Society & Culture

As the June 16 deadline for bids for the library approaches, universities in Chicago, Honolulu, and New York City have expressed interest in housing the Barack Obama Presidential library. Curt Smith offers strong views about the three leading contenders vying for the project.

Films like This is Spinal Tap have built large followings around their use of awkward and cringeworthy comedy. But according to Jason Middleton, assistant professor of English and director of the film and media studies program, the use of staged “awkwardness” extends far beyond the domain of contemporary popular culture and into the earliest days of filmmaking.

The Humanities Project presents a symposium in which 16 distinguished scholars will discuss what it means to be black in the 21st century.

The disturbing imagery of videos games are often accused of fostering feelings of aggression in players. But a new study shows hostile behavior is linked to gamers’ experiences of failure and frustration during play—not to a game’s violent content.

The Politics and Markets Project, a new initiative aimed at fostering discussion among college students about key issues of the day, presents "Wall Street and Your World."

Four faculty experts will discuss on Thursday, April 3, the Russian annexation of the Crimean peninsula and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The panel will touch on a variety of issues including Russian President Vladimir Putin's objectives and speculation about his next moves. The panel also will explore political constraints, such as Europe's dependency on Russian oil and reliance on exports to Russia.
photo by Flickr user nessa_flame

Douglas and Constance Beck have committed more than $1 million to establish a fellowship for doctoral students in political science and related fields.

William Mumma will explore issues brought to light by the United States Supreme Court case involving a congregation of religious sisters who oppose certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act

The canonization of John Paul II on April 27, 2014, will be celebrated through a blend of music and readings of John Paul's poetry and writings.

A three-day film and lecture series looks at the work of female journalists, authors, and filmmakers working to bring attention to stories about motherhood in America, sex and sexuality, reproductive rights, and racial inequality.

A new study suggests that the American Bar Association 's sometimes-controversial ratings systematically award lower ratings to minorities and women than to white or male candidates.

Deborah Rossen-Knill, founding director of the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program, was recently published in The Best of The Independent Rhetoric & Composition Journals.