2024

Articles

The new power and politics of comedy

Dr Benjamin Nickl, a humour expert from the School of Languages and Cultures, and his co-author Dr Mark Rolfe, Honorary Lecturer at UNSW, discuss the politicisation of comedy in the new academic book The Moral Dimensions of Humour.

Is age verification for pornography access reliable? Research suggests no

A new study by Professor Alan McKee and Dr Zahra Stardust (QUT) suggests that age assurance technologies restricting access to pornography are unreliable and ineffective, and that there are better, evidence-based alternatives to facilitate access to diverse and healthy representations of sexuality online.

The Dispossessed at 50: Ursula K. Le Guin's anarchist utopia endures

Dr Alexander Howard, Senior Lecturer in English, discusses the enduring political power of Ursula K. Le Guin's groundbreaking science-fiction novel, The Dispossessed.

Sexual harassment rife in retail work

The peak bodies representing retailers and workers are calling on the industry to address the scourge of sexual harassment, in light of new research.

Australian photographer Rosemary Laing remembered for her sensuous yet unsettling images

Associate Professor Donna Brett, Chair of Art History, pays tribute to Australian photographer Rosemary Laing, remembering her ground-breaking work in the art form, and her unique ability to "make us look".

The joke's on us - how AI is replicating our laughter online

In an era in which we are increasingly reliant on digital devices and services, laughter can be a potent form of stress and frustration relief, and the tech industry knows it. But can AI genuinely emote a sense of humour, asks Dr Benjamin Nickl from the School of Languages and Cultures.

Donald Trump verdict: experts explain

University of Sydney experts offer opinions on the guilty verdict for Donald Trump, who is now the first US President, serving or former, to have been convicted of a crime.

Unlocking Potential: The Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme

The Sydney College of the Arts offers a unique opportunity for budding artists through its Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme (CASAS).

How Furiosa's silence in the new Mad Max speaks volumes about women's agency

Furiosa deploys strategic silence to cement her status as prize warrior rather than prize breeder in the latest Mad Max saga, a shift that progresses the film's portrayal of women's stories, says Associate Professor in English Rebecca Johinke.

Classics and Ancient History ranks first in Australia

Professor Peter Wilson, Chair of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Sydney, celebrates the Discipline's achievement as it clinches the top spot in Australia in the 2024 QS Top Universities survey.