Humanities (Audio)

Producer Angela Laprete and actor Lindsay Watson join moderator Tyler Morgenstern (Assistant Director of the Carsey-Wolf Center) for a discussion of their film The Wind and the Reckoning. They discuss the film’s origins and telling the story in the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi language. They also speak on the development of the script, its approach to genres like the Western and historical drama, working with cultural consultants, and the importance of authentic and thoughtful cultural representation. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 39977]

Lucy, discovered in 1974, revolutionized paleoanthropology, sparking interest in Africa's fossil-rich regions. This led to significant discoveries, pushing human origins records beyond six million years. Lucy's find prompted the establishment of research facilities in Africa, aiding local scholars' training. As we mark her 50th anniversary, we celebrate scientific progress and African research infrastructure while recognizing the need for further support to advance paleosciences in Africa. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39828]

UC Davis is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the campus' iconic Egghead sculptures in 2024. As part of the celebration, this documentary tells the tale of the UC Davis art department — from its founding artists to the present faculty and students who follow in the founders' footsteps. The first-generation artists built their community in the ceramics building known as TB 9, or Temporary Building 9, and ignited an art revolution.

Part one of the three-part series looks at the cultural upheaval pervading the U.S. in the 1970s and its influence on the art faculty and students. Stay tuned for part two about founding artist Robert Arneson's legendary legacy and his distinctive Egghead sculptures — the beloved symbols of UC Davis. Series: "UC Davis News" [Humanities] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40182]

Director Sam Pollard joins moderator Wendy Eley Jackson (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) for a discussion of his film Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes. They discuss his long and remarkable career as a documentary filmmaker and the life of jazz musician Max Roach. They also reflect on Pollard’s varied documentary subject matter throughout the decades, from dressage to graffiti to the civil rights movement, and working closely with director Spike Lee. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 39974]

Lucy's 50-year legacy as a superstar in human evolution is undeniable. Yet, with newer, older fossils and a growing understanding of her ancient world, her status as our ancestor is questioned. This talk delves into how these discoveries reshape Lucy's narrative and our understanding of human evolution, likening her to a middle-aged celebrity facing new challengers. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39827]

Happiness is often described as being U-shaped over adulthood—starting high, declining to a midlife slump, then improving thereafter despite social losses and declines in health. Though some claim that this U-shape is a fundamental feature of human lives, happiness has mostly been studied in high-income countries. To provide a broader perspective, Michael Gurven, Professor of Anthropology at UC Santa Barbara, discusses age-profiles of subjective well-being among non-industrialized societies where people lack formal institutions that promote social welfare. Gurven says the average trajectory of happiness over adulthood differs among populations. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Humanities] [Show ID: 40085]

Director and co-writer Erica Tremblay joins moderator Lisa Parks (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) for a discussion of her film, Fancy Dance. They discuss the development of the film and Tremblay’s three-year-long journey to study the Cayuga language in preparation. They also discuss Lily Gladstone’s central performance, the role of dance as a central motif, and the foregrounding of queer identity and culture in the film. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 39971]

Since Lucy's 1974 discovery, African heritage management and paleoscientific research have evolved significantly. Partnerships with international organizations have supported these efforts, leading to flourishing research and collaborations. However, foreign researchers' access restrictions have hindered efficiency, innovation, collaboration, and diversity. Balancing access restrictions with scientific openness and responsible stewardship is crucial. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39826]

Director Kemp Powers joins moderator Mireille Miller-Young (Feminist Studies, UCSB) for a discussion of his film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. They discuss the development of the film, the origins of characters like Spider-Punk, and various artistic influences. Powers also shares his experiences working with a large, diverse animation team and thoughtfully addressing issues of representation and authenticity. They also discuss the storytelling and expressive possibilities of animation. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 39976]

The modern world is not disenchanted. On the contrary, it is full of gods and heroes and myths and magic. In this talk, Philip Gorski sketches out a new narrative of Western modernity that can account for this state of affairs: the fragmentation of the sacred. Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 39810]