AFIT - Student Paper Contest Winners

African/African American Studies, also known as Africana Studies, Black Studies, or Afro-American Studies, can be described as an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach aimed at studying and understanding the experiences and contributions of African people and African-descended people across the Diaspora. This field was a direct product of the social movements of the 1950s and 1960s.

African/African American Studies examines the history, culture, literature and politics of individuals of African descent, both in the United States and within the broader Black diaspora. These studies are unbound by but indebted to critical methodologies from a variety of disciplines, such as English, history, sociology, law, and political science. Essentially, this field centralizes black people, their histories, and experiences.

In its broadest sense, African/African American Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that primarily focuses on the study of the history, culture, and politics of the peoples of the African diaspora and Africa.

Sources:

1. What is Africana Studies? | African and African-American Studies
2. African American Studies | Encyclopedia.com
3. African American Studies: Foundations and Key Concepts
4. Black studies - Wikipedia

George Kieh, Ph.D.

Title: Dean of Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs

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Affiliation: Texas Southern University

The Union for Radical Political Economists (URPE) is an interdisciplinary organization comprised of both academics and activists. It was established in 1968 with the mission of advancing the study, development, and application of radical political-economic analysis to address social issues.

The focus of URPE is broad, including critiquing the capitalist system and its structure, investigating the root of economic problems and conditions, and examining issues of power, as well as oppression and inequality by various factors such as race, gender, class, and nation. It engages in these studies in effort to challenge all forms of exploitation and oppression.

Its work and discussions are disseminated through various channels, including a peer-reviewed journal known as the Review of Radical Political Economics.

URPE thus seeks to contribute to the transformation of the economy and society toward more equitable and just structures and systems.

Please go to www.urpe.org for more information about URPE, including how you can join.

Geoffrey Schneider

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: Bucknell University

The American Indian & Indigenous Studies Section of WSSA is the home of the Indigenous Policy Journal. American Indian Studies (also known as Native American Studies, Indigenous American Studies, or First Nations Studies) is an interdisciplinary academic field that investigates the history, culture, politics, spirituality, sociology, and contemporary experiences of Native peoples in North America. The discipline spans a wide array of topics, including tribal sovereignty, self-determination, human rights, and Indigenous cultures and histories.

American Indian & Indigenous Studies incorporates insights from various fields, such as history, anthropology, education, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science. The study primarily focuses on engaging with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues while supporting the practices and movements in Native American/American Indian communities in pursuit of a just and equitable society.

Sources:

1. Native American studies - Wikipedia
2. American Indian Studies Paradigm | American Indian Studies
3. American Indian Studies | Encyclopedia.com
4. American Indian/Native American Studies - Social Sci LibreTexts

Aresta Tsosie-Paddock

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: University of Arizona

Arid Lands Studies & Geography is designed to emphasize the importance of, and coordinate the efforts for, studying human adaptation to the world’s arid and semiarid lands. As a multidisciplinary section, we welcome submissions from a diverse set of disciplines such as economics, anthropology, geography, history, agriculture, and hydrology. Our goal is to encourage and increase the general awareness of the problems and potentials of the arid and semiarid lands of the world, and of human adjustment to and impact upon them.

Mark Melichar

Title: Associate Professor of Business, Accounting, and Economics

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Affiliation: Nebraska Wesleyan

Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on the study of the languages, societies, cultures, religions, histories, economics, literature and politics of the countries and peoples of Asia. It is concerned with Asian people, their cultures, languages, history, and politics, combining aspects of sociology, history, cultural anthropology, and many other disciplines to study the political, cultural, and economic aspects of the region.

Asian Studies primarily aims to provide a better understanding of historical and contemporary aspects of East, Southeast, and South Asia. Also referred to as Oriental Studies in Europe, this field may overlap with "Asian American Studies" in the context of higher education institutions, which focuses mainly on the experiences and contributions of Asian American groups.

Sources:

1. Asian Studies – Department of Asian Studies
2. Asian studies - Wikipedia
3. What is Asian American Studies? - University of Pennsylvania

Barbara Greene

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: Tokyo International University, Japan

The Association for Borderlands Studies (ABS) is an international scholarly association dedicated to the systematic interchange of ideas and information related to international borders and frontier areas. ABS was founded in 1976 with the original emphasis on the study of the United States-Mexico borderlands region, but it has expanded its reach to include other border regions around the world.

The organization focuses on the interdisciplinary study of borders, engaging researchers from various fields such as sociology, political science, economics, history, and cultural anthropology. ABS aims to promote an understanding of border issues, encourage cross-border collaboration, and generate knowledge on borders and transborder processes.

Anna Casaglia

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: University of Trento, Autonomous Province of Trento

Canadian Studies refers to a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching about Canada. Its roots are embedded in the evolution of Canadian nationalism in the 1960s and 1970s. It incorporates a wide range of disciplines that seek to understand and analyze the complexities of Canadian society, economy, politics, culture, and environment among other things.

The objective of Canadian studies is to foster a deeper understanding of the country's identity and the diverse experiences of its citizens. This field of study can help in informing policy decisions and contribute to a more nuanced discussion about the country's past, present, and future.

View Canadian Studies website

Christopher Kirkey

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: State University of New York Plattsburgh

Chronic Disease and Disability may be separately dealt with but are often intertwined due to their interconnected impacts on individuals and societies.

 Chronic Disease, in social science terms, is viewed as a long-lasting health issue with persistent impacts that are likely to worsen over time. These conditions are generally not immediately life-threatening but are a key cause of premature death and take a considerable toll on the quality of life. Chronic diseases can include heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and mental illnesses.

On the other hand, Disability is commonly defined as experiencing limitations in body function, activities, or participation in major life activities due to a health condition. This condition occurs in the context of one's environment and can be influenced by personal factors. In the social model of disability, disability is understood as a state of the body that is non-standard.

The intersection of chronic disease and disability is a growing area of interest within social sciences. The relationship between long-term illnesses and disability is complex and influenced by a host of personal and social factors, thereby necessitating multidisciplinary approaches to better understand and work toward solutions.

Main Contact : James G. Linn, Ph.D.

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Optimal Solutions in Healthcare and International Development

Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D.

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Austen Peay University and Walden University

Communication Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that examines human communication in its multiple forms and contexts. It explores a broad range of communication theories, models, and processes, focusing on how communication behaviors and practices shape, are shaped by and contribute to individual and social phenomena. The field of Communication Studies encompasses various sub-disciplines and concepts, including but not limited to:

• Interpersonal communication
• Group communication
• Organizational communication
• Mass communication, media, and journalism studies
• Public relations
• Advertising
• Health communication
• Intercultural and cross-cultural communication
• Rhetoric or persuasive communication
• Political communication
• Language and linguistics
• Nonverbal communication

Communication scholars use a range of methods, such as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches to better understand, analyze, and assess the functions and effects of communication within various settings. These studies provide crucial insights into the improvement of human relationships, societal functioning, and decision-making processes.

Elvis Nshom

Title: Associate Professor, CHABSS Communication

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Affiliation: California State University San Marcos

Criminal Justice refers to the study of systems and institutions—such as law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities—involved in the administration of justice in society. It concerns the application of laws and the pursuit of principles of fairness and justice, focusing on various aspects of criminal law, public-order policy, offender rehabilitation, crime prevention, and criminal procedure.

Criminology, on the other hand, refers to the scientific study of crime and criminals. Criminology explores the socioeconomic, psychological, and biological causes of criminal behavior and examines the impact of crime on both individuals and societies. It integrates insights from sociology, psychology, economics, and other allied disciplines to understand the complexities of criminal behavior and develop solutions for crime control.

There is a subtle yet intricate relation between these two fields: criminology often provides theoretical understanding with its research results, which offers important insights to formulate efficient criminal justice policies and practices. In short, while criminology focuses on studying the origins and impacts of crime, criminal justice focuses on society’s response to crime.

Stephani Anne Williams

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: Northern Arizona University

Andrew Brown

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Northern Arizona University - Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

"Economics (Association for Institutional Thought) (Associate)" seemingly refers to a membership or involvement with the Association for Institutional Thought (AFIT), with a focus on the study of economics from an institutional perspective.

The Association for Institutional Thought (AFIT) is an organization devoted to encouraging and fostering the development of institutional thought in the extension and modification of the contributions of several noted economists and thinkers. Institutional economics emphasizes the broader institutional processes and focuses on understanding the role of the evolutionary process and the influence of institutions on shaping economic behavior.

As an Associate in the Economics of the AFIT, one would likely engage in the scholarship and exploration of economics from this specific viewpoint, contributing to the development, dissemination, and application of institutional economic theories. This could involve researching and analyzing the social, legal, and political institutions that significantly influence economic outcomes.

Additional responsibilities and activities might include attending and contributing to AFIT conferences and discussions, producing academic research in the field of institutional economics, and possibly teaching related material in an academic setting.

Benjamin Wilson

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: SUNY Cortland

Economics (General) refers to the comprehensive study of how individuals, businesses, governments, and societies allocate limited resources to satisfy their endless needs and wants.

Economics as a discipline extends to a wide variety of topics and can be broadly divided into two main branches:

1. Microeconomics: This branch of economics focuses on the economic behavior of individual units, such as consumers, workers, households, and firms. It studies how these units make decisions to allocate limited resources across various possible uses and how these decisions influence market prices and output.
2. Macroeconomics: This branch focuses on the economy as a whole or large sectors of it. Macroeconomics explores topics like economic growth, inflation, unemployment, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international trade. It studies trends, patterns, and aggregate indicators to understand the overall health of an economy and devise policies for economic stability and growth.

Under the canopy of these two branches, economists study a vast range of economic phenomena and develop theoretical models to understand complex real-world economic issues. Using these models, they analyze historical trends, interpret today's economy, and predict future directions.

Dr. Karl Geisler

Title: Professor of Business, College of Finance & Economics

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Affiliation: Idaho State University

Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management refers to the study and practice of formulating policies and initiating actions for sustainable management, conservation, and utilization of natural resources. It involves understanding the dynamics between environmental, social, economic, and political factors and their impact on the environment.

Environmental Policy focuses on the creation, implementation, and enforcement of regulations and statutes that govern how individuals, organizations, and governments interact with the natural environment. It covers a range of topic areas, including air and water quality, waste management, ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control.

Natural Resource Management is a field of study and a practice that deals with managing the use, development, and protection of natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants, and animals. It combines principles of ecology, sustainability, economics, and social equity to protect natural resources and ensure their sustainable use for current and future generations. This could include forestry, wildlife management, water management, and more.

Both components play essential roles in ensuring the sustainability of our environment. Experts in this field work towards balancing the demand for resources for societal development with the need to preserve and protect these resources for future generations.

Chelsea Schelly

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: Department of Social Sciences, Michigan Technical University

Globalization and development can be seen as interconnected concepts that greatly influence contemporary societies.

Globalization is defined as an ongoing process involving interconnected changes in the economic, cultural, social, and political spheres of society. It reflects the ever-increasing integration of these aspects between nations, regions, communities, and even seemingly remote areas. Examples of globalization's effects include the rapid spread of ideas, languages, and cultural practices, increased trade and economic interdependency, and complex international policy and human rights issues.

Development, on the other hand, often refers to the process of economic and social transformation within countries with the goal of reducing poverty and inequality. It is a multidimensional concept that involves changes in institutions, policies, and social behaviors and is typically aimed at improving the well-being of all individuals.

When the concepts are combined as Globalization and development, they refer to the interplay between global interconnections and socioeconomic transformations. This involves studying patterns of growth, inequality, conflict, and changes in global governance in the context of an increasingly interconnected world. One critical area of study is how globalization impacts developing countries and how these nations can navigate the process of globalization to stimulate human development and social progress.

Michele Companion

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

History is a field of study that examines and interprets past events, experiences, people, and objects. It is concerned with understanding the chronological sequence of events, and more importantly, the causes, effects, contexts, and interpretations of those events.

History as a discipline serves several key purposes:

1. Understanding the present context: By studying history, we can better understand the state of the world today. The present society, culture, political landscape, and technology have all evolved from past circumstances and decisions.
2. Learning from the past: History provides invaluable lessons about human nature, decision-making, conflict, innovation, leadership, and more. These lessons can guide contemporary decisions and forecast future outcomes.
3. Preserving societal knowledge: History is also about preserving knowledge of our traditions, achievements, failures, and experiences, so future generations can build on this collective knowledge.
4. Developing critical thinking: The study of history involves analysis, critical evaluation, and interpretation of evidence, fostering critical thinking skills.

The sphere of history is vast, covering varied topics like political history, cultural history, economic history, social history, world history, history of specific regions or countries, and more. Historians typically use a variety of source materials, including documents, artifacts, archaeological findings, and oral histories, to reconstruct and interpret the past.

Primary Contact : Monica S. Gallamore Ph.D.

Title: Coordinator

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Phone: 414-217-3706

Stanford K. Lester MA, MLIS

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Phone: 414-217-1551

Affiliation: Independent Scholar

Dr. Melissa Langley Biegert

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Austin Community College

Latin American Studies and Chicano-Iberian Culture Network (LASCIC) is an interdisciplinary academic field associated with the Western Social Science Association (WSSA). It focuses on research, theoretical reflections, and interventions related to social, economic, and cultural issues within Latin American, Chicano, and Latinx contexts.

LASCIC is a network that invites scholars to engage with a wide range of topics arising from the intersection of Latin American cultures and Chicano-Iberian relations. This field represents an important platform in the global discourse on the cultural, socio-economic, and political dynamics shaping Latin American and Chicano-Iberian societies.

LASCIC provides opportunities for intensive academic dialogue and collaborative exploration of complex issues pertinent to Latin American and Chicano-Iberian studies, thereby fostering a vibrant scholarly community.

This network is deeply engaged with the WSSA in promoting and disseminating research insights on Latin America, making valuable contributions to the larger field of social science.

Jesus Ruiz Flores

Title: Primary Coordinator

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Affiliation: Universidad de Guadalajara

Debra D. Andrist

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Sam Houston State University, Texas, USA

Fernando Pedro Viacava-Breiding

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico, Campus Morelia

Mass Communication is a branch of social sciences that studies the process of transmitting information to a large group of people through mass media channels. This information can be disseminated to a vast crowd, usually simultaneously, using media such as newspapers, books, radio, television, films, websites, or any other medium capable of reaching a large audience.

The field of mass communication encompasses a variety of different areas such as advertising, broadcasting, journalism, public relations, digital media, film production, and more. It investigates how this information, particularly news and public affairs, impacts society as a whole.

Mass communication theorists examine the influence media has on individual perceptions, public opinion formations, and societal changes. This field allows scholars to analyze the functions, structures and impacts that mass media has on society, with the goal of improving the effectiveness and understanding of mass communication.

 In a rapidly changing digital society, mass communication plays a key role in educating, informing, entertaining, and persuading audiences. This is why mass communication is a significant area of instruction and research in the social sciences.

Mary Jackson-Pitts

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Phone: 870-972-3361

Affiliation: Dept. Radio-Television - Arkansas State University

Lily Zeng

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Arkansas State University - Dept. Radio-Television

Middle East & North Africa Studies (MENA) is an interdisciplinary field within social sciences that focuses on the study and understanding of the region stretching roughly from Morocco in the West to Iran and Central Asia in the East, the Mediterranean in the North, and into Saharan Africa and Sudan in the South[. The field incorporates the latest critical approaches to examining social, cultural, political, and economic forces within this diverse region.

MENA studies explore a broad range of topics such as history, politics, culture, languages, literature, religion, and current events, offering an inclusive examination of the region's unique characteristics and its interactions with the rest of the world. Scholars in this field analyze the complexity of the region with the aim of promoting a deeper understanding of its societies, politics, and global influence.

Through various frameworks and methodologies, including history, social and political sciences, anthropology, and cultural studies, researchers investigate the region's past and present to shed light on its rich history, political developments, and intricate socio-cultural dynamics.

Gamze Cavdar

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: Colorado State University

New Zealand & Australia Studies is an interdisciplinary area within the social sciences that focuses on the study and understanding of the societies, cultures, politics, and economics of New Zealand and Australia. The field aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the region's unique characteristics and interactions on a local, regional, and global scale.

Scholars in this field explore a broad range of topics such as history, politics, culture, languages, literature, and current events. They analyze the complexity of the societies, politics, and global influences of these nations, and investigate their past and present through various frameworks, including history, social and political sciences, anthropology, and cultural studies.

Through the study of New Zealand and Australia, researchers gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of both societies, as well as insight into their roles in the world. This knowledge contributes to informed discussions on the region's development, challenges, and opportunities for the future.

View New Zealand and Australia Studies website.

William C. Schaniel

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: International Services & Programs - University of West Georgia

Suzzanne Kelley

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Phone: 701-231-6848

Affiliation: North Dakota State University

Non-Profit, Philanthropy, Social Enterprise, and Entrepreneurship are terms within the social sciences that relate to organizations and initiatives focused on addressing social, environmental, or other charitable causes in ways that are not primarily driven by profit.

Non-profit organizations are entities that raise funds to further a social, environmental, or other charitable cause. They are typically set up as tax-exempt organizations, and while they can generate revenue, there are strict rules governing how they can use and distribute those funds.

Philanthropy is about promoting the welfare of others through the voluntary donation of resources, including money, time, or talent. The term is often associated with wealthy individuals or foundations that support various causes and projects, but it can refer to anyone who contributes to the common good. Social Enterprises blend traditional nonprofit and for-profit strategies to create organizations focused on social or environmental missions. They employ business practices to generate earned revenue, which they then use to further expand their impact.

Social Entrepreneurship refers to the process of pursuing innovative solutions to social problems. Social entrepreneurs, whether working within a nonprofit or for-profit context, aim to create scalable and sustainable impact through their ventures, addressing social or environmental challenges in the process.

In the social sciences, these terms represent different approaches to addressing societal issues while considering the balance between financial sustainability and the pursuit of meaningful change.

Patsy Kraeger

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Georgia Southern University

Umar Ghuman

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: California State University, Stanislaus - Public Administration

Political Science is a branch of social sciences that focuses on the study of political systems, government structures, public policies, and the behavior of political actors on the local, national, and international levels. It aims to understand the various ways in which power is organized, exercised, and maintained in societies, and how different political institutions and processes operate and interact.

Some major subfields within political science include:

• Comparative Politics: Analyzes and compares political systems, institutions, and processes from various countries to draw insights and better understand the dynamics of political power and change.
• International Relations: Studies the interactions between nations, international organizations, and non-state actors in the global arena, focusing on issues like security, diplomacy, and global governance.
• Political Theory: Examines the historical and philosophical basis of political concepts, ideologies, and values, and how they affect political behavior and systems.
• Public Administration: Investigates the functioning of government bureaucracies and policy-making processes, focusing on efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of public policies.

Political Science uses both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to analyze and explain political phenomena, and the knowledge gained is crucial to understanding the functioning of societies, and in turn, to informing decision-making within political systems.

Jesus Ruiz Flores

Title: Primary Coordinator

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Affiliation: Universidad de Guadalajara

Fernando Pedro Viacava-Breiding

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico, Campus Morelia

Public Administration is a branch of social science that focuses on the implementation of government policies and the management of public programs. It involves the study of government bureaucracies, policy-making processes, and the actions of public officials in charge of managing public agencies. The goal is to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of public policies and programs.

As an interdisciplinary field, Public Administration draws knowledge from various social sciences, examining the relationships between public administration and other social sciences like political science, economics, sociology, psychology, and anthropology. This comprehensive approach allows an understanding of the complex challenges that public administrations face, as well as the development of effective policies, strategies, and management techniques.

In the world of social sciences, Public Administration plays a crucial role in the functioning of government agencies at the national, state, or local level, contributing to the betterment of public services and the well-being of citizens.

Viola Fuentes

Title: Primary Coordinator

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Affiliation: Mesa Community College

Chandra Commuri

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Phone: 661-654-6140

Affiliation: California State University at Bakersfield

E. Scott Lee

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Indiana University East

Public Finance and budgeting is a subfield of economics that deals with the financial activities of governments and public entities. It focuses on how governments raise revenue, allocate resources, and manage public expenditure, all of which are central aspects of a nation's fiscal policy.

Public Finance includes the study of taxation, public debt, public expenditure management, and fiscal federalism. It aims to understand how governments can use fiscal instruments to achieve social objectives like economic stability, income redistribution, and the provision of public goods.

Budgeting, on the other hand, pertains to the process by which governments plan their financial resources. It is essentially a financial plan outlining a government's expenditures (such as infrastructural development, public welfare initiatives, etc.) and expected revenues for a specific period.

The study of public finance and budgeting plays a significant role in the social sciences as it helps policymakers and society comprehend how financial resources are pooled and deployed, and how these processes can impact the overall functioning of an economy and public welfare.

Shu Wang

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Eastern Michigan University

Michelle Lofton

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: University of Georgia

For the 2024 Conference, we are combining Arid Lands Studies & Geography with Rural & Agricultrural Studies. Arid Lands Studies & Geography is designed to emphasize the importance of, and coordinate the efforts for, studying human adaptation to the world’s arid and semiarid lands. As a multidisciplinary section, we welcome submissions from a diverse set of disciplines such as economics, anthropology, geography, history, agriculture, and hydrology. Our goal is to encourage and increase the general awareness of the problems and potentials of the arid and semiarid lands of the world, and of human adjustment to and impact upon them.

Rural Studies, Arid Lands, Agriculture, and Geography are interconnected fields, focusing on various elements of human interaction with both rural and arid environments.

Rural Studies is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the study of rural areas, including their economies, lifestyles, cultures, and challenges. It draws on various social science disciplines such as sociology, geography, and economics to explore the complexities and nuances of rural life.

Lands studies, as a part of geography and environmental science, is the exploration of regions where lack of water, due to low rainfall, high evaporation, or both, forms a significant constraint on the ability to cultivate crops or sustain human life. It involves the study of the impacts of aridity on ecosystems and societies and how to effectively manage resources in these areas.

Agriculture is the science, art, and practice of cultivating plants and livestock. It's a multidisciplinary field that includes techniques used to improve farming for the purpose of food production. It plays an essential role in human survival and well-being, and social scientists are often interested in its effects on society, economy, and culture.

Geography, in a broader sense, is the study of locations and the relationships between people and their environments. It encompasses both the physical properties of Earth's surface and the human societies disseminated across it. It explores the spatial aspects of human existence - how we live on the earth's surface, how we modify and adapt to the environment, and how our activities impact the environment.

These fields are interconnected as they complement each other in better understanding human life, socio-economic activities, cultural aspects, and natural conditions across different regions of the world, particularly in rural and arid areas.

Lisa Ossian

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: Des Moines Area Community College

Slavic and Eurasian Studies focuses on the study of histories, societies, cultures, languages, and politics of the region concerning Slavic and Eurasian countries. This interdisciplinary field draws largely upon areas such as history, political science, sociology, anthropology, and linguistics. It aids in a deeper understanding of a globally significant area, covering Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, and Eastern Europe.

In the context of academic associations, when a group or individual is referred to as an "Affiliate" in Slavic and Eurasian Studies, it usually signifies a link or a relationship with an overarching parent organization. For instance, the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) has multiple affiliate groups that operate within its framework. These affiliate groups are likely to be regional associations, special interest groups, or specific sub-disciplines concerning Slavic and Eurasian Studies.

Such affiliations facilitate collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange within the wider scholarly community. They contribute toward nurturing a richer and more integrated understanding of Slavic and Eurasian regions.

Robert Niebuhr

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: Arizona State University

Djurdja Jovanovic Padejski

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Arizona State University

Social Psychology studies how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. In other words, it is the scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another.

This field often involves understanding social behavior in terms of social interactions and the effects of social structures and processes. Social psychologists typically deal with issues such as group behavior, social perception, non-verbal behavior, conformity, aggression, prejudice, and leadership.

Experimental methods and observational techniques are commonly used. These can include surveys, experiments, observational studies, and case studies to explore a wide array of topics ranging from prejudice to social cognition, from group dynamics to social influence.

Social psychology can have a broad range of practical applications, including in areas such as businesses (e.g., organizational behavior, human resources, marketing), education, health, and public policy.

Peter J. Martini, Ph.D.

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: Nevada State University

Social Work is a professional and academic discipline that seeks to improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals, groups, and communities primarily through the practice of direct and indirect intervention strategies.

Direct intervention can take the form of direct practice with individuals, families, and groups, where the social worker plays a collaborative role in problem-solving and decision-making processes.

Indirect intervention involves working on systemic level issues including policymaking, community organizing, and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized populations.

Social work is characterized by a person-in-environment framework and a dual focus on individual well-being and social justice, emphasizing culturally competent practice and the understanding of person and environment reciprocal relationships.

Areas that social workers often work in include mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, welfare agencies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. They can help with issues spanning from providing resources for the homeless to counseling individuals coping with personal issues.

Diane Calloway-Graham

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Utah State University

Moises Diaz

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation: Utah State University

Sociology and Anthropology examine and analyze human behavior, cultures, societal development, and human phenomena.

Sociology is the study of social behavior or society, including its origins, development, organization, networks, and institutions. It is a social science that uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social order, disruption, and change. Key topics in sociology include social stratification, social class, social mobility, religion, secularization, law, gender, and deviance.

Anthropology, on the other hand, is the study of humans and human behavior and societies in the past and present. It covers both cultural and physical aspects. Cultural anthropology studies living peoples and their cultures. It typically includes the social structures, languages, and world views of different cultures. Physical anthropology, also known as biological anthropology, deals with the evolution of humans, human physical traits, and human genetics.

These fields often intersect and share some methodologies and theories, but they also have their unique perspectives and areas of study. Both aim to understand and interpret human behavior and societal phenomena.

Debra D. Andrist

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: Sam Houston State University, Texas

Aritra Chakrabarty

Title: Co-Coordinator

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Affiliation:  Michigan Technological University

Women's, Gender, & LGBTQ+ Studies Section is an interdisciplinary field within social science that focuses on the experiences, identities, and representations of various gender and sexual minority groups. This academic area encompasses various disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, history, political science, and psychology, to analyze the cultural, historical, and social contexts of gender and sexuality.

Women's studies focus on the roles, accomplishments, and challenges faced by women throughout history, while gender studies examine how society constructs and interprets gender, including topics like masculinity and femininity. LGBTQ+ studies explore identities, experiences, and issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and other non-cisgender/non-heterosexual individuals, and communities.

These fields aim to promote social justice, equity, and inclusivity by dismantling stereotypes, challenging oppression and discrimination, and advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.

Barbara Bonnekessen Ph.D.

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: Eastern Illinois University

Urban Studies is a broad and interdisciplinary field in social science, encompassing several disciplines around the study of cities and urban areas. Areas of focus include sociology, geography, economics, political science, anthropology, urban planning, architecture, and urban design.

It is concerned with understanding the development of cities and urban regions, the socio-economic dynamics within these areas, policies related to urban planning, and the impact of urbanization on human societies. This might also include studying conditions of urban deprivation and implementing policies to address those.

Different subfields within urban studies, like urban sociology or urban geography, look at the specific ways people in cities interact, arrange themselves, and influence their environment.

It is not only limited to social sciences but also includes aspects from the humanities, architecture, planning, engineering, environmental science, and legal studies.

The goal of urban studies is to combine theoretical and academic approaches with real-world experiences, aiming to find ways to improve urban life, manage urban growth, and ensure the sustainability of cities.

Thomas Sammons

Title: Coordinator

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Affiliation: University of Louisiana at Lafayette, College of the Arts