Why Human/ties?
The IHGC’s Humanities Week 2022’s theme, “Human/ties” encourages students, faculty, and guests to examine the "I" in "Humanities" - what makes us human and what ties us together.
What ties us together as humans in spite of our myriad perspectives, fraught histories, and conflicting principles? What is the role of the “i” at the center of the Humanities, especially as it communicates and defines our own role and responsibility, and those of the individual, in our local and global communities?
Humanities Week 2022’s activities and programs foster interpersonal and transdisciplinary connections to explore HumaniTies, what it means to be human, and the connection between humanities and “human ties” -- ties as constructed supports and involuntary bindings, as well as the human as it connects to and bridges the greater natural, spiritual, psychological, technological, political, artistic, and post-human worlds of our 21st-century lives.
Join us in this weeklong celebration of the ways the Humanities foster the exchange of knowledge and strengthen global ties. Make some unexpected ties and connections of your own! Humanities Week is an annual student-produced program of the Institute of the Humanities & Global Cultures (IHGC).
The IHGC’s Humanities Week 2022’s theme, “Human/ties” encourages students, faculty, and guests to examine the "I" in "Humanities" - what makes us human and what ties us together.
What ties us together as humans in spite of our myriad perspectives, fraught histories, and conflicting principles? What is the role of the “i” at the center of the Humanities, especially as it communicates and defines our own role and responsibility, and those of the individual, in our local and global communities?
Humanities Week 2022’s activities and programs foster interpersonal and transdisciplinary connections to explore HumaniTies, what it means to be human, and the connection between humanities and “human ties” -- ties as constructed supports and involuntary bindings, as well as the human as it connects to and bridges the greater natural, spiritual, psychological, technological, political, artistic, and post-human worlds of our 21st-century lives.
Join us in this weeklong celebration of the ways the Humanities foster the exchange of knowledge and strengthen global ties. Make some unexpected ties and connections of your own! Humanities Week is an annual student-produced program of the Institute of the Humanities & Global Cultures (IHGC).

Monday, April 18 - Human/ties via Humor
Comedy Night at Brooks Commons
The Whethermen, Amouse Bouche, Hot Kids Comedy
Comedy Night is back! Join us for performances by UVA’s own IMPROV groups The Whethermen, Amuse Bouche, and Hot Kids Comedy, and participate in live voting for a night of comedy that promises hilarious surprises and FREE PIZZA from Mellow Mushroom!
Puzzle Poesis Scavenger Hunt
Puzzle Poetry, Prof. Brad Pasanek
Calling all wordsmiths and puzzlemasters! This multi-day scavenger hunt invites you to decipher clues, solve riddles, and traverse the landscape in order to unlock the secrets the Puzzle Poetry group has hidden around the UVA Grounds. First person or team to solve all of the puzzles wins a grand prize of $250! Second place earns $150, and a third finisher will win $100. Fly solo or combine forces with up to three others* to compete in this epic cross-campus adventure!
Tuesday, April 19 - Arts/Collective
Local Artists Lunch and Talk
Local Photographer Ben Greenberg, IHGC
Charlottesville local photographer Ben Greenberg is coming to Grounds to lead a photography workshop and talk about art as a means of environmental activism as well as his work lobbying for nonprofits!
Bob Ross Paint-Along
Bob Ross Inc., IHGC
Take part in a soothing large-group painting session led by teachers from the Bob Ross Inc.! By the end of the two hours, participants will have their very own landscape painting to take home.*
Wednesday, April 20 - Mindfulness/Service
Emergency Poetry
Prof. Elizabeth Fowler, IHGC
The Emergency Poem is the poem you can’t do without: a beloved object, a restorative, a mantra, a momentary stay against confusion, a special touchstone for its keeper. Join us for the final hour of sunlight on Tuesday to share your own emergency poem. Memorization and a brief explanation are optional!
Thursday, April 21 - Human/ties in the world
Bibliography Event
Prof. Vander Meulen, IHGC
Despite what you might be thinking, the field of “Bibliography” is not about crafting the perfect Works Cited page. It’s about studying the way books grow and change over time (with or without the author’s input!), and it’s something UVA is famous for: taking care of precious and unique library materials for the future of literary study. Join us for a hands-on exploration of some of the most fascinating items being examined by students and faculty at the university now!
Ukraine Update
Prof. Kunakhovich + David Swanson, IHGC
UVA community members, along with the rest of the world, are anxiously watching events as they unfold in Ukraine. We want to provide an event that focuses on answering students’ most pressing questions:
Friday, April 22 - Human/ties in the Arts
Broadway Talks Back With Ben Bogen & Morgan Harrison
Broadway Talks Back, IHGC
End Humanities Week on a high note by joining Broadway Talks back for their first in-person event since the pandemic! Broadway Talks Back is excited to bring Broadway stars Ben Bogen of Frozen and Jersey Boys and Morgan Harrison of Mean Girls and Beetlejuice! Register to join them for a group singing or dance masterclass during the day, with a free catered lunch from Roots, and be sure to stick around for a Talkback in the evening to answer all your questions about the world of Broadway and performing!
11:30-1pm Dance Masterclass with Morgan Harrison (in Ohill Forum)*
1-2:30pm Catered Roots Lunch (on the Ohill quad)
2:30-4:00pm Singing Masterclass with Ben Bogen (in Ohill Forum)*
6:30-8pm Talkback with performance by Hoos in the Stairwell (in Maury 209)
Earth Day Plant Giveaway
UVA Sustainability, IHGC
Adopt a plant and bring a living piece of the Earth into your home! On Monday, April 18, come dressed for gardening on the South Lawn at noon to help us plant seedlings in recycled glasses and bottles. On Friday, April 22nd, join us for the plant giveaway at noon on the South Lawn to help the newly sprouted seedlings find caring homes!
Prayers from Everywhere
Prof. Elizabeth Fowler, IHGC
Join us in this peaceful outdoor setting to share prayers from global faith traditions and languages in a reflective end to your week.
All Week Events
Contemplative Sciences Center
See the CSC website for more details!Tuesday
- Tai Chi, 12-1
- Night Owl Yoga, 8-9pm
Wednesday
- Yoga for Life 5:30-6:30
- BIPOC Mindfulness Meet Up 5-6p
Thursday
- Night Owl Yoga 8-9pm
- Santosha for Sisters 7:30-8:30
Friday
- Mindfulness Meet Ups 10-11am
Comedy Night at Brooks Commons
The Whethermen, Amouse Bouche, Hot Kids Comedy
Comedy Night is back! Join us for performances by UVA’s own IMPROV groups The Whethermen, Amuse Bouche, and Hot Kids Comedy, and participate in live voting for a night of comedy that promises hilarious surprises and FREE PIZZA from Mellow Mushroom!
Puzzle Poesis Scavenger Hunt
Puzzle Poetry, Prof. Brad Pasanek
Calling all wordsmiths and puzzlemasters! This multi-day scavenger hunt invites you to decipher clues, solve riddles, and traverse the landscape in order to unlock the secrets the Puzzle Poetry group has hidden around the UVA Grounds. First person or team to solve all of the puzzles wins a grand prize of $250! Second place earns $150, and a third finisher will win $100. Fly solo or combine forces with up to three others* to compete in this epic cross-campus adventure!
Tuesday, April 19 - Arts/Collective
Local Artists Lunch and Talk
Local Photographer Ben Greenberg, IHGC
Charlottesville local photographer Ben Greenberg is coming to Grounds to lead a photography workshop and talk about art as a means of environmental activism as well as his work lobbying for nonprofits!
Bob Ross Paint-Along
Bob Ross Inc., IHGC
Take part in a soothing large-group painting session led by teachers from the Bob Ross Inc.! By the end of the two hours, participants will have their very own landscape painting to take home.*
Wednesday, April 20 - Mindfulness/Service
Emergency Poetry
Prof. Elizabeth Fowler, IHGC
The Emergency Poem is the poem you can’t do without: a beloved object, a restorative, a mantra, a momentary stay against confusion, a special touchstone for its keeper. Join us for the final hour of sunlight on Tuesday to share your own emergency poem. Memorization and a brief explanation are optional!
Thursday, April 21 - Human/ties in the world
Bibliography Event
Prof. Vander Meulen, IHGC
Despite what you might be thinking, the field of “Bibliography” is not about crafting the perfect Works Cited page. It’s about studying the way books grow and change over time (with or without the author’s input!), and it’s something UVA is famous for: taking care of precious and unique library materials for the future of literary study. Join us for a hands-on exploration of some of the most fascinating items being examined by students and faculty at the university now!
Ukraine Update
Prof. Kunakhovich + David Swanson, IHGC
UVA community members, along with the rest of the world, are anxiously watching events as they unfold in Ukraine. We want to provide an event that focuses on answering students’ most pressing questions:
- What can I do to help?
- What organizations are making the biggest impact?
- What is the situation like on the ground for Ukrainians still in the country, those who are now refugees, and Russian dissidents who oppose Putin’s actions?
Friday, April 22 - Human/ties in the Arts
Broadway Talks Back With Ben Bogen & Morgan Harrison
Broadway Talks Back, IHGC
End Humanities Week on a high note by joining Broadway Talks back for their first in-person event since the pandemic! Broadway Talks Back is excited to bring Broadway stars Ben Bogen of Frozen and Jersey Boys and Morgan Harrison of Mean Girls and Beetlejuice! Register to join them for a group singing or dance masterclass during the day, with a free catered lunch from Roots, and be sure to stick around for a Talkback in the evening to answer all your questions about the world of Broadway and performing!
11:30-1pm Dance Masterclass with Morgan Harrison (in Ohill Forum)*
1-2:30pm Catered Roots Lunch (on the Ohill quad)
2:30-4:00pm Singing Masterclass with Ben Bogen (in Ohill Forum)*
6:30-8pm Talkback with performance by Hoos in the Stairwell (in Maury 209)
Earth Day Plant Giveaway
UVA Sustainability, IHGC
Adopt a plant and bring a living piece of the Earth into your home! On Monday, April 18, come dressed for gardening on the South Lawn at noon to help us plant seedlings in recycled glasses and bottles. On Friday, April 22nd, join us for the plant giveaway at noon on the South Lawn to help the newly sprouted seedlings find caring homes!
Prayers from Everywhere
Prof. Elizabeth Fowler, IHGC
Join us in this peaceful outdoor setting to share prayers from global faith traditions and languages in a reflective end to your week.
All Week Events
Contemplative Sciences Center
See the CSC website for more details!Tuesday
- Tai Chi, 12-1
- Night Owl Yoga, 8-9pm
Wednesday
- Yoga for Life 5:30-6:30
- BIPOC Mindfulness Meet Up 5-6p
Thursday
- Night Owl Yoga 8-9pm
- Santosha for Sisters 7:30-8:30
Friday
- Mindfulness Meet Ups 10-11am