Arthur Bahr named head of MIT’s Literature Section
A faculty member since 2007, the scholar of medieval literature explores how different parts of physical manuscripts combine to create interest and meaning.
Building a scholarly community
The SHASS Faculty Fellows Program, administered by the MIT Human Insight Collaborative, is fostering new research projects and creating space for supportive and interdisciplinary discussion.
“We the People” depicts inventors, dreamers, and innovators in all 50 states
For the 250th anniversary of the US, Joshua Bennett’s epic poem set celebrates unexpected lives forged across the nation.
3 Questions: Using AI to help Olympic skaters land a quint
MIT Sports Lab researchers are applying AI technologies to help figure skaters improve. They also have thoughts on whether five-rotation jumps are humanly possible.
Young and gifted
Joshua Bennett’s new book profiles American prodigies, examining the personal and social dimensions of cultivating promise.
Q&A: How folk ballads explain the world
Ruth Perry’s new book profiles Anna Gordon, a Scotswoman who preserved and transmitted precious popular ballads, and with them national traditions.
An adaptable evaluation of justice and interest groups
Bruno Perreau’s latest book, “Spheres of Injustice,” updates classic thought about rights and legal standing in a complex society.
SHASS announces appointments of new program and section heads for 2025-26
Sandy Alexandre, Manduhai Buyandelger, and Eden Medina take on new leadership positions.
Processing our technological angst through humor
Associate Professor Benjamin Mangrum’s new book explores how we use comedy to cope with the growth of computer technology in modern life.
Decoding a medieval mystery manuscript
Using tech tools and a human touch, Arthur Bahr sheds light on the original volume containing “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” and “Pearl.”
MIT Human Insight Collaborative launches SHASS Faculty Fellows program
The new initiative will allow selected faculty to focus on their research, build community, and pursue mentorship opportunities.
MIT researchers win grants to develop and test 14 innovative ideas to improve education
The Jameel World Education Lab awards more than $900K in Education Innovation Grants to researchers across MIT.
A voyage through history
“Lines Drawn across the Globe,” a new book by MIT Professor Mary Fuller, looks at the worldwide vision of English exploration proponent Richard Hakluyt.
Six MIT SHASS educators receive 2023 Levitan Teaching Awards
The awards honor outstanding success in teaching undergraduate and graduate students.