How ‘Dune’ became a beacon for the fledgling environmental movement − and a rallying cry for the new science of ecology

When Frank Herbert sat down in 1963 to start writing ‘Dune,’ he wasn’t thinking about how to leave Earth behind. He was thinking about how to save it.

Devin Griffiths, Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literature, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
March 15, 2024 • ~10 min

'Dracula Daily' reanimates the classic vampire novel for the age of memes and snark

A newsletter sends out chronological snippets from the 125-year-old novel ‘Dracula.’ Fans on the internet go wild.

Stanley Stepanic, Assistant Professor of Slavic Languages and Literatures, University of Virginia • conversation
May 20, 2022 • ~8 min

Five must-read novels on the environment and climate crisis

Eco-fiction to help you rethink your role in the climate crisis.

Ti-han Chang, Lecturer in Asia-Pacific Studies, University of Central Lancashire • conversation
July 9, 2020 • ~7 min

Social distancing increased over the course of human history – but so did empathy and new ways to connect

People have changed over time, growing ever more distant and isolated from others – while at the same time finding new ways and technologies that let individuals connect and feel with others.

Fritz Breithaupt, Provost Professor in Cognitive Science and Germanic Studies, Indiana University, Indiana University • conversation
April 8, 2020 • ~7 min

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