School of Arts & Sciences

Drawing of a human standing on a pillar holding a book flanked by a Republican elephant and Democratic donkey against a background resembling scales of justice.

Rogers Smith on the heart and soul of America

As a scholar, the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science is perhaps best known for challenging the view that the U.S. is fundamentally, “in its heart and soul,” a liberal democracy.

Vote That Jawn written in bright yellow chalk on the sidewalk

Engaging in the election

In a collaborative English course taught by Lorene Cary in the fall, students shared their experiences with civic engagement by writing for publication, partnering with nonprofits like Vote That Jawn to share non-partisan information with other young first-time voters.

From left, senior Marija Curnic, Head Coach Sanela Kunovac, and junior Iuliia Bryzgalova (pre-pandemic photo).

Bryzgalova, Curnic earn ITA preseason rankings

The junior and senior are coming off excellent 2019-20 seasons in singles and doubles. They ended last season ranked 39th in doubles nationally.

a hand adjusting a lens on an optics table

A new regime for analyzing properties of topological materials

A pair of studies demonstrates how two related metal alloys, cobalt monosilicide and rhodium monosilicide, can convert light into electric current efficiently thanks to their topology.

Topographic map of Area de Conservacion Guanacaste in Costa Rica showing different biomes

Climate change doesn’t spare the smallest

Changing conditions have taken a toll on insects in the tropics, according to research by School of Arts & Sciences biologists Daniel Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs. But education and science offer a path forward, they say.

Stock image of a person staring out the window, with greyed out images of other people illuminated as if the first person is thinking about them.

The link between perceptions of autonomy and global views of income inequality

Research from the Center for Social Norms & Behavioral Dynamics finds that people who feel independent think that most others are, too. They also underestimate the level of poverty in the United States.

Side-by-side photos of author and book cover of Rational Fog by M. Susan Lindee

Q&A

Seeing clearly through the fog of war

In a new book, science historian M. Susan Lindee of the School of Arts & Sciences explores the interplay between scientific progress and violence in modern war.

Hands holding a box of COVID vaccine vials.

How can the world allocate COVID-19 vaccines fairly?

It’s an ethical question many Penn experts are contemplating. One fact is certain, they say: Distribution must not exacerbate disparities and inequities in health care.

New strategies for designing electroluminescent materials

A collaborative team of materials scientists and theoretical chemists provide hybrid perovskite nanoparticles that are high-efficiency light emitters by using a comprehensive defect-suppression strategy.

The U.S. Capitol building is seen at dusk

Q&A

Capitol attack: Where does American democracy go from here?

As the nation processes the unprecedented mob attack on the U.S. Capitol, many are wondering what happens now for America. Legal scholar Claire Finkelstein shares her thoughts on the siege and its effects on democracy.

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