What eclipses have meant to people across the ages
Eclipses have fascinated people since the earliest days of recorded history.
These rare astronomical events have helped explain the world around us—from ancient Mesopotamia to medieval Islamic tradition all the way to the 20th century, when they helped prove Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
Such interest hasn’t dimmed. People across the United States will have an opportunity on April 8th to see a total solar eclipse—the last opportunity for the contiguous U.S. until 2044. UChicago faculty, students and alumni are among the hordes of enthusiasts traveling across the country toward the area of “totality,” the 70-mile-wide stripe stretching from Texas to Maine in which the moon will fully block the sun.
Author and "Odyssey" translator Daniel Mendelsohn to deliver Berlin Family Lectures, beginning April 23
Daniel Mendelsohn enjoys interpreting Homer’s "Odyssey" for modern readers. Drawn to the ancient tale since his teens, for six years he took on the challenge of translating and reanimating the book. His translation of Homer’s "Odyssey" is scheduled for release in the spring of 2025 by the University of Chicago Press.
On April 23 and 30, Mendelsohn will deliver lectures on the epic poem. Both lectures will be held at the Rubenstein Forum—in person—from 6 to 7:30 p.m. CDT. Registration for the series is free and open to the public.
William Walker Tait, renowned UChicago philosopher of mathematics, 1929‒2024
Prof. Emeritus William Walker Tait, an acclaimed philosopher and mathematician at the University of Chicago, died March 15 in Naperville, Ill.. He was 95.
Known by colleagues as one of the most distinguished philosophers of mathematics of the second half of the 20th century, Tait was professor emeritus in the Department of Philosophy and the Committee on the Conceptual and Historical Studies of Science at UChicago. During a career spanning 60 years, he made significant contributions to development of proof theory, as well as to logic and the philosophy of mathematics.
“Bill Tait was chair of Philosophy when I joined the department in 1981 and he was arguably the best chair I knew, standing up for the department and junior faculty—often against the administration—with a fierce moral determination but a twinkle in his eye,” said Josef Stern, the William H. Colvin Professor Emeritus in the Department of Philosophy at UChicago.
Howard Stein, acclaimed UChicago philosopher and historian of physics, 1929‒2024
Prof. Emeritus Howard Stein, a renowned philosopher and historian of physics at the University of Chicago, died March 8 at his home in Hyde Park. He was 95.
A trained philosopher and mathematician, Stein was a longtime faculty member of the Department of Philosophy and the Committee on the Conceptual Foundations of Science. Colleagues recalled Stein’s curiosity about physics, the elegance of his writing, and his impact on our understanding of the history of philosophy and physics.
According to Thomas Pashby, assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy at UChicago, Stein inaugurated the modern study of the foundation of physics in 1967 with his article “Newtonian Space-Time,” published in The Texas Quarterly.
Meet the Staff: Kat Byrnes
More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.
Kat Byrnes
Administrator, Academic Affairs
Office of the Dean
What do you like most about your job?
I really enjoy the cyclical nature of my job. My previous positions didn't follow the academic year, and all duties happened at all times with little breathing room. It's exciting to follow the progression of a search and see the culmination of everyone's hard work. I'm looking forward to learning more about and working closely with the various departments.
What was the last good book you read?
I loved reading Always Human: A Graphic Novel by Ari North. The art is vibrant, the story warm and engaging; it was delightful watching the two protagonists grow and learn from each other. It has inspired me to pick up drawing again after a couple of years and experiment with different art styles.
You might work with me if …
… You are a Department Administrator, on a faculty search committee, or have questions about academic onboarding.
If you didn’t have to worry about money, what project or experience would you pursue?
I would want to build a quiet nature retreat. There wouldn't be any cars or other city noise nearby, and I'd have a place to relax among a canopy of trees, blooming flowers, and small wildlife creatures. I'd probably never leave from that spot.
Humanities Division Strengthens Its Commitment to Teaching the Modern Greek Language
UChicago’s Division of the Humanities announces a $1.25 million gift for the study of the modern Greek language from the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation Fund for Teaching of the Greek Language. This generous gift from Alexander Pissios, UChicago College 2026 parent, will support the teaching of Greek through the Division of the Humanities and the Center for Hellenic Studies.
“What unifies the Greeks is their language, which presents a continuous unbroken tradition that stretches back in time for more than 3,000 years,” said Anastasia Giannakidou, founder and inaugural director of the Center for Hellenic Studies and the Frank J. McLoraine Professor in the Department of Linguistics at UChicago. “Modern Greek is a small language in the U.S., but an important element in the identity of the Greek diaspora and in need of revitalization."
Young Scholars Worldwide Interact at the International Balzan Prize Inaugural Symposium
An Indian hip-hop musician incorporates Hindu messages into his songs. The Black Opry changes country music. Through time, space, and sound, the fates of the Yurok tribe and Chinook salmon on the Klamath River are interconnected.
Music and sound move through generations, different disciplines, and geography. At the Borderlands of Sonic Encounters Inaugural Symposium on Feb. 9 at the Franke Institute for the Humanities at UChicago, young scholars explored multiple topics centering on borderlands, where music and sound are the common denominators.
“This inaugural symposium gathered young scholars from different parts of the world, sparked remarkable conversations, and established the intellectual foundation for the Balzan Prize project,” said Bohlman, the Ludwig Rosenberger Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Music at UChicago.
Meet the Staff: Stephen Carver
More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.
Stephen Carver
Department Administrator
Slavic Languages and Literatures
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy interacting with dynamic thinkers regularly. Almost every day, I have the opportunity to meet amazing staff, faculty, and students and read about some of the groundbreaking ideas and research coming from our university community. I work in a welcoming and supportive department, and I feel truly fortunate to be able to contribute to the successes of our programs.
What was the last good book you read?
I just finished reading Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein. After several recurring instances of misidentification with the more conspiratorially minded activist, Naomi Wolf, Klein explores the idea of “shadow versions” of the self. The book covers a broad range of topics including identity, polarization, alienation, and the perils of personal branding in a technologically saturated age. I found it to be a timely and compelling book.
You might work with me if …
You would like to co-sponsor an event with the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures. You would like to cross list your course with our department. You are a faculty member, student, or a visitor with scholarly interests in East European or Eurasian Studies.
What are some hobbies and interests that you are passionate about outside of work?
I am a lifelong musician. I conduct, play the piano, and sing, and I enjoy performing all over the Chicago area during my free time. I am also an avid cook and baker who likes to bring goodies to work.