Humanities & Society

A new brain-imaging study is shedding light on what it means to “get lost” in a good book — suggesting that readers create vivid mental simulations of the sounds, sights, tastes and movements described in a textual narrative while simultaneously activating brain regions used to process similar experiences in real life.

Frank FlinnPope Benedict XVI’s decision to lift the excommunication of British Bishop Richard Williams, along with three other bishops appointed by an ultra-conservative archbishop more than 20 years ago, has created controversy around the world. Williams has said he believes no Jews were killed by gas chambers during World War II. Frank K. Flinn, Ph.D., adjunct professor of religious studies in Arts & Sciences and expert on Catholicism, says this is the latest in series of blunders that are coming to define Benedict’s papacy.

SchaefferJonathan Schaeffer talks about playing checkers with a computer and the interplay between people and technology in his Assembly Series talk at 11 a.m. on Wed., Feb. 18 in Steinberg Hall Auditorium.

Multifaceted entertainer Lela Lee will be the featured speaker for the Assembly Series at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Graham Chapel. Lee, a cartoonist, artist and actress, said growing up in America as a female and a member of a minority made her feel surrounded by racism and sexism. In the early 1990s, while […]

Multi-faceted entertainer Lela Lee will be the featured speaker for the Assembly Series at 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 11 in Graham Chapel.

Smith As the White House pleads for bipartisan support of a massive federal stimulus plan, congressional Democrats and Republicans are maneuvering, strategizing, nervously seeking partners in an awkward legislative first dance that may determine whether Barack Obama makes good on his promise to bring change to Washington, suggests Steven S. Smith, a congressional expert at Washington University in St. Louis.

Boldrin In a full-page ad published in major newspapers Jan. 29, more than 200 economists — including two from Washington University in St. Louis — politely reject President Obama’s stimulus package calling for increased government action to jumpstart the economy.

People committed to improving the health of vulnerable communities and populations have a new degree option at Washington University in St. Louis — a Master of Public Health (MPH). The MPH Program at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work is accepting applications for its first class. The Brown School regularly hosts information sessions about its academic programs. The school plans a special half-day “Focus on MPH” event on February 13 from 8:30 – 1:30 p.m. Individuals who have applied or plan to apply for the fall 2009 semester should attend. The event will be held in Brown Hall Lounge.

Cartoonist/artist/actress Lela Lee will be the featured speaker for the Assembly Series program at 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 11 in Graham Chapel. The event, sponsored by the Asian American Association, is free and open to the public.

Those looking to learn more about President Barack Obama and gain an introduction to African-American writing are advised to check out two new books, “Best African American Fiction: 2009” and “Best African American Essays: 2009.”