Why Study Humanities Today? Building Futures for Just Presents

LIA! is joining hands with humanities students and clubs across campus for a Lightning Lecture afternoon—and we want YOU to give a Lightning Lecture!

“Why Study Humanities Today?” If you have answers sprouting for this crucial question, submit a 100-word summary of a 3-5-minute “lightning talk” on the value, beauty, practical benefits, and transformative force of the humanities. This year, we’re especially interested in how the humanities can help us build Present Futures, cultivating critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and just futures in and beyond our human and environmental presents.

In that spirit, we welcome lightning talks from students, faculty, and staff about any broadly related topics in all forms, ranging from scholarly presentations to creative work, performance, rants, song, or any other form of your choosing. All majors and departments are welcome—let’s imagine, debate, and shape the future together! 

Do you want to present? Please submit a 100-word summary of your proposed Lightning Lecture and a 100-word bio to this Google form by Feb. 27, 2026.

No experience required! We’ll provide a Lightning Lecture skills workshop for all presenters.

Date/Time: Mar. 13, 2025, 2–5pm

Location: CDRS (MN3230)

Abstracts due Feb. 27!

FREE food! Inspiring Lectures! Great conversation! CCR Recognition for Presenters.

For more invitations and updates, follow LIA! on Instagram.

Presented by Literature Is ALIVE! with generous support from the Department of English & Drama.

Please feel welcome to contact us at lit.is.alive.utm@gmail.com if there is anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you.