.ubc.ca/news/bridging-cultures-exploring-asian-heritage-in-the-classroom/