2025 Summer Institute on the Humanities of Healing and Restoration
July 13-18, 2025 | Anti-Racism, Transformation, and Healing through the Humanities
DePaul’s Social Transformation Research Collaborative (STRC) examines and celebrates the cultural forms and traditions of people of color, including their stories, art, food, music, history, poetry, religious practices, sources of resilience, and intellectual community. Through interdisciplinary research in literature and language, history and culture, the STRC demonstrates how the humanities deepen our understanding of ourselves and our society, and empower us to act, ethically and responsibly, to counter racism, dismantle violence, and build a more just and equitable society. This work is in furtherance of DePaul’s Vincentian mission to compassionately uphold the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community, and to promote peaceful, just, and equitable solutions to social and environmental challenges.
"Look Up" by Maici Williams
We are very excited to invite first-year and transfer students who have been newly admitted to the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (LAS) to become part of our Collaborative by applying for a one-week Summer Institute on Anti-Racism, Transformation, and Healing through the Humanities.
The Summer Institute is a one-week, in-person program open to all LAS students who are interested in exploring the humanities as a source of justice and healing for communities historically shaped by, and continuously facing, racism, violence, and dispossession. During the Institute, you will join a dynamic group of faculty, staff, current DePaul students, and special guests to explore the transformative and healing power of art, photography, literature, history, religion, community gardens, botanicas, and apothecaries for people of color and other marginalized individuals. You will explore the unique city of Chicago, visit iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, and make early connections with peers and community partners.
Students will explore questions like:
- What cultural and spiritual practices have survived to sustain community and manage trauma, stress, and anxiety?
- How have people of color and members of other marginalized groups used writing, poetry, fiction, music, art, photography, and other humanistic expressions to inform action?
- How have communities of color engaged in environmental space-making to reclaim health, community, and joy?
- What particular skills and inspiration can we take from the humanities that will allow us to interrogate present circumstances critically, enhance or multiply the frameworks we use to understand things, and articulate alternatives or solutions?
What are the benefits of participating in the Summer Institute?
Participants will get to engage in dialogue about humanities and healing, meet new friends and mentors, and learn more about DePaul. Participants will also earn two hours of college elective credit.
What are the costs of participating in the Summer Institute?
There is no cost to the students for participating in the program. All travel, on-campus room and board, fees, and tuition expenses will be paid by DePaul (students are responsible for incidental personal expenses).
Who can apply to participate in the Summer Institute?
Any first-year or transfer student newly admitted to LAS and who is interested in engaging in the topics of the Summer Institute may apply to participate regardless of their race or national origin.
Founded over 120 years ago in the name of St. Vincent DePaul, DePaul remains dedicated to its original mission of providing access to higher education for those who have historically been unable to pursue it, particularly students who are first-generation. First-generation students are given priority admission to the Summer Institute.
How do I learn more?
Please contact
strc@depaul.edu.
How do I apply?
Admitted students may apply
here.
Learn more from Summer Institute 2022 Students