Society & Culture
Witness, activist, servicewoman, scholar
By the time of her death at age 103, Olivia Hooker ’62 (PhD) was an early witness to devastating acts of racist violence, the first African-American woman to serve in the Coast Guard, and a prominent psychology professor.
Superman at 80
The iconic superhero, who turned 80 in 2018, has come in and out of fashion. Historian and Rochester alumnus Ian Gordon ’93 (PhD) explores why.
Philosopher Jennifer Lackey on why we’re so apt to believe confessions
In the latest Humanities Center lecture on evidence and expertise, the director of the Northwestern Prison Education Program discusses how a confession can turn into a miscarriage of justice.
‘Drifting open eyed into insanity’
Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation has acquired a remarkable collection of 52 personal letters from author and early feminist reformer Charlotte Perkins Gilman, who minces no words when it comes to motherhood, marriage, and depression.
Common test of mental state understanding is biased
A new Rochester study has shown that a widely accepted test for assessing a patient’s ability to understand the mental state of another is biased against the less educated and against racial and ethnic minorities.
Distinguished Visiting Humanist Hazel Carby dissects race and empire
In a variety of events during her visit to Rochester’s Humanities Center, the Yale historian unravels the complex processes of colonialism while tracing her family history through Jamaica, Wales, and England.
Mt. Hope Family Center gets surprise funding boost to treat child traumatic stress
An additional $308,000 in federal funding will help Project STRONGER provide services for children and families from Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria, as well as immigrant, refugee, and unaccompanied international children.
You were a finalist city, but didn’t land Amazon HQ2? You still may benefit
Research from the Simon Business School suggests that start-up and entrepreneurial activity increased in the 20 cities considered as locations for Amazon’s second headquarters.
Has Apple lost its sweet spot?
For the first time in more than 15 years, Apple issued a reduction in its quarterly revenue forecast this December. Simon Business School professor Abraham Seidmann believes the market has overreacted.
Cut to the chase: Can sex help start a relationship?
In a new study, researchers demonstrate how sex and sexual desire play a major role not only in attracting potential partners to each other, but also in encouraging the formation of romantic relationships and emotional bonding.