Dale Interviewed on US Assistant Secretary of State's Visit to Burma

Dionne

2009-11-13T01:49:45Z

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Requested by SOAN.

2009-11-12T20:45:00Z

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Published

John Dale, Assistant Professor of Sociology at George Mason University, was quoted on November 6th in the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125743509528831035.html">Wall Street Journal</a> and on November 7th by the <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iy5_1hyE0QKkj_lz0VMLPGhL-Z4g">Agence-France Presse</a>. He was interviewed about the significance of the United States Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell's visit to Burma (Myanmar) last week.

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Dale Interviewed on US Assistant Secretary of State's Visit to Burma

2009-11-13T01:54:34Z

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125743509528831035.html

Jeff Mantz

2009-07-09T15:11:00Z

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<a href="http://www.globality-gmu.net/archives/322" target="_blank">Blood Diamonds of the Digital Age: Coltan and the Eastern Congo</a>

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Jeff Mantz in the Eastern Congo

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4525550

2009-07-09T15:11:00Z

It is not surprising then that nearly a decade after a few daring investigative reports first emerged divulging how war in the eastern Congo was being fueled by the global trade in coltan—a dense silicate necessary for most of the electronic products we have today—both the ore itself and the story it told about the digital age linger in relative obscurity.

Jeff Mantz, Department of Sociology and Anthropology

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Published Blood Diamonds of the Digital Age: Coltan and the Eastern Congo

Jeff Mantz from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology is back in the Congo, where he is pursuing field studies about coltan. He recently wrote "Blood Diamonds of the Digital Age: Coltan and the Eastern Congo."

Mantz Pursuing Field Studies in Congo

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Mantz Pursuing Field Studies in Congo

2009-11-05T14:35:06Z

http://www.globality-gmu.net/archives/322

B.J. Koubaroulis

2009-07-02T13:39:08Z

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Clemson professor James Witte will leave Clemson to join Mason’s Sociology and Anthropology Department and head the Center for Social Science and Research. Witte, who earned his Ph.D. from Harvard in 1991, has been a professor at Clemson University and Northwestern University. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the Carolina Population Center and a lecturer in sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His ongoing research focuses on ways to use the world wide web to collect survey data and on the similarities and differences between online and offline societies. CHSS recently caught up with Witte in a question and answer session, here’s what he had to say. Why did you decide to come to George Mason University? Opportunity, pure and simple. When I first read the position description, I was not seriously thinking about leaving Clemson. But the opportunities available at the Center for Social Science Research and in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology truly grabbed my attention. The Center for Social Science Research is positioned to bring a whole new perspective on a series of important social and policy debates in the coming decade. The perspective comes from its interdisciplinary background, particularly in fields like sociology, anthropology and communications that have not been particularly effective in these discussions for a number of years. I saw the opportunity not only at the Center for Social Science Research but also in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, with its newly created Ph.D. in Public and Applied Sociology, which affords the opportunity to train a new cohort of sociologists with the requisite skills to play active public and academic roles. What are your expectations? My short term expectations (1-2 years) are to continue existing grant and contract projects and identify and pursue stimulus trickle down funds (community based projects that include an evaluation component but the community does not have the resources to perform). Also, to define the Center for Social Science Research’s objectives and begin to build the brand on and off campus. My medium term expectations (3-5 years) are to expand proposal writing efforts with a focus on federal programs as well as private foundations, to establish the Center for Social Science Research as “the vendor of choice” for social science oriented research across Mason’s campus and to create a small grant competition for faculty affiliates (research services and/or limited summer funding to support proposal preparation). My long-term expectations (5 years) are to continue to work with faculty on externally funded research and contracts, to establish a portfolio of recurring or franchise (similar study for different clients) projects to ensure regular revenue stream with the startup costs associated with each project being a new project. Also, to secure a large scale graduate student training grant and to develop the Center for Social Science Research’s signature project. What do you see as the values and goals of the Center for Social Science Research? As a university-based social science research center, the Center for Social Science Research should: <ul> <li>be a resource supporting the academic research -- methodological as well as substantive -- of faculty and students</li> <li>secure enough funded research to be self-sustaining</li> <li>generate sufficient 'profit' to support faculty and student projects that are too novel, too esoteric or too specific to attract external funding</li> <li>provide a virtual and a physical space for collaboration and exchange of ideas on social science research</li> <li>create training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students</li> <li>offer research support and services (some on a pro bono basis) for community groups, non-profits and government agencies at all levels</li> <li>perform contract work as necessary to support the activities above</li> </ul> What new directions or perspectives do you bring to the Center for Social Science Research? Along with maintaining the Center for Social Science Research activities in traditional methods of social science research, for example surveys, focus groups and neighborhood assessments, I do hope to bring some new methodological directions to the center. In today’s world, more and more social interaction leaves electronic footprints. Web pages, blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter feeds are not just side phenomena confined to cyberspace. But, as recent events have shown, they are an essential of how we lead our lives. For social scientists they are an essential part of how we lead our lives. For social scientists they are particularly interesting because of the digital tracks they leave. Offline interaction leaves traces that are far more ephemeral and sporadic. As social scientists, we often have to actively observe and record this behavior. In the digital world, behavior is recorded as it happens. The challenge for a digital social science will be to determine methods to collect, manage and analyze the growing mass of digital data. I would like to see Center for Social Science Research be the recognized leader in this new side of social science.

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2642

2009-07-02T13:39:08Z

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Published Clemson professor brings digital perspective to Mason

Clemson professor James Witte will leave Clemson to join Mason’s Sociology and Anthropology Department and head the Center for Social Science and Research. CHSS caught up with Witte in a question and answer session, here’s what he had to say.

Witte to Head Mason’s Center for Social Science Research

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Witte to Head Mason’s Center for Social Science Research

2009-09-16T19:12:54Z

2009-06-24T15:17:03Z

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526

2009-06-24T15:17:03Z

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Published Bickford and Gusterson Publish in Counter-Counterinsurgency Manual

Andy Bickford and Hugh Gusterson are among the 11 co-founders of the Network of Concerned Anthropologists. They are contributors to a new book The Counter-Counterinsurgency Manual. The Network of Concerned Anthropologists seeks to promote an ethical anthropology. Their members believe that anthropologists should not engage in activities that contribute to counterinsurgency operations in Iraq or in related theaters in the war on terror.

Bickford and Gusterson Publish in Counter-Counterinsurgency Manual

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Bickford and Gusterson Publish in Counter-Counterinsurgency Manual

2009-08-08T22:06:11Z

http://www.press.uchicago.edu/presssite/metadata.epl?mode=synopsis&bookkey=405867

Mason Gazette

2009-06-18T17:16:13Z

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521

2009-06-18T17:16:13Z

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Published

Eleven undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in WMST 411 or 611 Gender Research Project, chose their own research topics, and used various methodologies to answer their sociological queries. On May 7, those researchers presented their findings and received feedback from professors, students and community members at the Second Annual Gender Research Conference.

From the Inside-Out: Gender Issues Examined at Mason

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From the Inside-Out: Gender Issues Examined at Mason

2009-09-16T19:13:42Z

http://gazette.gmu.edu/articles/13648

Tara Laskowski

2008-10-09T15:47:33Z

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<h3>David Haines</h3> Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology "One of the new administration's tasks is to look at the issue of undocumented migration—and be frank about it with the American people." "We might be better off thinking about this issue in terms of the legal status and rights of these people as Mexicans in America, rather than as people from a foreign country who can only be here as immigrants." "If we look at Europe, we can see more progressive and flexible ways of thinking in which being a citizen of one country can provide rights to work and live in neighboring countries. Migration in the contemporary world is much more complex: the directions, reasons and duration of migration can no longer be reduced to a simple 'from there to here' idea—an idea that is very much locked into the word 'immigration.'" Haines has published and edited numerous articles and books on refugees, immigrants and illegal immigration in the United States and is the convener of an international comparative project on migration in East Asia. He is the former chair of the American Anthropological Association's Committee on Refugees and Immigrants. <h3>Jorge Osterling</h3> Associate Professor of Education, College of Education and Human Development "The immigration problem in the United States is a complex federal, state and local issue that has to be handled and coordinated by numerous agencies, both in the public sector and in the private sector. It should not be limited to Homeland Security nor confused with a law and order issue." Since 1996, Osterling has been conducting research that engages and capitalizes on the socio-cultural strengths of grassroots immigrant communities. He believes a comprehensive immigration reform is necessary in dealing with the 12-14 million undocumented people in the United States, and his research explores how children of immigrant origins should be educated in order to become productive and engaged citizens.

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2008-10-09T15:47:33Z

If we look at Europe, we can see more progressive and flexible ways of thinking in which being a citizen of one country can provide rights to work and live in neighboring countries.

David Haines

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Published

In a weekly series running from now until the election, the Mason Gazette will present the views of expert Mason faculty on various important campaign issues. This week's focus is on immigration policy.

Mason Experts Offer Immigration Policy Advice to Incoming Administration

Dear Mr. President: Mason Experts Offer Immigration Policy Advice to Incoming Administration

2008-11-14T15:59:08Z

The Mason Gazette

http://gazette.gmu.edu/articles/12628/

Emma Epstein

2008-08-22T16:46:19Z

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Theresa Hsieh (BA sociology, '08) began participating in community service at the age of ten when she volunteered at a soup kitchen. Then, at age twelve she organized a clothing drive for homeless children in Louisvile, where she was living. She continued such community action throughout her high school and college career, devoting considerable time and energy to her passion: working with refugee children. For her community involvement along with her outstanding academic performance in sociology, Hsieh was awarded one of the first Dean’s Challenge Awards, a scholarship of $2,000. A second generation American, Hsieh found what she considers her true calling during her first few years of college. After volunteering with campus groups at the University of Louisville, where she began her college career, she secured a position through the work-study program in which she began tutoring refugee children at the Americana Community Center. “That was a pivotal time in my life. When I began working there, I started to feel energized and refreshed,” Hsieh said. “Americana helped me realize who I wanted to be and my dream in life.” However, Hsieh found herself feeling stifled by the small size of the school and decided to move back to Virginia and join many of her high school friends at Mason. “After moving to Virginia, I immediately began to feel the energy that I had been missing in Louisville and knew that Mason was the right place for me to live, grow, and learn,” she said. She supported herself financially throughout college and, when she first moved to Virginia, Hsieh accepted a job as a legal assistant. The position did not fulfill her true passions. After a few initial volunteer positions aiding at-risk children, ESL students, and victims of domestic violence, Hsieh eventually found the Catholic Diocese of Arlington-Migration and Refugee Services (CDA-MRS). After extensive communication with the volunteer coordinator, she was offered a paid position as the Alexandria City Refugee Student Liaison. Hsieh said that her sociology coursework correlated perfectly with her work in the community. “Through my sociology courses, I have learned valuable ideas and lessons that have helped me more effectively work with people of different cultures, languages, countries, ethnicities, classes, and ages,” she said. “It is because of sociology that I am pursuing my dream of working with refugee students.” After graduation, Hsieh hopes to continue her work with refugee students, especially with the Catholic Dioceses of Arlington. “I don't think there is anything else I would rather do,” she said. “This job has been the most challenging, rewarding, and difficult job I have ever had. I love it. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life.” Better than any award, though, for Hsieh, are the connections she forms with the children she helps. She said she still keeps in contact with several of the refugee children she first worked with in Louisville. “I know it sounds crazy, but I miss their wildness,” she said. “I could guarantee that I would get punched, kicked, or have a book thrown at me at least twice a week. That was the fun of it. Though the kids were a completely wild and out of control, I really enjoyed working with and building a relationship with them. By the end of the year, I knew I really helped them grow as individuals.”

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2008-08-22T16:46:19Z

This job has been the most challenging, rewarding, and difficult job I have ever had. I love it. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life.

Teresa Hsieh (Sociology, ’08)

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For her community involvement along with her outstanding academic performance in sociology, Theresa Hsieh (BA sociology, '08) was awarded one of the first Dean's Challenge Awards, a scholarship of $2,000.

Realizing A Dream: Theresa Hsieh Works with Refugee Children

2009-08-08T14:25:27Z

David Andrews

2008-03-07T11:11:53Z

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<a href="http://www.truman.gov/">Truman Scholarship Foundation</a> <a id=""http://gloa.gmu.edu/|"" onmouseover="""" onmouseout="""" href="http://gloa.gmu.edu/">Global Affairs</a> <a id=""http://sociology.gmu.edu/|"" onmouseover="""" onmouseout="""" href="http://sociology.gmu.edu/">Anthropology</a>

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The finalists for the 2008 Harry S. Truman Scholarship – a prestigious, competitive program that provides $30,000 for graduate study –were recently named. The selection committee endorsed two Mason candidates with majors in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences who showed impressive academic achievements, leadership skills and community involvement. Daniel Odom is a junior majoring in global affairs and art history. He is a campus leader with the Mason Ambassadors and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Queer Pride Alliance. He has served in Student Government and works with Housing and Residence Life as a head resident advisor. Last summer, Odom was an executive intern with Human Rights Campaign. He plans on pursuing a joint law/master of public administration degree in human rights law and social policy. Alexandra Sims is a junior majoring in anthropology. She is a University Scholar, a trainer and facilitator for the National Coalition Building Institute and a leader with the Alternative Breaks program. Sims has worked in the Office of Admissions and currently serves as a senior peer advisor with the Freshman Center. As a coordinator for the Building Bridges Peer Education Program, she helped promote awareness of HIV/AIDS and the search for solutions to the epidemic. Sims plans to pursue a joint medical/master of public health degree. Hundreds of college juniors compete for approximately 65 Truman awards each year. The selection process requires candidates to have a strong record of public service, as well as a policy proposal addressing a particular issue in society. This year, 210 students were selected as finalists. Mason's finalists will interview in Washington, D.C., next month. Scholars are elected by independent selection panels on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability and likelihood of “making a difference.” Each panel typically includes a university president, a federal judge, a distinguished public servant and a past Truman Scholarship winner. Truman Scholarship recipients must be in the top quarter of their class and committed to careers in government or the nonprofit sector. This <a id="http://gazette.gmu.edu/articles/11582/|" href="http://gazette.gmu.edu/articles/11582/">article</a> appeared in a slightly different format in the <a id="http://gazette.gmu.edu|" href="http://gazette.gmu.edu/">Mason Gazette</a> on February 28, 2008. Photos by Evan Cantwell.

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2008-03-07T11:11:53Z

Truman Scholarship recipients must be in the top quarter of their class and committed to careers in government or the nonprofit sector.

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Published

The finalists for the 2008 Harry S. Truman Scholarship – a prestigious, competitive program that provides $30,000 for graduate study – were recently named. The selection committee endorsed two Mason candidates with majors in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences who showed impressive academic achievements, leadership skills and community involvement.

College is Home to Two Truman Scholarship Finalists

2008-09-02T19:56:22Z