Research
Pioneering Transformative Engagement through Research and Creative Work
The UP College of Arts and Letters (CAL) stands at the forefront of humanistic inquiry and creative expression in the Philippines. Rooted in its vision to lead transformative engagements through the arts and letters, the college’s research mission is driven by a commitment to academic integrity and excellence in teaching, research, and creative works.
By cultivating creative, critical, and innovative modes of thinking, our research initiatives aim to address contemporary issues while enriching the lives of the Filipino people through a sense of shared humanity.
A Diverse Research Framework
The research landscape at CAL is extensive and multidisciplinary, encompassing a variety of distinct fields of study that reflect the depth of our academic programs. From the history, theory, and criticism of various cultural expressions—such as literature, painting, sculpture, film, and music—to specialized areas including museum and curatorial studies, our faculty members and students critically analyze the complexities of human culture. We are dedicated to exploring local, regional, national, and global literatures, as well as conducting rigorous studies of language through theory, planning, and management across Filipino, Philippine languages, English, and European languages.
Furthermore, our framework includes innovative and emerging areas such as:
• Digital Humanities: Integrating technology with humanistic inquiry.
• Translation Theory and Studies: Bridging linguistic and cultural divides.
• Philippine Studies and Oral Traditions: Preserving and analyzing national heritage and folklore.
• Interdisciplinary Studies: Exploring the intersections of women and gender studies, popular culture, and discourse analysis.
A Legacy of Scholarly Excellence
The strength of research at CAL is built upon the contributions of distinguished scholars and artists who have shaped the intellectual landscape of the nation. They have paved the way for a research environment that values both rigorous academic inquiry and the evocative power of creative expression.
Global Collaboration and Innovation
CAL actively expands its research horizons through international partnerships and collaborative projects. We aim to facilitate joint research funding initiatives and host annual symposia where researchers from around the world can present their findings, fostering a spirit of innovation. Our goal is to co-author scholarly papers for international journals, focusing on comparative studies that leverage the unique strengths of our diverse departments.
Across our departments, we are leading ambitious research initiatives :
• Art Studies: Focused on joint exhibitions and research into visual arts and performance studies.
• English and Comparative Literature: Developing collaborative research on literary and cultural studies, alongside international literary festivals.
• European Languages: Researching language acquisition methodologies and joint proficiency certification programs.
• Filipino Language and Philippine Literature: Establishing bilateral research centers and producing bilingual publications to promote Philippine literature worldwide.
• Speech Communication and Theater Arts: Investigating performance studies and instructional communication.
Research at the College of Arts and Letters constitutes more than an academic endeavor. It is a vital contribution to the nation’s cultural and intellectual landscape. By bridging traditional scholarship and creative innovation, we continue to create a rich tapestry of educational opportunities that benefit both our institution and the global community. United in our pursuit of excellence, we ensure that our work remains relevant, transformative, and profoundly human.