G.R.O.U.P.

The Geballe Research Opportunities for Undergraduates Program (G.R.O.U.P.) brings multidisciplinary research in the humanities and related fields more fully into undergraduate education through a network of courses and sponsored research projects. These aim to support UC Berkeley’s efforts to promote new academic initiatives. The program is composed of three interrelated parts: multidisciplinary research-based undergraduate courses, summer research apprenticeships for undergraduates, and multidisciplinary research teams. Undergraduates learn research methods and gain specific skills, and they also build relationships and develop an appreciation for the insights that an interdisciplinary approach can bring to a single subject.

Courses

Courses are designed as joint faculty-student explorations with the potential of evolving over time into new curricula and programs. Courses are normally team-taught by faculty members from different departments; they may also be taught by one faculty member who brings in guest speakers to provide diverse perspectives. All GROUP courses involve teaching that comes directly out of the instructors’ active research, allowing students to engage with open issues, and not simply presenting a finished product. Click here for information about current Courses.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships pair faculty members and undergraduate students in summer research projects, allowing the students to develop new skills under the guidance of a faculty mentor and to experience the rigor and excitement of academic research in an area of their interest.  Faculty gain the time and opportunity to explore new ideas, and the collaboration with their apprentice may generate new undergraduate courses and curricula. Click here for more information about previous projects.

Research Teams

Teams are collaborative projects that provide undergraduates with the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research with more experienced researchers. Teams are comprised of two faculty members from different departments, at least eight undergraduates, and two graduate students. Click here for information about the 2009-2010 Team.