Graduate Fellows Training Program
The Institute for the Study of Social Change is pleased to announce a call for applications for the Graduate Fellows Training Program (GFP). In its more than thirty years of existence, the Program has provided an interdisciplinary research and training environment as a complement to, and resource for, graduate programs in the social sciences and professional schools. Over 100 graduate students have successfully completed their doctoral studies and gone on to carve out distinguished academic careers that have significantly influenced their respective disciplines and fields on issues of social stratification and inequality. We are currently seeking applications for the 2009-2010 academic year from UC Berkeley graduate students who have completed at least two years of graduate studies at Berkeley in related disciplines and are interested in substantive issues related to processes of social change in Western cities, particularly those in California.
1. Program Overview
The Institute for the Study of Social Change (ISSC) serves as the research and teaching base for the Graduate Fellows Training Program. Fellows attend a weekly two-hour seminar in which they receive practical training in theory, methods, and policy work. The core emphasis is on field research and the production of scholarly work geared towards a broad understanding of the patterns of social change in the structures, social practices, and culture of California and Western cities. The training is anchored around an interdisciplinary research initiative on “The New Metropolis” that draws on insights from a wide array of fields, including sociology, urban anthropology, political science, urban and regional planning, geography, education, history, public policy, law, social welfare, and public health. Some Fellows also participate in ongoing research conducted by the Institute and its affiliated faculty.
This research initiative and the focus of graduate training are organized with an eye to addressing the conditions of social and economic development and urban inequality and the potential for effective reform. During the first year of training Fellows prepare a working paper based upon original research; offer constructive feedback on other Fellows’ works in progress; review interdisciplinary, multiple methods approaches to examining processes of social change; and develop competence at documenting ongoing original research. During the spring semester, Fellows present their working papers in a public forum designed to facilitate interdisciplinary critique and dialog. During the second year of training, Fellows continue to meet weekly. They receive feedback on their individual research, and writing projects, participate in collaborative working groups on projects of interest taking place at ISSC, and receive support and guidance in their professional development. In addition, trainees from both the first and second year cohorts meet to function as a support group and as peer advisors for each other’s research and writing activities.
The Graduate Fellows Training Program also benefits from the parallel research and training activities of the Center for Latino Policy Research, an affiliate of the Institute.
2. Training Content
The formal training emphasizes multiple research methods including surveys, field observation, interviews, historical methods, documentary analysis, and analysis of secondary statistical and survey data and geographic information systems (GIS) mapping as tools for studying social change processes in Western cities.
In order to be responsive to the specific needs of students at different stages in their graduate careers, the program is designed to span two years. Graduate Fellows who are active program participants and successfully complete the requirements during the first year (regular attendance, completion and presentation of a research working paper) are eligible to apply for a second year as a Fellow. Acceptance into the second year of the program is dependent upon the availability of funding.
Pre-doctoral students in their first year of the training program
During the first year, the training is organized around the preparation of working papers based upon the primary research of individual Graduate Fellows on topics related to social change in Western cities. Fellows will receive training in selecting and framing a research problem, situating the research within the relevant scholarly literature, choosing the appropriate research approach and methods, conducting preliminary research, and drafting a research working paper. In addition to regular attendance at weekly seminars, Fellows are expected to prepare and present a working paper to be published in the eRepository of the California Digital Library; provide and receive critical feedback on other Fellows’ works in progress; and be active and contributing members of an interdisciplinary community of young scholars. In addition, Fellows attend colloquia highlighting the work of campus, visiting, and outside faculty, and may assist with other ISSC projects.
Pre-doctoral students in the second year of the training program
During the second year, Fellows continue to meet weekly to receive support with their individual research and writing projects and skills-training in professional development. They also work with ISSC staff to plan colloquia and conferences and to develop pilot research efforts.
3. Application and Information
Stipends
A yearly stipend of $14,000 divided into nine monthly payments will be provided to each Graduate Fellow in the program. Selected applicants with other fellowships or stipends during 2009-2010 may participate in the program with a partial stipend. In addition, Fellows will receive shared office space with a computer.
Contact
For questions or additional information please call Dr. David Minkus, Director of the Graduate Fellows Program, at (510) 642-0813 or email inquiries to: minkus@berkeley.edu.
Application
Applications for the 2009-2010 Graduate Fellows Training Program (GFP) can be downloaded from this site or picked up at ISSC, 2420 Bowditch Street, Berkeley.
Application Workshop:
We are conducting a workshop for all graduate students interested in applying for the Graduate Fellows Training Program either this year or in a future year. Attending the workshop is not required.
Wednesday, March 4, 12:00-1:00pm
ISSC Conference Room, 2420 Bowditch Street
Phone: 642-0813
Deadline:
Completed applications for the 2009-2010 academic year are due at the ISSC Office on or before Friday, April 3rd, 2009 at 5:00pm.
Download an application for the 2009-2010 Graduate Fellows Program. PDF or DOC
4. Reflections about the Program offered by past and current Fellows
For reflections from some of our Fellows, click here.