Campus News

Gaines Center now accepting proposals for Bingham Seminar, Clark Lectureship

Mark Cornelison | UK Photo

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 1, 2024) – The University of Kentucky's Gaines Center for the Humanities is currently accepting faculty proposals for the Mary C. Bingham Seminar and Thomas D. Clark Lectureship in Humanities. 

The Gaines Center for the Humanities is inviting applications from faculty to teach a special humanities-oriented seminar that includes an immersive travel experience. Course proposals will be accepted from July 31 until October 7, 2024. The course will run in the spring 2026 semester.

"The Bingham Seminar is a special opportunity for faculty and students to begin their studies in the classroom, then go out and explore their topic on site,” said Michelle Sizemore, director of the Gaines Center for the Humanities. “This blend of traditional and experiential learning enhances course concepts and makes a lasting impact in students' lives and educations."

Ten or fewer students will be selected for a spot in this 300-level seminar (HMN 300) by way of competitive applications. 

The Bingham Seminar provides faculty and students a chance to explore a subject not within the university's regular course offerings, as the Gaines Center provides funding to offset the cost of travel, either in the US or abroad. The Seminar meets according to a regular course pattern during the spring 2026 semester, with the travel portion taking place over spring break, or early in May following finals week. 

Previous programs for the Bingham Seminar include:

  • 2024: Abigail Firey – The Empire of the Goths
  • 2019:  Daniel Vivian — Slavery in American Memory
  • 2012:  Monica Visona — Making American Athens
  • 2008:  Lisa Broome — Seeking Goya
  • 2006:  Ron Pen — Voices from Home: Traditional Music and the Formation of Community
  • 2004:  Douglas Slaymaker — Japan, the Modern, the City

The Gaines Center also offers funding to invite a special lecturer to help further enrich the experience. This lecturer may speak with the course but must also host a lecture that is free and open to the public. 

Based on an enrollment of 10 students, the Gaines Center provides the following: 

For faculty:

  • $4,000 research and study grant
  • Up to $2,000 of travel expenses
  • Up to $2,000 towards a special Thomas D. Clark Lecturer 

For students: 

  • $1,000 travel scholarship per student 

The application can be found here.

Founded in 1984 by a generous gift from John and Joan Gaines, the Gaines Center for the Humanities functions as a laboratory for imaginative and innovative education on UK's campus. The center is devoted to cultivating an appreciation of the humanities in its students and faculty and embraces varied paths of knowledge and particularly strives to integrate creative work with traditional academic learning.

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