School of Arts & Sciences

Bolivian flag flying on high rocky terrain with mountain peaks in background

Bolivia: Coup or election fraud?

Quechua scholar Américo Mendoza-Mori and political scientist Tulia Falleti discuss the ousting of the country’s first indigenous president and the tumultuous state of Bolivian politics as the country prepares for elections in May.

Side-by-side headshots of two female academics

The 25th annual MLK symposium

Across campus, students, faculty, and staff will gather for the 25th annual Commemorative Symposium honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. from Jan. 15 through Feb. 1.

Pedestrian on the sidewalk walking past the wall of the former US embassy in Tehran.

Q&A

A history of U.S.-Iran relations

John Ghazvinian, interim director of the Middle East Center and an expert on Iran/U.S. relations, talks about the countries’ historical relationship and what led to the current situation.

Marine biologist Katie Barott with tanks containing corals in her lab at Penn

Coral reef resilience

With coral reefs under threat from climate change, marine biologist Katie Barott studies how some corals may prove resilient to warming temperatures and acidifying oceans.

Vintage family planning U.S. Postage stamp

Q&A

The religious battle over birth control and the unpleasant motivation that fueled it

In a Q&A, sociologist Melissa Wilde discusses her new book, which probes the racism and elitism that spurred religious groups to fight for legalizing contraception.

a young kindergartner lays on the ground looking unenthused while other kids play in the background

A new link between fear, imitation, and antisocial behavior in children

In a pair of studies, researchers from Penn and Boston University offer insight into a set of traits often characterized by a lack of empathy and sensitivity to others’ emotions.

Five events to watch for in January

Winter welcomes a slew of new performances, lectures, and exhibits to Penn's campus, including the opening of the Arthur Ross Gallery’s latest exhibit, a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., and a walk for wellness.

Brendan O'Leary standing with hands in pockets.

Brendan O’Leary: Whatever you say, say everything

The political science professor’s career, from aiding in the negotiating of peace in Northern Ireland to advising the Prime Minister of Kurdistan, has been guided by a simple principle: Say exactly what you mean.

Alice Paul and the ERA

After almost a hundred years, the Equal Rights Amendment may finally be ratified as an amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. Mary Frances Berry, Kathleen M. Brown and Maria Murphy discuss what ratification could mean.

Iranian commander killed—five things to know

A United States drone struck and killed a powerful Iranian military commander at an Iraqi airport, bringing vows of retribution from Iran and threatening to plunge the region into chaos. An expert on Iran shares her thoughts on the attack.

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