Our Arts faculty members have been sharing their knowledge and expertise on a diverse range of topics. From ancient solar eclipse records and earthquake preparation to the trend of pet psychics, we are engaged in fascinating discussions. Stay tuned for more intriguing conversations from our brilliant faculty members!
Department of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies
Was Caligula mad—or just misunderstood?| Dr. Anthony Barrett discussed the rule of the Roman emperor Caligula, who was assassinated in 41 A.D. (National Geographic; subscription required)
Department of Asian Studies
How ancient humans studied—and predicted—solar eclipses | Dr. Xueshun Liu commented on the oldest verifiable solar eclipse records carved in China. (Scientific American)
Department of Anthropology
How Metro Vancouverites can prepare for the Big One | Dr. Sara Shneiderman discussed how Vancouver residents can prepare for an earthquake or other natural disaster. (Business in Vancouver)
Department of English Language and Literatures
Black actress starring in “Romeo & Juliet” facing ‘barrage’ of racist abuse online | Dr. Dennis Austin Britton said although Shakespeare has long been regarded as “universal,” Black people have often been barred from performing or writing about Shakespeare. (Essence)
April is the cruellest month for Grade 12 students | Dr. Laura Moss gave tips to help final year students decide on which post-secondary institution they will be attending after graduation. (Vancouver Sun)
Department of Geography
Naomi Klein among 2024 BC and Yukon Book Prizes finalists | Dr. Naomi Klein is shortlisted for the 40th annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes for her book Doppelganger. (Vancouver Sun)
We need an exodus from Zionism | Dr. Naomi Klein wrote about Zionism. (The Guardian)
Department of Philosophy
The economic luminary who loved solar eclipses | Dr. Margaret Schabas weighed in on 19th century economist William Stanley Jevons’s analysis of economic data. (New York Times)
Department of Political Science
B.C. Conservatives drop candidate amid misinformation claims | Dr. Stewart Prest said that B.C. Conservatives need to appeal to more voters in order to become the official opposition. (CBC News)
B.C. NDP’s push to become ‘big-tent’ party bears risk: political analyst | Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the B.C. NDP’s election priorities. (Today in BC)
As B.C.’s carbon tax goes up, here’s how you qualify for a rebate | Dr. Kathryn Harrison commented on B.C.’s carbon price rebate. (Vancouver Sun)
BC United holds Vancouver campaign rally amid low polling numbers | Dr. Gerald Baier commented on B.C.’s partisan politics. (Global News)
Why is B.C.’s carbon tax suddenly so toxic? | Dr. Kathryn Harrison commented on carbon pricing in Canada. (National Observer)
The right of self-defence is our best hope for peace in the Middle East | Dr. Michael Byers wrote about the conflict in the Middle East. (The Globe and Mail; subscription required)
The carbon tax | Dr. Kathryn Harrison explained carbon pricing in Canada. (CHEK News – This is Vancolour)
Department of Psychology
Why are pet psychics on the rise? | Dr. Stanley Coren said people are more interested in deeper connections with their pets and are treating them more like children. (CBC News)
B.C. design students invent objects for kids living with trauma in Sudan | Dr. Benjamin Cheung is collaborating with Emily Carr design students to test the impacts of the interactive objects they created to help children living with trauma to process their experiences. (Today in BC)
You will lose your senses in specific order when you’re about to die, expert reveals | Media mentioned a study by psychology and medicine researchers which found that people who are close to death can still hear. (Metro UK)
Your fridge is a place where fresh food goes to die. That doesn’t have to happen. | Dr. Jiaying Zhao discussed how to organize your fridge to reduce food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. (Star Tribune)
How to build a friendly building | Dr. Elizabeth Dunn is working with Vancouver architect Bruce Haden to develop new software to predict how architecture and design affect human interaction. (The Globe and Mail; subscription required)
Department of Sociology
Where Are All the Cool Gays Hanging Out? | Amin Ghaziani’s “Long Live Queer Nightlife” explores a new generation of impromptu dance parties that have emerged after the decline of gay bars. (New York Times)
‘Telework’ can be a life changer | Dr. Sylvia Fuller said workplaces that continue to allow work-from-home options are coveted by skilled workers. (The Tyee)
B.C.’s retreat on drug decriminalization spurs concern about fates of similar plans | Dr. Lindsey Richardson said preliminary research shows arrests for simple possession are down significantly in B.C. since the drug decriminalizationpilot program began. (The Globe and Mail; subscription required)
Why single-child families are now common in B.C. | Dr. Yue Qian said limited access to child care, economic pressures and housing expenses are possible reasons why parents choose to have one child only. (Vancouver Sun)
Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice
Dismantling the Haitian state (feat. Canada) | Dr. Jemima Pierre discussed Canada’s participation in a 20-year debacle of military occupations and failed elections in Haiti. (The Breach)
Haitian groups seek billions in reparations from France | Dr. Jemima Pierre said France owes $200 billion or more in reparations to Haiti. (The Guardian)
School of Creative Writing
Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ transmits joy, honours legends and challenges a segregated industry | Dr. Alexis McGee discussed the cultural significance of Beyoncé’s new album, Cowboy Carter. (The Conversation)
New collection by Billy-Ray Belcourt brings northern Alberta characters into his readers’ orbit | Dr. Billy-Ray Belcourt (Driftpile Cree Nation) discussed his new book, Coexistence, which explores Indigenous love, loss, queerness and hope. (Hamilton Spectator)
School of Economics
Breaking up with dating apps | Dr. Marina Adshade discussed the online dating industry. (The Globe and Mail – LatelyPodcast)
School of Journalism, Writing, and Media
Eby adviser deeply involved in online media world | Dr. Frances Bula said it is important that all interests and connections be disclosed by news organizations. (Burnaby Now)
School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
Alberta government considering conventional nuclear power plants, minister says | Dr. M.V. Ramana said governments earnestly trying to meet climate targets would incentivize renewable energy construction because windmills and solar panels are faster to build than nuclear plants. (CBC News)
UK should consider wider range of nuclear power options, says top official | Dr. Allison Macfarlane explained the feasibility of small modular reactors. (Financial Times; subscription required)
Advancing the rights of girls and women promotes justice and is also effective climate action | Dr. Grace Jaramillo wrote that educating girls is one of the most effective but overlooked ways to mitigate and adapt to climate change. (The Conversation)
Chinese ambassador ends his posting in Canada | Dr. Paul Evanscommented on Canada’s relationship with China. (The Globe and Mail; subscription required)
How has public opinion on nuclear weapons changed over the years? | Dr. M.V. Ramana discussed the threat of nuclear war and how public opinion has changed in the 21st century. (CBC Vancouver)
Red gold: Climate change plays role as saffron cultivation comes to Nova Scotia | Dr. Navin Ramankuttysaid farmers are adapting to warming temperatures and climate change. (City News Ottawa)
