Dr. Jan Haaken, a psychology professor emeritus at Portland State University, is dedicated to creating films that address complex social issues. Courtesy of Dr. Jan Haaken.

Documenting social issues through a feminist psychology lens

Among Dr. Jan Haaken’s many titles are clinical psychologist, documentary filmmaker, feminist and professor emeritus of psychology at Portland State. Her career began in the early ‘70s when social movements…

Hostile architecture, such as these rocks secured with cement, is designed to prevent individuals experiencing houselessness from using the space. However, it also affects everyone's ability to enjoy the green space. Credit: Alberto Alonso Pujazon Bogani/PSU Vanguard

A perspective on hostile architecture

When people hear hostile architecture, some will immediately think of it as an anti-houseless action which creates undesirable spaces for those seeking shelter on the streets. This is too narrow…

Community & Wellness Resources

Happening Soon   Inside Biden’s Cuba Policy SMSU 294 Nov. 13, 5:30 p.m. Free for students Cuban journalist and filmmaker Liz Oliva Fernández discusses Belly of the Beast documentaries which…

Social media filters can seem harmless when looking at the shape of someone's eyes and deducing things about their character, but the deeper context connects to problematic pseudoscience.

Phrenology and physiognomy trending on social media

Phrenology and physiognomy are two distinct pseudoscientific practices. Phrenology attempts to establish a connection between cognitive ability, as well as the size and shape of a person’s skull. In contrast,…