Humanities & Society

Fairness and cooperation among strangers depends on more than evolution, according to a new study published in the current issue of Science magazine. “Historical factors such as religion, commerce and punishment play a role,” says Carolyn Lesorogol, Ph.D., study co-author and associate professor at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. 

It is being called “A Celebration of Women and Diversity at Washington University,” but it is much more than a celebration. Beginning Monday, April 5 through Saturday, April 10, a unique set of events — mostly free and open to the public — will be offered that demonstrate the talent and vitality that women and minorities bring to the university, the region, the nation and the world.

Mae Quinn, JD, professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis says drug courts may not be as effective as claimed. “In their zeal to solve problems plaguing our communities, today’s court reformers often overlook important concerns of individual defendants — including their rights to due process of law and zealous representation,” Quinn says.

“If the House passes the latest version of legislation this weekend and sends it to the Senate, that will be the key legislative event in the long health care debate, because both chambers have already passed the legislation,” says Timothy McBride, Ph.D., health economist and associate dean of public health at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.  “I believe the House will pass the legislation, but the vote will be very close, probably within one vote or two. The House probably has not had a vote this close since the vote on Medicare prescription drugs.”

Congressional expert Steven S. Smith says Congress has plenty of parliamentary tactics for stalling and pushing through legislation. The fate of the health care reform bill could be determined by a process of reconciliation, filibusters, deeming or something Smith calls a “vote-a-rama”.

The social media giant Twitter began five years ago this month. While millions of people are using it to let their friends know about good places to go for lunch and what their kids are up to, it’s impact on business may be just beginning.

The Max Kade Center on Contemporary German Literature will celebrate its 25th anniversary by hosting the 20th St. Louis Symposium on German Literature, “The Ethics of Literature: Contemporary German Writers,” Friday through Sunday, March 26-28, in Room 276 of the Danforth University Center.

As one of the “generic geologists” on a dig called the Dakhleh Oasis Project, Jennifer Smith, PhD, associate professor of earth and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences, was asked to sample the alum from ancient mines and to determine whether it could be the source of the blue in the “blue painted pottery” found at sites dating from the New Kingdom.

In an effort to engage individuals outside of Washington University in St. Louis, the Institute for Public Health is offering affiliation to those working in public health or related disciplines worldwide. Scientists, physicians or employees in a county health department are examples of individuals who would qualify.

David Frankfurter, PhD, professor of religious studies and history at the University of New Hampshire, will give the Weltin Lecture in Religious Studies at 4 p.m. Monday, March 22, in the Women’s Building Formal Lounge.