What is Reading?

Neuroscience is beginning to explore what happens when we read by monitoring the areas of the brain that are stimulated while we read. Do these findings matter to the Humanities? Is there neurological evidence that the brain responds differently to 'good' and 'bad' writing? How we read clichés will be examined, as well as what the experience of re-reading tells us about reading first time round?
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About the Lecturer
Belinda Jack is Fellow and Tutor in French at Christ Church, University of Oxford.

The Future of the Brain by Susan Greenfield

More and more scientists are talking about the plasticity of the brain and its ability to be moulded and shaped by experiences. Neuroscientist Professor Susan Greenfield believes today's developing brain is being worryingly reshaped by excessive visual stimulation into an organ that lacks the ability to make sound judgements and measure risk. Biotechnology, nanotechnology, even the internet, she says, are all impacting on our brains and could be heralding future generations with different abilities, agendas and even ways of thinking. Her prediction is that we might be standing on the brink of a mind-makeover more cataclysmic than anything in our history.

Related Links:
Brain Story