Affiliated Research Centers and Initiatives
Center for Cultural Studies
The Center for Cultural Studies is dedicated to fostering conversations on cutting-edge interdisciplinary issues with social, political, and environmental dimensions. Through weekly colloquia and regular lectures, the center supports international research related to cultural studies, as well as multidisciplinary and cross-divisional activities on campus. Several Legal Studies Program faculty members have hosted colloquium talks on topics like positionality, national security, and affirmative action.
Center for Economics Justice and Action
The Center for Economic Justice and Action leads community-engaged scholarship and programming to reduce poverty and economic inequality. Its work hinges on promoting the fulfillment of essential needs for all. This includes conducting research projects and producing reports in partnership with community organizations. Legal Studies Program core faculty member Eva Bertram serves as the center’s co-director, and other faculty members affiliated with our program hold seats on its advisory board. Undergraduate students often participate in the center’s internship, fellowship, and grant programs to advance anti-poverty work.
Center for Labor and Community
The Center for Labor and Community advances scholarship on labor issues and movements, utilizing community-engaged research to study young worker organizing, workforce housing, higher education, and equitable economic development. Several Legal Studies Program core and affiliated faculty members serve on the center’s advisory board, bringing interdisciplinary insight into labor research. Many legal studies majors participate in the center’s Labor Summer program, a full-time internship program that allows students to build leadership skills while expanding labor rights along the Central Coast.
Center for the Middle East and North Africa
The Legal Studies Program collaborates with the Center for the Middle East and North Africa, offering courses in the Minor in Middle Eastern and North African Studies, such as “Middle East Politics” taught by Thomas Serres and “Shariah and Political Thinking” by Professor Yasmeen Daifallah. Additionally, graduate students may apply for grants to support language study for their research.
Center for Southeast Asian Coastal Interactions (SEACoast)
SEACoast offers programming and research opportunities exploring Southeast Asian coastal interactions and their social and environmental impact. The center hosts a wide range of events, including lectures, working seminars, and field exercises. Graduate students and junior faculty can receive research funding for their work in Southeast Asian studies. Legal studies faculty member Megan Thomas is a SEACoast affiliate, studying political thought and history in Southeast Asia and the Philippines.
Institute for Social Transformation
The Institute for Social Transformation supports the development of research-based solutions that tackle the underlying systemic causes of urgent social and environmental problems. Legal Studies Program faculty members have served on the institute’s executive board, given lectures and book talks, and received funding as faculty fellows. Students participate in research and internship opportunities through the Building Belonging and Transforming Futures programs.
Science & Justice Research Center
The Science & Justice Research Center links issues of justice and ethics with techno-scientific and biomedical practices. Legal studies faculty members participate on the center’s steering committee and as affiliated researchers. The center hosts a yearly Science & Justice Training Program for graduate students and sponsors students to collaborate on research and center events and programming.
The Humanities Institute
The Humanities Institute advances excellence in humanities research and teaching through cross-disciplinary collaboration and public engagement. The Institute hosts events with core and affiliated faculty speakers, along with lectures on a variety of topics, including law and humanities. Students may participate in their undergraduate research fellowship program, which funds year-long projects on humanities topics.
UC Center Sacramento
UC Center Sacramento (UCCS) is the University of California’s teaching, research and public-service site located one block from the State Capitol Building. UCCS fosters public-policy research in the University of California system and disseminates the results of policy-relevant research by UC scholars.
UC Washington Center
The UC Washington Center (UCDC) is a multi-campus residential, instructional and research center that provides students and faculty from the University of California with opportunities to study, research, work, and live within Washington’s rich cultural, political, and international heritage. Faculty members can apply to host a cluster of undergraduate research interns for research projects directly related to Washington, DC.