Institute for the Humanities at Old Dominion University

Institute for the Humanities at Old Dominion University

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The Institute of the Humanities administers the interdisciplinary Master of Arts Program in the Humanities offered by the College of Arts and Letters.

Humanities at ODU = redesigning the world.

Operating as usual

01/23/2025

Get to know Kate Mattingly, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts and a presenter at the 2025 Junior Faculty Forum, hosted by the Institute for the Humanities on March 4.

Professor Mattingly's current research examines how notions of resistance are tied to reciprocity—to a feeling of moving and being together.

She shared:
"Before I began writing about dance, I was a dancer, and this knowledge—this training—gave me insights into why dancing can be such a powerful force in communities and cultures.

One of the first places of integration in this country was the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem in the late 1920s, where people danced together, and swing dancing became popular. Throughout the history of this country, we also see instances where dancing was banned by ruling parties to suppress the power of marginalized groups. For example, in 1739, drumming and dancing were banned for enslaved peoples, and from 1883 to 1933, the U.S. government prohibited dancing for Native Americans as part of efforts to enforce assimilation.

I believe dancing is both powerful and often misunderstood, which brings me to my current research into how performances today are redefining resistance. Resistance has traditionally been thought of as someone standing still or refusing to move, but this perspective is bound up in an ableist notion that all people have equal access to mobility and opportunity. The performances I am most interested in explore resistance as a collective endeavor, as virtuosic choreography, and as a blurring of tradition and innovation.

Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha defines resistance as 'an insistence of our right to joy and to take up space.' Writing from the perspective of a q***r, disabled, brown femme, she adds, 'Joy and pleasure are key parts of what both helps us make the disabled world-to-come we are dreaming of now, in this moment, and what helps us keep going when the work is hard and heartbreaking.'

What happens when we conceive of resistance as not just rejecting the current reality but generating a world that works for all people—one that creates access and honors differences?"

01/22/2025

Snow day on campus! ☃️

Photos courtesy of Carrie Parsons

Photos from Institute for the Humanities at Old Dominion University's post 01/17/2025

The opening reception for Hibernation, Incubation, Innovation took place last night at Old Dominion University. This remarkable exhibition, presented by the ODU Art Department, showcases recent works by full-time and adjunct art faculty across various media.

The exhibition runs from January 17 through February 22 at the Gordon Art Galleries at ODU. Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of creativity and innovation!

01/16/2025

Explore creativity and innovation at the Hibernation, Incubation, Innovation exhibition, presented by the ODU Art Department. This remarkable showcase features recent works by full-time and adjunct art faculty across various media.

The opening reception takes place tonight, January 16, from 6–8 p.m., and experience this celebration of artistic talent. The exhibition runs from January 17 through February 22 at at . Don't miss it!

Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries - 2025 Juried Student Exhibition 01/14/2025

Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries - 2025 Juried Student Exhibition The Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries and ODU Art Department welcome submissions for the 2025 Juried Student Exhibition. This exhibition is open to all students taking classes in the Art Department during the submission period from Spring 2024 until Spring 2025. All media will be considered, and....

Photos from Institute for the Humanities at Old Dominion University's post 12/31/2024

As we prepare to welcome 2025, the Institute for the Humanities at ODU reflects on a year of exploration, learning, and meaningful dialogue.

Thank you to our students, faculty, and community partners for making 2024 a year of growth and connection. Together, we’ve engaged with critical ideas, fostered inclusive spaces, and tackled important questions about the human experience.

Here’s to a new year filled with curiosity, collaboration, and discovery. Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and inspiring 2025!

12/25/2024

Happy Holidays Monarchs!

Photos from Institute for the Humanities at Old Dominion University's post 12/14/2024

Today is the final day to experience The Prologue – BFA Exhibition! 🎨✨ Congratulations to ODU’s graduating BFA students whose works explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and personal growth.

📍 Baron and Ellin Gordon Galleries
🖼 On View: Dec. 6 - 14

Join us in celebrating the creativity and passion of these talented artists:

Jason Agnew

Isabelle Moore

Peymon Aleagha

Mya Alexander

Kenya Gary

Charles Haines

Avery Keys

Julian Robbins

Cáelainn Robertson

Bryce Ross

Don’t miss the chance to witness their incredible artistry and hard work! 👏

Photos from Institute for the Humanities at Old Dominion University's post 12/10/2024

The Institute for the Humanities at ODU proudly congratulates Dr. Anne Muraoka and Professor Cathleen Rhodes on their appointments as Perry Honors College Faculty Fellows through December 6, 2025!

The appointments reflect their outstanding contributions to academic excellence and their commitment to fostering a high level of intellectual engagement to undergraduate research among students. The Perry Honors College (PHC) Faculty Fellows will work closely with ODU administration, faculty, and talented undergraduate students to support and enrich their academic experiences, particularly in the areas of undergraduate research, dissemination, and professional development.

Photos from Institute for the Humanities at Old Dominion University's post 12/06/2024

Congratulations to ODU’s graduating BFA students featured in The Prologue – BFA Exhibition! Celebrate their incredible works exploring identity, cultural heritage, and personal growth.

📍 Baron and Ellin Gordon Galleries
🖼 On View: Dec. 6 - 14

Let’s give a round of applause to the talented artists:
Jason Agnew
Isabelle Moore
Peymon Aleagha
Mya Alexander
Kenya Gary
Charles Haines
Avery Keys
Julian Robbins
Cáelainn Robertson
Bryce Ross

Be sure to stop by and experience the creativity and passion of these graduating artists! 👏✨

Pictured:

Jason Agnew, BFA Photography & Print Media, Minor in Japanese.
Isabelle Moore, BFA Painting & DrawinJulian Robbins, BFA Photography & Print Media
Peymon Aleagha, BFA Painting & Drawing
Caelainn Roberston, BFA Painting & Drawing
Kenya Gary, BFA Painting & Drawing

ODU Arts

Photos from Institute for the Humanities at Old Dominion University's post 12/06/2024

Congratulations to ODU’s graduating BFA students featured in The Prologue – BFA Exhibition! Celebrate their incredible works exploring identity, cultural heritage, and personal growth.

📍 Baron and Ellin Gordon Galleries
🖼 On View: Dec. 6 - 14

Let’s give a round of applause to the talented artists:
Jason Agnew
Peymon Aleagha
Mya Alexander
Kenya Gary
Charles Haines
Avery Keys
Isabelle Moore
Julian Robbins
Cáelainn Robertson
Bryce Ross

Be sure to stop by and experience the creativity and passion of these graduating artists! 👏✨

Pictured:

Caelainn Roberston, BFA Painting & Drawing
Jason Agnew, BFA Photography & Print Media, Minor in Japanese.
Isabelle Moore, BFA Painting & Drawing
Peymon Aleagha, BFA Painting & Drawing
Julian Robbins, BFA Photography & Print Media
Kenya Gary, BFA Painting & Drawing

ODU Arts

Photos from Institute for the Humanities at Old Dominion University's post 12/05/2024

Tonight at ODU, immerse yourself in an evening of art and creativity as three captivating exhibits open, each offering unique perspectives and thought-provoking themes.

1️⃣ The Prologue – BFA Exhibition
Celebrate the achievements of ODU’s graduating BFA class with works exploring identity, cultural heritage, and personal growth.
📍 Baron and Ellin Gordon Galleries
🗓 Reception: Dec. 5, 6-8 PM
🖼 On View: Dec. 6 - 14

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2️⃣ The Unwise Trinity
Step into a reimagined world of “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil,” where sin takes center stage through haunting animal symbolism and evocative narratives.
📍 Barry Arts Building Rotunda, 1st Floor, 4600 Monarch Way
🗓 Reception: Dec. 5, 6-8 PM
🖼 On View: Dec. 5 - 12

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3️⃣ Nauture – Works by Joshua Deloatch
Experience a thought-provoking exploration of how media shapes our identities, blending nature and nurture with themes of division, connection, and authenticity.
📍 Barry Arts Building, 4600 Monarch Way
🗓 Reception: Dec. 5, 6-8 PM
🖼 On View: Dec. 4 - 12

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All exhibits are free and open to the public. Don’t miss this opportunity to support our talented artists and immerse yourself in the power of art!

12/03/2024

Tiday is ! Please support the Humanities and give a gift to the Institute for the Humanities at ODU. You can make an impact on the lives of our students who are actively engaging in exploring ways to help us understand ourselves and our world, to transform and ignite change, and to connect all of us as humans through passion, curiosity, and empathy.

https://www.odu.edu/humanities

11/26/2024

Meet Jasper Waugh-Quasebarth, Curator and Director of ODU's Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries! 🎨 Jasper shares how studying the Humanities shapes his vision for the Galleries:

"The Humanities provide a toolkit that shapes how programming emerges at the Gordon Art Galleries. First, it encourages us to think about interconnectedness—centering the creative and aesthetic decisions of artists while building a context through ethnographic and historical works to understand the social worlds from which art emerges. Second, it embraces community engagement, inviting represented communities to be equitable decision-makers, ensuring their stories are told in the ways they wish to share them."

We’re excited to see Jasper’s passion for art and the Humanities bring new perspectives and community engagement to the Galleries!

ODU Arts
ODU Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries

11/22/2024

Are you pursuing an academic or professional path in the Humanities? The answer will help you determine the right time to take HUM 603: "Strategic Professional Development Proseminar" 📚💼

The Fall variant of HUM 603 is tailored for future teachers and scholars, providing invaluable insights and strategies for success in the field.

The Spring variant of HUM 603 is designed for professionals across various industries, offering comprehensive professional development opportunities.

Whether you're charting a career in academia or seeking to enhance your skills for success in any field, HUM 603 is your gateway to strategic professional development! Don't miss out on this enriching opportunity to take your career to new heights.

Photos from Institute for the Humanities at Old Dominion University's post 11/19/2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the unveiling of the new Humanities Wall Installation Monday at Old Dominion University.

A special thank you to ODU Roar for their incredible work creating this stunning artwork and to our Humanities alumni for making the event so memorable.

We were especially honored to have our alumni in attendance, including Gretchen Edwards-Bodmer, who earned her Master’s in Humanities and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies from ODU.

Gretchen shared, "I am so honored to have been asked to participate and really enjoyed sharing the moment with my family. I used to get asked all the time what I would do with a Humanities/Women’s Studies degree. I would answer “whatever I want to” and it still rings true. I’ve had some tough moments along the way, but being able to work at the ODU Women’s Center, TCC Women’s Center and Office of Intercultural Learning, Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, and now NASA goes to show that my Humanities/Women’s Studies degrees was a great idea."

11/17/2024

Please join us on Monday, November 18, 2024, from 5pm – 6pm for a special event as we unveil our new wall installation promoting the value of the humanities, as well as our alumni.

Location: Batten Arts & Letters
Third Floor Hallway

Please RSVP using the link in bio on Instagram or via this link: https://tinyurl.com/3furwjjb

We hope you will join us.

Photos from Institute for the Humanities at Old Dominion University's post 11/16/2024

The Institute for the Humanities at ODU is celebrating culture and cuisine in our community, and recently we explored Leila’s International Cuisine at 4136 Granby Street! This gem has only been open for about two months, and it’s already a standout for authentic Mediterranean food.

Everything is made to order, including the condiments, and the freshness and flavor were out of this world! We enjoyed the International Appetizer Platter and the Ultimate Kebab Sampler (check out the photos!).

The owner, Leila (pictured), was such a gracious host. She visited our table, shared how the dishes are prepared, and brought so much warmth to the experience.

If you’re looking for fresh, flavorful Mediterranean cuisine, be sure to check this place out!

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Videos (show all)

Kate Mattingly, Ph.D.,Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts
This Week at ODU:Dec. 2- Friday, Dec. 6Unseen Ukraine Photo Exhibition, Webb Center, Front LobbyDecember 3Tea Time with ...
Meet Jasper Waugh-Quasebarth, Curator and Director of ODU's Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries! 🎨 Jasper shares how st...
What skills can you learn studying the humanities?
Happy Monday! We're kicking off a big week at @olddominionu with the 47th Annual Literary Festival,  the 4th Annual Publ...
The Institute for the Humanities welcomes Dr. Lida Zeitlin-Wu to Old Dominion University. She joins ODU and the Institut...
Get to know Jasper Waugh-Quasebarth, the new Curator and Director of ODU's Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries. Jasper ...
Why is it important to study the humanities? Jane Alberdeston Coralin, a professor of English in the M.F.A. Creative Wri...
Why is it important to study the Humanites?  Elizabeth Hogue, Humanities Librarian, University Libraries shares how the ...
In March, Evette Dionne served as the Keynote Speaker for Women’s History Month at ODU. During the event, Institute for ...

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Norfolk, VA
23529

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm