David PesciIn a Sept. 5 op-ed for The New York Times, Wesleyan President Michael Roth discusses the recent calls to further specialize education and narrow what we teach students from K-12 and on to college at the exclusion of the liberal arts, especially the humanities. Roth says this drive to turn students into “human capital” is not a new. In fact, the esteemed 19th century educational philosopher John Dewey argued against the very same calls, saying, in part, “that learning in the process of living is the deepest form of freedom.”
In an Aug. 24 op-ed for The Hartford Courant, Lauren Caldwell, assistant professor of classical studies, says that U.S. Senate candidate Todd Akin’s reference to women being able to consciously prevent conception during rape is relying on “facts” presented by the ancient Roman physician Soranus of Ephesus in the Second Century, A.D. Caldwell also says, “The next time I teach my course, I will be able to bring in the example of Rep. Akin to illustrate the ways in which 'medical understanding' continues to be used with the aim of social control,” which was also an objective of Roman rulers in…
On Sept. 18, The Wall Street Journal published an op-ed by Jennifer Tucker, associate professor of history, associate professor of science in society, associate professor and chair of feminist, gender and sexuality studies. In light of the current mission of the Mars Curiosity Rover, Tucker writes about the centuries-long search for extraterrestrial life. The op-ed can be read online here. On Aug. 23, The New York Times published an op-ed by Tucker. Tucker says that the science behind Missouri U.S. Senate candidate Todd Akin’s comments on rape is completely sound, at least from the perspective of the 12th Century. She says that what may be…
Lauren RubensteinLim: The introduction of foreign policy as a major issue in the presidential race could be bad news for Romney
The Wesleyan biology professors are recognized for their contributions to the field of stem cell research
If you think there are a too many political ads on TV, guess what? More are coming
Prof. Gallarotti talks about the Saudi's use of soft power to influence Iran
Colbert interviewed Pete Seeger on a new collection of his private writings, co-edited by the Provost
Atwater's groundbreaking work at Wesleyan in nutritional science helps feed Olympic athletes in London
Prof. Erika Franklin Fowler discusses political ad strategies that candidates, PACs will use during the game
Prof. Kirn on a finding that birds use the left brain to perceive and produce song
Prof. Seth Redfield and Visiting Prof. Adam Jensen observe exoplanet shedding hot hydrogen