By Abby Epstein – Arts & Culture Editor

Following the annual tradition, humanities week is coming back to Bishops from Nov. 4-8.

This year’s humanities week is structured thematically around pursuing truth and its many layers. Chosen by a committee of faculty and staff, all planned activities are dedicated to engaging with this theme in interdisciplinary ways. The scheduled program includes open classes, guest lectures, performances and social events, put on in collaboration with student clubs and alumni.

The week is set to kick off on Monday with a presentation hosted by CATS about The Truth about Humanities, Careers, Internships and Job Opportunities, presented during the Gaiter block. In the evening, writer, poet, and filmmaker Liana Cusmano will speak as part of the Morris House Reading Series.

On Tuesday, FRA136 opens its class doors, inviting students to explore Koteba, a dance performance traditionally practiced in Mali. At 7 p.m., Cliff Cardinal will take to the Centennial stage as this year’s first Donald Lecture Speaker, revealing his take on The Truth about Land Acknowledgements.

On Wednesday, a collaboration between the department of religion, society and culture, department of history and global studies, the Lennoxville Library and the Musée d’histoire de Sherbrooke will present a meet and greet with Ian Darragh, author of Blatant Justice. In the evening, Bishop’s welcomes back a panel of alumni, speaking to The Truth about Humanities after Bishop’s, where food, drinks and musicians will be on hand.

Thursday afternoon will feature a nature and learning walk, aimed at The Truth about Eco-Anxiety. The evening features a discussion between faculty members on Truth in the Age of Tiktok: A Roundtable on the Current Disenchantment with Experts and Institutions.

The week will end with an exploration into truth, body and sound. At 4 p.m. there will be an open dance movement class in Centennial Theatre, followed by a reception in Bandeen Hall. At 8 p.m., the evening is set to conclude with a performance put on by Music Chez Nous, presenting Small World Project.

Through a showcase and celebration of the humanities at Bishop’s, students are invited to explore “profound ideas and events that have shaped our lives for the better,” as Dean of Humanities Dr. Jean Manore puts it. “The aim of humanities week is to demonstrate how important the humanities are to understanding ourselves, our cultures and our societies. In the humanities, we promote critical thinking by exploring the challenges humanity has faced within the past, present and future …[,]diverse thinking through exposure to other cultures, histories, languages …[and] beautiful thinking through the visual and performing arts but also through the exploration of profound ideas and events that have shaped our lives for the better.” 

Musical theatre student and BUSRC Humanities Senator Sonoma Brawley encourages everyone to “see what the humanities department has to offer and the value of the humanities for our larger community and society! We made a conscious effort to engage with more student groups and clubs on campus in order to welcome the entire student body to be a part of humanities week.”

Beyond just BU, Dr. Patrick McBrine hopes that the lessons of the humanities will have a lasting impact as students go out into the world. “We are aiming to promote our work in the humanities and encourage others in the wider BU community to explore the beauty and complexity of the human condition,” he says, “I believe that a life of doing will lead to wisdom and a meaningful contribution to culture and society.”

For more information, students should keep an eye on their inboxes in the coming weeks. This event is open to all students and members of the community.