The Center for Social Science Scholarship (CS3) invites applications for Faculty Working Groups to promote intellectual exchange in the social sciences and across campus. These collaborative scholarly learning communities will meet regularly to engage in such activities as: working on research projects, reading key literature, exploring new methodological approaches, and/or engaging in matters of public interest related to the social sciences, across campus, or with community partners.

Up to four Faculty Working Groups will be selected by the center directors and advisory board members. Groups should be faculty-led and must include at least one faculty member from a social science department at UMBC. Additional priority will be given to groups whose members and/or areas of interest are multi- or interdisciplinary. Advanced graduate students may participate as Faculty Working Group members but may not serve as leaders.

Faculty Working Groups can apply for up to $1,000 in annual support ($500 per semester). Groups may apply for continuation funding. Groups can use funds for such items as: supporting regular group meetings; purchasing software, books, or other materials; hosting external speakers; creating scholarly resources; traveling to external sites for research or public engagement purposes; and other similar activities. A brief report of the group's activities will be due at the end of the funding period.

Click on here to download the application for a regular CS3 Faculty Working Group.

Special CS3 5th Year Anniversary Faculty Working Group

In this application cycle, CS3 will also award $6,000 for a special interdisciplinary group to work in AY 2024-2025. In addition to the funds, CS3 will provide customized support to the group, such as workshops for software training, connections with potential community partners, and a meeting space. This group must be interdisciplinary, with two or more faculty leaders from different disciplines, with at least one lead from the social sciences. The group may conduct the same activities as regular CS3 working groups but will also submit a mid-term report and a more robust deliverable at the end of the funding period, such as an external grant proposal or a manuscript for publication. The expected deliverable must be stated in the application. Proposals must also include a brief plan for interdisciplinary collaboration, covering: Why is the particular knowledge and skill mix of the group critical for the proposed investigation? What role will each member play in the working group? How will group leaders make sure that different disciplinary perspectives are recognized and included throughout the work? What challenges do you anticipate for interdisciplinary collaboration and how will you approach them? How does the group plan to meet and communicate? Applications from groups that include scholars from outside of the social sciences and investigate complex issues of public relevance and impact are especially encouraged.

Click here to download the application for the Special CS3 5th Year Anniversary Faculty Working Group.

Applications should be submitted via email to socialscience@umbc.edu.  Questions may be directed to Christine Mallinson, Director:  mallinson@umbc.edu

By: Stephanie Marceron 

Meet Michael Washington! He graduated from UMBC in the spring of 2023 with a BA in Media and Communication Studies. He has always had a passion for photography and digital media creation and has been able to turn this passion into a career after graduation. I caught up with Mike to ask him a few questions about how life is after graduation and some advice he has for current and future students!

What do you do for work now that you have graduated and how do you utilize what you learned from your degree in your day-to-day life?

“I’ve been working for Maryland Public Television in their content department. I work as a production assistant, and so far I’ve helped produce episodes for two of MPTs notable programs: Outdoors Maryland and Maryland Farm and Harvest. My time in the MCS program helped give me direction and perspective for the digital media I produce. I’ve been effective in my career so far by capitalizing on my understanding of the audience.”

What is a piece of advice you have for upcoming seniors and what was your favorite thing about the department/degree, and/or what professor had the biggest impact on your time at UMBC?

‘My favorite thing about MCS was how my peers and professors engaged with the ideas. We took great interest in media scholars such as Marshall McLuhan and Stuart Hall. We appreciated debate, especially when our perspectives were in opposition. It allowed us challenge what we learned, and forced us to look for examples how these concepts were at play in our own lives. Additionally I’ve produced two short films and have been featured in barista magazine for my photography work. These both came through, effort, hours of scholarship, and building connections with people a deep passion for media.”

“My advice for MCS students is to look ahead and pursue your goals early. If you have an interest in a career, a calling, or a program, pursue it. Apply for internships, apply for jobs, and volunteer for causes that matter to you. All of that experience will make the difference in the career journey you’re on and the progression of the person you want to become. Oh…and enjoy your senior year!”