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Film and Media Studies faculty sweep major national society awards

Distinguished Professor Patrice Petro leads a historic cohort of four UCSB scholars recognized for career achievement, book publication and research excellence by the Society for Cinema and Media Studies.

Formal portrait of Frank J. Frost wearing a suit and patterned tie.

In Memoriam: Emeritus Professor Frank J. Frost

Frank J. Frost, professor emeritus of History, passed away in Santa Barbara on January 9, 2026. A noted scholar of ancient Greece and a former Santa Barbara County Supervisor, Frost leaves behind a legacy of scholarship, music and civic service.

Students sitting in groups and talking on a long, curved blue bench in the sunny outdoor courtyard of the modern Interactive Learning Pavilion.

Distinguished Professor Lisa Parks to co-chair newly formed committee to guide responsible use of AI across campus

Co-chaired by Distinguished Professor Lisa Parks (Film and Media Studies), this new advisory committee brings a crucial humanities perspective to the social, ethical and cultural impacts of AI in higher education.

João Pedro Oliveira in a black leather jacket standing in front of a brick building.

Corwin Chair awarded 2025 Fromm Commission from Harvard University

Only 12 composers worldwide received Harvard University's 2025 Fromm Music Foundation Commission, and UC Santa Barbara's João Pedro Oliveira is among them. The Corwin chair of composition will create a new electroacoustic chamber work premiering at UCSB in 2027.

Low-angle portrait of Alan Liu wearing an orange zip-up sweater and jeans, standing on outdoor concrete stairs with his arms crossed, smiling and looking off into the distance against a blue sky.

Faculty Research Lecturer Alan Liu ponders ‘good’ knowledge in the age of AI

As artificial intelligence reshapes communication, humanities expert Alan Liu cautions against polarized reactions to the technology. His upcoming lecture investigates the "patience" required to understand how human values like truth and rigor will adapt in an AI-integrated world.

Apply Now: 2026 LARB Publishing Workshop (Full HFA Scholarship Available)

This five-week online intensive is designed for students seeking careers in the business of publishing, editing and production. The program features tracks in book and magazine creation and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

Jenni Sorkin receives Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant

Sorkin was one of only 31 writers selected nationally for the 2025 cycle. The award supports her upcoming book, “Deviant Scale,” which uncovers a parallel art world of the 1990s, revealing how artists outside of major cities used fiber and mixed media to deconstruct race, gender and disability.

A large group of UCSB students and instructors smile for a photo inside a classroom with a projector screen reading "FILM MUSIC" in the background.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival selects student composers for inaugural scoring lab

Led by alumnus Diego Ratto, the festival’s new 10-10-10 Composer Mentorship Program challenges eight UCSB students to create original scores for short films premiering at the Arlington Theatre.

All News

Film and Media Studies faculty sweep major national society awards

In Memoriam: Emeritus Professor Frank J. Frost

Distinguished Professor Lisa Parks to co-chair newly formed committee to guide responsible use of AI across campus

Corwin Chair awarded 2025 Fromm Commission from Harvard University

Faculty Research Lecturer Alan Liu ponders ‘good’ knowledge in the age of AI

Apply Now: 2026 LARB Publishing Workshop (Full HFA Scholarship Available)

Jenni Sorkin receives Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant

Santa Barbara International Film Festival selects student composers for inaugural scoring lab

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