Understanding Society: A Festival of Social Science 2023 is a series of free events examining the ideas that shape our everyday lives. To join us at one of these events please visit the festival website using the link at the bottom of this page, we hope to see you there!
School Food Histories
21 October - Burngreave Vestry
Spam fritters, corned beef hash, jam sponge with pink custard... what are your memories of school meals? The School Meals Project explores the impact of school meals in Britain, from 1906-present day. This event at Burngreave Vestry Hall is your chance to find out about the history of school meals, share your memories and even taste some classic school dinner foods!
Led by Dr Heather Ellis, University of Sheffield, this event is suitable for families with children.
Making Connections
24th October - Weston Park Museum
Bring the kids to Weston Park Museum for this interactive family makerspace exploring connections through creative crafting, coding and textiles. Work with local artists to make, create and connect! Brought to you by MakerFutures and The Art House (Wakefield).
Led by Dr Alison Buxton and Dr Jessica Bradley, University of Sheffield
Inspired by Re-Emerge - a programme of activities exploring the role of the arts in supporting post-pandemic recovery - co-ordinated by The Art House, Leeds Hospital Charity and NHS Charities Together.
Being Autistic and Considering Diagnostic Assessment
11 November - Council Room Firth Court
Join Sarah Chierico, Helen Jones, Nyssa Koring and Dr Harriet Cameron at this film screening and panel discussion in Firth Court looking at adults’ experiences of autism diagnosis. Informed by interviews and focus groups from the team's research project, this animated film talks about diagnosis as something to celebrate but also as a bittersweet experience, reflecting on the difficulties in accessing assessment and existing in a world 'not built for you'.
Led by Dr Harriet Cameron, University of Sheffield and Dr Luke Beardon, Sheffield Hallam University (funded by The British Academy and The Leverhulme Trust).
Animating Inclusion
17 November - Theatre Deli
Filmmakers use sound to build suspense for their audiences, but are Deaf people getting an equal experience to hearing people when they watch a film? Consider this and other questions about how film and TV can be made more accessible for Deaf people at the launch of the new animated short film, “Animating Inclusion".
The film explores how well sound is translated into the captions Deaf audiences read when they watch a film. You will have the opportunity to meet the researchers and producers who created this animation.
This is a BSL interpreted event. Registered BSL interpreters, Kat Pearson and Tom Pearson, will be present during the event.
The film will be available to watch on the Player after the event.
Led by Dr Ryan Bramley and Dr Kirsty Liddiard, University of Sheffield.
Join the Dots
Dr Colvert and colleagues invite you to be part of D.O.T.S. - a mysterious agency specialising in creating digital dreams! This activity was co-designed with teachers in order to support children to develop 21st century digital literacy practices, particularly for S.T.E.A.M. education (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths).
This is an online event running throughout the festival. Join in the fun and take part in the ‘Dream Machine Design Challenge’ at the agency website: www.dots.team.
Led by Dr Angela Colvert, University of Sheffield.