11/15
History
The history of abortion access in the U.S.
Following the Dobbs v. Jackson decision issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in June, overruling Roe v. Wade’s established right to an abortion, Penn professors describe the history that led to this moment.
A modern history of ancient trees, through the lens of climate change
Historian Jared Farmer discusses his new book, “Elderflora,” looking at why humans have no trouble looking at the ancient past but can’t seem to envision the deep future, and what trees can teach us.
The television and the President
On Oct. 5 1947, Harry Truman delivered the first televised presidential speech. Communications expert David Eisenhower looks at the history of politics and media and the significance of this moment 75 years later.
A hub for scholarship on ethnicity, race, and immigration
The Center for the Study of Ethnicity, Race, and Immigration brings together undergraduates, graduates, and faculty across the University to build connections and enhance and fund research.
Iran protests, explained
Historian Firoozeh Kashani-Sabet, an expert on modern Iran and gender in the School of Arts & Sciences, discusses what sparked the protests and why they’re important.
Unpacking Latino conservatism
The Center for Latin American and Latinx Studies hosted Geraldo Cadava, author of “The Hispanic Republican,” and Penn political scientist Michael Jones-Correa to help situate recent Latino trends within the longer historical perspective.
Annenberg film and annual civics survey highlights freedom of speech
For Constitution Day on Sept. 17, Annenberg Classroom has released a new film on the First Amendment and the Annenberg Public Policy Center published their annual survey on Americans’ civics knowledge.
Exploring what it means to be curious
In a new book “Curious Minds: The Power of Connection,” Penn’s Dani S. Bassett and twin sibling Perry Zurn weave together history, linguistics, network science, neuroscience, and philosophy to unpack the concept of curiosity.
Reflections on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II
Five experts from the University consider the regent’s seven-decade reign, weighing everything from the changing role of media in crafting her image to the future of the United Kingdom.
Emma Hart on the death of Queen Elizabeth II
The Penn historian and early modern Britain expert shares her thoughts about the British monarch who reigned for 70 years.
In the News
Stop treating students like babies
Jonathan Zimmerman of the Graduate School of Education organized an in-person 2016 discussion between Penn students and Republican students at Cairn University to foster productive conversation and find common ground.
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Presidential historian assesses Trump’s 2024 win
Mary Frances Berry of the School of Arts & Sciences discusses Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory and upcoming second term.
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The bad politics of bad posture
In her book “Slouch,” Beth Linker of the School of Arts & Sciences outlines how societal pressures have driven huge swaths of people to embrace falsehoods about posture.
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Time will tell if Kamala Harris made the right choice by picking Tim Walz
In an opinion essay, Brian Rosenwald of the School of Arts & Sciences outlines the thought process behind past picks for vice-presidential running mates.
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This should be our response to Donald Trump’s comments that ‘you won’t have to vote anymore’
In an opinion article, Jonathan Zimmerman of the Graduate School of Education argues that voting should be mandatory.
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The local democratic mission of HE: Lessons from the U.S.
A paper edited by Ira Harkavy and Rita A. Hodges of the Netter Center for Community Partnerships examines how urban universities can further democracy and inclusion by working with their local communities.
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