Social Sciences

History professor discusses the deep roots of anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S.

March 5, 2025

On the campaign trail, President Trump made his promise to drastically slash immigration a rallying cry. Since taking office, he’s issued a flurry of executive orders aimed at achieving those goals, from ending birthright citizenship to freezing funding for refugee resettlement and migrant legal aid organizations.

Immigrant rights groups have responded with...

History professor explores how California’s past shaped its current-day public policy issues

March 17, 2025

Editor's Note: The work of UC Berkeley Social Sciences faculty helps shape California public policy. In this series, learn more about their research and projects and how they resonate with state policymakers and address solutions to the most pressing issues facing California, from food access to homelessness.

UC Berkeley History and American Studies Professor Mark Brilliant's research examines the historical context of California's most pressing public policy concerns, including housing, affirmative action and income inequality, tracing them as far back as World War II and...

Investigating the psychedelic blue lotus of Egypt, where ancient magic meets modern science

March 11, 2025

a close-up image of an Egyptian blue lotus being held by hands with black glovesFew plants are more celebrated in Egyptian mythology than the blue lotus, a stunning water lily that stars in some of archaeology’s most significant discoveries. Researchers found its petals covering the body of King Tut when they opened his tomb in 1922, and its flowers often adorn ancient papyri scrolls. Scholars have long hypothesized that the lilies, when...

Global Studies chair discusses research, leadership and importance of her field

April 7, 2025

As UC Berkeley Global Studies chair, Elora Shehabuddin promotes a strong and supportive academic community for her faculty colleagues and students. From learning about foreign policy decisions to climate change and resource conflicts, Global Studies students gain in-depth knowledge about the world around them.

Born in Pakistan, and raised in Europe and the Middle East, Shehabuddin brings a range of perspectives to the Global Studies program. She also serves as a Cal professor and equity advisor in Gender & Women Studies and director of the...

Leon Litwack honored with new speaker series

January 31, 2025

UC Berkeley’s Department of History is recognizing one of its most beloved professors with a new speaker series devoted to African American history. The series extends the legacy of Leon Litwack, a trailblazing scholar who taught generations of students to peer behind the curtain of whitewashed narratives and learn difficult truths about their country’s past.

Few areas of scholarship are as contentious — and...

New Palestinian and Arab Studies program established at UC Berkeley

September 9, 2024

UC Berkeley's Division of Social Sciences announced today the establishment of an endowed program and chair in Palestinian and Arab Studies, which will usher in a new era of research and scholarship in this critical field of study.

“At a time when understanding the complexities of the Middle East is more crucial than ever, this gift allows the Social Sciences to take a leading role in fostering critical scholarship and dialogue,” Berkeley Social Sciences Dean Raka Ray said. “It's an opportunity for us to deepen our commitment to outstanding...

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of UC Berkeley’s Ethnic Studies graduate program

March 3, 2025

This year marks the 40th anniversary of UC Berkeley’s Ethnic Studies Ph.D. program, the oldest in the country. Since its founding in 1984, the program has graduated over 170 students, who have gone on to become professors, artists, elected officials and other leaders.

Rooted in activism, the program emerged from student-led protests in 1968, when a coalition of Black, Indigenous, Asian American and Chicano students advocated for UC Berkeley to take questions of race and racism more seriously.

Ethnic Studies Chair...

UC Berkeley student body president discusses goals for her final semester at Cal

March 31, 2025

As she nears graduation at UC Berkeley, ASUC President Shrinidhi Gopal is hopeful the initiatives she implemented — such as expanding student accessibility and engagement — will leave a lasting impact on Cal students. With just a few months remaining in the academic year, Gopal, a senior double majoring in economics and data science, is focused on assuring that the proposals she has put forth receive approval and continue to thrive long after her graduation.

During her time as president, Gopal has had a hand in developing and expanding several student-facing programs, from a single-...

African American Studies alumna redefines Black women’s humor as a genre of discourse in new book

April 17, 2025

UC Berkeley African American Studies Alumna J Finley began her career researching reparations and the legacy of slavery. But after studying how Black people navigate and resist oppression, she was eventually drawn to a subject – and a form of resistance – that was personally meaningful to her: comedy. As someone long drawn to comedy shows, Finley committed herself to collecting and honoring the stories Black women tell about themselves by becoming an audience member, critic and comedian herself.

Based on her research and experiences, Finley...

Cognitive Science Student Services assistant director shares her passion for empowering students and staff

April 2, 2025

UC Berkeley Cognitive Science Assistant Director for Student Services MacKenzie Moore began her journey at Cal as an American History graduate student, where she fell in love with the campus environment and student culture. She went on to become a lecturer in the History Department, which deepened her passion for working with students and led her to her current role.

At the Cognitive Science program, Moore is responsible for supporting staff, collaborating on program strategy and contributing to the overall success of it. Her commitment to empowering students and staff continues to...