Each spring, our HumanitiesX cohort teaches the inaugural versions of the new, project-based community-engaged courses that they've collaboratively designed. These showcase pages share a closer look at each course and some reflections from the fellows on lessons learned.
HX 2022-2023: Environmental Crisis & Action
China's Environmental Voices
Professors Li Jin and Phillip Stalley worked with community partner Sophia's Choice, to explore how Chinese artists, writers, and scholars have interpreted, portrayed, and confronted environmental degradation in China. Students hosted a public film-screening event and poster session, followed by a Q&A with the film's editor.
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Rivers of Life: Chicago's South Side and Its Waterways in Words and Images
Professors Steve Harp and Miles Harvey partnered Friends of the Chicago River to explore how people interact with the Calumet River System. Students made visits to the area, interviewed people who live and work there, and shot documentary photographs. The students hosted a gallery exhibit and opening event.
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Community-Centered Environmental Advocacy
Professors Tim Elliott and Danielle Vance-McMullen worked with the Active Transportation Alliance (ATA) and student teams to research, design, and pilot tactics to engage young people in advocacy for Big Marsh Park. Student teams presented their findings to ATA.
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HX 2021-2022: Immigration and Migration
Sharing Their Stories: Latinx Immigrant Activist' Oral Histories
Professors Amy Tyson and Chris Solis Green worked with the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council (BPNC) to conduct a series of oral histories with community organizers and Latinx immigrant activists. Students then edited these oral histories into a digital and print anthology.
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Geographies of Displacement: Migration and Immigration in Atomic-Age Art
Professors Yuki Miyamoto and Kerry Ross worked with the Japanese Arts Foundation (JAF) to create a student-driven art exhibit featuring handmade floating lanterns. The exhibit and subsequent floating lantern ceremony investigated the ways art has been used to negotiate identity in the Atomic Age.
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Children Seeking Asylum: Creating Digital Media to Support Human Rights
Professors Maria Ferrera and Chi-Jang Yin worked with the Midwest Human Rights Consortium (MHRC) to create videos explaining MHRC's work conducting forensic analyses for the benefit of asylum-seekers in the U.S. The 3- to 5-minute student videos are featured on
MHRC's new website.