Sound Bites

What does the body represent? What can be deduced from a bank note? How much can we say about a rocking horse?

These slightly odd but interesting questions represent the main themes covered in an upcoming event linked to the ongoing projects Social Worlds in 100 objects . As part of the Economic and Social Research Councils Festival of Social Science, the University is holding Sound Bites which is a series of mini lectures, lasting 10 minutes each, delivered by speakers from across the College of Social Science at Leicester.  how objects, such as a bottle of water, a clock and a shipping container, shape our social world. You may be wondering how a bottle of water has significance in the social world (honestly I am too) or how much is there to say about a rocking horse. But this is what makes the event so interesting- these academics have researched one of these objects in order to present to the general public what their social significance is.

In holding this event the message of what social scientists do will be reflected to those who perhaps do not know much about their work and who they are (i.e. the general public). Furthermore, for students at the University of Leicester  this is a great opportunity for you to expand your knowledge on particular objects and social processes which is sure to help with your modules. It will also be interesting to see how much there actually is to know about these everyday objects.

So where and when is the event?

Now I’ve got your interest, below are the details of event…

The lectures will take place from the 3^rd to the 7^th of November at 1-2pm each day. The idea is to bring your lunch and listen to the speakers. They will take place at New Walk Museum (which is on New Walk, just a 5 minute walk from university).

I would really recommend going, even if it is just to attend one of them, perhaps by a favourite lecturer of yours as it is sure to be a great experience. If you are interested then it is recommended that you book a place as spaces are limited (to do this follow  this link http://www2.le.ac.uk/projects/social-worlds ).