
‘Vital signs’ of teaching captured by quick, reliable in-class evaluation
A 20-minute classroom assessment that is less subjective than traditional in-class evaluations by principals can reliably measure classroom instruction and predict student standardized test scores.

Experts on Brazil discuss the World Cup from a historical lens
As Brazil kicks off the World Cup, more than the tournament outcome is at stake, according to historians Pablo Sierra and Molly Ball of the University of Rochester. The husband-and-wife team have developed a course, “History of Latin America through Soccer,” that will be taught for the first time this fall at Rochester.

Curt Smith critiques plans for the Obama library
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.

New book explores awkward moments in film and media
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.

Symposium explores trouble with ‘Post-Blackness’
The Humanities Project presents a symposium in which 16 distinguished scholars will discuss what it means to be black in the 21st century.

Video gamers’ aggression linked to frustration, not violent content
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.

Policy experts debate the future of finance
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.”

Experts to discuss crisis in Ukraine
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

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

Becket Fund president to discuss religious freedom
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