Humanities News
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When Nature Gladdens the Heart
Dr. Heidi Lawrence discovered that the healing effects of nature aren’t just a feeling; they’re real. Her book explores how nature uplifts us both in literature and in life.
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The Semantics Behind Customer Service
Professors Matt Baker and Brett Hashimoto’s award-winning research dissects the language of online reviews.
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Six Students, Six HUM Grants
What are students researching in the College of Humanities? Here are a few topics covered at the 2025 Humanities Center Student Symposium.
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The Power of Pronunciation
Every region has unique dialect variations distinguishing it from surrounding states and even counties. Undergrad Hallie Davidson researched this phenomenon and looked at two variations from her home state of Utah.
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Editing in the Age of AI
How will the rapid advancement of AI impact writers and editors? BYU linguistics professors offer their insight on this unique challenge.
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The Many Lives of Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, has played many roles in France—especially as a symbol of political authority and as a cultural icon of art.
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Noël en France
Symbolism from Christ’s life can be found in countless Christmas traditions. According to Chantal Thompson, that’s especially true of traditions in France.
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Journey to Hershey
BYU alumnus Benjamin Dowdy shares his career journey and how he found his sweet spot at Hershey.
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October 2025 at the International Cinema
This October, an IC lecture explored justice and generational trauma through the lens of the folktale “La Llorona.”
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ASL: A Language Ready for Translation
Graduate student Nathan Browne dedicated his thesis to creating an AI model that translates ASL by looking at eyebrows. Now, he hopes his findings can shine a light on similar technologies to come.
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Welcome to the Zombie Apocalypse
Media often portrays zombies with a limp, and sometimes a growl, stalking toward their prey. Dennis Cutchins, on the other hand, believes they look much more mundane—they look just like you and me.
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A God of Nature
Does it matter how we feel about the earth? According to Professor George Handley, respecting the natural world allows us to better feel God’s love.
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Writing for the Child Within
Ann Dee Ellis has published six books so far, with more in the making. She read excerpts from her pieces at an English Reading Series, sharing the stories behind them that made her into the author she is today.
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Phantom at the WILK
In honor of Halloween, the French Club hosted an event framed by a classic novel and world-renowned musical: The Phantom of the Opera.
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Poetry from the Heart
Writing has the potential to empower both readers and writers. The process of creating a personal piece can bring old and new memories to rest, just as they did for BYU professor Lance Larsen.
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Listen While You Read
Not all reading is created equal—take it from Jeff Peterson, a Japanese professor who values consistent reading of easy material over tedious and difficult reading passages.
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The Need for Human Touch
Many fear that AI will replace writers, but neuroscientist David Eagleman suggested that it never will.
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