UCM Faculty and Students Undertake Community Research

August 29, 2008

This summer anthropology students at UC Merced conducted research with Professors Robin DeLugan and Simon Weffer to learn more about community health and well-being in the Central Valley. The research project—called Partnership for the Assessment of Communities (PAC)—involves faculty and student researchers from three universities in our region: UC Merced, University of the Pacific -Stockton, and California State University-Fresno. It is a multi-disciplinary project that is fusing methods and theories of anthropology, sociology, and political science. The UC Merced research team included undergraduates Jose Palma, Luannie Colina, Amelia Herrera, Cecilia Arredondo, Cat Sequeira, and Preet Sandhu, and graduate student Beth Hernandez.

The summer research completed the second year of data collection in what is planned to be a 10-year study to examine how social cohesion, social trust, civic engagement and volunteerism influence select rural communities and urban neighborhoods in the Central Valley. Our team interviewed residents and members of organizations in rural Planada and urban South Merced on a range of topics including the obstacles to community well-being and willingness of neighbors to work together for a common goal. Once data is summarized, research findings will be publicly presented back to the communities. Students interested in future participation in this research project can contact Prof. Delugan (rdelugan@ucmerced.edu).

Human Rights Film Festival at UC Merced in February

February 2, 2009

The 3rd Annual UC Merced Human Rights Film Festival continues the tradition of UC Merced student involvement in and commitment to important social issues around the globe. As in years past, the festival will feature four films from Human Rights Watch International Traveling Film Festival that highlight a variety of human rights issues in the US and overseas. Screenings will occur each Friday night in February, and include:

• Letter to Anna – In October 2006 Anna Politkovskaya a journalist who strongly criticized Russian military actions in Chechnya was shot dead at her Moscow apartment building. The film discusses the life of an extraordinary woman and mother, a fearless defender of the people, "the conscience of Russia." Friday, 2/06/2009. 7pm. COB 116
• To See If I'm Smiling – A look at the actions and behavior of women soldiers in the Israeli army stationed in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, exploring ways that gender, ethics, and moral responsibility intersect during war. Friday, 2/13/2009. 7pm. COB 116
• Youth Producing Change – In nine short films directed and produced by youth from across the globe, young people bravely expose human rights issues faced by themselves and their communities. Friday, 2/20/2009. 7pm. COB 116
• Underground Undergrads: UCLA Undocumented Immigrant Students Speak Out – Focuses on the growing student movement around access to higher education, student rights, and the history of legislation impacting undocumented students. Featuring student-produced short films, guest speakers, and book signing. Friday. 02/27/2009. 7pm. California Room.

The festival is Sponsored by UC Merced's Center for Research in the Humanities and Arts and hosted by Amnesty International at UC Merced. Admission is free to all and open to the public.  For more information contact: Prof. Robin DeLugan at rdelugan@ucmerced.edu.