Humanities (Audio)

Mexico is the 10th most populous country, 15th largest economy in the world, and is connected with the United States through its geographic border and strong economic, cultural, and historical ties. California was once Mexico, so it is no surprise that there have been centuries of migrant flows throughout the region. The two countries share nearly 2,000-miles of border, are partners in trade and commerce, and share a fluid binational culture. However, this symbiotic and mutually beneficial US-Mexico relationship has not been part of the national narrative for many decades. Series: "Design at Large" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Business] [Show ID: 38221]

Professor Stephanie Malia Hom (French and Italian Studies, UCSB) joins moderator Anna Brusutti (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) to discuss Italian series Inspector Montalbano to conclude a yearlong screening series on global television. Brusutti provides a thorough breakdown of the history of Italian television broadcasting and distinguishes it from other national contexts. Hom explores the show’s Sicilian setting and ties contemporary discrimination towards migrants from abroad within a broader history of regional and global flows. Hom and Brusutti also examine the regional dialects of the show, as well as the structure of organized crime in Italy. They discuss the prolific work of author Andrea Camilleri and the long history of Inspector Montalbano in Italian television broadcasting. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 38156]

Growing up in Bakersfield, California, Manuel Vargas had parents who instilled the value of education and learning in him at an early age. Starting his academic career at a local community college, he found his way to UC Davis and then graduate school and a Ph.D. program. He is now a professor at UC San Diego and his research focuses on the history of philosophy in Latin America. He shares what life is like as a professor and his advice for prospective and current college students. Series: "Education Channel" [Humanities] [Education] [Show ID: 37938]

Quality education that leads to employment opportunities is considered an essential platform for social mobility. Unfortunately, not all children have access to robust k-12 education that provide avenues to college. Educational disparities exist across socioeconomic backgrounds, race and ethnicity, and geography. While educators and policymakers are grappling with these challenges, they are also faced with educating the future workforce in a rapidly changing economy. California is at the forefront of technological innovations, including automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics, that will radically transform the labor market. Series: "Design at Large" [Humanities] [Business] [Education] [Show ID: 38218]

Director Marc Shaffer discusses his documentary Exposing Muybridge, which sheds light on the life and impact of photographer Eadweard Muybridge, a pioneer of early motion pictures. Muybridge is most famously known for capturing consecutive images of a galloping horse, which proved that all four hooves leave the ground mid-stride. Shaffer details the importance of this photographic experiment in the development of cinema, as well as the other strange and captivating details of Muybridge’s life. He also elaborates on the interview subjects of the film, including the involvement of actor Gary Oldman. He talks through the process of recreating and reimagining Muybridge’s famous multi-camera shoot and explains the importance of Muybridge in photographic and cinematic history, as well as the lasting influence of his work. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 38155]

When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, the controversial decision ended the right to abortion that was upheld for nearly 50 years. So what does a post-Roe world look like? In this program, UC Irvine law professor Michele Bratcher Goodwin and UC Santa Barbara feminist studies professor Laury Oaks discuss the wide-ranging impact of the decision on legal, medical, and political mobilizations.

(Note: this program was recorded on May 9, 2022, prior to the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.) Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Show ID: 38308]

Finding solutions to the housing crisis in California is daunting. Skyrocketing rents and housing prices, almost non-existent housing supply and pent-up demand, and pervasive homelessness result from a set of complex and multifaceted problems. Housing policy is also a contested territory in a state governed by “home rule” where over 482 local jurisdictions have authority to shape land use regulations and zoning. How can we reverse the downward spiraling trajectory and decades of discriminatory and unfair policies that have made housing within the state unaffordable and untenable for low- to moderate-income families? Series: "Design at Large" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Business] [Show ID: 38125]

Climate change is an existential threat. The U.S. will face more frequent and extreme disasters in the coming years due to climate change. How can we harness the power of technology and indigenous knowledge to reduce risks to save lives and property, especially for the most vulnerable communities? This program looks at wildfires, one of California’s biggest climate threats, how to optimize the state for a transition to clean energy, and how we can be good stewards of our natural resources. Series: "Design at Large" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38124]

What is the nature of American English in its most recent forms? How does generational distance affect changes in language? What is the relationship between digital culture and the forms of everyday and professional expression? How can the study of the history of English over past centuries help us understand the changes we see today? Seth Lerer, Distinguished Professor of Literature and Dean Emeritus of Arts and Humanities at UC San Diego, addresses these questions and provokes discussion about the most recent features of the American vernacular. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 37972]

Rick Prelinger, Professor of Film and Digital Media at UC Santa Cruz, is a world-renowned archivist, writer, filmmaker, and founder of the Pray-linger Archives and the Pray-linger Library in San Francisco. He’s also been a pioneer in making archives accessible to the public. In this episode, Prelinger talks about his work and how it has been influenced by diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. Series: "The Art of Change" [Humanities] [Show ID: 38123]