FACULTY OF SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL SCIENCES

The Institute will introduce three new masters degrees in 2013-14, the third of which is concerned with the archaeology of the Mediterranean.

Mr Max Brunner, Deputy Head of International Department at the “Ecole Nationale d’administration”, ENA, visited UCL to give a talk on challenges of training senior civil servants in a changing world and present the programs offered by ENA.

In the week that marks 100 years since the extraordinary hoax that was Piltdown Man was presented to the world, the 'fossils' are being studied again.

On December 13, UCL-IA had the pleasure of hosting Cuban/British hip-hop fusion X-Planet, feat. Cuban virtuoso Alain Garcia Artola. X Planet is the collaboration of Holly Holden (London) and Alayo Style (Santiago de Cuba). This project, born in Santiago de Cuba in June 2011, draws on a multitude of musical influences from the Caribbean and beyond. Having launched their debut album in Cuba in June 2012, X Planet are now ready to share their music with the world!

Rodney Harrison's latest book 'Heritage: Critical Approaches', which unravels the relationship between heritage and the experience of late modernity, was published recently by Routledge.

The start of the academic year 2012/13 has been hugely positive for staff and students alike. We were joined by four new members of staff, all of them appointed to entirely new posts. This is the best indication that our Department is thriving, able to provide a hugely vibrant atmosphere that assures excellence in teaching and learning. Newly appointed in the second quarter of last academic year were also three members of the administrative team, enabling us to provide the very best service to our students and support to our staff.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez recently named his preferred successor just before travelling to Cuba for a new operation to treat his cancer. Prof Kevin Middlebrook from UCL-Institute of the Americas looks at the implications for Venezuela. Listen to Prof Middlebrook's interview by the Austrian Broadcast Corporation (please scroll down to the appropriate article).

As President Barack Obama begins his second term in the White House, his administration will need to evaluate its many foreign policy agendas. Dr Tony McCulloch, Senior Fellow in North American Studies at UCL-IA, investigates the various challenges ahead for the president. He is to be published in Jane's Intelligence Review.

Marcos Martinón-Torres was invited to talk about his research on Muisca goldwork at a special event at the University of Castilla La Mancha in Spain to mark the 200th anniversary of Colombia's independence.

The latest issue of Archaeology International, showcasing the Institute's diverse research, teaching and public engagement activities, is now available.