3 episodes

Reimagining the Humanities from the Global South.

Launched during Wits University's centenary anniversary - the series tackles critical questions on the role and future of the Humanities. The arts, philosophy, anthropology, and literary studies are increasingly perceived as under attack. And yet, in the Global South, these disciplines have never been in a position of greater strength. Scholars in Africa and South America are displaying unprecedented confidence in challenging frameworks that used to be uncritically adopted from centres of knowledge in Europe or North America. Reflections on race, power, or how we interface with our planet that emerged from societies once perceived at "the margins" are gaining increasing centrality on a global stage.

The series addresses some of these innovations and contradictions, drawing in different voices within and outside the academic world. Each episode focuses on a specific challenge, puzzle, or problem, rather than on a piece of research or a prominent researcher, in ways that display the unique sensitivities and insights that distinguish academia in the Global South.

The Future in the Humanities podcast is produced by Andile Masuku and Iginio Gagliardone. Co-produced by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine. Written by Andile Masuku. Recording, editing, sound design and mixing by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine. 

Future in the Humanities WITS Faculty of the Humanities

    • Society & Culture

Reimagining the Humanities from the Global South.

Launched during Wits University's centenary anniversary - the series tackles critical questions on the role and future of the Humanities. The arts, philosophy, anthropology, and literary studies are increasingly perceived as under attack. And yet, in the Global South, these disciplines have never been in a position of greater strength. Scholars in Africa and South America are displaying unprecedented confidence in challenging frameworks that used to be uncritically adopted from centres of knowledge in Europe or North America. Reflections on race, power, or how we interface with our planet that emerged from societies once perceived at "the margins" are gaining increasing centrality on a global stage.

The series addresses some of these innovations and contradictions, drawing in different voices within and outside the academic world. Each episode focuses on a specific challenge, puzzle, or problem, rather than on a piece of research or a prominent researcher, in ways that display the unique sensitivities and insights that distinguish academia in the Global South.

The Future in the Humanities podcast is produced by Andile Masuku and Iginio Gagliardone. Co-produced by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine. Written by Andile Masuku. Recording, editing, sound design and mixing by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine. 

    S1 Ep3: Slave Ride

    S1 Ep3: Slave Ride

    E-hailing and e-delivery platforms have expanded in the Global South by promising entrepreneurship and freedom to drivers. But over time the companies’ search for profit has forced drivers to accept harsher and harsher conditions, often leaving them worse off than when they started.

    • 25 min
    S1 Ep2: Everybody Gets A Conspiracy

    S1 Ep2: Everybody Gets A Conspiracy

    Conspiracy theories have been widely debated throughout history. But the rise of social media, the global conversation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and enhanced technical capabilities to study them in near real-time have made them increasingly present in public debates.

    • 17 min
    S1 Ep1: Touching Brains

    S1 Ep1: Touching Brains

    Is touch perceived differently across societies? How has COVID-19 changed the perception of proximity in different parts of the world?

    • 26 min

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