Social Sciences

UC Merced Aerial Picture
Fellowship Draws UC Merced Alum Back to the Capitol
November 13, 2024
As one of UC Merced’s first students, Josue “Josh” Franco seized the chance to help shape student government for future scholars on campus; now he has grasped a new opportunity on Capitol Hill. The three-time alumnus (B.A. ’09, M.A. ’16,... Read More
Interactive Database Tracks 116 Years of U.S. Housing Prices, Offers Insights for Future
October 2, 2024
A groundbreaking database that tracks 13 decades of annual changes in U.S. home sales and rental prices provides a clearer picture of economic shifts through the 20th century and will be a valuable resource for homebuyers, housing... Read More
UC Merced Unveils Big Rufus, a Monument to Resilience, Diversity and Hope
September 26, 2024
UC Merced on Wednesday unveiled a striking monument to a university on the rise. A crowd of students, faculty and staff gathered in the early evening’s long shadows at University Plaza to get their first look at Big Rufus, a 10-foot-long... Read More
New SSHA Dean Thanks Helping Hands Along a Remarkable Journey
September 24, 2024
He studied in hallowed halls of academia. His highly respected research takes him halfway around the globe into societies both foreign and familiar. In his newest role, he leads the largest school of a research university less than two... Read More
UC Merced Arts Opens Season with LitFest, Musical Tribute to Railroads
September 11, 2024
A celebration of stories and a concert highlighting the history of San Joaquin Valley’s railroads are the opening acts of the 2024-25 UC Merced Arts season . Merced LitFest and Train Station Trios reflect the season’s varied offerings.... Read More
Mellon Grant Launches ‘Interwoven Futures’ Community Partnership Project
September 5, 2024
UC Merced has received a $750,000 boost to its mission to invest in the San Joaquin Valley’s unique cultural, creative and linguistic wealth by working with the region’s people to strengthen communities and champion social... Read More
Political Science Students Take on Lawmaking and Lobbying at the State Capitol
August 19, 2024
UC Merced political science students returned to Sacramento to get first-hand experience at California’s Capitol with internships. The Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE) Legislative Bootcamp is led by CAPE’s Director Professor... Read More
Hellman Awards Deepening Research into Genomes, Health and Computer Science
July 22, 2024
Three faculty members have joined the prestigious ranks of Hellman Fellowship recipients this year. Applied mathematics Professor Tomas Rube, who studies mathematical biology, Professor Andrea Polonijo, a medical sociologist, and... Read More
Study Examined How Jewish Israelis React to Human Rights Criticism. Then Oct. 7 Happened.
June 25, 2024
A UC Merced professor and his co-researchers set out to measure how Jewish Israelis react to different sources of criticism about Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Does disapproval from internal voices move public opinion? Voices from... Read More
Remapping Global History Through 5,500 Years of Malaria
June 12, 2024
In a new study, an international team of researchers — including UC Merced Distinguished Professor Emeritus Mark Aldenderfer — reconstructed the evolutionary history and global spread of malaria over the past 5,500 years, identifying trade... Read More