On October 7, 2025, John Cabot University hosted Professor Alain-Philippe Durand of the University of Arizona for two events: a workshop titled “The Humanities and the Future of Work,” and a lecture titled “Humanities’ Business.” Organized and moderated by JCU Professor Fabrizio Conti, the events emphasized the role of humanities in shaping approaches to work, innovation, and civic life.
The workshop provided an interactive space to explore how the humanities can help people adapt to changes in jobs, technology, and professional practices. Durand guided attendees through a series of prompts and case studies designed to bridge theory and practice. He encouraged participants to consider curriculum design, interdisciplinary partnerships, and community engagement as tools for preparing graduates for the future.
Professor Alain-Philippe Durand
Durand emphasized that the humanities contribute unique skills – such as contextual analysis, narrative comprehension, flexible thinking, and ethical reflection – that are essential in workplaces increasingly shaped by automation and globalization. Participants left with actionable ideas for syllabi, collaborative projects, and institutional initiatives that underscore the humanities’ relevance in professional environments.
Durand’s lecture “Humanities’ Business” explored the historical and contemporary intersections between humanistic inquiry and economics. He argued that both business and culture benefit from frameworks that center on human values and long-term thinking. The talk traced how humanistic training cultivates skills needed for leadership, ethical decision-making, and innovation.
Alain-Philippe Durand is the Dorrance Dean of the College of Humanities at the University of Arizona. He is a Professor of French Language and affiliated with Africana Studies, Applied Intercultural Arts Research, Latin American Studies, LGBT Studies, and Public and Applied Humanities.
