About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts & Sciences
As UofL's largest academic unit, the College of Arts & Sciences offers a diverse range of opportunities from dozens of departments and programs in the natural and physical sciences, the social and behavioral sciences, and the arts and humanities. A degree from Arts & Sciences provides a solid foundation upon which to build future academic, professional and personal successes.
Our students learn how to think critically; but they don’t just think, they do. They explore, create, research, communicate, collaborate, and meaningfully engage in the world around them. As a result, graduates of UofL’s College of Arts & Sciences are adaptable, innovative, and highly attuned problem-solvers. They are lifelong learners who are well-equipped for the work force and primed to make significant contributions to their chosen professions and respective communities.
Jason Abbott (Center for Asian Democracy) on current events in Hong Kong
Center for Asian Democracy director Jason Abbott discusses events in Hong Kong and U.S. relationships with China and N. Korea.
UofL Physics and Astronomy researchers help find 20-some worlds on hunt for Earth-like planets
University of Louisville researchers are part of a team that has identified more than 20 new planets outside of our solar system — some of which may have the right conditions to support life.
UofL Theatre Arts, African American Theatre Program collaborate for ‘A Season of Black Plays’
University of Louisville Department of Theatre Arts has announced “A Season of Black Plays,” in collaboration with the African American Theatre Program.
A matter of trust: Study explores children’s faith in characters vs. adults
Shopping for back-to-school backpacks or supplies, adults may feel their children have blind allegiance to their favorite emblazoned cartoon or TV characters over any grown-up’s opinion. But a recent University of Louisville study suggests that by age 4, children understand expertise and can trust knowledgeable adults over their beloved characters.
Humanities alumna co-founds Kentucky cultural exchange
The Huffington Post recently chronicled RUX, which was co-founded by Humanities alumna Savannah Barrett ’08. The program involves connecting businessmen, artists and other Kentuckians to how the “other half” operates.
Academic Advising: Then & Now
Think you know what an academic advisor is? Think again. If you were a student in the 80s or before, you likely don’t even remember your advisor(s). The process was transactional and highly prescriptive. Enter developmental advising. Developmental advising, an outgrowth of developmental psychology, views the advisor and advisee as collaborators in a journey of educational and personal discovery.
UofL geoscientists take the city by storm
What used to be a rare occurrence now seems commonplace. Both anecdotal and scientific evidence indicate there are significant changes to weather patterns as a result of climate change. But can where you live relative to an urban core impact the severity of weather? Professors Dave Howarth and Jason Naylor (Geography & Geosciences) think so.
ACCelerate: creative exploration and research
Last April, two standout A&S teams traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 2019 ACCelerate: ACC Smithsonian Creativity and Innovation Festival, a gathering highlighting the creative exploration and research happening at ACC universities.
The Future of Policing
UofL’s Belknap Campus houses an institute that consistently ranks alongside the FBI in the top executive development training centers for law enforcement in the nation, attracting students from across the US and locales as far-flung as Lebanon and Japan. This is the Southern Police Institute.
Fulbrights: Breaking 100!
Eleven recent College of Arts & Sciences graduates have earned 2019 Fulbright scholarships, a prestigious international award coveted by many high-achieving scholars. That means all but one of the twelve 2019 UofL Fulbrights got their degrees from A&S. Since 2000, A&S has produced an impressive 101 Fulbright scholars!
PACER paves the way
On May 21, 2019, the Department of Physics & Astronomy inaugurated its powerful new computing cluster PACER (Physics & Astronomy Computer for Education and Research), made possible by a generous gift from the family of Nathan Shrewsbury Lord and Rachel Macauley Smith Lord. PACER will allow faculty and students to engage in the frontier computational research areas of astronomy, atmospheric science, condensed-matter physics, and high energy physics.
The Book Doctors
History has given us no shortage of literary power couples, and continuing in this grand tradition are Department of English Professors Ian Stansel and Sarah Strickley, who manage to balance writing, teaching, and raising two young daughters.
‘At long last,’ Fine Arts alum Sam Gilliam’s artwork finds its place in a NYC gallery
World-renowned artist and double alum Sam Gilliam is no doubt a point of pride for the University of Louisville. The painter, widely known for his use of saturated color and his highly improvisational, spontaneous technique, received his BA in creative art in 1955 and his MA in fine arts in 1961 – both from the College of Arts & Sciences.
UofL professor takes the stage as an ASL interpreter
Minges is an American Sign Language interpreter who performs at a variety of concerts and music festivals, including Waterfront Wednesday, Bonnaroo and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She has also worked with Tom Petty, Phish, The Avett Brothers and other musicians.
Hite Art Institute hosts art show that examines mental health
While it might seem sleepier on campus through summer, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do or see. You might meander over to Schneider Hall Galleries, for example, to peruse Hite’s current exhibition: “Mental Misconceptions: The Art of Self-Care.” The show, which runs through Aug. 30, 2019, investigates mental health and the healing process known as post-trauma growth, the sense of well-being after a traumatic event.
A&S faculty join citywide ‘Afloat: An Ohio River Way of Life’ celebration
Just as one community connection flows into the next, UofL is partnering with local museums, historic sites and the downtown library to offer its scholarly expertise to the citywide “Afloat: An Ohio River Way of Life.”
A&S senior wins scholarship to attend summer institute at Duke University
Senior Maria Martinez is one of 15 students who have earned a 2019 Ralph Bunche Summer Institute scholarship.
Back to nature: Spend holiday weekend counting, learning about butterflies
How many volunteers does it take to count butterflies on a holiday weekend? Answer: As many children and adults who show up July 6, 2019 to participate in the annual count in Oldham County.
Open Walls displays extraordinary talent from UofL faculty and staff
The Open Walls Exhibit, hosted annually by the Office of Communications and Marketing and taking place in Ekstrom Library, features works of various mediums by employees of all backgrounds. From humanities to STEM fields, from classroom to cubicle, one thing remains constant: the artists’ passion for their work, though it may not be their day job.
Psychology Alumna wins 2019 Woman of Distinction award
UofL graduate Sadiqa Reynold (’93) has added another accolade to her long list of achievements. She was recently awarded the 2019 Woman of Distinction Award from the Center for Women and Families.
