Sciences of the Senses

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This group will focus on the overlapping histories of the sciences of nature and culture at the turn of the twentieth century, at a time when the human senses became central objects of investigation for anthropologists, linguists, physiologists, psychologists, technicians, and instrument makers. It will explore scientific attempts to produce knowledge through and about the senses as a way of restoring authentic continuities among disciplinary entities in flux, and producing scientific knowledge about human nature and culture.

 

 

 

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Consortium Respectful Behavior Policy

Participants at Consortium activities will treat each other with respect and consideration to create a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that is free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Participants will avoid any inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background, or any other characteristic protected by law. Disruptive or harassing behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment includes but is not limited to inappropriate or intimidating behavior and language, unwelcome jokes or comments, unwanted touching or attention, offensive images, photography without permission, and stalking.

Participants may send reports or concerns about violations of this policy to conduct@chstm.org.

Upcoming Meetings

There are no currently scheduled upcoming events.

Past Meetings

  • December 16, 2020

    Gabriel Coren, "Composition by Field" (work in progress). 
  • November 18, 2020

    Emilie Skulberg (with Martin Sparre), "A Negative of a Black Hole: Jean-Pierre Luminet and Perspective in Black Hole Imaging, c. 1978-2019" (work in progress). 
  • October 21, 2020

    Tina Gianquitto, "Roots of Consciousness: Darwin's Plant Movement Studies in the U.S" (work in progress). 
  • September 16, 2020

     
    For this session, there will be no pre-circulated reading. Instead, we invite you to bring an image, slide, or sound file from your current research to share and discuss. We’ll look and listen together, and talk about how we might analyze the things people bring. 
     
  • August 19, 2020

    Postponed. 
    Gabriel Coren, "Sounding Ethnos: composition by field" (work in progress). 
  • July 15, 2020

    Cameron Brinitzer, "The Colour Sense: Between the Lab, Field, and Garden" (work in progress). 
  • June 17, 2020

    Laurel Waycott, "Taste and Civilization in 'The Yellow Wall-Paper'" (2019). 
  • May 20, 2020

    Etienne Benson, "Swimming in Data" (in prep.) & "Sensing a River" (in prep.). 
     
  • April 15, 2020

    Omar Nasim, "Ornamental Mind," (work in progress).  
  • March 18, 2020

    Postponed (COVID-19)
    Omar Nasim, "Ornamental Mind"