Winter 2008-09

The Human Condition and Our Time Here on Earth Winter 2008-09 Volume 7, Issue 2 The College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin publishes Life and Letters for its community of scholars, alumni and friends.

Editor Christian Clarke Cásarez Life&Letters Associate Editor Jennifer McAndrew

Art Director 2 Dave Holston Message from the Dean ​Children and Family Psychology and Pro Bene Meritis Mental Health Donna Coffelt Evolution and Ancestry 13 29 Bringing Up Baby: 21 Song of Solomon: Designers 3 Researchers Delve into The Aging of America A Life Full of Joy Anne-Charlotte Patterson the Psychological World and Philosophy Michele Myette TB Today: Anthropologist of Children Discovers Oldest Case of In Treatment: The Birth of Re-emerging Disease Psychotherapy in America 31 Sociologist Investigates David Oshinsky’s America Staff Writers United States’ Hight Infant Psychology as Commodity Tracy Mueller ‘Beautiful’ Bones: Lucy Mortality Rate the Famous Fossil Why It’s Time for Scientists Should the Mississippi Jessica Sinn to Market for the Masses Files Have Been Reopened? Salem: Scientists Unearth Love and Relationships Intern Earliest Child Skeleton Humanities 16 33 Scott Fulford 5 The Language of Love: 23 Dr. Denton Cooley Deep Roots? New DNA From Diaries to Online English Takes the Stage Takes Innovation Contributing Writers Tests May Reveal Your Chats, Writing about Your as Presidential Priority to Heart Vive Griffith Ancestry, But Researchers Relationship May Help it Last Pam Losefsky Urge Caution When Behind the Lens 35 Interpreting Results The Brownings: with Keith Maitland 2008 Awards Art Markman A Writers’ Romance Ruth Pennebaker First Person: Out of Africa 25 Research Briefs Juliet Walker 18 The Bard and the Human 8 Do Women Talk More Condition: Shakespeare Production Coordinator Than Men? Soothes the Soul and 35 The Real Indiana Jones: New Research, Books Sharpens the Mind Rob Rough Anthropologist Separates and Programs from the Fact from Fiction Why Do Humans Have Sex? College of Liberal Arts Q & A with William Photographers Do You Blirt or Brood? Shakespeare Crystal Skulls: The Faculty Marsha Miller Inspiration Behind Christina Murrey Jones’ Fourth Adventure 19 Celebrating John Milton’s ‘Til Death Do Us Part? 400th Birthday 40 Human Senses Researchers Diagnose Retired Faculty Illustrator Health Consequences of 27 Guy Kingsberry Marriage, Divorce Pop Goes Philosophy Top 10 Signs I Knew 9 Professor Draws Upon it Was Time to Retire Science of the Senses Literary Marriages Popular Culture to Illustrate Faculty Advisers from Hell Today’s Moral Issues In Memoriam Mark Hayward The Mind’s Eye Robert Hummer Signing Up Pop Culture in the Classroom Take 5 Profiles James Pennebaker Sam Wilson Lost in Translation Back Cover Visit us online at www.utexas.edu/cola Jewish Life in the Americas: The Schusterman Center POSTMASTER for Jewish Studies Send changes of address to: Life and Letters College of Liberal Arts 1 University Station, G6000 Austin, Texas 78712 Message from the Dean

iberal Arts scholars understand the world my colleague and friend was elected into the National doesn’t operate in a vacuum—so neither does Academy of Sciences, one of the highest U.S. honors for a L their research. Everyday, faculty members across the scientist or engineer. college draw inspiration for their work from the pressing issues In the Humanities section of the issue, Keith Maitland, facing society today. creative writing alumnus, invites you behind the scenes of From unearthing the oldest case of tuberculosis, which has his movie sets to learn about the stories at the heart of his reemerged as a global killer, to examining the benefits and films, and Daniel Bonevac draws upon pop culture, film and drawbacks of genetic ancestry tests, liberal arts researchers television to explore philosophy with the next generation of use academic inquiry to inform health policies and market thinkers. decisions. Finally, the back page of the magazine highlights the Attracting and supporting faculty members who bring pioneering work of the new Schusterman Center for Jewish important ideas and solutions to society and deepen students’ Studies, which will build on the college’s top-ranked Latin educational experiences, is critical to the college’s mission— American history program and the Teresa Lozano Long and its competitiveness. This year, we welcomed 38 new Institute of Latin American Studies. Under the leadership of Randy Diehl scholars to liberal arts: 18 women and 20 men. Eight of historian Bob Abzug, the center is working to match the gen- Dean, College of Liberal Arts these new faculty members are Latino and five are African erous $6 million challenge grant to expand the scholarship American. on the history, culture, and society of Jews in the Americas, In addition, we recruited an unusually large number of including the United States and Canada. distinguished senior scholars: • Dean Young in English Liberal Arts: Learning that Lasts a Lifetime A liberal arts education • Jacqueline Jones and Miriam Bodian in History The Human Condition is the second edition of a three-part • Tom Tweed in Religious Studies series of Life & Letters issues designed to bring the college’s remains the intellectual • Zenzi Griffin in Psychology researchers closer to communities throughout the nation— • Brian Jones and Jeffrey Abramson in Government and and world. core of any university and • Javier Auyero and Nestor Rodriguez in Sociology. Earlier this year, the college introduced you to scholars whose work transcends hemispheric borders and ethnic society—and is at the The Human Condition boundaries in Gateway to the Americas and Changing U.S. In this issue of Life & Letters, titled the Human Condition, Demographics (Winter 07-08). During the spring, you will heart of every person. we introduce you to researchers who explore our time here meet the thought-leaders who shape national and interna- on earth by surfacing archaeological links to our past and tional policy issues in The American Citizen and Modern examining the implications of ancestry research for our sense Democracy. of self. The College of Liberal Arts—your college—is the largest You’ll meet the thought-leaders who champion the human- and oldest of the university’s academic units. It comprises a ities’ role in society and examine the human life cycle by community of 600 faculty members, 450 staff members and delving into the world of children and analyzing how intimate an average of 15,000 students. And, with you, more than relationships affect health. 100,000 living alumni. In the Evolution and Ancestry section of the magazine, John A liberal arts education remains the intellectual core of any Kappelman unearths the oldest case of tuberculosis, which has university and society—and is at the heart of every person. reemerged as a global killer, and Deborah Bolnick examines All undergraduates embark on their academic careers by the benefits and drawbacks of genetic ancestry tests. enrolling in liberal arts courses, which span the humanities, Visit us online at Researchers from the Center for Perceptual Systems open social sciences and languages. www.utexas.edu/cola their labs to readers interested in exploring the inner workings Our graduates help shape communities, locally and inter- of the human senses—and how we perceive our world. I am nationally. More than any other school, liberal arts alumni proud to be a member of the center and its team of scientists prove what starts here, truly does change the world. ably led by psychology researcher Wilson Geisler. Recently, — Randy Diehl

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Evolution and Ancestry TB Today: Anthropologist Discovers Oldest Case of Re-emerging Disease 500,000-year-old fossil points to modern health concerns By Christian Clarke Cásarez

s Turkish workers cut into a block of travertine stone destined for the international A tile market, they uncovered a 500,000-year-old fossil, which anthropologist John Kappelman is using to expand scientists’ understanding of tuberculosis–and how the infectious disease may affect people who migrate. “Tuberculosis has re-emerged as a global killer during the past two decades,” Kappelman says. “This ancient fossil reveals a case history similar to that of many modern patients since the disease was probably exacerbated by a vitamin D deficiency, which resulted after the species migrated north from the tropics into the temperate climates of Eurasia.” Although most researchers believed tuberculosis emerged only several thousand years ago, Kappelman revealed the most ancient evidence of the disease in the fossil workers unearthed in Pamukkale in western Turkey. Inside view of the cast. The stylus points to tiny lesions The physical anthropologist’s discovery of Homo erectus, a 1-2 millimeters in size found along the rim of bone just new specimen of the human species, suggests support for the behind the right eye orbit. theory that dark-skinned people who migrate northward from low, tropical latitudes produce less vitamin D, which can adversely affect the immune system, as well as the skeleton. Prior to this discovery, which helps scientists fill a Kappelman is part of an international team of research- temporal and geographical gap in human evolution, the ers from the United States, Turkey and Germany who oldest evidence of tuberculosis in humans was found in published their findings in the American Journal of Physical mummies from Egypt and Peru that date to several thousand Anthropology last year. The Leakey Foundation and the years ago. Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey funded Paleontologists spent decades prospecting in Turkey for the research. remains of Homo erectus, widely believed to be the first human species to migrate out of Africa. After moving north, the species had to adapt to increasingly seasonal climates. Web Resource: eSkeletons The researchers identified this specimen of Homo erectus as Compare 3-D skeletons of a young male, based on aspects of the cranial suture closure, humans and primates at sinus formation and the size of the ridges of the brow. They http://web.austin.utexas.edu/eskeletons also found a series of small lesions etched into the bone of the cranium whose shape and location are characteristic of

John Kappelman, anthropology professor, holds a plaster cast replica of the cranium of the newly discovered Homo erectus specimen from western Turkey. Quarry workers found the 500,000-year- old fossil of a young male in a block of travertine stone prepared for the commercial tile market.

3 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09 the Leptomeningitis tuberculosa, a form of tuberculosis that “Skin color represents one of biology’s evolved in the tropics, Kappelman explains. After the species attacks the meninges of the brain. moved north, it had to adapt to more seasonal climates. The most elegant adaptations. The researchers hypothesize the young male’s body produced less Vitamin D: Protecting People who Migrate vitamin D and this deficiency weakened his immune system, After reviewing the medical literature on the disease that production of vitamin D in the skin opening the door to tuberculosis. has re-emerged as a global killer, the researchers found some “Skin color represents one of biology’s most elegant groups of people demonstrate a higher than average rate serves as one of the body’s first adaptations,” Kappelman says. “The production of vitamin D of infection, including Gujarati Indians who live in London, in the skin serves as one of the body’s first lines of defense and Senegalese conscripts who served with the French army lines of defense against a whole against a whole host of infections and diseases. Vitamin during World War I. D deficiencies are implicated in hypertension, multiple The research team identified two shared characteristics host of infections and diseases. sclerosis, cardiovascular disease and cancer.” in the communities: a path of migration from low, tropical Before the invention of antibiotics, doctors typically treat- latitudes to northern temperate regions, and darker skin Vitamin D deficiencies are implicated ed tuberculosis by sending patients to sanatoria where they color. were prescribed plenty of sunshine and fresh air. People with dark skin produce less vitamin D because the in hypertension, multiple sclerosis, “No one knew why sunshine was integral to the treatment, skin pigment melanin blocks ultraviolet light. And, when they but it worked,” Kappelman says. “Recent research suggests live in areas with lower ultraviolet radiation such as Europe, cardiovascular disease and cancer.” the flush of ultraviolet radiation jump-started the patients’ their immune systems can be compromised. immune systems by increasing the production of vitamin D, — John Kappelman It is likely that Homo erectus had dark skin because it which helped to cure the disease.”

‘Beautiful’ Bones: Lucy the Famous Fossil Salem: Scientists Unearth After years of storage in a vault in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Lucy the famous Earliest Child Skeleton fossil, the oldest and most complete adult skeleton of any erect-walking human ancestor, traveled to Texas in 2007. The Houston Museum of Natural Science A team of researchers, including featured the 3.2 million-year-old hominid, whom Ethiopians call “Dinkenesh” Denné Reed, assistant professor (“You are beautiful”), at the exhibition, “Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of of anthropology, discovered a key Ethiopia.” link between humans and apes: John Kappelman leads a scientific team that has requested permission to a 3.3-million-year-old fossil conduct a high-resolution CT (computed tomography) scan of Lucy, whose of Australopithecus afarensis, remains include portions of her skeleton. an early human ancestor with a “By examining the internal architecture of Lucy’s bones, researchers can form between humans and other study how her skeleton supported her movement and posture, which can be living apes. compared with modern humans and chimpanzees,” the physical anthropologist The team unearthed Salem, a nearly intact skeleton explains. of one of the earliest child fossils, from a small river channel Although Lucy is quite small (about 1 meter in height), her contribution to in Dikika, Ethiopia. They published their findings in the elite science has been large. She represents a new species of human ancestor, scientific journal Nature. known as Australopithecus afarensis, or “southern ape of Afar,” in reference to Reed discovered the right knee of the skeleton, which the where the bones were found. researchers identified as a three-year-old girl. The rare find Prior to the 1974 discovery of Lucy, theories of evolution suggested provides insight into the growth and development cycle of human-like intelligence evolved before upright posture. But, the existence of A. afarensis, which helps researchers probe deeper into the Australopithecus refutes this theory since Lucy’s brain case is not significantly study of human evolution. larger than a modern chimpanzee, yet she certainly walked on two legs. Reed is particularly interested in how the environment and landscape affected the species development. He investigates With 40 percent of her skeleton preserved, Lucy the famous fossil is the oldest the environmental influences on human evolution in East Africa and most complete skeleton of any adult erect-walking human ancestor. Houston Museum and reconstructs the environment of primates throughout Anthropologist John Kappelman has requested permission to conduct a of Natural Science evolution. high-resolution scan of the rare and important scientific discovery. See www.eLucy.org for more information.

Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09 4 Evolution and Ancestry Deep Roots? New DNA tests may reveal your ancestry, but researchers urge caution when interpreting results by Jennifer McAndrew

rom 1892 to 1954, more than 12 million While the testing companies promise to unlock the secrets the scientific community to better educate the public about immigrants entered the United States through of your ancestry, researchers warn the science can be the limitations of the tests. F Ellis Island in New York Harbor. They left behind problematic. The tests also raise complex questions about “Consumers should know the limitations and complexi- a huge repository of records that for many years has identity and race. If you’re thinking about adding DNA testing ties before they spend $500 thinking they’re going to find been the first stop for Americans researching their gene- to your repertoire of genealogy research tools, proceed with an answer to who they really are,” Bolnick says. “It’s much alogy. More than 100 million Americans are directly caution. more ambiguous and uncertain than the testing companies related to immigrants who passed through the island. Deborah Bolnick, assistant professor of anthropology at make clear. These tests often make dubious assumptions and Now an increasing number of people are turning to a The University of Texas at Austin, studies the tests and is rely on limited databases of comparative samples, so there’s new source of historical information for answers about their following the budding trend closely. She questions the tests’ a large margin of error.” family history—their DNA. More than two dozen companies validity and reliability, and worries many people may be Home DNA test kits are available on the Internet at a cost offer genetic tests that claim to link people to high-profile unaware of the underlying scientific assumptions on which between $70 and $850 per test. With one swab of the cheek, ancestors, such as Genghis Khan or the Irish warlord Niall of the tests are based. participants mail in a sample of their saliva to a genetic lab the Nine Hostages. In the policy piece “The Science and Business of Genetic for testing. They receive results in a matter of weeks. Ancestry Testing,” which appeared in a recent issue of Science, The two most common tests examine the paternally inher- Bolnick and 13 researchers from across the nation called upon ited Y chromosome (Y-DNA), which is passed down from father to son, and the maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is passed down from mother to child, “Many people are taking the tests to get both male and female. A third type of test (autosomal DNA) examines DNA inherited from both parents. answers about their identity, and instead “With many of these tests, you’re only tracking one small part of your family tree,” Bolnick says. “For example, a mtDNA end up with an identity crisis.” test can tell you about only one of your 16 great-great-grand- parents. That leaves a huge number of unknowns.” —Deborah Bolnick Genetic ancestry tests examine the sequence of molecules, called nucleotides, in a person’s DNA. They focus on what sci- entists consider “junk” DNA—portions of the human genome Deborah Bolnick, assistant professor of anthropology, for which no biological function has been identified. An indi- studies human DNA samples in the Patterson Lab. vidual’s DNA sequence is compared to a database of samples to identify others with similar DNA sequences. The testing

5 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09 company then suggests that the customer’s ancestors lived in genetic ancestry test can probably the geographic region and belonged to the ethnic group in tell you something about your which the customer’s DNA sequence is most common. direct maternal lineage. But the However, Bolnick finds the tests tend to ignore the fact tests usually can’t tell you that that many DNA sequences are found in many different you’re descended from someone human populations. For example, certain DNA sequences like Genghis Khan with any real may be most common in Native Americans, but they also certainty. Nor can they be posi- are found in Asians. As a result, some tests may incorrectly tive that your ancestors lived in inform someone they have Native American ancestry when a particular region or held a spe- First Person: their ancestors actually lived in Asia. cific ethnic identity. People move. Out of Africa “Many companies try to link your DNA to racial and Identities change over time.” BY Juliet E. K. Walker ethnic categories in ways that are problematic,” Bolnick says. DNA ancestry testing has been especially popular among Professor of History “These categories are socially constructed, and they’re mostly African Americans. Due to the transatlantic slave trade, many based on cultural heritage and shared experiences. There’s African Americans cannot easily trace their ancestry through frican-American identity is based no clear-cut connection between racial identity and your surname research and other traditional means. DNA testing on a shared history of slavery, racial genetic makeup. Unfortunately, these tests incorrectly imply offers an unprecedented opportunity to find out more about A oppression, discrimination and inequalities that there is, so they may encourage a return to old ways of their heritage. in all areas of American life. My great-great- thinking about race as purely biological, which it’s not.” The 2006 PBS documentary “African American Lives” grandfather Free Frank was born a slave in 1777. So what questions can the tests answer? tested the DNA of several prominent African Americans, His mother was African born, his father was the “It depends on what you want to know,” Bolnick says. “If including Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Quincy slave-holder. Other ancestors also were slaves. you want a specific question answered, like, ‘Is there Native Jones. Winfrey’s results suggested her most likely match was Regardless of what a DNA test might reveal, I American ancestry on my mother’s side of the family?’ then a from the Kpelles tribe in Liberia. would still consider myself African American. What The documentary showed that genetic ancestry tests can else could I consider myself as a result of my family have a profound impact on how the test-taker perceives his heritage of slavery and as a result of my own life or her racial identity. However, an individual’s racial identity experiences as an African-American woman dealing does not always match his or her genetic ancestry, warns with racism? Benefits and Bolnick. The United States’ African-American population Drawbacks “What happens if the results don’t match how you’ve always has been a mixed-race population with of Genetic identified yourself your whole life? Do you accept them, their African heritage dominating and providing question them, or get depressed?” Bolnick asks. “Many the basis for their identity as African Americans. Ancestry Tests people are taking the tests to get answers about their identity Some scholars have estimated that as much as 80 and instead end up with an identity crisis. As a society, we percent of the descendants of the 4.5 million blacks Benefits need to think about the broader implications of the tests and in the United States in 1860 had some European • Can identify related individuals whether they should be more important than your personal ancestry, in addition to those with Native American • Can trace your direct maternal or direct paternal lineage experiences.” ancestry. • Can potentially support existing genealogical records One issue that concerns Bolnick is the risk the tests pose Race is a societal construct and DNA tests have • May provide locations for further genealogical research for Native American tribes. No federally recognized Native contributed little to change African American’s • May support or refute suspected connections American nation relies on DNA testing when determining sense of racial, cultural and American historical between families tribal enrollment. Instead, membership usually requires identity. For the most part DNA, presently, is documenting ancestral ties to a specific tribal member and important to blacks only as a means to identify their Drawbacks providing evidence of community involvement. Bolnick specific African ethnic heritage. • Tests trace only a few of your ancestors and a worries the rise of genetic ancestry testing could undermine For me, DNA tests, regardless of results, would small portion of your DNA tribal sovereignty. not, could not, cannot, will not change my sense of • May report false negatives or false positives “For 150 years, Native American citizenship has been identity as an African American. • Limited sample databases mean results are subject determined by legal criteria that support the tribes’ sov- to misinterpretation ereignty as political entities,” Bolnick says. “DNA tests Juliet E. K. Walker is a history professor and director of the • You likely have relatives in many unstudied groups are starting to be used to challenge tribal decisions when Center for Black Business History, Entrepreneurship and • There is no clear connection between your DNA someone doesn’t meet the tribe’s membership criteria. But Technology at the university. She is the author of “Free and racial/ethnic identity why should tribes give up authority to a test that can’t reli- Frank: A Black Pioneer on the Antebellum Frontier” and • Cannot determine exactly where your ancestors ably affiliate a test-taker with a specific tribe or ensure that “The History of Black Business in America: Capitalism, lived or what ethnic identity they held tribal members are culturally connected and committed to Race, Entrepreneurship.” the tribe’s future?”

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Map of early human migration patterns

The Genographic Project, a global, five-year research initiative, will trace the migratory history of the human species, which originated in Africa.

Source: National Geographic Maps, Atlas of the Human Journey.

Alumnus Creates Global Genealogy Map for the Irish rockgroup U2, who had his DNA tested for On expedition in Chad, National Geographic explorer-in-residence and Though many questions remain about how we should Vanity Fair’s July 2007 Africa issue. Texas Ex Spencer Wells explains The Genographic Project to local village interpret the clues revealed in our DNA, scientists are rush- For about $100, The Genographic Project will test your leaders. Photo by David Evans © 2006 National Geographic Society. ing to expand the global database of genetic samples. DNA and reveal a few aspects of your deep ancestry, the One of the most ambitious collection efforts to date is ancient migratory paths of one of your lineages. However, The Genographic Project, started by National Geographic Wells cautions that this is not an individual genealogy in 2005 and led by geneticist and Texas Ex, Spencer Wells study. You won’t receive a breakdown of your genetic back- (B.A. Biology, ’88). The project uses participants’ DNA to ground by ethnicity or race or geographic origin. map and trace migration patterns of humans who lived “We are extremely careful not to overstate results. I thousands of years ago. The five-year, $50 million effort also want to emphasize that interpretations may change aims to collect 100,000 DNA samples from around the as we continue to collect data. We just don’t know enough world. to assign people to an ancient tribal group,” Wells says. “It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to answer some of the “Telling someone, ‘You are 10 percent such-and-such, and big questions like: Where did we come from? How did we 90 percent such-and-such, and so on’ is worrying to me. produce these patterns of diversity?” Wells says. We’re talking about genetic lineages, not racial classifica- From the snow-covered Tibetan highlands to the burning tions.” windstorms of the Sahara desert, Wells traverses the globe So why are we as Americans so fascinated by our ances- collecting samples from indigenous groups in the world’s try? Both Bolnick and Wells believe it’s because of our most remote locations. history as a nation of immigrants. “When humans first ventured out of Africa some 60,000 “A lot of people came here running away from some- years ago, they left genetic footprints that are still visible thing, or they came against their will. It’s very human to today,” Wells says. “By mapping these ancient ancestral want to find connections, to feel like we belong to a place clans called haplogroups, we create an atlas of when and and a people,” Wells says. where ancient humans moved around the world.” “Your DNA is just one of many tools that you can use to As of 2007, the project has collected more than 20,000 confirm what you know, or find out something new about samples from roughly 100 indigenous groups across five your ancient heritage,” Bolnick adds. “It’s fascinating that continents. An additional 200,000 people, mostly from our cells contain information about our history, but we North America, have submitted samples for testing. The shouldn’t privilege genetic data over our personal, cultural project haseven caught the attention of Bono, lead singer experiences.”

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Evolution and Ancestry are interested in archaeology, but when these movies come out, they are inspired to enroll in a class or participate in an excavation.” Crystal Skulls: The Inspiration From being called a “glorified looter” to “destroyer of for Jones’ Fourth Adventure The Real the ancient world,” Jones has been criticized for his haphazard approach to archaeology. In addition to Jones’ n “Indiana Jones and the myriad of misdeeds, he fails to thoroughly document and Kingdom of the Crystal Indiana Jones record his findings, which, according to Valdez, is the most I Skull,” the crusade for the important part of archaeological excavations. crystal skull is loosely based Anthropologist separates “Archaeology can be a destructive process,” Valdez says. on actual crystallized artifacts “We take apart things we study. But when Indiana Jones once believed to be carved by fact from fiction recovers artifacts, he isn’t exactly preserving or documenting the ancient Aztecs and Mayas his findings.” between 300 and 900 A.D. The by Jessica Sinn Many experts suggest the Hollywood portrayal of archaeol- excavations were not documented, ogy leads people to believe the sole purpose of excavations which leads many scientific experts to is to recover precious gems or priceless, mythical artifacts. dismiss them as fakes. rom the moment Indiana Jones performed Valdez explains the field isn’t just about the objects they dig The macabre relics resurfaced during the 19th his first death-defying stunt on the big screen in up. It is about uncovering the mysteries of our past. century when antiquities dealers sold them to private F 1981, moviegoers and archaeologists alike have been As an archaeology professor, Valdez shares some collectors. Today, the controversial skulls are exhibited enthralled by the globetrotting, whip-cracking similarities with Jones, minus the whip and in museums around the world. action hero. the dusty fedora. Both conduct field research New-age theorists ascribe an array of supernatural From recovering ancient biblical artifacts in exotic lands. Amid spider monkeys, snakes powers to the skulls. According to legend, the 13 to rescuing damsels-in-distress, the fiction- and tropical birds, Valdez has been conducting skulls must be found before Dec. 21, 2012, which al archaeologist stops at nothing to save field work in remote rainforests for more than marks the end of the current Maya calendar cycle. the world from political imbalance—even 30 years. As the director of the Programme for If they are not reunited, theorists believe a series of if he has to break every code of ethics in Belize Archaeological Project, a summer and apocalyptic catastrophes will strike the earth. archaeology along the way. Jones’ recent spring field school, he investigates ancient The British Museum and the Smithsonian Institution adventures in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom Maya civilization. recently analyzed the skulls with an electron of the Crystal Skull,” spurred an onslaught Underneath a dense canopy of rainforest, microscope and concluded the skulls were crafted by of mixed reviews, especially among expert Valdez and his team of students and researchers counterfeiters. archaeologists. from across the globe have investigated more Neither new-age believers nor scientific experts With the release of each Indiana Jones film, enrollment in than 60 Maya sites including pyramids, small house mounds know the origins of the skulls. Based on findings from archaeology courses surge, giving professors the opportunity to and tombs that date from 1000 B.C. to 1400 A.D. his field research, archaeologist Fred Valdez believes separate facts from the myths about archaeology. Digging for hours to unearth pottery fragments and the ancient Mayas were capable of producing such Fred Valdez, associate anthropology professor at The architectural remains may intricate and refined University of Texas at Austin, says archaeology is not about not entice the average artwork. traveling to exotic countries and raiding tombs. It is large thrill seeker. But to archae- “We know the groups of students and researchers painstakingly shoveling ologists, there is nothing capacity and the through dirt to recover ancient objects that can reveal how more exciting than finding knowledge was our ancestors once lived. remnants from the ancient there,” Valdez But at the end of a long day, despite the head-to-toe dirt, world. says. “Experts bug bites and aching muscles, most researchers return to camp “Once the students fully produced crystal and smiling and satisfied with the work they have accomplished. understand the meaning natural glass with “The digs can be slow and meticulous,” Valdez says. “But of archaeology, the ideas phenomenal artistry.” at the same time, you really don’t know what the next scrape of action and adventure Whether the crystallized relics are of ground will reveal and that’s what’s exciting.” quickly slip away, replaced legitimate artifacts Valdez says despite director Steven Spielberg’s far-fetched with the excitement of or modern fakes, depiction of archaeology, Indiana Jones stimulates much being the first to hold an the true story behind needed interest in a sometimes overlooked field of science. object that has not been the skulls remains a “The Indiana Jones series has created a romance that touched in 2,000 years,” mystery. draws people to archaeology,” Valdez says. “Many people Valdez says. Fred Valdez

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Human Senses

our alarm rouses you, and you open your says. “You quickly recognize the objects in a room and can see eyes to shadows stretching across the ceiling. their distances and shapes and colors. It’s really very compli- Y The coffee pot gurgles in the kitchen, birds cated, and no one really knows in any kind of detail how we chirp outside the window, and the dog runs circles do it, although rapid progress is being made.” around your feet. You open the cabinet and scan for Technology is helping. In fact, the technological advances your favorite mug before pouring the coffee. of the past 20 years have entirely transformed the study of What sounds like an ordinary morning is really extraordi- perceptual systems. nary when you consider how your senses lead you through For example, Mary Hayhoe, psychology professor, used to it. study eye movement with subjects lying on a table while their For most of us, our eyes register electromagnetic radiation eyes were observed. Today she can observe subjects walking and our ears register sound waves. Neurons fire and we trans- around one of the best-known virtual reality labs in the coun- form these stimuli into information, seemingly effortlessly. We try. Or, she can ask them to move through their day wearing don’t step on the dog, and we can distinguish the birdcall from a backpack system in which a camera can record their eye the coffee pot gurgling. But how do we do it? That question movements and the world they traverse simultaneously. is at the heart of the research The technology, almost counter-intuitively, allows Hayhoe Member of the Academy at the Center for Perceptual to take subjects out of the world constructed for the experi- Wilson Geisler was recently Systems at The University of ment and put them in the natural world. Researchers at the elected to the National Academy Texas at Austin. center are most interested in how our senses function in real- of Sciences, one of the highest The group of researchers world situations instead of in arbitrarily constrained labora- honors for a scientist or spans the areas of psychol- tory experiments. engineer in the United States. ogy, neurobiology, computer The Center for Perceptual Systems is poised to become and electrical engineering, the best in the world for natural systems analysis, or He leads the university’s computer sciences, speech the rigorous study of perception under natural conditions. interdisciplinary Center for and biology. Working in cross- Perceptual Systems where he disciplinary teams, they tackle A Quarter in the Grass researches how people perceive some of the most mysterious It’s happened to all of us: We’ve dropped a quarter in the information and make sense of workings of human existence. grass, or lost that post-it note on a desk stacked with papers, the world, with an emphasis on “Everybody’s interested or scanned the crowd for the face of the friend we’ve come to visual perception and the in the perceptual systems, meet. Our frustration mounts because it seems to take forever. evolution of perceptual systems. because they are how you gain There has to be a better way. information from the world Wilson Geisler, who recently was elected to the National and make sense of it; they Academy of Sciences, set out to find out if there is. allow you to interact with your environment,” says Wilson “The process of visual search is a natural task that we do all Science of Geisler, director of the center and David Wechsler Professor in the time,” Geisler says, “and it’s really important for survival. the Department of Psychology. “Your perceptual systems are But how human beings have solved the problem of using the your window on the world.” eyes to find something is really complicated.” the Senses The center began as the Center for Vision and Image The human visual system has evolved from compromise. Sciences and expanded in 2001 to become the Center for We need to have a large field of view, and yet we also need to Psychologists examine how Perceptual Systems. be able to see very fine detail. To see fine detail over a large Today researchers study everything from the energy fields field of view would require an optic nerve the size of an arm. our perceptual systems of electric fish to how our visual system enables us to navigate Ours is the size of a pinky. around pedestrians on a crowded sidewalk to the information We’ve had to settle for an eye that couples low-resolution make sense of the world contained in the tiny sounds your ear makes that you can’t sight over a large field of view with higher resolution over hear. only a very small central field of view. BY Vive Griffith It is complex work. The perceptual systems probably take Geisler took these known facts of human sight to the ques- up about 50 percent of all the gray matter in the brain, Geisler tion of visual search and asked how human beings should says. move their eyes if they want to find something. What is the “One of the things that perception gives you is the illusion optimal way? What could we do to locate an object as quickly that it’s simple because it happens pretty rapidly,” Geisler as possible?

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He and Jiri Najemnik, graduate student researcher, An observer may think the subject is just making a long change, your gaze behavior changes almost immediately. answered the question by creating a mathematical algorithm oval across the tile floor, but in the virtual world the subject For example, if a pedestrian suddenly acts unruly, for optimizing eye movements during visual search. is walking on a sidewalk, with a curb, fellow pedestrians and bumping into you, you’ll spend more time looking Then Geisler turned to human subjects to see how people objects to steer around. The images the subject sees change at pedestrians after that for a period of time. perform a visual search in real life. The results surprised rapidly, just as they would in the real world. Why use virtual reality instead of a real street? him. A small camera tracks the subject’s left eye—the pupil and “We want to do both,” Hayhoe says. “We’ve conducted “We found out that people are almost perfect,” Geisler says. the corneal reflection—to see where he or she is looking at experiments tracking people walking around the room with “We can find things just about as fast as physically possible.” any time. LEDS in the ceiling track the subject’s head posi- a real person trying to run into them. But you have less Geisler’s study reveals a lot about the complexity of the tion, which enables the program to change the images the control in the real world, so we get ideas from it and then take visual process and the ways we develop to optimize it. Going subject is seeing. them into a virtual environment where we can conduct more through our natural learning process, we seem to discover the The experiment offers a complex view of how an indi- controlled experiments.” best way to use our sensory system. vidual uses his or her eyes. Hayhoe’s research is critical to understanding And it may bring some relief the next time you’re frantically “It’s like you’re inside her head,” Hayhoe says. “You get a the basic scientific issues about the neural searching for that lost item that won’t come into sight. Rest lot of information about what a person is trying to do. She underpinnings of assured, you really are doing the best that you can. looks at the path, figures out where to put her feet, looks at visually guided pedestrians.” behavior, and its A Virtual Stroll One finding is that when your expectations of a scene implications are You know what they say about walking and chewing gum? It turns out there’s a lot of truth to this—we really The Mind’s Eye: Psychologist’s Insights cannot attend to much more into Brain Could Restore Sight than one thing at a time. By Tracy Mueller Mary Hayhoe is working to understand how we decide to edical researchers have an impressive electrical signals that represent the current visual scene what we will attend. history of innovation, pushing the human body’s directly into the relevant neurons in the patient’s visual “Most of the time we M capacity to heal beyond what most could cortex, thereby restoring normal vision.” manage walking down the imagine. Reconstructive surgery, heart transplants and Most researchers in the field study vision by measuring street just fine,” Hayhoe says. remarkably functional cochlear implants give patients with the electrical signals of single neurons or by looking at the Mary Hayhoe “We’re asking how it is you severe injuries or critical impairments a second chance. activity in large regions in the brain. Seidemann studies manage to attend to the right thing at the right time.” However modern technology has had a limited impact a critical intermediate spatial scale of small groups of She is answering that question by tracking the direction of on the visual system, and doctors do not have many neurons. His goal is to understand how groups of neurons the gaze. We distribute our gaze across natural scenes in ways tools to treat severe afflictions. Associate professor of behave together, which offers a more complete picture of that keep us from bumping into things, stepping off things, psychology Eyal Seidemann hopes to change that. how the brain represents information. and otherwise hurting ourselves or others. We learn to do this Seidemann studies brain activity in the primary visual Seidemann says an exciting aspect of the research is as we develop during childhood. cortex, the first and largest processing stage of visual that fully understanding the primary visual cortex likely will “That learning is really critical,” Hayhoe says. “The visual information in the cerebral cortex (“gray matter”). lead to a more complete understanding of other parts of system doesn’t just magically direct your eye to the right The primary visual cortex, together with several dozen the brain. place. With young children, you get the sense that you have subsequent visual cortical areas, is responsible for forming “The primary visual cortex is just one part of the to be their attention, be there to say ‘Watch out!’ They’re still our visual perception. Seidemann hopes his research will cerebral cortex,” he explains. “Each region of the cortex learning what the world is like.” lead to the development of visual prosthesis, allowing is responsible for a different function (such as perception, To understand how we adults, who have learned what the people with severe eye damage to see. memory, thought or movement planning) but each region’s world is like, use our eyes to navigate, Hayhoe puts subjects “The brain uses its own language of electrical signals to architecture is very similar. This similarity suggests that the on the sidewalk. In her case, it is a virtual sidewalk. represent our environment,” Seidemann says. neural language is likely to be shared among the sensory, Hayhoe operates one of the most advanced virtual real- “Everything that we perceive has to be represented cognitive and motor parts of our brain.” ity labs in the country, alongside Dana Ballard, professor of in our brains using this complex neural code. Our Seidemann says understanding the neural code in computer science. In one of the many experiments in the lab, ultimate goal is to break this code. If we could the visual system, therefore, is likely to have profound subjects don a virtual reality head mount and walk around understand the brain’s inner language, we may consequences for our ability to treat many other disorders the room. one day be able to bypass the eyes and insert the of the brain.

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HUMAN SENSES numerous. From creating new ways to teach drivers education For years, clinicians have been arguing that there are two Duck! to working with stroke patients, it offers previously unavail- subtypes of ADHD—the inattentive type and the combined What goes on in the brain when we see a moving object? able information about how we move and use our eyes. type (in which the individual has both inattention and Lawrence Cormack and Alex Huk teamed up to find out. hyperactivity symptoms). It turns out the ears support this Cormack, associate professor of psychology, has a back- Your Ears Reveal More Than You Think distinction. ground studying depth perception. Huk, assistant professor of Obviously the ears hear sounds, but would you have McFadden, working with colleagues in clinical psychol- neurobiology, has studied motion perception. Together they guessed they make sounds as well? ogy, found that the OAEs of boys with the combined type of are examining how the brain responds to things that move Otoacoustic emissions, or OAEs, are tones that emanate ADHD were not different from those of boys without ADHD. through three dimensions. In other words, they’re studying from the inner ear and are measurable with a sensitive But boys with the inattentive type of ADHD had weaker how things happen in the real world. microphone placed in the ear canal. They may be spontane- OAEs than either group. This suggests they were exposed to That may make sense, but it has not always been an easy ous, present even in a sound-deadened room, higher levels of androgens before birth. thing to do. Traditionally, experiments on motion perception or they may be produced in response to brief OAEs also appear to be different between took place when a subject was placed in front of a flat televi- sounds. People generally don’t notice their females who have female twins and females sion screen or monitor. This was all well and good, as long OAEs. who have male twins, as well as between het- as life happened on a flat screen. Life, however, happens in “It’s interesting that most of us are unaware erosexual and homosexual females. As scientists three dimensions. of those sounds,” says Dennis McFadden, Ashbel explore these differences, it becomes clear that Today research can as well. The scientists put subjects Smith Professor of Psychology. “But then again the auditory system has the capacity to serve as in what they described as a “souped-up MRI scanner.” The they’ve been around since birth, and maybe a window into prenatal development and sexual machine isn’t much different from the one used to create the higher centers of the brain have just nulled differentiation. images of your knee or shoulder, except it has been upgraded them out.” The finding is surprising, but for McFadden it to take images of blood flow and oxygenation in the brain. Scientists, however, are finding that OAEs is just one of the many mysteries of the auditory “Neurons, like the rest of us, need more when they’re yield some very interesting information. OAEs system that have kept him engaged during his active,” Cormack says. “So after neurons fire up there’s an are stronger and more numerous in females than 40 years of doing research at the university. increase in blood flow. We can look at that and tell what part in males, and that difference exists even at birth. “The cochlea, or inner ear, is an extraordi- of your brain’s been active.” Evidence suggests this is due to a difference in narily complicated and therefore interesting While lying in the scanner, subjects are presented stimuli in prenatal exposure to androgens (certain kinds of structure,” McFadden says. “The way it breaks three dimensions, similar to a 3-D movie, but more advanced. hormones). Females are exposed to weaker levels of andro- down sound waves so that they can be processed by the brain They watch objects moving across the horizon and objects gens than males are. and then reconstitutes them to give us the rich experience of moving toward and away from the body. And their brains Other differences in OAEs are even more interesting. Take hearing—music, speech, environmental sounds—is fascinat- register the difference. boys with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ing to those of us who study hearing.” The brain is far more active when objects are

by Ramont in 2004, students spend less time studying Meier explains. "This online resource Signing Up: Tapping Technology for basic vocabulary in class, and more time developing has produced positive results American Sign Language Studies conversational skills. in classroom projects because BY Jessica Sinn Students of any language who fall out of practice students are now able to study and may forget what they have learned. But when students practice sign language on their own imilar to Spanish, French or Italian, the continue to use ASLOnline, they will maintain and sharpen time.” study of American Sign Language (ASL) fulfills the their skills. In ASL, the meaning of each sign Suniversity’s foreign language requirement. But, unlike “Sign language is not something that can be learned is not just determined by the shape of those languages, ASL involves movements of the arms in a classroom,” Ramont says. “The students need to be the hands, but by the movements of the and hands, not just the mouth. involved in the deaf community, and this Web site can be hands and arms and facial expressions. Small, Two million people in the United States use ASL. To used as a support tool.” but significant details are learned interactively rather help bridge the communication gap between the deaf and Ramont dedicated two years to building the site with than with a textbook or dictionary, which is why Ramont non-deaf communities, Franky Ramont, linguistics lecturer, the assistance of Richard Meier, professor and chair of created a Web site rich in video segments featuring encourages students to join the conversation by signing up linguistics, and the Liberal Arts Instructional Technology fluent signers demonstrating vocabulary sentences and for ASL. Services team. “It’s difficult to create homework conversations. By using ASLOnline, an instructional Web site created assignments because ASL is not a written language,”

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moving through depth “It’s a difficult problem because the task of listeners is to Diehl set out to create an inventory of sounds that would be and toward and away extract words from the speech signal,” Diehl says. “Words are optimal for language, based on the degrees of freedom in the from the head than things series of distinctive sounds; think of them as sequences of human vocal tract and the premise that optimal sounds will be moving on a flat comput- vowels and consonants. It turns out that every talker produces sufficiently audible and distinctive from each other, enabling er screen. these things in different ways.” listeners to distinguish them from noise. Asked what it means in In other words, words themselves can be very different Running a representative sampling of sounds through a our regular life, Cormack acoustically depending on who is saying them. A speaker with computer model, Diehl was able to select an optimal vowel calls out, “Duck!” a large vocal tract is different from one with a small vocal system. If that system consisted of just five vowels, it would “I say that somewhat tract. Men and women speak differently, as do children and be the sounds ee, ah, oo, ay, oh. This corresponds perfectly flippantly, yet it ties in adults, people with different types of speech pathologies or with the vowel systems in Spanish, Japanese, Hawaiian and a with some other little fun dialects, people who speak quickly or slowly, with food in host of other languages. In fact, it is the most common vowel facts,” Cormack explains. their mouths or through a tube. system among the world’s languages overall. Among those fun And yet we understand them. This means that languages have evolved to take advantage facts is that the muscles “We have to apply adjustments on-the-fly of the optimal ways our auditory system can attached to the eyeball in interpreting the acoustic signal to take interpret sound. Lawrence Cormack that are responsible for into account all of the sources of lawful vari- Diehl says this finding was just a starting crossing the eyes (or fol- ability,” Diehl says. “And we do that without point. He has taken advantage of state-of- lowing approaching objects) are large and strong, as com- knowing we’re doing it. It’s as though the lis- the-art technology to trace how the auditory pared to the muscles that make the eyes move up and down. tener by a certain age has implicitly acquired system codes the frequency of vowels, allow- “The brain’s paying a lot of attention, developing a robust all the rules for transforming those variations ing more complex vowel systems to evolve. response to things coming at you so that you can react to into a uniform message.” And his recent work is breaking new ground them,” Cormack says. “Essentially it says something’s happen- Diehl’s lab has placed a lot of focus for the in predicting the optimal ways that humans ing that’s terribly important. Get busy.” past 20 years on understanding auditory pro- classify phonemes, allowing them to distin- cessing, how the brain converts the acoustic guish between similar sounds, like buh and Sound Systems signals it gets into neural representations. To puh. Randy Diehl, psychology professor and dean of the College do so, Diehl has looked at the sound systems All of this work is geared toward solving the of Liberal Arts, is used to people looking at him quizzically of various languages. problem of how we are able to sit down with someone we’ve when he says he studies speech perception. Though there are somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000 never met and understand each other. “What’s the problem there?” they ask. “We perceive vowels languages worldwide, the sound systems of those languages “It’s really a great problem,” he says, “because it intersects and consonants, so what? There doesn’t seem to be any mys- have a lot in common. Given the range of sounds that the with so many classic philosophical and psychological tery.” human vocal tract can produce, there has to be a reason that questions about the nature of perception, the nature of In fact, there’s plenty of mystery, Diehl says, and his lab has certain patterns are so popular. language and the nature of memory and how knowledge been working to decipher it for years. Working with Björn Lindblom of Stockholm University, is used to interpret our world.”

languages in Thailand. becoming extinct within the next couple of generations. Lost in Translation: Anthropologist By examining and documenting rare phonological “The true extent of the country’s linguistic diversity Preserves Dying Sign Languages forms (hand configurations), color terminology (using three has yet to be fully recognized or appreciated because an BY Jessica Sinn basic colors) and baby talk, she analyzes Ban Khor Sign entire class of sign languages remains largely unexplored,” uring the 1960s Language and compares its variations with American Sign Nonaka says. when linguists and Language (ASL) and other languages. Her research extends beyond linguistic documentation. anthropologists began Understanding the origins of indigenous sign languages, She takes a holistic anthropological approach, D which spontaneously arise in small rural villages around investigating how and why native sign languages form, studying languages of deaf people, research focused on the world, allows researchers to answer questions about spread and disappear. By examining the local sign national sign language, with language complexity and evolution that would remain language communities, she works to preserve and scant attention paid to indigenous ones. unanswered when these unique communication methods revitalize the culture, as well as the language. Today, Angela Nonaka, assistant professor of disappear, Nonaka explains. “The study of sign languages enriches our collective anthropology who specializes in linguistic anthropology, For example, during the 1950s when ASL was knowledge of linguistics and anthropology, underscoring is preserving endangered and undocumented sign introduced in Thailand, local sign languages began to the true linguistic and cultural diversity in the world,” dissipate. Now, many signed codes are in danger of Nonaka says.

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Children and Family

are not developing as they should.” The parental interaction thread runs through the CRL’s various projects, and parents who participate in the research often leave with a unique understanding of their child. “The work we do has enormous value for practitioners in education, media and counseling,” Echols says. “But we’re always thinking about how it will help parents.”

The Science of Learning Baby’s first word—the momentous occasion parents anticipate, when “gaga” and giggles turn into recognizable Researchers delve language. But more than the joy of hearing “mama” or “dada” for the first time, parents are assured their child is reaching an into the psychological important developmental milestone, showing skill in percep- tion, memory and cognition. world of children These are the moments upon which psychologist Leslie BY Tracy Mueller Cohen builds his research. Before piano recitals, honor rolls and graduation, a child must learn how to comprehend his or her surroundings, speak, think and learn. Cohen, director of the Infant Cognition Laboratory, exam- ines infant perceptual and cognitive development during the first 18 months. By using a simple procedure that involves Bringing Up Baby the infant looking at a series of computer-generated pictures or movies and by recording the infants’ visual fixation time, he investigates how infants organize the auditory and visual information they see and how well they remember that infor- mation. ost parents will attest to the routine A World of Their Own He has found consistent developmental differences in of a baby’s life: sleep, eat, diaper change. “Studying children is essential to gain insight into the infants’ organization of simple visual information into M Precious though they may be, infants are human mind and behavior,” Catharine Echols, associate pro- complex patterns, objects and events. He also is examining not generally considered the most complex indi- fessor of psychology who directs the CRL, says. “Examining developmental changes in infants’ understanding of concepts viduals. Humorist Dave Barry offered a cynic’s take on their development helps us understand who we are.” and categories, their perception of music, and the relationship child psychology when he quipped that a baby’s head At the same time, Echols notes, it is important to under- between categorization and early language. is filled with “nothing but an enormous drool gland.” stand children for who they are. Cohen recently created the multipurpose software program Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin’s Children’s “Science is now recognizing that kids aren’t just little Habit X for the MAC to facilitate his and others’ research. Research Lab (CRL) can confirm the drool, but insist on a adults,” Echols says. “The way they make sense of the world Habit X tests infant perception, cognition and language more sophisticated interpretation of a child’s has its own sensibility.” acquisition. psyche. Echols’ research examines how children make sense of More than 16,000 infants, children language. Studying children ages 9 months to 5 years old, and parents have participated in she studies how labeling and categorizing objects helps “Children are acutely aware of and CRL research projects since the lab children develop language. For instance, when and how does opened in 1982. The CRL houses a child learn the word “cup” refers to many different kinds uncomfortable being outnumbered, even six separate labs focusing child of cups, not just one specific cup? She also researches how development. Research topics children from different cultures or who are deaf learn the if they are separated by something as include infant vision and hearing, meaning of words from their parents. cognitive and intellectual ability, “Language learning is a key part of development,” Echols meaningless as a T-shirt color.” language acquisition and stereotype says. “We want to know why some children excel with lan- development. guage and some struggle, and how parents can help kids who — Rebecca Bigler

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More than 125 infant red or blue T-shirts demonstrated more stereotypical opinions children are liked more, laboratories around the about their peers than did children in integrated classrooms. are perceived as being world now employ the So what can parents and educators do to prevent and smarter and are rated program. correct prejudicial beliefs? higher on sharing and “Talk to your kids,” Bigler counsels. “Children are percep- friendliness and lower on Children and Stereotypes tive and they notice racial and gender differences. If adults meanness and hitting than When asked how she don’t acknowledge and discuss why all the presidents have less attractive children. knows that only white been white males, or why poor neighborhoods are more likely “Most people are aware men have been president than rich neighborhoods to include African Americans and of the fact that attractive of the United States, one Latinos, children will form their own, probably prejudicial, adults often receive prefer- elementary student simply explanations.” ential treatment,” Langlois responded, “Have you seen says. “This research reveals the money?” Babies and Beauty that attractive children It is perhaps an amus- Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but what if the benefit from their looks ingly astute commentary beholder is only 3 months old? One might think any cooing too.” Rebecca Bigler on power and money, but adult would delight an innocent infant, but according to Les Cohen also a reminder of children’s attention to detail. The faces of research by Judith Langlois, children have quite discriminat- Fact vs. Fairy Tale George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other commanders ing tastes when it comes to beauty. A child’s life is filled with wonder and discovery. Doctors in chief appear on everything from currency to mountainsides. Langlois, a vice provost and the Charles and Sarah Seay take an X-ray that seems to make skin invisible, revealing the It does not take long for children to notice a pattern in the Regents’ Professor of Developmental Psychology, studies chil- inside of the body. Adults tell children intriguing stories about presidents’ appearances. dren’s social development, attractiveness and the origins of the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy. Elmo, a friendly monster, Adults often think children live in a color or gender blind social stereotypes. teaches science lessons on “Sesame Street,” and Harry Potter, world, but children begin to detect race during their first Her research shows babies look longer at faces that are a human child, performs magic spells. year of life and show signs of stereotyping by age three, says rated as attractive by adults than at faces rated as unattract- The boundary between fact and fiction is often blurred, Rebecca Bigler, psychology professor and director of the ive by adults. And, 1-year-olds are more involved in play and and navigating the complex worlds of reality and fantasy is no Gender and Racial Attitudes Lab. show more positive behavior toward an attractive stranger easy task for a youngster. Or is it? Bigler has identified four ingredients that lead to stereotyp- than an unattractive stranger. Psychologist Jacqueline Woolley studies how children ing and prejudice. The first component is a child’s ability to Conversely, Langlois found mothers are more affectionate understand reality and evaluate new information. Her visibly detect differences. This explains why children tend to toward and play more with attractive infants (as rated by research shows that kids may have a better grasp on reality form stereotypes based on race and gender, but not religion college students) compared with mothers of less attractive than adults realize. Her most recent study found children are or political affiliation. infants. And, mothers of less attractive infants perceive them able to distinguish between reality and fantasy between the The second component is minority status. In one study, as interfering more in their lives than do mothers of more ages of 3 and 5. Bigler randomly separated a class into two groups. One group attractive infants. “Young children continually are exposed to new informa- was given blue T-shirts and the second group, consisting of “This is not to say that mothers treat unattractive infants tion through conversations, books and the media,” Woolley only two or three children, wore red T-shirts. The children badly,” Langlois says. “All says. “Much of the information is factual such as the names in red T-shirts were far more likely to want to change groups the women in this study of planets, but some is fictional such as the existence of Santa than their blue T-shirt peers. were excellent moms. Even Claus.” “Children are acutely aware of and uncomfortable being among excellent moms, By the age of 4, children learn to use the context in which outnumbered, even if they are separated by something as however, the attractiveness new information is presented to distinguish between fact and meaningless as a T-shirt color,” Bigler says. “And children in of an infant seems to influ- fiction, Woolley says. She studied about 400 children between the minority group sought each other’s company, becoming ence maternal behavior.” the ages of 3 and 6 who were asked to determine whether close friends in almost every classroom.” As children grow older, a series of new words were real or imaginary. For some The third component involves explicit labeling of different attractiveness continues to children, the researchers presented the words in scientific groups. For instance, a teacher’s greeting of “Good morning, influence their interactions terms: “Doctors use hercs to make medicine.” For others, they boys and girls,” or an instruction to sit “boy, girl, boy, girl” with others. Physical attrac- introduced the words in fantastical terms: “Fairies use hercs reinforces group differences. According to Bigler, children tiveness affects whom chil- to make fairy dust.” attach particular importance to something when adults label dren choose as peers and Woolley found when children heard the new words in a it. what types of traits they scientific context they were more likely to believe the words Finally, implicit segregation often leads to stereotype and attribute to other children. represented real things than when they heard the words bias. In the T-shirt experiment, children in classes with only For instance, attractive described in a fantastical context. Judith Langlois

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Children and Family

“These studies provide new insight into the develop- Sociologist Investigates Infant Mortality in the United States ment of children’s ability to make the fantasy-reality BY Jennifer McAndrew

Following a dramatic decline throughout the 20th reducing social inequality that leads to differential access century, the U.S. infant mortality rate—the proportion of to healthcare.” babies who die before they reach their first birthday—has The scholar has published more than 80 studies on “Science is now recognizing leveled off at a little less than seven deaths per 1,000 racial disparity in infant mortality, pregnancy outcomes, live births, according to the National Center for Health mortality and the demography of minorities. His research that kids aren’t just little Statistics. That’s a much higher rate than in other parts has been supported by millions of dollars in grant funding of the developed world. from the National Institutes of Health and the National adults...The way they make Infant mortality rates are generally viewed as one Science Foundation. of the best indicators of a country’s health. So why Frisbie’s prolific work has inspired the next generation sense of the world has are the rates in the United States so high? W. Parker of demography researchers says Robert Hummer, chair Frisbie, professor of sociology and former director of of the Department of Sociology. The dozens of students its own sensibility.” the Population Research Center, devoted his career to he mentored during his tenure are now in leading exploring this question. research positions throughout the United States and —Catharine Echols “Most scholars believe the United States’ low ranking around the world. is due to the high infant mortality rates of the country’s Born to Texas ranchers in 1940, Frisbie will retire to his minority populations,” Frisbie says. “This is further family ranch in south Texas where he will work cattle on distinction,” Woolley says. “It is clear that young children evidence that we need to work harder at lowering the horseback, mend fences, repair water wells, and educate do not believe everything they hear, and that they can use infant mortality rate of disadvantaged minorities by his granddaughters in the ways of Texas ranching. the context surrounding the presentation of a new entity to make inferences about the real versus fantastical nature of that entity.” Even when children do believe in the fantasy world, they expect certain rules to be followed. In a study examining children’s belief in the power of wishing, Woolley found children only gave credence to the validity of wishing when specific conditions were met. The children watched as someone wished for an object, and then opened a box containing the desired item. Under normal circumstances, children generally believed the wish caused the item to appear. However if the child saw the item in the box prior to the wish being made, or if the child saw someone place the object in the box, he or she was less likely to credit the “We need to work harder at wish for the appearance of the item. lowering the infant mortality rate “Despite wishes belong- ing to the fantastical realm, of disadvantaged minorities by children evaluate them based on the rules of the reducing social inequality that leads real world,” Woolley says. “All reasoning does not to differential access to healthcare.” go out the window sim- ply because they encounter —Parker Frisbie what they believe to be magic.”

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LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS The Language of Love From diaries to online chats, writing about your romantic relationship may help it last. XOXO By Tracy MUEller

illions of lovelorn people turn to self- emotion, both in their writing and to their partner, may have “It creates a cohesive story for your life narrative.” help books, searching for the magic words that the power to improve their relationship’s longevity,” says Expressive writing is so effective even participants’ dating M might save a relationship. But their own writing Pennebaker, the author of “Opening Up: The Healing Power of partners changed how they communicated, despite not may provide the key to everlasting love, according to research- Expressing Emotions” and “Writing to Heal: A Guided Journal participating in the writing process. ers at The University of Texas at Austin. for Recovering from Trauma and Emotional Upheaval.” The researchers collected IM exchanges from couples In a study titled “How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count A pioneer in the study of the effects of expressive writing, before and after the writing exercise, and found people who the Words,” psychology professor James Pennebaker and Pennebaker has researched how it benefits cancer patients and completed the writing exercise used more emotional language graduate student Richard Slatcher found writing about one’s people who have lost their jobs or are recovering from emotional and their partners, in turn, became more emotionally expres- romantic relationship may help it last longer. Pennebaker trauma. In each instance, people saw positive results from the sive. It’s something researchers call linguistic synchrony— is the chair of the Department of Psychology and the Bush writing, whether it was improved physical health when one person mirrors the language of Regents Professor in Liberal Arts. or finding a new job more quickly than people another. Pennebaker and Slatcher analyzed writing samples from 86 who wrote about everyday activities. Monitoring IM conversations provided couples. One person from each couple wrote for 20 minutes Another Pennebaker study found college insight into the progression of the relation- per day for three consecutive days. Volunteers in one group freshmen who wrote about the anxiety of ships after the writing and allowed the wrote about their daily activities while those in the second the transition from high school earned higher researchers to examine the ebb and flow group wrote about their deepest thoughts and feelings about grades the following semester. of the couples’ daily conversations in their the relationship. The participants’ dating partners did not So why is expressive writing so powerful? natural settings. complete any writing task. Slatcher likens it to the calming effect of writing “Most studies take place in a laboratory The researchers found that 77 percent of volunteers a to-do list. and rely on participants’ self-reporting for who wrote about their relationship were still dating their “When people feel overwhelmed by their information, so using IM chats gave us a partner three months later. In contrast, only 52 percent of workload, they write a simple list and almost unique opportunity to track real-world inter- people who wrote just about everyday activities stayed with instantly feel less stressed,” he says. “Once they actions, creating a more accurate picture of their partner. start crossing things off the list, they feel even the relationships,” Pennebaker says. The study also revealed those who wrote about their rela- better. tionship used more words expressing positive emotions such “Writing down your thoughts helps put High-tech Romance as “happy” and “love” in Instant Message (IM) exchanges with worries into concrete ideas and move past Using IM programs to monitor conversa- their dating partner during the days following the writing. an event, rather than simply ruminating and tions is part of a research trend referred “These results demonstrate that people who express more letting negative feelings simmer,” Slatcher says. James Pennebaker to as “experience sampling,” which relies

16 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09

Love aND Relationships on unobtrusive technology to study people in their everyday Getting Ready to Write expressive writing can still environments. • Commit to writing for a minimum of 15 minutes be helpful. Pennebaker For instance, a study participant might carry a palm pilot, a day for at least three or four consecutive days. and Slatcher believe the from which he or she can receive and answer questions, allow- • Write continuously. Don’t worry about spelling connection between writ- ing researchers to gather real-time responses more frequently or grammar, and if you run out of things to write ing and improving one’s during a given day. The volunteer might then give a saliva about, just repeat what you have already written. relationship extends sample by chewing on a cotton ball (then storing it in a test • You may write longhand, type on a computer, or beyond the realm of dat- tube) that researchers can later analyze for the hormone if you are unable to write, speak into a tape recorder. ing couples. cortisol, which is an indicator of stress. • You do not have to write about the same topic “That people may Perhaps the most innovative research technology in experi- every day. enhance their romantic ence sampling is the electronically activated recorder (EAR), relationships by simply developed at the university in the late-1990s. About the size What to Write About writing down their thoughts of an iPod, the EAR turns on for 30 seconds every 12 minutes • Worries, thoughts or anything that is affecting your and feelings about those to record conversations, allowing researchers to be a fly on the life in an unhealthy way relationships has clear wall for playful banter after class or a fiery 3 a.m. fight. • Your dreams implications,” Pennebaker “We want to capture what people think, what they say • Something you have avoided for days, weeks or years says. “The use of expres- and how their body responds to various social interactions,” sive writing as a tool for rela- Richard Slatcher Slatcher says. “By utilizing new technology, we gain far greater Pennebaker recommends writing about your deepest tionship enhancement could be applied understanding of the inner workings of relationships.” thoughts and feelings about the relationship. Write about to families, circles of friends and even work groups.” Slatcher is using the EAR in a new study to monitor how major conflicts or problems with your significant other, or emotionally expressive couples are around their friends com- particularly positive events with this person that you have pared to when they are alone together. experienced or are experiencing now. You even can tie your relationship to other parts of your life. Ideally, you should Write Your Own Love Story write about significant aspects of your relationship you have The Brownings: A Writers' Romance Follow these tips from Pennebaker, keeping in mind there not discussed in great detail with others. are many ways to write that may be beneficial. Think of these as Many people report that after writing, they sometimes feel Working with James Pennebaker, Molly Ireland, a guidelines, and experiment to discover what works best for you. somewhat sad or depressed, Pennebaker says. Like seeing a psychology doctoral student, analyzed the poetry and sad movie, this typically goes away in a couple of hours. If letters of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning. Ireland you find you are getting extremely upset, simply stop writing examined the couple's "language style matching" (LSM), or change topics. which occurs when two people automatically structure If you are more concerned with a troublesome their sentences in similar ways. Hi-tech Romance: coworker or family member than your significant other, "When measuring style matching, it is much more Cupid’s Electronic psychologically revealing to look at how people phrase their sentences rather than what they say," Ireland Arrow says. "We ignore content words, like nouns and verbs, Exchanges from a real IM “Writing down your thoughts helps put and focus on function words, such as pronouns, chat in the study “How Do I prepositions, and conjunctions, which more reliably Love Thee? Let Me Count worries into concrete ideas and move reveal the speaker's state of mind." the Words.” The participants Ireland found that LSM mapped directly onto names have been changed. past an event, rather than simply synchrony (and asynchrony) in the Brownings' relationship. For example, when Robert proposed This chat appears ordinary, ruminating and letting negative feelings to Elizabeth, she delayed her acceptance for several but researchers say the months. While Robert was left in limbo, their LSM in unassuming words reveal simmer. It creates a cohesive story for letters and poetry was at an all-time low. important information about "But, when Elizabeth got over her self-loathing and the state of the couple’s your life narrative.” other anxieties and eloped with Robert, their LSM sprang relationship. back again higher than ever," Ireland explains. — Richard Slatcher

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Why Do People Have Sex? Psychologists identify 237 reasons BY Christian Clarke Cásarez

Do Women Really any scientists assume people have sex Four major factors and 13 sub-factors for simple and straightforward reasons such as to for why people have sex: Talk More than Men? M experience sexual pleasure or to reproduce, but • Physical reasons such as to reduce stress (“It seemed new psychology research reveals hundreds of varied and com- like good exercise”), feel pleasure (“It’s exciting”), improve Research refutes popular belief plex motivations that range from the spiritual to the vengeful. or expand experiences (“I was curious about sex”), and BY Christian Clarke Cásarez After conducting one of the most comprehensive studies on the physical desirability of their partner (“The person efuting the popular stereotype that why people have sex, psychology researchers David Buss and was a good dancer”). females talk more than men, psychology researchers Cindy Meston uncovered 237 motivations, which appeared in • Goal-based reasons, including utilitarian or practical R at The University of Texas at Austin found women the Archives of Sexual Behavior. considerations (“I wanted to have a baby”), social status and men both use an average of 16,000 words each day. People’s motivations ranged from the mundane (“I was (“I wanted to be popular”) and revenge (“I wanted to Matthias Mehl, who earned his doctoral degree in 2004, bored”) to the spiritual (“I wanted to feel closer to God”) and give someone else a sexually transmitted disease”). led the study with James Pennebaker, chair of the psychology from the altruistic (“I wanted the person to feel good about • Emotional reasons such as love and commitment department. They published their findings in “Are Women himself/herself”) to the manipulative (“I wanted to get a (“I wanted to feel connected”) and expression (“I wanted Really More Talkative Than Men?” in Science. promotion”). to say ‘thank you’”). For more than a decade, researchers have claimed that Some said they had sex to feel powerful, others to debase • Insecurity-based reasons, including self-esteem (“I want- women use far more words each day than men. One set of themselves. Some wanted to impress their friends, others to ed the attention”), a feeling of duty or pressure (“My numbers commonly tossed around is that women use 20,000 harm their enemies (“I wanted to break up a rival’s relation- partner kept insisting”) and to guard a mate (“I wanted words per day compared to only 7,000 for men. ship”). to keep my partner from straying”). “These findings have been reported widely by national Buss and Meston conducted two studies. In the first, they media and have entered the cultural mainstream,” Pennebaker asked more than 400 men and women to identify reasons “Why people have sex is extremely important, but rarely says. “Although many people believe the stereotypes of females people have sex. In the second, the researchers asked more studied,” Buss says. “Surprisingly, many scientists assume as talkative and males as reticent, there is no large-scale study than 1,500 undergraduate students about their experiences the answer is obvious, but people have different reasons for that systematically has recorded the natural conversations of and attitudes. having sex, some of which are rather complex.” large groups of people for an extended period of time.” For almost a decade, the researchers have developed a method for recording natural language using the electroni- cally activated recorder (EAR). The unobtrusive digital voice Do You Blurt or Brood? recorder tracks people’s interactions, including their conver- Bill Swann, the William Howard Beasley III Professor sations. in the Graduate School of Business, examines how the Pennebaker and Mehl, who is an assistant professor of psy- presence or absence of verbal inhibitions affects romanti- chology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, worked with cally involved couples. The psychology researcher found recent alumni Richard Slatcher and Nairán Ramírez-Esparza. relationships become particularly troubled when men The team analyzed the transcripts of almost 400 university who are more verbally inhibited are paired with women students in the United States and Mexico whose daily interac- who are highly critical and verbally disinhibited. tions were recorded between 1998 and 2004. The research Take the online personality test at “Are you a Blurter participants could not control the EAR, which automatically or a Brooder? … and How this Affects your Love Life” records for 30 seconds every 12.5 minutes, and did not know at: www.outofservice.com/blirt/. when the device was on. Cindy Meston David Buss

18 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09

Love aND Relationships ‘Til Death Do Us Part? Researchers diagnose health consequences of marriage, divorce By jennifer mcandrew

o, why aren’t you married? It’s an age-old relationships, but then often seem miserable once they are in Health Consequences of Divorce question dreaded by singletons. The underlying one,” she says. “For many people, relationships are a double- Mark Hayward, sociologist and director of the Population S assumption of the awkward inquiry: there is some- edged sword.” Research Center, says his work has a similar purpose. He thing wrong with being single and one’s life is somehow Umberson and a team of researchers examined more than researches the health consequences of divorce. incomplete without a partner. 1,000 married couples in three waves of interviews as part of “The choices we make in our relationships can perma- But does marriage mean you will live happily, and health- a study supported by the National Institute on Aging. nently affect our health trajectories later in life,” Hayward fully, ever after? Participants answered a series of questions about their explains. Research does reveal that married people live longer than marital quality, such as:​ In a recent study funded by the National Institute on their single counterparts. They have lower rates of heart Aging, Hayward found that divorced, middle-aged women • How satisfied are you with your marriage? failure and cancer, develop expanded networks of social are 60 percent more likely to have cardiovascular disease • How much does your husband/wife make you support and have more frequent sex. than women who remain married. feel loved and cared for? However, the reasons why married people tend to be “Divorce is one of the most stressful things a person can • How much is he/she willing to listen when you need to healthier are not fully understood, says Debra Umberson, go through in life, so it makes sense that it has such a pro- talk about your worries or problems? professor of sociology and affiliate of the Population Research nounced effect on women’s cardiovascular health,” Hayward • How often do you feel bothered or upset by your Center at The University of Texas at Austin. says. marriage? “In recent years, the health disparity between the marrieds The sociologist’s study, with colleague Zhenmei Zhang at • How often would you say the two of you typically and the never-marrieds has actually narrowed,” Umberson Michigan State University, is based on data from the Health have unpleasant disagreements or conflicts? says. “After investigating what people get out of relation- and Retirement Study, which tracked a nationally represen- ships, we’ve found that it is not the case that any marriage Responses reveal that marital strain is a key source of tative sample of nearly 10,000 men and women aged 51-61 is better than no marriage at all when it comes to health stress, which can affect one’s immune system and accelerate from 1992 to 2000. benefits.” the typical decline in health that occurs over time, especially Hayward found divorced women have the lowest house- as couples age. In other words, a wedding ring doesn’t guar- hold income and wealth, compared to married women, The Honeymoon is Over antee good health. widows and women who remarry. Umberson’s recent study, “You Make Me Sick,” shows However, she notes the purpose of the study is not to issue “Divorce clearly leads to a drop in financial resources,” he that while a good marriage may offer health benefits, a bad a call for divorce but to raise awareness about the importance says. “Add that to the emotional distress that can stem from marriage can be detrimental to your health. of identifying marital difficulties and seeking to improve a change in residence, loss of social support or the potential “I’ve always been interested in how people want to be in marital quality. of single parenting, and divorced, middle-aged women are

19 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09 facing incredible stress that puts them at a distinct disadvan- be that there is a growing mismatch between what men are marriage as a cooperative relationship rather than one tage when it comes to their cardiovascular health.” looking for in a mate and what women are looking for,” Raley of rigid gender roles.” Divorce, however, does not increase the odds of heart says. “If both men and women hope to improve their financial disease among middle-aged men. status by marrying a higher-earning spouse, it will take longer Defending Marriage “Men’s health is not immune to divorce,” Hayward notes. for both to find a suitable mate.” In a recent opinion piece for the Dallas Morning News, “In “But because men typically get heart disease at younger ages Raley found that men who were unwilling to marry a woman Defense of Marriage,” Norval Glenn, professor of sociology, than women, the effect of divorce for men may play out who earned less than they did were less likely to marry. wrote that for most adults, marriage is still the best arrange- ment for providing material and emotional security. However, Glenn admits the institutional mechanisms for bringing people together are not working like they used to. As more people choose to marry later in life, few social institu- tions have arisen to replace the role that local communities, families and schools once played. Still, Umberson and Raley assert the stigma of singlehood is in decline. “Previously, the choice to never marry was viewed as deviant or extremely tragic,” Umberson says. “Today that’s just not the case.” We know marriage has health benefits for both men and women, Hayward adds, but it’s a complex story. As divorce rates level off, cohabitation becomes increasingly common and the median age of marriage increases. But, it’s not clear Debra Umberson Mark Hayward Kelly Raley Norval Glenn how future marriage trends will affect health outcomes, he concludes. before middle age. Also, divorce appears to have negative “Interestingly, men were more willing to marry “Increasingly,” he says, “couples are in a two-income consequences for other major health problems among middle- women with higher education and earning power than household, many face long commutes, education costs are aged men—just not cardiovascular disease.” themselves, which is in contrast to previous ideals of rising and the paycheck doesn’t stretch as far. The middle- Hayward was surprised the negative consequences of marriage,” Raley says. class crunch adds stress and social circumstances that have divorce did not go away with time, showing that divorce’s “This suggests that the foundation of marriage health consequences for marriage that we’re just now starting effects on women’s cardiovascular health appear to linger is changing and that men now recognize the potential benefit to study. And, there are no easy solutions for how we solve long after the divorce. of a higher earning partner. We’re now looking at these problems.” “From a social policy perspective,” Hayward says, “we need to think about how we can help women navigate the divorce experience so that it doesn’t have such significant health consequences.” Literary Marriages from Hell

Importance of Careful Mate Selection hy does some of the such as "Daddy" by Sylvia Plath, which "In studying Kelly Raley, associate professor of sociology and affiliate of best poetry emerge from the portrayed her troubled relationships the relationships the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, says the negative W charred ruins of a tortured with both her father and British poet that informed health consequences of a bad marriage and divorce under- relationship? That's the question laureate Ted Hughes. the authors' score the importance of why individuals should be extremely students tackle inI Betsy Berry's popular "Plath and Hughes are the creativity, careful in mate selection. course, "Literary Marriages from Hell," student's perennial favorite couple to students gain a In the study, “Not Even if You Were the Last Person on which examines the lives of doomed study," Berry, a lecturer in the English deeper reading Earth,” Raley examined how the process of mate selection literary couples and the masterpieces department, says. "The volume of work of some of the influences the timing of marriage. of literature they produced. that sprang from their union is simply great literature The median age of marriage has climbed steadily since the Students read books such as F. amazing." of the 20th-century," early 1970s. In 1970, the median age for women to marry was Scott Fitzgerald's autobiographical Along with engaging in textual Berry says. "However, it's important 20.8 and for men, 23.2. By 1995, both men’s and women’s "Tender is the Night," which criticism, the class screens films such to note that the works stand on their median age at marriage had increased 3.7 years, to 26.9 and immortalized his relationship with as "Sylvia," the 2003 biopic of Plath's own, regardless of the context of their 24.5, respectively. his wife Zelda who suffered from life that starred Gwyneth Paltrow and creation." “An explanation for delays in marriage past age 23 could schizophrenia, and analyze poems Daniel Craig.

20 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09 psychology and mental health The Aging of America Sociologists examine population’s challenges By Jennifer McAndrew n 2011, the first Baby Boomers will reach a recent issue of Social Science and Medicine. They examined "A parent's death has a much more profound and far- age 65, and the population aged 65 and older will grow 1,450 responses to the 1996 U.S. General Social Survey con- reaching impact on adult children than most people believe," I rapidly during the next two decades. How the country ducted by the National Opinion Research Center. says Debra Umberson, sociologist and author of "Death of a responds to this new demographic reality will shape the Previous research on emotions associated with aging has Parent: Transition to a New Adult Identity" (2003). fabric of American life and culture for years to come, says focused on negative emotions, such as depression. Based on in-depth interviews and data collected nation- Robert Hummer, chair of the Department of Sociology. The findings reveal aging is associated with more positive wide, "Death of a Parent" explores the social and psychologi- Sociologists at the Population Research Center are work- than negative emotions, and more passive than active emo- cal factors that determine how this loss affects adult children, ing to understand the aging process through studies funded tions, Ross says. and whether it will function as a personal crisis, or opportu- by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a division of the "The passive/positive combination reveals that content- nity for healthy change. National Institutes of Health. Since 2000, the NIA has con- ment, calm and ease are some of the most common emotions "The time following a parent's death is a period of tremen- tributed more than $3.8 million to their research, which has people feel as they age," Ross says. "Emotions that are both dous upheaval and change in the way we think about who we national implications for the aging population. active and negative, such as anxiety and anger, are especially are and what we want to accomplish in life," Umberson says. unlikely among the elderly." "The loss can sharpen our sense of our own mortality. Many With Age Comes a Sense of Peace and Calm adults make important changes in their health habits that can A new NIA-funded study from the Population Research Death of a Parent: Transition to a New Adult Identity have a long-term influence on their health.” Center reveals that aging brings a sense of peace and calm. As Baby Boomers begin to confront their own aging and Although an individual's health is likely to decline dur- Starting at about age 60, participants reported more feelings retirement, they face the added challenge of losing a parent. ing the short term following a parent's death, the long-term of ease and contentment than their younger counterparts. The death of a mother or father can be emotionally devastat- outlook on their physical health is much more positive, says Catherine Ross and John Mirowsky, professors of sociol- ing for many adult children who suddenly find themselves the Umberson, whose research was recognized by the NIA with a ogy, published the study “Age and the Balance of Emotions” in oldest generation of their family. FIRST Award for independent, innovative research.

In Treatment: Historian Studies the Abzug has devoted his recent research and teaching and Will” (1969) and “The Courage Birth of Psychotherapy in America to exploring the cultural meanings of psychotherapy in to Create” (1975), which merged America. He teaches courses such as “Psychology and philosophy, psychoanalysis, theology, he idea that individuals could relieve Religion in Modern American Culture” and “The Birth of art, literature and observations of mental disorders by revealing unconscious Psychotherapy.” He also is writing a biography of American contemporary society. T thoughts through talk was unheard of during the psychologist Rollo May. Abzug’s research on May has late 19th century when Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), “May sought to infuse the practice of psychotherapy been supported by the Guggenheim an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist introduced with what he called a humanistic science of man, Foundation and research leave Robert H. Abzug his psychoanalytic system of treatment to the public. encompassing existentialism and ideas dating back to from the university. He is the author “Critical reactions to Freud’s controversial ‘talking-cure’ classical antiquity,” Abzug says. “Though Freud’s theories of several books, including “Inside the Vicious Heart: remain mixed, but few dispute his far-reaching impact on of psychoanalysis established the basic idea of therapy, Americans and the Liberation of Nazi Concentration the field of psychology,” says Robert Abzug, the Oliver May and other psychologists of the 1940s and 1950s Camps,” “Cosmos Crumbling: American Reform and the H. Radkey Regents Professor of History and American enhanced public acceptance of psychotherapy and helped Religious Imagination” and “America Views the Holocaust, Studies and director of the Schusterman Center for Jewish to shape its everyday practice in the United States during 1933-1945.” Studies. “The various forms of psychotherapy that derived the post-World War II era.” Learn more about Abzug’s work with the from Freud comprise some of the most influential forms of May’s best-known works include “The Meaning of Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies at healing practiced during the 20th century.” Anxiety” (1950), “Man’s Search for Himself” (1953), “Love www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/scjs/.

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Psychology as Commodity Why it’s time for scientists to market for the masses

by Art Markman, Professor of Psychology

sychology is part of everything we do. people did. For example, business schools routinely teach If a discovery falls in the forest, But, despite our daily use of memory, attention, about decision-making based on psychological research. But, P language and social interaction, most of us do not the academic community needs to make clearer connections and there is nobody there to hear know much about the field and its innovative researchers. between our work and the real-world. This is unfortunate, because many of the most pressing prob- Give some away: If a discovery falls in the forest, and it, then did it really happen? lems in business and society draw upon psychological solutions. there is nobody there to hear it, then did it really happen? Institutions that support psychology need to ensure there are • Business magazines tout the importance of people around to hear it. It is routine for journals and univer- Finally, the market needs psychology students. An under- innovation in companies. Innovation is based sities to wind up their public relations apparatus to trumpet graduate psychology graduate has many options beyond earn- on creativity, which is an essential aspect of their latest research. This promotion is critical. ing a clinical license and hanging out a shingle (although that cognition, a field of psychology focused on how we think. In addition, scholars are beginning to connect to popular is an honorable and important use of the degree). Companies • Health professionals focus on helping people prevent sources of information. As a proponent of this trend, for three want and need psychologists to design studies that test user diseases. Avoiding a piece of cake or cigarette often years, I have served as a scientific advisor to The Dr. Phil interfaces, analyze consumer reactions to new products and involves the psychological tradeoff between current Show as a way of bringing some small measure of science to offer guidance about how to better motivate staff. choices and future implications. daytime television. • Politicians and social activists are concerned about the Sell, sell, sell: If our field has the potential to transform Psychology for the Masses effects of stereotypes on how people treat others, which business, health-care, interface design and education, then The link between academic psychologists and the world is an important aspect of social and personality psychology researchers and graduates should be selling the does not end when class concludes and students file out of the research. implications of our work. But how? room—or when our peers review our scholarship. It is crucial Traditionally, scholars sell their work by writing books for for researchers to engage people outside the university and But, the field of psychology suffers from stereotypes about broad audiences. We must continue to share the field’s ideas share the value of our work. its work. Most often, psychologists are portrayed as therapists, similar to David Buss, author of “The Murderer Next Door,” This engagement will inform the next generation of who preside over a couch or, perhaps, conduct experiments and Sam Gosling, who recently wrote “Snoop: What Your research. Listening to people who are potential consumers with rats that must run through a maze. Stuff Says About You.” of psychology is a valuable source to address under-studied Academic psychologists also need to sell their services as research questions. For me, thinking about the practical Rx: A Call to Action consultants. Bob Helmreich, who retired from the psychology applications of cognition research has led to new and interest- Fortunately, this problem has a straightforward solution. department last year, is a master at this. The international ing basic research questions, which can only improve the field Since psychology is a commodity with a high value to con- aviation expert helped industry and government improve and and its scholarship. sumers, marketing is key. We, as academic psychologists, maintain their safety records. must package our work, give some of it away, and sell it. Cindy Meston, a clinical psychologist, has shared her Art Markman is the W. W. Heath Centennial Fellowship and Let me explain. research on female sexual dysfunction with drug companies Annabel Irion Worsham Centennial Professor in Liberal Arts. He Package it: The academic world has changed. In the and consumer products companies. And, I have consulted holds a joint appointment with the McCombs School of Business past, psychologists assumed if we conducted interesting, with consumer products companies to explore how research and has advised companies such as Procter & Gamble. For the basic research people would discover our work and figure out on memory and reasoning can be used to make groups better past three years, he has served as a scientific adviser to the Dr. how to apply it to problems outside the lab. Certainly, a few at developing new ideas. Phil television show.

22 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09 humanities English Takes the Stage Behind the Lens as Presidential Priority with Keith Maitland by Jennifer McAndrew President William Powers Jr. identified the Department of English as a strategic priority in his 2007 State of the University Address. “No comprehensive university can be great without stellar programs in the humanities and social sciences, and we need to nurture them,” eith Maitland has a blind ambition. ments by listening to the bells. he said. The filmmaker and liberal arts alumnus Jason Archer and Paul Beck, the team who led English joins the History department as part of Powers’ vision K (B.A. Creative Writing, ’98) wants you to the ground-breaking rotoscopic animation tech- to strengthen areas of excellence at the university by creating new keep an eye out (or an ear) for his forthcoming niques for the films “Waking Life” and “A Scanner funding initiatives to help the programs provide more support for their film, “Keep Your Ear on the Ball.” The ensemble Darkly,” are attached to the project. Maitland plans faculty and students. documentary offers an intimate look at the lives of to use animation sequences to represent the loss The Department of English has 76 faculty members who welcome four blind teens and will premiere on PBS in 2009. of sight. 1,255 undergraduates and 163 graduate students into their A veteran of the Directors Guild of America’s “Animation provides the visual cues to explain classrooms, where the next generation of writers and leaders benefit prestigious training program and seven seasons of what is happening to these kids as they are los- from the innovative teaching methods of the program’s nationally NBC’s “Law & Order,” Maitland left New York City ing their sight—what their perception used to be recognized researchers and authors. for Austin after meeting several students at the like, versus what it is today. And, how their brain This year, U.S. News and World Report ranked the English Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired works to distill their experience with all their other graduate program 19th in the nation. The department also offers a (TSBVI). senses,” Maitland says. doctoral program with 11 concentrations and a master’s program in “I’ve always been interested in creative writing. questions of human perception,” A Storyteller Gets His Start Maitland says. “What would it be Maitland’s been delving like to lose one of your major into questions of identity and senses? How do you take the clues perception since he was 12 around you and put them together years old, when his dad put a to understand the world? I wanted video camera in his hands, but to explore these questions through it was in the College of Liberal the prism of teenagers who have Arts that he began to hone his lost or are losing their sight.” skills as a storyteller. In order to capture the TSBVI He started out as a double students’ stories, Maitland and his major in both radio-television- Literary Excellence: producer, Patrick Floyd, immersed film (RTF) and creative writing. Elizabeth Butler Cullingford, an themselves in the lives of the teens, However, a summer internship internationally renowned expert shooting more than 200 hours of convinced him that he could on W.B. Yeats and modern footage in 2005 and 2006. The Meet the cast of “Keep learn technical expertise and Irish literature, is chair of the school offered the filmmaker Your Ear on the Ball” at on-set training via internships. Department of English. unprecedented access to its cam- www.illegalfilms.net/ So Maitland dropped RTF and pus, classes and extracurricular keepyourearontheball. enrolled in a series of short activities. story courses. The film’s title references goal- “What was really impor- ball, a team sport designed for the tant for me during college visually impaired. A goalball weighs 3.5 pounds was to read as much as possible and learn how and contains jingling bells. Teams position them- to write dialogue,” Maitland says. “Through my selves at opposite ends of an indoor court and try creative writing major, I learned how to inhabit to roll the ball across their opponents’ goal line to characters and see the world through someone score points. Competitors track the ball’s move- else’s perspective. That has carried over to how I

23 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09

“[In filmmaking,] you’re always in a new place, interacting with new people. There are few jobs like it, where everyday you get to create something out of nothing, or tell a story that’s never been told before.”

— Keith Maitland

and Joel Schumacher (“Tigerland”). bio-diesel fuels.” After completing the training program at age 24, Maitland Maitland has interviewed dozens of farmers across the coun- became one of the youngest members to be inducted into the try for the documentary and hopes to complete “Tractorcade: DGA. He soon landed a gig as an assistant director on NBC’s The Spirit of ‘79” in time for the 30th anniversary of the “Law & Order.” protest. Working for the show for seven seasons gave Maitland a “It’s a tremendous responsibility to tell the story of these strong foundation of industry experience, but he itched to get farmers who were mavericks,” Maitland says. “They were behind the camera on his own. In 2001, Maitland founded bucking their community. They’re connected to their land the independent production company Illegalfilms to pursue a and they don’t take vacations, let alone protest in the dead variety of creative projects. of winter in Washington, D.C. But they felt so strongly about Early ventures for the fledgling company included the short what they were doing that they were willing to put it all on documentary “40 Dogs a Day,” which follows an ambitious the line.” San Francisco dog walker, and a music video for indie rock For a maverick filmmaker like Maitland, putting it all on the band Interpol. Then, in 2004, Maitland learned about an line is all in a day’s work. unusual event called “tractorcade” that would lead him on a “What keeps me going is that you never stop learning in trek across America’s heartland. the filmmaking environment,” Maitland says. “You’re always in a new place, interacting with new people. There are few Tapping the Tao of Willie jobs like it, where everyday you get to create something out of In 1979, 6,000 American farmers from 43 states drove nothing, or tell a story that’s never been told before.” Chas, an 18-year-old student at TSBVI, says goalball their tractors to the nation’s capital at a mere 14 miles per is not as easy as it looks. Photo by Sarah Wilson. hour. Their goal: to lobby the U.S. government to reform unfair pricing subsidies that endan- gered American family farms. The protest event approach filmmaking.” became known as the great tractorcade of ‘79. Summer breaks would inevitably find Maitland on a When Maitland heard about the massive pro- film set somewhere. After a stint with Jim Henson’s “The test by farmers, he knew the story needed to be Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss,” a puppet television series told. At the top of his interview wish list for the on Nickelodeon, Maitland was ready for more serious fare. documentary, “Tractorcade: The Spirit of ‘79,” Next on his agenda was an internship with Richard Linklater’s was Willie Nelson. Detour Film Productions. Nelson credits the great tractorcade as one These summer internships paid off for Maitland when, after of the inspirations for Farm Aid, a 1985 benefit graduating in 1998, he earned a spot in the Directors Guild concert the country music legend organized to of America’s (DGA) prestigious two-year training program. help family farmers. Maitland was confident he Hundreds of aspiring filmmakers compete for five to seven would be a great ally for the project. spots as assistant directors for some of the nation’s leading “Willie is amazing, he’s like the Texas Dalai directors. Lama,” Maitland says. “We sat down for a During his two years as a DGA trainee, Maitland worked 30-minute interview about the tractorcade that on dozens of feature films, polishing his production expertise turned into hours of shooting the breeze about Keith Maitland interviews Willie Nelson in Dripping Springs, Texas, alongside directors such as Woody Allen (“Smalltime Crooks”) Farm Aid, the plight of American farmers and for “Tractorcade: The Spirit of ‘79.” Photo by Sarah Wilson.

24 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09

Humanities

The Bard and the Human Condition Shakespeare soothes the soul and sharpens the mind By Ruth Pennebaker Winedale students Daniel Rigney and Kate Attwell perform in “The Comedy of Errors.” Photo by Mark Metts. or decades, David B. Cohen pored over good and evil, fate and free will, illusion and reality. the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare. Though centuries and empires have come and gone since exchange that brings a troupe of five classically trained actors F He repeatedly read and enjoyed live and Shakespeare’s death, passions such as Cohen’s still flourish. to the campus. recorded performances of the great writer’s works. If anything, Shakespeare’s reach and popularity have greatly The actors teach classes and workshops, present one-person The professor of psychology at The University of Texas at expanded during the 21st century, both at the university and shows and perform a full-length Shakespeare play using Austin recognized themes and insights in Shakespeare’s writ- beyond, says Alan Friedman, director of Shakespeare Studies subtle gestures, body movements and voice modulation rather ing he believed many critics had overlooked. Beyond the bril- and professor in the Department of English. than elaborate costumes or sets. liance of Shakespeare’s characters, language, and presentation “Shakespeare has truly entered the culture in an unprec- Since coming to the university in 1999, AFTLS has hosted of the human dilemma, Cohen found an astute observer of the edented way during the past 30 or 40 years,” Friedman says, sold-out performances that Friedman estimates have enter- human condition in Shakespeare’s 37 plays. pointing to Shakespearean festivals across the country, popu- tained as many as 13,000 audience members. In 2006, the After he retired from the university, Cohen devoted him- lar films and adaptations, and videos of staged performances. AFTLS production of “Hamlet” won the Austin Circle of Critics self to writing “Plays of Genius,” a book which illuminated “It’s infectious. Instead of being boring and monumental, it’s Award for best touring performance in the city. Shakespeare’s greatest social, moral and existential insights great fun, exciting and smart.” James Loehlin, the Shakespeare at Winedale Regents into human nature. Cohen showed that more than 400 years As coordinator of the university’s participation in the Actors Professor, attributes the bard’s growing popularity to his focus after Shakespeare wrote his plays, psychological research con- from the London Stage (AFTLS) program, currently housed at on such a wide range of human experience. firmed the bard’s profound examinations into love and sex, the University of Notre Dame, Friedman oversees the annual “Whatever your age and circumstances, there’s something in the plays that’s accessible,” Loehlin, a Plan II alumnus, says.

“When I was a moody adolescent, I responded to Hamlet’s adolescent moodiness. At other periods of my life, I focused “Shakespeare’s canon of work covers a lifetime on the romanticism or political complexity of his plays or their of experience, from the naive optimism of youth rhetorical mastery. “Shakespeare’s canon of work covers a lifetime of experi- to bitterness and pessimism, then, finally, a sense ence, from the naive optimism of youth to bitterness and pes- simism, then, finally, a sense of resignation and acceptance. of resignation and acceptance. His works’ openness His works’ openness and richness and depth keeps us coming and richness and depth keep us coming back.” back.” The former student is now director of the university’s – James Loehlin Shakespeare at Winedale program. For more than 30 summers, the acclaimed program has

25 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09 drawn students to the Winedale Theatre Barn, located in the and audience members—and all at the same time,” Buster rolling countryside close to the small town of Round Top. explains. Winedale attracts students from different disciplines who If Shakespeare continues to intrigue audiences, scholars, Q&A with spend their summer learning, rehearsing and performing students, actors and critics, both in their youth and the prime three plays. of their lives, he also provides enduring comfort and under- “I’m the fortunate guy who gets to teach Shakespeare to standing to enthusiasts in their most difficult years. the Bard students who are very eager to learn,” Loehlin says. Cohen pursued his investigation of Shakespeare’s psycho- Q: Thank you for agreeing to talk He’s also the fortunate guy who helps introduce even logical insights throughout his retirement and the final years with us through your works. We younger audiences to Shakespeare’s plays. of his life. Even after his diagnosis with multiple myeloma, appreciate your participation. “I used to drag my kids, kicking and screaming, to Cohen and another retired psychology professor, Joe Horn, A: “Bid me discourse, I will enchant thine ear.” Winedale,” says Mark Metts, a Plan II and law school alum- traveled to London’s Globe Theatre to see “Measure for —“Venus and Adonis” nus, Houston lawyer and Winedale supporter. “But then, Measure.” they really got into it. To have words written 400 years ago “David and I had found that we had a common interest in Q: Fair enough. We live in a different era, with performed in that environment is really magical.” Shakespeare,” Horn says. “But David’s interest flowered into different fears and concerns from those of Elizabeth Lay, who spent two summers at Winedale as a a passion, and his illness supported even greater study of the Elizabethan times. One issue is global warming. student, then one as an assistant, says, “I thought I’d found bard because his work deals with the timeless issues of life, Do you have any advice? heaven on earth. death and the meaning of life.” A: “I’ll put a girdle round about the earth in “You take the plays and make them your own. After a while, One Saturday morning, Cohen’s wife Leslie remembers her forty minutes.” * you start to live and breathe the images you’re speaking, and husband rallied briefly while he was in the intensive care unit —“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” it remains in your blood after you leave.” of the hospital. Cohen pumped his fist into the air and said, Shakespeare has traveled well—from century to century “Yes! I’ve finished my book on Shakespeare!” Leslie recalls. Q: Today, many people are vegetarians. Do you and continent to continent—due to the breadth of his soul, The next day, he passed away. “I really feel that he finished have any opinions about meat-eating? Kathleen Higgins, professor of philosophy, says. the book on his deathbed,” she says. A: “I am a great eater of beef, and I believe “Shakespeare is an astute observer of the human psyche,” In Shakespeare’s staggering range and richness of material, that does harm to my wit.” she explains. “He appreciates characters from multiple points Cohen had found a world that illuminated the great social, —“Twelfth Night” of view and lets us see why that person sees himself as reason- moral and existential themes of life itself, and inspired him able. But Shakespeare also provides us with the ability to see to the end. Q: Well, isn’t that interesting. Very insightful. After a character at distance. He gives us what we need to appreci- Why Shakespeare? Cohen quotes the poet John Dryden in four centuries, though, some things never change. ate anyone’s character in reality, as well as in plays.” his prologue: “Shakespeare was the man, who, of all moderns You’ll be appalled to learn that most writers are still One of Shakespeare’s major insights about life is how much and perhaps ancient poets, had the largest and most compre- paid very poorly. it involves acting—showing as well as hiding who we are and hensive soul.” And, Shakespeare’s soulful writings continue A: “He is well paid that is well satisfied.” what we want, says Douglas Bruster, professor of English and to take center stage today because as Friedman notes, they —“The Merchant of Venice” author of six interpretive books about Shakespeare’s works. capture the dilemma of being alive. “Shakespeare tells us that we, all of us, are always actors Q: You are revered as the greatest writer in the English language. What do you think of that? A: “Glory is like a circle in the water, Which never Celebrating John Milton’s 400th Birthday ceaseth to enlarge itself, Till by broad spreading it disperse to nought.” John Milton (1608-74) ranks next to On the 400th anniversary of his birth, John —“Henry VI, Part 1” Shakespeare as one of the most influential Rumrich, the Thaman Endowed Professor of poets and writers of the English language. His English, makes the obscure aspects of Milton’s Q: Does that mean you fear for the future of your literary achievement is remarkable consider- writing accessible to modern readers in an reputation? ing Milton lost his eyesight in 1652 and was edited collection of his writings, “The Complete A: “I am a kind of burr; I shall stick.” forced to dictate his work to scribes. Poetry and Essential Prose of John Milton” —“Measure for Measure” Milton’s best-known works include the (2007). epic poem “Paradise Lost°” (1667), which The volume, which was favorably reviewed *Puck is speaking figuratively, not about dressing the tells the Judeo-Christian story of the fall of by The Wall Street Journal, includes expert com- earth, but about the speed with which he can circle the man, the temptation of Adam and Eve by mentary on Milton’s texts, notes identifying the earth, James Loehlin, director of Shakespeare at Winedale, Satan and their expulsion from the Garden old meanings and roots of English words, and explainsIncidentally, Shakespeare shows his prescience even of Eden; its sequel “Paradise Regained” illuminations of historical contexts, including in this—during the 1960s the Polish critic Jan Kott noted the (1671); and “Areopagitica” (1644), a classical and biblical allusions. first Sputnik circled the earth in 47 minutes, approximately at treatise condemning censorship. Puck’s rate of speed.

26 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09

Humanities

P op Goes Philosophy By jennifer mcandrew Professor draws upon popular culture to illustrate today’s moral issues

n a popular episode of “The Simpsons,” 15 years, he has used “The Simpsons” and other examples plines,” Bonevac admits. “It addresses very general questions Homer secures an illegal, free cable television hookup. from film and television to teach esoteric philosophical con- such as: What is real? How do we know? What should we ILisa is appalled by her father’s crime and faces an ethi- cepts in the class, “Contemporary Moral Problems.” Bonevac’s do? But philosophy also is the most practical of all disciplines cal crisis. She announces her moral objection to stealing willingness to engage popular culture may explain why the because it aims at wisdom. Living wisely, displaying good and refuses to watch the stolen cable TV programming. class is one of the most sought-after philosophy courses at the judgment, and understanding yourself and your surroundings Homer later complains to Marge: “There’s something university. are the keys to living well.” wrong with that kid. She’s so … moral. Why can’t she be more “In teaching philosophy, you need common stories to illu- Another pop culture example that appeals to students is like … well, not like Bart … but there’s got to be a happy minate theoretical ideas,” Bonevac explains. “In the past, Bible “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” a television show Bonevac’s teen- medium.” stories, Greek myths and Shakespeare performed this cultural age daughters introduced him to during the late 1990s. After It’s a funny moment in the Emmy award-winning episode, role. What common stories can we rely on today? The best viewing several episodes, the scholar found that each of the “Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment,” that points example I can think of is ‘The Simpsons.’” characters tended to represent a different philosophical ideal, to a major philosophical conundrum, says Daniel Bonevac, making it an excellent tool for illustrating how ideals translate professor of philosophy at The University of Texas at Austin. Teaching the D’oh! of Homer into behaviors. According to Bonevac, Homer raises an intriguing Aristotelian One of Bonevac’s favorite episodes is, “Homer the Vigilante,” “Buffy represents the Kantian viewpoint, that all life is pre- dilemma by asking the which he says illustrates John Locke’s approach to the state of cious,” Bonevac explains, “and she’s in constant conflict with question: Can one be nature. In the episode, Homer forms a vigilante posse to com- her watcher Giles, who represents the Utilitarian viewpoint. too moral? bat the Springfield cat burglar. For example, Buffy isn’t willing to kill one innocent person, “For Aristotle, virtue “Homer's actions highlight Locke's argument that, without even to save the entire world. Giles is, and does. is essentially the mean governmental authority, people would band together in pri- “Meanwhile, Willow is an Aristotelian, worrying about how between two extremes,” vate associations to protect themselves,” Bonevac says. “But it’s possible to be virtuous in a world full of evil. And Xander Bonevac says. “Homer’s they also reveal why that doesn't solve the problem. Homer’s represents common sense, which, at some crucial moments, question offers a great gang quickly spirals out of control, prompting Lisa to wonder, saves the day. The tension between these perspectives per- way to explain this ‘Who will police the police?’” vades the whole series, so there are many examples to draw abstract ideal in a way To engage students in the philosophical debate on the upon.” that really resonates nature of the soul, Bonevac screens the episode, “Bart Sells with students.” His Soul,” which raises penetrating questions about the soul’s Tradition of Engagement Bonevac specializes existence and value. Philosophers and theologians have pon- The university’s Department of Philosophy has a long in making philosophy dered the elusive concept throughout history. history of engaging popular culture and making philosophy Daniel Bonevac relevant. For more than “In many ways, philosophy is the most abstract of all disci- relevant to today’s issues, Bonevac says. He was chairman of

27 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09 the department from 1991 to 2001 and led a diverse philosophy requires a new set of skills.” faculty that included the late Robert Solomon (see Pro That’s why 10 years ago, Bonevac set out to create Bene Meritis story p. 29). a book that would combine theoretical and practical Many of Solomon’s best-known works, “Spirituality considerations. “Today’s Moral Issues: Classic and Pop Culture in the Classroom for the Skeptic” and “The Joy of Philosophy,” were Contemporary Perspectives,” now in its fifth edition, Faculty in the philosophy department are not the only scholars written with the lay reader in mind. is used by professors in ethics courses across the embracing pop culture in the classroom. Professors throughout the Both Solomon and David Sosa, chair of the depart- nation. College of Liberal Arts draw upon film, music and television to teach ment, appeared in Richard Linklater’s 2001 film, The book introduces students to theoretical everything from religion to the Russian language. “Waking Life.” In the animated feature, Solomon dis- approaches from heavyweight philosophers such as Karl Galinsky, the Floyd A. Cailloux Centennial Professor of cussed the relevance of Existentialism in a postmodern Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, Locke and John Stuart Mill, Classics, teaches the popular course “Ancient Greece and Rome: Film world while Sosa addressed the problem of free will. and places them in conversation with a wide range of and Reality,” which combines feature film screenings with traditional “Bob was a legendary teacher who engaged stu- contemporary moral problems from abortion, animal lectures. Students screen films such as “Ben Hur,” “Cleopatra,” dents with literature, films and popular culture, as rights, capital punishment, drug legalization, the envi- “Gladiator,” “Troy” and “300,” as a lens for learning about classical well as philosophical texts,” Bonevac says. “His course ronment and euthanasia, to free speech, gay marriage, history and understanding America’s fascination with re-creating on Existentialism was a model of how to get students pornography, privacy, racial equality, sexual behavior ancient Rome. excited about philosophical issues.” and war. “Academics love to point out the mistakes in these popular films, Another professor who confronts the intersec- “Looking at these hot-button issues provides stu- but the films are a wonderful tool to spark students’ interest in ancient tion between philosophy and popular culture is dents with the opportunity to not only apply philo- civilization,” Galinsky says. “Instead of focusing on historical accuracy, Tara Smith. She studies Ayn Rand’s philosophy of sophical theories to real world examples, but also to we should consider these films an opportunity to discuss important Objectivism, revealed in her novels, “Atlas Shrugged” test and evaluate them,” Bonevac says. questions about authenticity, history, truth and culture.” and “The Fountainhead,” as well as philosophical The scholar has taught “Contemporary Moral Thomas Garza, chair of the Department essays. According to a survey conducted by the Library Problems” for nearly 30 years and more than 10,000 of Slavic and Eurasian Studies, uses a novel of Congress, “Atlas Shrugged” is the second most students have passed through the doors of his class- approach to teaching the Russian language. He influential book for Americans today, after the Bible. room. However, he warns that the course doesn’t offer includes music videos from MTV Russia at his any easy answers. Web Site, “Rockin’ Russia,” to help students Translating Philosophy’s Relevance “These philosophical approaches don’t give you strengthen their language skills. Yet, Bonevac concedes there are still significant the answers to life’s difficult questions,” Bonevac con- The innovative site allows students to use barriers to making philosophy relevant to students cludes. “They tell you what questions you should be several caption options—Russian subtitles, English literal translation today. Many philosophy texts are hard to read and asking. My goal by the end of the class is for students and English colloquial translation—for a more nuanced interpretation principles can be difficult to interpret. to learn how to ask the right questions, so that when of song lyrics. “Reading philosophy is not like reading anything they come into contact with any new issue, they have “Russian pop music is really catchy so this helps students learn else. Philosophers don’t tell many stories. They don’t the basic tools to approach the issue from a philo- the language,” Garza says. “The videos also reflect the values of present many facts. They don’t tell many jokes,” sophical point of view, rather than just an emotional contemporary Russian youth culture, so they also provide cultural Bonevac says. “What do philosophers do? They reflect. or partisan perspective.” insights.” They ponder. Frequently, they argue. Learning to read Howard Miller, distinguished teaching associate professor of history and religious studies, compiled an expansive collection of pop culture images of Jesus for his multimedia course, “Jesus in American Culture,” available online in full-length video recordings at Although philosophy can be www.laits.utexas.edu/jc. abstract, it also “is the most Students analyze pop-culture artifacts from “What Would Jesus Do?” bracelets and “Jesus is My Homeboy” t-shirts, to action figures, practical of all disciplines shopping bags and diet books. because it aims at wisdom. They also examine cinematic representations of the life of Christ, from Cecil B. DeMille’s “King of Kings” (1927) and the rock-opera Living wisely, displaying good “Jesus Christ Superstar” (1973), to Martin Scorsese’s controversial judgment, and understanding “The Last Temptation of Christ” (1988) and Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ” (2004). yourself and your surroundings “In our culture of consumption, all things eventually become are the keys to living well.” commodities—even Jesus,” Miller, a Friar Centennial Teaching Fellow, says. “Critiquing popular representations of Christ gives students – Daniel Bonevac Modern philosophical teaching tools. a foundation to consider broader theoretical questions about the commercialization of religion during the 20th and 21st centuries.”

28 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09 pro bene meritis for a C.E.O. to envision losing his job or losing face among his peers but all but unthinkable that he would get indicted, much less go to jail,” Solomon explained to the New York Times in 2002. Song of Solomon: The business ethics consultant compared the errant execu- tive with an alcoholic who ‘’chooses to drive home to avoid having to admit to his friends that he’s too drunk, but risks A life full of joy—and philosophy arrest—not to mention his life—in doing so.’’ by Christian Clarke Cásarez Solomon, the Quincy Lee Centennial Professor of Business and Philosophy and a Distinguished Teaching Professor, said, “The message of Existentialism, unlike that of “The question is, ‘Why is the C.E.O. acting like a drunk?’’ The question exemplifies Solomon’s talent to get to the many more obscure and academic philosophical heart of an issue, translating confusing human behavior and the nature of emotions into an easy-to-understand philosophi- movements, is about as simple as can be. cal analysis. John Schwartz wrote the New York Times article, “Choosing It is that every one of us, as an individual, Whether to Cover-Up or Come Clean.” The Plan II alumnus who specialized in history says he turned to the philosopher is responsible—responsible for what we do, Solomon because, “His expertise was deep, and he had a knack for explaining complex issues with elegance and wit.” responsible for who we are, responsible for the In January 2007, Solomon, 64, died after suffering from a heart attack. The international scholar left behind rich schol- way we face and deal with the world, respon- arship in the areas of business and philosophy and a commu- nity of friends and colleagues who remember and celebrate sible, ultimately, for the way the world is. his ingenious insights, generosity of spirit—and love for The Three Stooges. It is, in a very short phrase, the philosophy of A Philosophical Prescription ‘No excuses!’ We cannot shift that burden onto Solomon was born in Detroit, but grew up in Philadelphia. His father, a lawyer, and mother, an artist, encouraged God, or nature, or the ways of the world.” Solomon’s passion for music, which included studying violin and playing saxophone in a big band. — Robert Solomon After graduating from high school, Solomon embarked 1942-2007 on a path to become a doctor. In only three years he earned a microbiology degree from the University of Pennsylvania and enrolled in medical school at the University of Michigan. fter Enron, Arthur Andersen and Tyco But, when he audited a philosophy course taught by Frithjof collapsed a few years ago, U.S. federal investiga- Bergmann, Solomon began to explore a new career path. A tors tried to identify who was responsible for the As Bergmann lectured about Nietzsche’s idea of eternal corporate mismanagement and misdeeds that shook the recurrence, the philosophical concept that time repeats itself, economy and the American public’s trust in business leaders. Solomon evaluated his own life and decided to leave medi- As prosecutors charged C.E.O.s and top executives with cal school to enroll in the university’s graduate program in tampering with evidence to cover their tracks, Robert C. philosophy. Solomon, philosophy professor at The University of Texas After completing his dissertation on unconscious motiva- at Austin and author of “A Better Way to Think About tion and earning his doctoral degree in 1967, Solomon began Business,” helped people make sense of the psychology a worldwide teaching tour beginning with the University Robert Solomon became an internationally respected scholar who behind the seemingly self-destructive behavior of the former of Auckland and continuing to Princeton, the University expanded the field of philosophy’s reach beyond the university. corporate giants. of Pittsburgh, the University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, the Most notably, he discussed the relevance of existentialism in a “People assiduously avoid the risks they readily envision University of Melbourne and Queens College. postmodern world in Richard Linklater’s 2001 film, “Waking Life.” and remain all but oblivious to those they don’t. It’s easy In 1972, Solomon joined the faculty at The University

29 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09

of Texas at Austin as “the grand old Mr. Cranky and Mr. Grumpy of German and opinions; it bopped our thoughts out of their familiar chan- where his tour of the French existentialism.” nels; it opened our philosophical eyes. He waked us from our world continued. He The friendly approach to philosophy attracted students to dogmatic slumbers.” visited the University Solomon’s classes and inspired the next generation of scholars of Michigan, the to look beyond the text of the philosophers to live some of University of British their ideas. Columbia, Harvard Solomon modeled the virtues he taught in the classroom, University, Mt. Ciulla observed, especially the Aristotelian notion that what Spirituality Holoyoke College, you are cannot be separated from what you do. for the Skeptic Smith College, the “A humble man with an enormous work ethic, Bob showed Robert Solomon published Auckland Institute of his graduate students that being a world-class philosopher more than 40 books on ethics and Robert Solomon often collaborated with his Technology, and the did not entitle you to be pompous, inconsiderate, dogmatic the history of philosophy, including wife and fellow philosopher, Kathleen Higgins, University of Delft as or too good to teach the intro course,” explained Ciulla, who “The Passions” (Doubleday, on books and articles. a visiting professor. co-authored “Honest Work: A Business Ethics Reader” with 1976), “In the Spirit of Hegel” “I was young and adventuresome, I guess, so I took lots Solomon. (Oxford, 1983), “From Hegel to of one-year jobs and two-year jobs just because I wanted to In addition to serving as a world-wide consultant on busi- Existentialism” (Oxford, 1987), see the world,” Solomon said in a 2005 Austin American- ness ethics to such corporations as Chase Manhattan bank, “Continental Philosophy Since Statesman article. “I came to Texas expecting it was an inter- AT&T and Volkswagen, Solomon was a thought-leader in the 1750” (Oxford, 1988), “Ethics and esting place and I’d spend a couple semesters here and then philosophy of the emotions, a field he launched after publish- Excellence” (Oxford, 1992), “The Joy of Philosophy” go back to New York.” ing “The Passions” in 1976. (Oxford, 1999), and “Living with Nietzsche” (Oxford, Instead, he fell in love with the city, the university—and For more than three decades, Solomon examined the nature 2003). eventually his wife, fellow philosopher, Kathleen Higgins, who of emotions for his books, which included “Not Passion’s In the “Spirituality for the Skeptic” (Oxford University often collaborated with Solomon on his books and articles. Slave: Emotions and Choice,” “In Defense of Sentimentality” Press, 2002), Solomon wrote about appreciating life: As a gifted teacher, Solomon decoded complex philo- and “True to Our Feelings.” Gratitude, I want to suggest, is not only the best sophical concepts for a new generation of thinkers. The In 2000, he was elected president of the International answer to the tragedies of life. It is the best approach popular professor earned high teaching honors, including: the Society for Research on the Emotions (ISRE). He produced to life itself. Standard Oil Outstanding Teaching Award, the President’s “The Passions: Philosophy and the Intelligence of Emotions” This is not to say, as I keep insisting, an excuse for Associates Outstanding Teaching Award and the Chad Oliver for The Teaching Company’s Superstar Teachers Series. quietism or resignation. It is no reason to see ourselves Plan II Teaching Award. In 1997, he was elected into the uni- Solomon’s insights inspired fellow philosophers, even those simply as passive recipients and not as active partici- versity’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers. with whom he disagreed. “On the emotions we had opposing pants full of responsibilities. Throughout his career, the recognized scholar and teacher views, but I learned more from his arguments than from any On the contrary, as Kant and Nietzsche among many continued to bring philosophy beyond the hallowed halls of others,” philosopher Jesse Prinz wrote in an ISRE newsletter others insisted, being born with talents and having academe. tribute to Solomon. opportunities imposes a heavy duty on us, to exercise Most notably, in 2001, he made a cameo appearance in “For those of us who want to reduce emotions to something those talents and make good use of those opportuni- Richard Linklater’s film, “Waking Life,” in which he discussed simple and scientifically tractable, we must not forget that the ties. the relevance of existentialism in a postmodern world. whole interest in this category stems from the fact that emo- It is also odd and unfortunate that we take the tions permeate our lives,” he explained. “As a person and as a blessings of life for granted—or insist that we deserve The Joy of Philosophy scholar, Bob never lost sight of why emotions matter.” them—but then take special offense at the bad things Solomon was a leader in the field of continental (or Solomon also never lost his sense of humor. in life, as if we could not possibly deserve those. European) philosophy and post-Kantian thought. He impressed Peter Kivy, Board of Governors Professor of Philosophy at The proper recognition of tragedy and the tragic his colleagues not only with his deep understanding of the Rutgers University, recalls the deep and abiding affection for sense of life is not shaking one’s fist at the gods or great ideas, but also with his intimate familiarity with the The Three Stooges he shared with Solomon. the universe “in scorn and defiance” but rather, as philosophers, themselves. “I shared his affection for those low, disreputable Kierkegaard writes in a religious context, “going down “He talked about Nietzsche, Hegel, and the German roman- characters, although Bob’s affection for, and understanding of, on one’s knees” and giving thanks. tics as if they were old friends,” Joanne B. Ciulla wrote in the them I am certain were more profound than mine,” Kivy wrote Whether or not there is a God or there are gods to Business Ethics Quarterly memoriam to Solomon, “The Man for the American Society of Aesthetics’ memorial. be thanked, however, seems not the issue to me. It is with a Hole in his Heart,” which referenced the congenital “Could the Stooges perhaps have been a metaphor for the importance and the significance of being thankful, heart condition that claimed the philosopher’s life. Bob’s work?” he asked. “All us Stooge lovers will know Moe’s to whomever or whatever, for life itself. She noted one of Solomon’s last articles in the Chronicle of classic routine: the tweak of the nose, the finger in the eye, Higher Education included references to Heidegger and Sartre the bop on the noggin. Well, Bob’s work tweaked our received

30 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09 pro bene meritis David Oshinsky’s America Pulitzer prize-winning author brings national perspective to the classroom by Pam Losefsky

s a child, David Oshinsky most memorable events in his lifetime, such as the assassina- explored the wonders of America tion of President Kennedy or the lunar landing may not be the A in an un-airconditioned, stick-shift most significant. Chevy, packed to the roof with travel- “One was so tragic, the other so uplifting,” he says. “But I ing gear for his family of four. The son don’t feel that either event had historical legs. Certain techno- of two schoolteachers remembers spending logical breakthroughs and personalities—the invention of the every summer the same way: criss-crossing personal computer, Jonas Salk, Bill Gates, or even Michael states as they visited national parks, his- Jordan—have had a far greater, long-lasting impact on the toric landmarks, presidential libraries and direction of our culture.” state fairs. The University of Texas at Austin recruited the Pulitzer Prize- You name the place, he’s been there: winning author from Rutgers University in 2003 to bring this Mount Rushmore, the sense of the big American picture to Alamo, Hoover Dam, students. He believes it is essential Washington, D.C., that every student take at least one the Grand Canyon, American history class and a global Colonial Williamsburg, history class. the Rocky Mountains. “It’s such a mistake to let students “My parents opened who do well on the Advanced Placement up America to us during exam to opt out of college-level history those impressionable classes,” he says. “We desperately need times,” Oshinsky says. to emphasize the importance of history He credits the annual because it does repeat itself, and there odysseys with laying are great lessons to be learned by the foundation for a studying it.” life-long love of the As an engaging storyteller, Oshinsky nation. encourages students to think critically, Today, Oshinsky David Oshinsky has been a popular professor separating important ideas from periph- takes his students and throughout his career for bringing history to eral ones and synthesizing large quanti- readers on an equally life in classrooms across the country. ties of information before they realize eye-opening, but much they are learning something. And he less cramped journey, sharing his fascination does it without the technology that is ubiquitous in college with all things American in the climate- classrooms — he does not use PowerPoint presentations, slides controlled classrooms of Garrison Hall and or movies. The students do not seem to mind: since coming through page-turning historical accounts of to the university, Oshinsky has earned the Raymond Dickson cultural phenomena such as the polio epi- Centennial Teaching Award and has been inducted into the demic, Jim Crow justice, the McCarthy era Academy of Distinguished Teachers. and capital punishment. Not just an ivory tower scholar, Oshinsky played a role “What interests me are pivotal people and in a historical subplot in the 1990s, when the New York events that really shed light on our culture,” Times asked him to determine whether new evidence had Oshinsky says. He believes that some of the materialized in the murders of Civil Rights-era workers

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Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew spring and to cheer on his beloved Longhorns on Goodman—the infamous “Mississippi Burning” case fall weekends. of 1964. He’s also working on his next book, a medical Reliving one of those long summer road trips with history of New York City. With this latest book, as his parents, Oshinsky invited his college-age son, with the others, Oshinsky’s goal is to put historical Matthew, for a first-hand experience in investigative events into perspective, to figure out what has staying New York, Sunday August 30, 1998 journalism. Father and son pored over newly opened power in the American psyche. files of the State Sovereignty Commission and tracked “When you start really examining these cultural down Edgar Ray Killen, a local Ku Klux Klan leader watersheds, you begin to understand the world involved in the murders who had been set free when isn’t going to end with the next crisis,” he says. Should the Mississippi Files the jury deadlocked during deliberation. “New problems arise and are solved. The genius Have Been Reopened? Through a series of events, Oshinsky and Matthew of our society and our nation, especially, is that we’re found themselves at Killen’s remote farm for supper, moving forward.” — by David Oshinsky served with an unnerving helping of outlandish claims and racial epithets that left them wondering “Close to midnight, and Andrew Goodman saw how Killen had managed to escape justice. [Killen] walked us to the in the moments before they In Oshinsky’s 1998 New York Times article about door. There had been no died. the new evidence in the case, the historian suggested threats or outbursts that thirty-four years ago, evening, although he did ask an agent expressed the “We desperately need to if we were nervous about hope that “sometime in the winding up on Rock Cut future when they have had emphasize the importance Road, just like “those boys” an opportunity to review in in the 1960s. As we left his detail information involv- of history because it does farm and headed down the ing the subjects in this mat- narrow blacktop in total ter,” state officials would file repeat itself, and there are darkness, one thought came murder charges. Perhaps, eerily to mind: this was with the opening of the files, great lessons to be learned the last thing that Michael that time has arrived.” by studying it.” Schwerner, James Chaney – David Oshinsky

that the time had arrived for Killen and other suspects to be prosecuted again for their crimes. The article David Oshinsky is internationally recognized helped reawaken interest in the case, and seven years for page-turning historical later, Killen was retried and imprisoned. It’s not quite accounts of the polio epidemic, the stuff of an Indiana Jones movie, but probably as Jim Crow justice, the McCarthy close to being a scholarly action hero as Oshinsky The Oshinsky family spent summers on the road, era and capital punishment. In cares to come. exploring the United States’ rich heritage, landmarks January, PBS will host a New For now, he travels mostly between Austin and and institutions, from Mount Rushmore York premiere of “The Polio New York, where he will serve as a distinguished to the FBI. Crusade,” a documentary scholar in residence at New York University during based in part on his Pulitzer the fall terms for the next five years. He will return Prize-winning research. to teach at The University of Texas at Austin every

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Pro Bene Meritis Dr. Denton Cooley Takes Innovation to Heart From assisting in the first infant congenital heart defect operation to founding one of the nation’s top-ranked heart hospitals, Dr. Denton Cooley has been at the forefront of the relentless march of medical technology throughout the 20th and into the 21st century. by Pam Losefsky

oday, as Cooley, a 1941 zoology graduate from The University of Texas at Austin, walks through the state-of-the-art T operating suites at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston, he can recall a time when surgeons propped open operating room windows to allow in the “sterile” breezes. He has seen it all. As a doctor and an innovator, Cooley has long modeled a singular dedication to the welfare of his patients: when available medical science failed them, he invented new techniques and instruments. In this dedication, he followed the footsteps of his famous mentor, Dr. Alfred Blalock, namesake of the operating room procedure to correct congenital heart defects in infants. As a young intern at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Cooley assisted Blalock in that first surgery in 1944. “Dr. Blalock had been investigating hypertension in pulmonary circu- lation and thought it would be an interesting thing to achieve,” Cooley remembers. In what was considered a high-risk operation, Blalock used his experimental technique to remove oxygen from the baby’s lungs. “Most thought it was impossible because it involved putting a very sick baby under general anesthesia,” says Cooley. “But the outcome was so spectacular that it was a strong impetus to develop refinements to the practice.”

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Cooley found his calling in the operating to develop new techniques, always with the As his grandchildren prepare to follow in room that day. He went on to pioneer innova- welfare of their patients as their number one his footsteps, Cooley believes the digital age tions in surgery, including a heart-lung bypass priority,” he says. holds much promise for the next wave of machine and techniques to correct congenital During his more than 60 years on the job, medical advances. cardiac anomalies, refine artificial heart valves Cooley has accumulated more honors than “Major challenges today include finding and improve coronary bypass surgery. perhaps any other physician in America. a method of control or cure for malignant Due to his innovations in the 1960s, the Among his more than 120 awards are the Grand disease and further improvements in diag- mortality rate for valve transplant patients Hamdan International Award for Medical nostics,” he says. “Computers will focus fell from 70 to eight percent. He was the first Science, National Medal of Technology, Medal physicians’ persistent curiosity and fuel the surgeon to successfully remove pulmonary of Freedom, Theodore Roosevelt Award, and innovation it will take to overcome them.” embolisms (sudden blockages in lung arteries, Rene Leriche Prize. But for Cooley, his greatest achievements are founding the Texas Heart Institute and the Cardiovascular Surgical Foundation, where the octogenarian still guides the next generation of surgeons who continue his pioneering work — developing devices to support and replace the human heart during surgery. Cooley credits his good health and natural stamina for his long and extremely prolific career. And his agility and speed in the operating room, he believes, stemmed from the determination and focus he developed as a varsity basketball player at the university. It wasn’t until last year that he finally laid down his scalpel, arbitrarily selecting his 87th birthday as the end of his surgical career. For someone who conducted surgery nearly every day for six decades, quitting cold turkey was difficult. “I’ve had withdrawal symptoms,” he laughs. usually caused by a blood clot), with a tech- But he’s a long way from retiring nique that squeezed the lungs flat to remove altogether. He is a frequent visitor in the inaccessible clots during temporary cardiopul- operating room, and makes rounds with For more than 60 years, Dr. Denton Cooley has monary bypass. residents and students to see patients and give been a medical innovator—from assisting in the Featured on the cover of LIFE magazine in diagnostic and treatment advice. first infant congenital heart defect operation to 1968 and again in 1981, Cooley is no stranger Aside from a greatly improved landscape for pioneering surgical innovations such as a heart- to the limelight. But like anyone in the van- heart surgery, Cooley’s legacy includes a family lung bypass machine and techniques to correct guard of an emerging field, he also has seen full of medical professionals. He and his wife, congenital cardiac anomalies, refine artificial his share of controversy. Louise, have five daughters, among them an heart valves and improve coronary bypass surgery. Cooley says that, through it all, his guiding opthamologist, a medical illustrator, a public principle has been to keep an open mind. health and nursing professional, and a wife of Advances occur only because someone takes a a cardiovascular surgeon. Two of his grand- leap, reaches beyond what is known to explore children are in medical school, and he expects the possible. others will follow. It is in the arteries, so to “Physicians must use their imaginations speak!

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2008 Pro Bene Meritis

The College of Liberal Arts is proud Lynn Schusterman is an influential philanthropist and friend of the College of to announce four winners of the Liberal Arts. In 2006, the Charles and Lynn 2008 Pro Bene Meritis Award. College Schusterman Family Foundation endowed alumnus Julius Glickman, Vice the college with a $6 million challenge grant to establish the Schusterman Center for Provost Judy Langlois, philanthropist Jewish Studies. Lynn Schusterman and Professor She is a leader in many national and inter- national Jewish organizations, including Thomas Staley were chosen for their Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus outstanding service to the College of Life; Synagogue Transformation and Renewal Liberal Arts. (STAR) and B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO). She has focused much of her philanthropic work on programs that promote diversity and leadership among Julius Glickman (BA, Plan II ‘62; LLB students. ‘66) is an attorney and managing partner of Glickman and Hughes, LLP, in Houston. He Thomas Staley, director of the Harry serves as an adjunct professor of law at the Ransom Center and professor of English, University of Houston. holds the Harry Huntt Ransom Chair in As a civic leader and philanthropist, Liberal Arts. In 2006-07, he chaired the Glickman chairs the Chancellor’s Council at search committee for the dean of the College The University of Texas System and serves of Liberal Arts. on the Commission of 125. A longtime Staley has written or edited 13 books supporter of the arts and humanities, on James Joyce, Italo Svevo and modern Glickman is a major contributor to the Plan literature. He has chaired four international II honors program, a founding member of James Joyce symposia in Dublin and Trieste the Blanton Museum of Art and a member of and is the founding editor of the James Joyce the board of directors of Humanities Texas. Quarterly, which he edited for 26 years. He also edits a series on literary modernism at Judy Langlois, vice provost and the The University of Texas Press. Staley has Charles and Sarah Seay Regents’ Professor written and spoken widely in the United of Developmental Psychology, is a lead- States and Europe on literary subjects, epression is the second ing researcher in children’s social develop- libraries and the state of the humanities in In the Eye leading cause of disability in the ment. She has received national attention contemporary culture. DUnited States, and 16 percent of for her groundbreaking research on infant the population will experience it at some development and the formation of social The Pro Bene Meritis Award honors of the point during their lifetime. The disease stereotypes. individuals who are committed to the costs the country billions of dollars in Langlois, who earned her doctorate liberal arts, who have made outstanding medical expenses and lost productivity. from Louisiana State University, joined the Funded by a three-year, $900,000 contributions in professional or Beholder: faculty at The University of Texas at Austin grant from the National Institutes of in 1973. She has served in several key philanthropic pursuits, or who have Depressed people Mental Health, assistant professor leadership roles on campus, including past participated in service related to the of psychology Christopher Beevers associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts College of Liberal Arts at The University linger longer on researches who might be vulnerable and interim dean of the college in 1998 and of Texas at Austin. This year’s winners to depression. He studies differences in from 2006 to 2007. will be featured in the next issue of negative images people’s genetic makeup and how they pay attention to their environment. Life & Letters, titled The American Citizen and Modern Democracy.

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RESEARCH Briefs Why Pregnant Women Waddle The human spine evolved differently in males an alumna who is a postdoctoral fellow at offset harmful forces that might occur on the and females in order to alleviate back pressure Harvard University. “Without the adaptation, spine when pregnant women lean back or from the weight of carrying a baby, according pregnancy would have placed a heavier burden hyperextend their spines to balance the weight to anthropologist Liza Shapiro whose findings on back muscles, causing considerable pain of the fetus, Shapiro says. The joints between were first documented in Nature. and fatigue and possibly limiting foraging the vertebrae also are larger in females and The researcher believes the adaptation first capacity and the ability to escape from angled differently than in males to better appeared at least two million years ago, in the predators.” support the extra weight. early human ancestor Australopithecus. The Harvard anthropologist Daniel Lieberman “Any mother can attest to the awkward- male-female difference does not appear in also contributed to the study, which shows the ness of standing and walking while balancing chimpanzees, meaning the human evolution of key differences between males and females pregnancy weight in front of the body,” Shapiro walking upright led to the adaptation. appear in the lower back, or lumbar portion of says. “Yet our research shows their spines have “Natural selection favored this adaptation the spine. evolved to make pregnancy safer and less pain- because it reduces extra stress on a pregnant Human spines have a unique forward curve ful than it might have been if these adaptations female’s spine,” says Shapiro who conducted in the lumbar region, but the curve extends had not occurred.” the research with Katherine K. Whitcome, across more vertebrae in females. That helps

New Fossil Reveals Primates Lingered in Texas Climate provided refuge for diminishing population

More than 40 million years ago, primates sity of North American primates. By the end While primate diversity was falling off pre- preferred Texas to northern climates that of the Eocene, primates and most tropical cipitously in places like Utah and Wyoming were significantly cooling, according to new species had almost disappeared from North during the late middle Eocene, west Texas fossil evidence discovered by Chris Kirk, America. provided a humid, tropical refuge for pri- The preliminary research physical anthropologist. Kirk’s discovery of late mid- mates and other arboreal (tree-inhabiting) suggests a variation in the serotonin Kirk and Blythe Williams from Duke dle Eocene (Uintan) primates at animals. transporter gene causes individuals University have discovered Diablomomys dal- the Devil’s Graveyard Formation in The anthropologists named the new pri- to pay greater attention to emotional questi, a new genus and species of primate Southwest Texas reveals new information mate Diablomomys dalquesti, combining information, experience more diffi- that dates to 44-43 million years ago when about how North American primates evolved “Diablo” to represent the Devil’s Graveyard culty disengaging their attention from tropical forests and active volcanoes covered during this period of faunal (animal) reorga- Formation (sand- and mudstones near Big emotional information and think west Texas. nization. Bend National Park) with Omomys, a related more negatively after experiencing a The researchers published their discovery “After several years of collecting new fos- fossil genus. negative mood. in the Journal of Human Evolution article, sils, reviewing Texas’ primate community The dalquesti species name honors Walter When presented with a series of “New Uintan Primates from Texas and their and comparing it to other places in North and Rose Dalquest, who donated the land on photographs ranging from neutral to Implications for North American Patterns of America, we found a much more diverse which the fossil was collected (Midwestern distressing, people who are depressed Species Richness during the Eocene.” group of primate species in Texas than we State University’s ‘Dalquest Research Site’). spend more time focused on negative During the early part of the Eocene epoch, expected,” Kirk says. Walter was a Texas paleontologist and dis- images, according to Beevers. primates were common in the tropical forests “It seems that primates stuck around in tinguished biology professor at Midwestern that covered most of North America. Over Texas much longer than many other parts State University in Wichita Falls until his time, however, climatic cooling caused a of the continent because the climate stayed death in 2000. dramatic decline in the abundance and diver- warm for a longer period of time.”

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Social Science: Examining Behavior Brain Damage and Recovery Genetics of Lemurs in Madagascar Theresa Jones, psychology professor, examines and Stroke, she studies how the brain changes to brain damage such a stroke. She also examines In Western Madagascar, Rebecca the neurobiology of learning and memory and adapt to an injury and how it is affected by alter- how motor rehabilitation, alone and in com- Lewis, assistant professor of anthro- neural plasticity after brain damage. Supported ations in behavior. bination with other therapies, can drive more pology, established a new field site by the National Institute of Mental Health and Jones is working to understand the neural effective neural and behavioral adaptation to and research station in Kirindy Mitea the National Institute of Neurological Disorders mechanisms behind these changes after suffering brain damage. National Park. The ecologically unique park encom- Creative Work Helps People Stay Healthy that the daily activities of employed persons are passes the transition between deciduous Employees who have more control over their more creative than those of non-employed per- Scholar Explores forest, spiny desert and mangroves. At daily activities and do challenging work they sons of the same sex, age and level of education. Cleanliness in this site, Lewis is examining the social enjoy are likely to be in better health, according “The health advantage of being somewhat Renaissance Italy behavior, ecology, hormones and genet- to a study by John Mirowsky, professor of sociol- above average in creative work (in the 60th per- Concerned about ics of wild lemurs (Verreaux’s sifaka). ogy, published in a recent issue of the Journal of centile) versus being somewhat below average (in sanitation during a She has created an 82-kilometer trail Health and Social Behavior. the 40th percentile) is equal to being 6.7 years severe bout of plague in system and placed radio collars on eight “The most important finding is that creative younger,” Mirowsky says. Milan, Leonardo da Vinci lemur groups inhabiting the research activity helps people stay healthy,” Mirowsky Although the authors didn’t examine specific designed an ideal, clean area. She is investigating how varia- says. “Creative activity is non-routine, enjoy- jobs that may confer this health advantage, pro- city. Leonardo was not tion in male chest coloration attracts able and provides opportunity for learning and fessions considered not to involve a creative envi- alone in thinking about personal and public potential mates and signals social com- for solving problems. People who do that kind ronment included those in which people work in hygiene, writes Douglas Biow, professor of petitiveness. She found that males with of work, whether paid or not, feel healthier and assembly lines. They found jobs that are high- Italian and comparative literature in “The dark, greasy chest stains have higher have fewer physical problems.” status, with managerial authority, or that require Culture of Cleanliness in Renaissance Italy” testosterone than other males. Although people who work do give up some complex work with data, generally provide more (2006). The anthropologist also studies the control over their daily activities, the study found access to creative work. “One of the major concerns that defined the foods the lemurs eat and has marked that being employed leads to better health gen- And, people with higher levels of education Italian Renaissance was a preoccupation with every food source used by four lemur erally, regardless of the amount of creativity tend to have more creative activities in their lives, dirt and cleanliness,” the director for European groups during the course of a year. required. The researchers were surprised to find paid or not. studies explains. “The topic of cleanliness crops up everywhere, from Dante’s ‘Inferno,’ which depicted hell as a cesspool, to the The Devil Within: Tracing the History of Demonic Possession “Thirty years ago, the topics of demonology paintings of Vittore Carpaccio, which contain The 1973 supernatural Christianity since its foundation, says Brian and witchcraft were on the periphery of histori- images of laundry hanging out to dry over the horror film “The Exorcist” Levack, the John E. Green Regents Professor of cal research,” Levack says. “However, historians canals of Venice.” introduced Linda Blair’s History, who studies the phenomenon of pos- now recognize that cases of possession are Biow traverses the Renaissance approach famous head-spinning session. However, current popular representa- not isolated phenomena and should not be to hygiene by analyzing key texts and performance of demonic tions of demonic influence are actually rooted explained away as a product of disease, men- what they reveal about soap and washer- possession to audiences in many documented cases of possession that tal illness or social tensions. The activities of women, purifying behaviors in households in worldwide. Since then, swept through Europe during the 16th and demoniacs should be studied as performances cities, and latrines and latrine-cleaners. Dante’s Hollywood’s fascination 17th centuries, the scholar says. that reflect the religious culture of early mod- hell functioned as a massive, funnel-shaped with stories of spiritual oppression has not “During the age of the Reformation, hun- ern Europe.” latrine, Biow posits. abated. Recent films such as “Stigmata” (1999), dreds of people fell into fits and convulsions, Ultimately, the performance of the possessed “Renaissance culture will never look—or “Constantine” (2005) and the “The Exorcism of vomited foreign objects, exhibited preternatu- and rituals of exorcism can shed light on some smell—the same to those who read this book,” Emily Rose” (2005) explored themes of posses- ral strength, committed blasphemies and spoke of the major theological disputes between wrote Stephen Botterill in Choice Magazine’s sion, exorcism and the nature of evil. in foreign tongues,” Levack says. “These symp- Catholics and Protestants. It also can inform review of the book. In 1999, perhaps prompted by renewed toms are similar to those depicted in popular understanding of early modern society, Levack Biow’s research has been supported by the public interest in the supernatural phenomenon, films.” contends. National Endowment for the Humanities and the Vatican issued the first updated ritual for Levack’s book-length research project, Levack also studies the history of witch- the Guggenheim Foundation. He also is the exorcism since 1614. And, in 2005, the Regina “The Devil Within: Demonic Possession in craft and is the author of “Witch-Hunting in author of “Doctors, Ambassadors, Secretaries: Apostolorum, a pontifical university in Italy, Reformation Europe,” will explore the cultural Scotland: Law, Politics and Religion” (2008). Humanism and Professions in Renaissance offered Catholic priests a new course on exor- history and representations of demonic posses- His book, “The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Italy.” cism. sion, from the Reformation to the modern era. Europe” (1987), is in its third edition and To learn more about Dante’s “Inferno,” visit The belief that demons can enter the The interdisciplinary approach will include has been translated into eight languages. Danteworlds at danteworlds.laits.utexas.edu, bodies of human beings and control their work by historians, biblical scholars, theolo- Levack also edited “The Witchcraft Sourcebook” developed by Guy Raffa, associate professor movements and behavior has been present in gians, psychologists and medical doctors. (2004). of Italian.

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Hippocrates and the Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You Gospel Truth? Ancient Profession of Medicine Sam Gosling, associate photographs; 2) behavior residue, or actions, Scholar Says Gospel When graduating from medical professor of psychology, that leave a trace in the environment such as a of Judas Must Be Read school, many new doctors swear has spent the past decade messy desk; and 3) thought and feeling regula- within Historical Context to the Hippocratic oath, an researching how people tors that help people alter their mood such as of Christianity ancient moral code followed by physicians since express their personal- personal mementos or music. When National Geographic revealed the antiquity. Scholars are not certain who wrote the ity in everyday settings. In In addition to snooping through people’s discovery of the Gospel of Judas in 2006, the oath, but generally attribute it to Hippocrates, a “Snoop: What Your Stuff living spaces and offices, Gosling analyzes news swept across the globe. Judas Iscariot, the 5th century Greek physician often referred to as Says About You” (Basic online social networking profiles and music scorned disciple who betrayed Jesus to Roman the father of medicine. Books, 2008), he tracks the traces people leave collections. soldiers with a kiss, was suddenly redeemed. The oath is one of most enduring traditions in their spaces to reveal their inner selves. QUICK TIP: If you’re interested in under- The gospel presented Judas as a hero, the in Western medicine and serves as the founda- Gosling’s system for sleuthing focuses on standing people’s interests and values, tuning disciple who knew Jesus best and understood tion of medical ethics today, according to the three clues: 1) identity claims that make into their music collections would be a sound his identity as the son of God. American Medical Association. In taking the intentional statements, including posters and investment. To many this finding was confusing and oath, physicians swear to preserve the sacred even disturbing. Judas was the most hated man principles of treating the sick with benevolence, in the New Testament. Does this discovered respect patient privacy and teach the secrets of Alumnus Investigates Speech “Blunderology” text change the way we read the four gospels medicine to the next generation. Where did the Freudian slip come from? ‘Um…’ could be such a page-turner?” says of the Bible? The question of who first took the oath and How are hesitations and interruptions in Geoffrey Nunberg, a commentator for National Not exactly, says Michael White, the Ronald when, and its connection to Hippocrates, was speaking useful to cops and interrogators? Public Radio. “But Michael Erard’s investiga- Nelson Smith Chair in Classics and Christian one of the issues addressed at the “Colloquium Why do President George W. Bush’s verbal tions of ‘applied blunderology’ come to some- Origins and director of the Institute for the Hippocraticum,” hosted by the Departments of gaffes, such as “misunderestimate,” resonate thing more than the familiar catalogues of Study of Antiquity Classics and Philosophy, and organized by Lesley with the American people? verbal slips and gaffes and Christian Dean-Jones, associate professor of classics. These are just a few of the questions liberal from the high and the Origins. The conference brought together interna- arts alumnus Michael Erard (M.A. Linguistics, low. It’s also a fasci- “Step back, take tional scholars of ancient medicine, science, ’96; Ph.D. English, ’00) tackles in “Um…: nating meditation on a deep breath and philosophy, history and literature to discuss Slips, Stumbles, and Verbal Blunders, and why blunders happen, don’t worry,” White ancient medical treatises, Hippocrates and the What They Mean” (Random House, 2007). and what they tell us says. “Because it’s Hippocratic oath. According to Erard, everyday speech is about language and more complicated The National Science Foundation supported filled wth verbal blunders—approximately ourselves.” than that. We have to the conference with a $25,000 grant. Additional one in every ten words. That gives him a lot Erard’s essays on lan- put these things in a sponsors included the Seton Group of Hospitals, of ground to cover in “Um,” which is packed guage and culture have historical framework Society for Ancient Medicine and Texas Medical with interviews from interpreters, police offi- appeared in The New to understand why Association. cers, psychologists, transcribers at the Federal York Times, Atlantic they were even writ- Dean-Jones is the author of “Women’s Bodies News Service, and members of Toastmasters, Monthly and Rolling ten and for whom in Classical Greek Science.” She has written a public speaking club. Stone. He earned a 2008 Ralph A. Johnston they were written.” numerous scholarly articles related to ancient Erard investigates everything from a brief Writing Fellowship from the university and As a scholar with medicine and philosophy. She earned a 2008 history of the word “um” to the birth of bloop- Texas Institute of Letters. He will begin a resi- a background in religious studies, classics and Loeb Classical Library Foundation Award to pur- ers, distilling complex linguistic theories along dency at Paisano Ranch during the fall. archaeology, White understands that contexts sue research on a medical treatise on reproduc- the way. Learn more online at Erard’s blog of the time—historical, social and cultural— tion attributed to Aristotle. “Who’d have thought that a book called www.umthebook.com. are critical to understanding all the gospels, newly discovered or not. His book, “From Jesus to Christianity: How Geographer Maps the “Mediascape” Four Generations of Visionaries and Storytellers geography and the environment and director of the univer- Geographers traditionally have studied the interactions Created the New Testament and Christian sity’s Urban Studies Program. between people and their natural and built environments, Faith” (2004), leads readers through the first Adams is a leading scholar in the field of human and ranging from urban spaces to global environmental systems. 200 years of early Christianity, when followers communication geography. His book, “The Boundless Self: With the rise of the Internet and new media technologies, sought to create a unified religion and tell the geographers have a new world to map: the virtual one, also Communication in Physical and Virtual Spaces” (2005), story of Jesus’ life. known as the “mediascape.” applies geographical theories to communication studies to Learn more about White’s research at “With our expertise in mapping human-environment inter- explore how people are using new media technologies, such www.utexas.edu/research/isac/lmw. actions, geographers are uniquely positioned to explore as cell phones, email and instant messaging, to transcend this new terrain,” says Paul Adams, associate professor of boundaries of time and space.

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Event Spotlights Graduate Student Excavates Ancient Shipwrecks in the Black Sea Crisis in Darfur: Nigerian Nobelist Wole In a series of expeditions to the Black Sea in the early Soyinka Urges International Community 2000s, Robert Ballard of the University of Rhode Island— to Remember the ‘Tree of Forgetfulness’ famous for locating the wreck of the Titanic—discovered When Tola Mosadomi, assistant profes- a miraculously well-preserved Byzantine shipwreck dating sor of Middle Eastern Studies and affiliate of from the 6th century. Dan Davis, a nautical archaeologist the Warfield Center for African and African and Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Classics, is a American Studies, was an undergraduate stu- member of Ballard’s research team, which is using remote- dent at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, ly operated vehicles to excavate the ancient shipwreck. she sometimes saw poet Wole Soyinka walk- National Geographic featured the groundbreaking research ing across campus. project in the television special “Ghost Ships of the Black Instead of speaking to the professor, the Sea” last June. Learn more about Davis’ work with Ballard at Yoruba studies specialist would turn and Dan Davis www.utexas.edu/opa/features/2008/10/27/shipwrecks/. walk in the opposite direction. “I avoided Wole Soyinka him because I had no idea what to say to violence in western Sudan, the man many consider the Shakespeare of and also narrated the history of slavery. Women and the fined themselves to the less egoistic modes Africa,” Mosadomi admits. Woven throughout the poet’s address was Autobiographical of diary and letter writing, MacKay says. More than 30 years later, Mosadomi had the haunting image of the “tree of forgetful- Impulse The professor teaches “Emerging Selves: the chance to finally meet Soyinka when ness.” During the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, In 1855, American The Autobiographical Impulse in Women’s she invited the 1986 Nobel Laureate in traders in West Africa would force captured novelist Nathaniel Writing,” a course that explores the array of Literature, playwright and political activist to Africans to walk circles around a magical tree Hawthorne wrote a let- narrative strategies women writers have used speak at the university last spring. in an attempt to clear their minds of their ter to his publisher lash- to construct and project their autobiographical Soyinka is the author of more than 40 previous lives. ing out at the “damned self through literature. plays, books and essays that highlight a vari- The ritual was never effective, Soyinka mob of scribbling Students in the class begin with early works ety of African cultural and political issues, says, warning that the “tree of forgetfulness” women” whose works such as “Revelations of Divine Love” (1373) including “Death and the King’s Horseman” thrives when the international community Carol McKay gained wide readership by Julian of Norwich, move through the early (1975), “A Play of Giants” (1984) and ignores acts of genocide, such as the violence in antebellum America. 20th century with “A Room of One’s Own” by “The Open Sore of a Continent: A Personal in Sudan. “Hawthorne’s comments represent the Virginia Woolf, and conclude with contempo- Narrative of the Nigerian Crisis” (1996). He The United Nations estimates at least uphill battle women writers faced in earning rary works such as “Bone Black: Memories of was imprisoned several times for his criticism 200,000 people have been killed and more legitimacy for their work,” says Carol MacKay, Girlhood” (1984) by bell hooks and “Barefoot of the Nigerian government. than two million have been displaced in the professor of English and affiliate of the Center Heart: Stories of a Migrant Child” (1999) by Soyinka’s keynote address, “Race, Rights Darfur region since 2003. for Women’s and Gender Studies. “Historically, Elva Trevino Hart. and the Agony of Darfur,” touched upon the this task has been a cultural challenge—if not a MacKay will teach “Emerging Selves” as psychological impossibility—for women writers a Freshman Signature Course which is the worldwide.” centerpiece of curriculum reform envisioned Feminist Scholar Naomi Wolf Challenges Unrealistic Standards of Beauty Though the male autobiographical impulse by the Commission of 125 and led by Paul Naomi Wolf, leading feminist scholar and bestselling author, was the keynote speaker at began to manifest itself in Western culture Woodruff, professor of philosophy and dean of the “Defining Beauty” symposium hosted by the university’s Center for Women’s and Gender in the Enlightenment during the 18th-cen- the School of Undergraduate Studies. Studies, the Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership and Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty, tury in Europe, women writers usually con- which features “real” women instead of professional models in national advertisements. The feminist icon believes the fashion industry’s practice of airbrushing photographs in women’s magazines has had a negative influence on women’s conceptions of modern beauty. Creative Writing Professor Earns NEA Fellowship Wolf’s book, “The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women” (1991), Laura Furman, creative writing professor in the Department of English, earned a 2008 challenged the marketing of unrealistic standards of beauty by the cosmetics industry. Literature Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. The $25,000 fellowship was “How many of us look like that?” Wolf asks. “It’s not just a fake ideal of beauty, it’s a fake awarded to only 42 writers nationwide from a pool of more than 800 applicants. ideal of what a woman is. It is so hard for women to avoid being bombarded by these images, Furman earned the award in support of her writing project, “Here it appreciate their own individual beauty and step outside the sense that they need to conform Was, November,” a collection of short stories. To read a selection of Furman’s work, to unrealistic ideals.” visit www.arts.gov/features/writers/2008/. Wolf and event panelists—Gretchen Ritter, professor of government, and Michelle Valles, Furman’s work has appeared in The New Yorker, American Scholar, Ploughshares and The Yale news anchor for KXAN-TV—encouraged women to focus on inner beauty, confidence and Review. intelligence. The event drew more than 400 participants from across the university.

39 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09

Retired faculty

Arnold Buss: Leading the Field and Inspiring Psychology’s Robert S. Boyer Ingrid M. Edlund-Berry Robert H. Kane Cynthia W. Shelmerdine David and Arnold Buss Thought-leaders Philosophy Classics Philosophy Classics For more than six decades, Arnold Buss, recently retired Boyer, professor of philosophy, Edlund-Berry, professor of Kane, distinguished teaching Shelmerdine, the Robert M. psychology professor, has been a nationally recognized computer science and classics, taught at the university professor of philosophy, taught Armstrong Centennial Professor mathematics, taught at for 30 years. She served at the university for 38 years. researcher in the field of social behavior and personality. of Classics, taught at the the university for 27 years. as associate director of the His research focused on free Throughout his career at The University of Texas at university for 31 years. She He researched automated excavations at Metaponto at the will, philosophy of mind, ethics Austin, Buss examined shame and guilt; an epigenetic was the first female chair of theorem proving, logic and the Institute of Classical Archeology and the theory of value. Kane the Department of Classics, a theory of personality (emphasizing differentiation); and philosophy of mathematics. He from 1978 to 1981, and as has won 15 major teaching position she held from 1998 to an evolutionary-developmental approach to social emo- earned numerous awards for his the Latin coordinator for the awards, including the Friar 2002. She also served as act- tions. He has published more than 80 articles and book research on automatic theorem Department of Classics from Society Centennial Teaching ing chair from 2005 to 2007. chapters and more than a dozen books. In 2001, he published, proving, including the 2005 1990 to 2004. She researched Excellence Award. He is one She researches Aegean Bronze Software System Award from classical archaeology and of the 12 initial members “Psychological Dimensions of the Self.” Age texts and archeology, and the Association for Computing Etruscology, and led several elected to the Academy of Buss also inspired some of today’s leaders in the field. Mycenaean Greek culture. Machinery for his work on excavation projects in Italy. Distinguished Teachers in The Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) is an institution She conducted fieldwork in the Boyer-Moore Theorem She is the author of numerous 1995. Kane is the author of that tracks bibliographic information for the sciences. Seven Greece, including the Pylos Prover. He has served on the books on Etruscan and Italian eight books, the editor of “The Regional Archeological Project, of Buss’ former students are listed on ISI’s 300 most cited editorial board of the Journal archeology. She earned the Oxford Handbook of Free Will,” which she co-directs, and the researchers within the fields of psychiatry and psychology. of Automated Reasoning. In Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship and the creator of the audio Iklaina Archeological Project, Arguably, among the most notable of his former students addition to numerous scholarly in Classical Archaeology from and video lecture series, “Quest where she serves as a pottery shares his last name. His son, David, is one of the leading articles, he co-authored “A the American Academy in for Meaning: Values, Ethics expert. Her publications include Computational Logic” and Rome and a fellowship at the and the Modern Experience.” experts in the field of evolutionary psychology, human sexual- “The Cambridge Companion “A Computational Logic University of Wurzburg from He received the Robert W. ity and relationships. to the Aegean Bronze Age,” Handbook.” the Alexander von Humboldt- Hamilton Faculty Book Award “Introduction to Greek” and “A Stiftung Foundation. for “The Significance of Free Guide to the Palace of Nestor.” The Top 10 Signs I Knew It Was Will.” Time to Retire by Arnold Buss 1. i kept thinking it’s still the 20th century. 2. i lost faith that my body was made by an intelligent designer. W. Parker Frisbie Anthony C. Hilfer Lily Litvak 3. My chairman kept speaking about me in the past tense. Sociology English Spanish and Portuguese 4. My colleagues started treating me with respect. Frisbie, professor of sociology and former Hilfer, the Iris Howard Regents Professor of Litvak, professor of Spanish and Portuguese, 5. students were shocked that I read journals director of the Population Research Center, English Literature, taught at the university for taught at the university for 36 years. She printed on paper. taught at the university for 36 years. He served 45 years. He died in a car accident in 2008 served as curator for three exhibits in Spanish 6. i realized that my computer is the work of the devil. as chair of the Department of Sociology at age 71. Hilfer was a renowned scholar of museums, including the Mapfre Museum 7. i came up with an interesting new idea but discovered from 1985 to 1986. During his tenure, popular genres. His book, “The Crime Novel: in Madrid and Museo de Bellas Artes de i had published an article on it 20 years ago. Frisbie published more than 80 studies on A Deviant Genre” (1990), was one of the first Bibao. She researched 19th and 20th-century 8. i gave the same lecture twice in a row. racial disparity in infant mortality, pregnancy to define the characteristics of crime fiction Spanish, Latin American and comparative 9. i gave the same lecture twice in a row. outcomes, mortality and the demography of and provide a critical treatment of the genre. European literature. She is the author of more minorities. His research has been supported His recent book, “The New Hegemony in than 20 books, including “El Modernismo,” “A I0. I came into work one day and couldn’t remember by grants from NASA, the National Institute Literary Studies: Contradictions in Theory” La Playa!” and “Retablo del Amor.” Litvak also why, so I decided to retire. on Aging, the National Institutes of Health and (2003), won the admiration of playwright has authored more than 100 scholarly articles, Read more about Buss in “Six Decades of Psychology” at the National Science Foundation. Frisbie has David Mamet. Hilfer was the long-time editor book reviews and publication contributions. www.psy.utexas.edu/psy/announcements/buss_retirement. served on the board of editors for prestigious of the journal, Texas Studies in Language She received the American Philosophical html. journals such as American Journal of and Literature. Society Award and the American Council of Sociology, Social Forces and Demography. Learned Societies Award.

40 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09

Retired faculty In Memoriam

Charles Bonjean Gardner Lindzey Sociology Psychology

Bonjean, emeritus professor of sociology, Lindzey, professor emeritus of died Feb. 20 at the age of 72. The psychology, died Feb. 4. Lindzey former executive director of the Hogg served as chair of the Department of Foundation for Mental Health taught Psychology from 1964 to 1969. He at the university for 40 years. Bonjean was instrumental in transforming the served as chair of the sociology department from a relatively small Dina M. Sherzer Joel F. Sherzer department from 1972 to 1974 when group to a large and internationally French and Italian Anthropology he was appointed Hogg Professor of recognized faculty. He edited the Sociology, a position he held until he “Handbook of Social Psychology,” Sherzer, professor of French Sherzer, the Liberal Arts retired in 2002. His research interests a seminal work that has been a and Italian and compara- Foundation Centennial included formal organizations, evaluation professional resource for a generation. tive literature, taught at the Professor of Linguistic research and mental health. university for 37 years. She Anthropology, taught at Elspeth Rostow served as director of the the university for 28 years. John W. F. Dulles Government France-University of Texas He served as chair of the Latin American Studies Institute for Interdisciplinary anthropology department from Rostow, professor emeritus of government, died Dec. 9, 2007. An Studies from 2002 to 2005, 1987 to 1995 and directed Dulles, professor of American and Latin and as chair of the Department the Archive of Indigenous internationally recognized expert on American studies, died June 23 at the national politics and U.S foreign policy, of French and Italian from 1994 Languages of Latin America age of 95. The son of former Secretary to 2003. Her fields of specialty for eight years. He specializes Rostow served as dean of the LBJ of State John Foster Dulles taught at School of Public Affairs from 1977 are 20th-century French in linguistic anthropology, with the university for 45 years. Dulles was a literature and film and post a focus on the ethnography to 1983. She also taught at Barnard, noted scholar of the history of Brazil and Sarah Lawrence, MIT, Georgetown, colonialism. She has published of speaking and speech play. an affiliate of the Lozano Long Institute numerous studies on Irish Sherzer has researched among American University and the University of Latin American Studies. He authored of Cambridge. writer and poet Samuel the Kuna Indians of Panama 12 books on the political history of Beckett, French new novels and in Bali, Indonesia. His Brazil during the 20th century, including and contemporary French films. publications include “Kuna “Resisting Brazil’s Military Regime,” John Slatin Her research has been Ways of Speaking” and “Verbal “Brazilian Communism,” “Castello English, Rhetoric and Writing supported by the National Art in San Blas.” Sherzer Branco, The Making of a Brazilian Endowment for the Humanities earned Guggenheim and Slatin, professor of Rhetoric and President,” “Anarchists and Communists Writing and English, died March 24 and a Fulbright Fellowship. National Endowment for the in Brazil” and “Unrest in Brazil.” Humanities fellowships. at the age of 55. He taught at the university for 29 years. Slatin, who Tony Hilfer was visually impaired, was founding English director of the university’s Accessibility Ian R. Manners Institute, which monitored the Hilfer, the Iris Howard Regents Professor Geography and the Environment university’s compliance with national of English Literature, died April 11 in a accessibility standards and promoted Manners, professor of geography and the environment, taught car accident at the age of 71. He taught Web accessibility for all users. He at the university for 37 years. A former director of the Center at the university for 45 years. Hilfer was authored numerous articles about for Middle Eastern Studies and chair of the Department of a renowned scholar of popular genres. technology and learning, and the book Middle Eastern Studies, Manners is known for his research His book, “The Crime Novel: A Deviant “Maximum Accessibility: Making Your on the cartographic representation of the Middle East and the Genre,” was one of the first to define Web Site More Usable for Everyone.” Mediterranean worlds, and his explorations of how maps shape the characteristics of crime fiction and His work on accessibility issues with both our geographical knowledge and political history. He provide a critical treatment of the genre. the World Wide Web Consortium specializes in conservation and resource management, urban His recent book, “The New Hegemony earned international acclaim. cultural geography and historical cartography. Manners is the in Literary Studies: Contradictions curator of an exhibit on European cartography and the Ottoman in Theory,” won the admiration of world for the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago. playwright David Mamet. Hilfer also was the long-time editor of the journal, Texas Studies in Language and Literature.

41 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09

Through Take 5 videos, liberal arts professors share their research on issues from presidential accountability and the jury selection process to the history of the Alamo and the myth of the vampire. Each semester, central public affairs welcomes scholars to the Liberal Arts Instructional Technology Lab studio where they provide a glimpse into the research they reveal in lecture halls and labs throughout campus. If you are interested in supporting the College of Liberal To learn more, visit Take 5 at www.utexas.edu/inside_ut/take5/. Arts at The University of T exas at Austin, mail this form to Development Office, College of Liberal Arts, One University Station, G6300, Austin, TX, 78712 or visit our contribution page at www.utexas.edu/cola/support_liberal_arts/.

Enclosed is my check or credit card authorization for a gift of:

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Presidential Myth of the Vampire Yoruba Language Evangelical Teen’s Going to the Source Please indicate what area of the college you would like to support: Accountability Thomas Garza Fehintola Mosadomi Sexual Attitudes Thomas Staley Bruce Buchanan Slavic and Middle Eastern Studies Mark Regnerus English and ______Government Eurasian Studies Mosadomi shares insight Sociology Harry Ransom Center Buchanan discusses Garza reveals the into the Yoruba language Regnerus explores the Staley explains how original presidential accountability fact behind the fiction and people. attitudes and actions of source materials stimulate and ______and how well the system surrounding the origins, evangelical teens toward enhance the learning experience. Credit Card Number of checks and balances lore and legend of the sex. works. vampire. ___ Visa ___ MasterCard ___ Discover ___ American Express

Spanish Literature ______for Children Expiration Date Cristina Cabello de Martínez Spanish and Portuguese War Stories ______Cabello de Martínez Throughout Time U.S. Congress and Lawmaking Sean Theriault Signature explores the world of Thomas Palaima Texas Women Government children’s literature and The Secret Classics Gretchen Ritter Language of Stuff Palaima reviews how Theriault reviews the history performs an original Government and Please make all checks payable to: The University of Texas at Austin children’s story in Spanish. Sam Gosling communities relate stories of Congress and its role in Center for Women’s the lawmaking process. Psychology of war, from the ancient and Gender Studies Gosling analyzes the way Greeks to modern Ritter shares stories of people express their societies. ______strong Texas women Name personality in living who have made history. spaces, offices and virtual environments. ______Address Language Preservation Popularization Anthony Woodbury of the Alamo Linguistics ______Richard Flores Writing to Heal Woodbury discusses the City Anthropology James Pennebaker importance of language pre- Flores examines the Psychology Jury Selection servation throughout the world. historical background of Midterm Elections Pennebaker discusses Mary Rose ______how the Alamo became James Henson how writing affects Sociology State Zip Code popularized in Texas. Government and physical and mental Rose examines jury Texas Politics Project health, and helps people composition and its effect on the deliberative Henson takes an historical recover from traumatic If you are a graduate of the college, please provide your program(s) of approach to analyzing the experiences. process. study and the year you earned your degree(s): midterm election season in Texas. Magical Thinking ______Jacqueline Woolley Psychology Woolley reveals when and how For information about including the college in your estate or donating children begin to distinguish securities, please contact the development office at (512) 475-9763. fantasy from reality.

42 Li f e &Le t t e r s | Winter 2008-09 !

As part of the university’s capital campaign, the center has launched a giving campaign to match the initial Schusterman Jewish Life in the Americas Foundation challenge grant. Learn about ways to support the center, and events that celebrate Jewish history, literature and The Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies cultural traditions at www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/scjs/.

ore than 400,000 Jews reside in Latin Robert Abzug, the Oliver H. Radkey Regents Professor America, comprising the fifth largest community of of History and a renowned scholar of Jewish and American M Jews after the United States, Israel, the former Soviet Studies, directs the Schusterman Center, which is uniquely Union, and France. Their stories and experiences are a major poised to lead the study of Jewish life in the Americas, in addi- focus of research and teaching at the Schusterman Center for tion to traditional subjects of Jewish studies. Jewish Studies, which encompasses the history, culture, and Since his appointment last year, Abzug has spearheaded society of Jews in the Americas, including the United States a wide array of special events and symposia focusing on the and Canada. Jewish experience in the Western Hemisphere. Special events Established in 2006 with a $6 million challenge grant from addressed topics on Latin American Jewry, including lectures the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, the on the life of Cuban Jews, Jewish-Brazilian history, Cuba and center draws upon many important resources at the university, Israel, and Jews in Argentina. including the General Libraries’ extensive Judaica collections, The Center sponsored the lecture series, “Medical Ethics the Harry Ransom Center’s manuscript collections of such and the Holocaust,” in partnership with the Holocaust Museum notable Jewish writers and scholars as Albert Einstein, Norman of Houston, and lectures on Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, Mailer, David Mamet, Isaac Bashevis Singer and Leon Uris, Israeli politics, and Holocaust remembrance. The center also The Ransom Center houses many archives Author Ruth Behar visited the as well as the Center for American History’s extensive Texas co-sponsored the Austin Jewish Film Festival to raise the of notable Jewish figures, including Schusterman Center to talk Jewish History materials. visibility of Jewish film on campus. unpublished correspondence of physicist about her book “An Island Albert Einstein. Called Home: Returning to Jewish Cuba.”

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