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.