Volume 106, Number 3
Jan–Feb/14

Features

Only human

In his new book, anthropologist Russell Tuttle synthesizes decades of research to identify the characteristics that set our species apart.

Working over time

An exhibit at the Oriental Institute Museum pairs modern workers with the ancient tools of their trades.

Game changers

From Major League Baseball and the NBA to Italian soccer and the NFL’s foothold in China, the sports world’s executive suites have a Maroon tint.

Professor of freedom

Earl Shorris, X’54, established a free humanities course to help impoverished adults escape the “surround of force” that restricts their lives.

Editor’s Notes

In the mix

The Magazine dashes through the snow from the Magnificent Mile to a refreshed 53rd Street.

Letters

Readers sound off

Readers give thanks for an article about a Pilgrim researcher; react to the University architect’s campus plan; praise Divinity School dean Margaret Mitchell, AM’82, PhD’89; wrangle over Nobel-worthy research; and remember the 1963 football sit-in.

On the Agenda

Strengthening ties

Vice president for civic engagement Derek R. B. Douglas discusses how the University and the city of Chicago work together.

Course Work

Spine thrilling

Slavic studies professor Malynne Sternstein guides students through the deep game that is Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita.

Alumni Essays

The informed life

Edward Tenner, AM’67, PhD’72, considers what “an informed life” means in the information age.

The listicle as literary form

Arika Okrent, PhD’04, lists the reasons why the listicle is a popular literary form.

UChicago Journal

Building momentum

The new Harper Court opens with fanfare, reshaping the 53rd Street commercial corridor.

Indie cred

The critical success of the drama Fruitvale Station gives an aspiring producer’s career a boost.

After the disaster

Five years later, economic and political leaders assess the fallout from the 2008 financial crisis.

Vision of health

Once a favored Soviet leisure spot, Sochi tries to transform ­itself for the Olympics.

Held to account

A Divinity School alumnus keeps ethical conduct front and center at his company.

Words to live by

Dana Suskind leads an initiative to improve parental communication, a key factor in a child’s success.

Interview: Child support

A new leader brings policy-world experience to Chapin Hall’s vital research on families’ well-being.

William Rainey Harper’s Index: Overdue notice

The voluminous University of Chicago Library, by the numbers.

Fig. 1: Antisocial media

Nearly half of young people report experiencing online abuse—and they're changing the way they respond.

Original source: Slow dance

“A certain messiness” marked the halting evolution of racist imagery in the decades after slavery’s abolition.

For the record: University news

Argonne’s Isaacs appointed provost, an energy policy insitute generates hire voltage, the University prepares to debut its Center in Delhi, a Rhodes scholar finds an ideal learning environment, UEI extends its outreach, and the Neubauers receive a precious medal.

Citations: Faculty research

A bacterium pits the immune system against itself, the divergent genetics of assocated diseases, labor’s shrinking piece of the pie, and how place influences transgender acceptance.

Peer review

Releases

The Magazine lists a selection of general-interest books, films, and albums by alumni. For additional alumni releases, browse the Magazine’s Goodreads bookshelf.

Notes

Highlights from the latest alumni news columns.

Deaths

University obituaries

Recent faculty, staff, board, and alumni obituaries.

Lite of the Mind

Financial brief

The New Year is under way, but it’s never too late to add a few good resolutions.