Category Archives: Social Science Matrix

Conference: “Religion and Humanitarianism in the New Age of Nationalism” (March 16-17, 2018)

Conferences and Workshops, Events, Social Science Matrix, , , ,

A Conference and Discussion on the topic of “Religion and Humanitarianism in the New Age of Nationalism” is happening today and tomorrow (3/16-17, 2018) at UC Berkeley Matrix (820 Barrows Hall).

 

Scroll down to see the Conference Program and the Poster.

The Program of the event:

Friday, March 16
08:45am-09:30am Registration & Refreshments at Matrix
09:30am-10:45am John Shattuck Keynote
10:45am-11am Break

11am-1pm Panel 1: “Religion and Xenophobic Nationalism”

What has been the role of religion— churches, institutions of civic society,
intellectuals—in the creation and political successes of forms of exclusivist nationalist
rejection of moral universalism?  Two images might be worth unpacking:  a crucifix
behind a razor wire fence guarding the Hungarian border and devout Poles saying their
rosaries in defense of the nation against migrants.
Opening comments: Adam Chmielewski, András Páp, John Connelly

1pm-2pm Lunch

2pm-4pm Panel 2: “Religious Authorities, Laity & Humanitarianism”
What is the relationship between established ecclesiastical authority and
humanitarianism? What are the internal debates and fracture
lines within particular religious communities and especially among the laity on issues like
immigration and gender/sexual equality that figure so prominently in thinking about
moral universalism.
Opening Comments: Jodok Troy, Molly Worthen, Olivia Wilkinson

4pm-5:30pm Wine Reception at Matrix

18:00-21:30 Dinner by Invitation.

Saturday, March 17
09:30am-10am Registration & Refreshments

10am-12pm Panel 3 “What Is To Be Done: The Role of International Business, NGO's,
and States”

What roles can or should important non-religious actors like international business,
NGOs, and States play in mitigating the anti-humanitarian impulses of the new religious
nationalists and nationalisms.
Opening comments: Bennett Freeman, Tehila Sasson, Sam Moyn

12pm-1pm Lunch

1pm-3pm Panel 4: “What Is To Be Done: Religious Institutions & Humanitarianism”
What roles can or should various religion-based institutions play in mitigating the anti-
humanitarian impulses of the new religious nationalists and nationalisms?
Opening Comments: Rev Prof Jane Shaw, George Rupp

3pm-4pm Wrap-Up Discussion
Opening comment: John Shattuck

 

“THREATENED SCHOLARS” A Panel on Responses to Attacks on Academic Freedom Around the World. (February 27, 2018)

Events, Social Science Matrix

We welcome you to our Panel where we will discuss the future of academic freedom in the world today.

Tuesday, February 27, 12pm

820 Barrows Hall, UC Berkeley Campus

Click here for the map view.

“Scholars working around the world often come under threat of persecution or harassment, whether from oppressive governments or other sources. They may also be displaced by forces beyond their control, such as war or natural disasters. This panel discussion will focus on how universities and other institutions can support scholars who are persecuted or harassed because of their ideas and actions, or who are forced to leave their homes for other reasons.”

This Panel is a part of Social Science Matrix’s new Solidarity Series. To read more about the Series please click here.

This event is co-sponsored by UC Berkeley Social Science Matrix and Center for Democracy, Toleration and Religion.

 

Social Science Matrix Open House (May 4, 2017)

Events, Social Science Matrix

On May 4, 2017, Social Science Matrix held its Spring Open House to welcome friends and celebrate the end of another successful academic year. Students, staff, and faculty from across campus—as well as the external community—joined us in our home in Barrows Hall to gather, share food and drink, and learn about the past year’s activities at Matrix.

In his introductory remarks, Professor William Hanks, Director of Social Science Matrix, introduced some of the key developments from this year, including the formation of a bilateral exchange with Sciences Po, in Paris; a fellowship by Professor Ishtan Rev of Central European University; and the Matrix Distinguished Lecture, delivered by Helga Nowotny, Former President of the European Research Council.

Hanks also thanked inaugural cohort of Matrix Dissertation Fellows, and he noted that Matrix added five new Affiliated Centers to our roster this year, bringing the total to 23. Hanks said that the Affiliated Centers—which span disciplines and topical areas—help to create “enduring relations” on campus.

Matrix is proud and honored to count the Center for Democracy, Toleration, & Religion as one of its new affiliated centers. Welcome Professor Barkey!

Download the CDTR Handout here.