Political Numbers: Can We Trust Polls To Predict Elections?

Friday, Feburary 21

Yanna Krupnikov,Political Science

Polls and surveys are everywhere during political campaign season; sometimes these polls predict election outcomes with uncanny accuracy, but other times they are off the mark. In this lecture we will consider why, when and how polls can go wrong. We will think about how people answer political questions, who is most likely to participate in surveys and, ultimately, what we need to know about political polls to trust them.

The Very Human History of Computing

Monday, Feburary 17

Elyse Graham, English Department

"Computer" used to be a job title that belonged to humans. This lecture examines the history of computing until mechanical devices began to take over the work of human computers -- that is, until the late 19th century. The work of human computers lives on in the codes and architectures of digital computers today: everything has a history, and that history helps to explain how things work.

The Dystopian Imagination (Or Why Nightmares Matter)

Tuesday, Feburary 18

Nerissa Balce, Asian & Asian-American Studies

In dystopian stories, the nightmarish world is both familiar and frightening. Dystopia uses the language of the fantastic, science fiction, enchantment, humor and horror. But why is dystopia so popular? Could it be that our imagined nightmares tell us something about our present world?

Life as a Savannah Baboon

Wednesday, Feburary 19

Catherine Markham, Anthropology Department

What is life like for a savannah baboon?  Drawing upon decades of research, we'll discuss how this social primate manages relationships, raises young, finds food, and avoids being eaten.

Zara, H&M, and Forever XXI: Reconsidering The Global Health Cost of Fast Fashion

Wednesday, Feburary 19

Tracey Walters, Africana Studies & Globalization Studies & International Relations

This mini-lecture explores the global environmental and health costs associated with western fashion chains such as Zara, H&M, and Forever 21.

NYT image: photo credit Wong Maye-E/Associated Press

The Aztecs of Mexico

Thursday, Feburary 20

Elizabeth Newman, History Department

Topics include 19th-century instability and liberal reform, and the 20th-century revolution and its legacy for modern Mexican politics.

Political Numbers: Can We Trust Polls To Predict Elections?

Friday, Feburary 21

Yanna Krupnikov,Political Science

Polls and surveys are everywhere during political campaign season; sometimes these polls predict election outcomes with uncanny accuracy, but other times they are off the mark. In this lecture we will consider why, when and how polls can go wrong. We will think about how people answer political questions, who is most likely to participate in surveys and, ultimately, what we need to know about political polls to trust them.