Academic Book Clubs

Stay engaged with colleagues and build your research networks through reading and discussion!

Academic Book Clubs awards support quarter-long book clubs convened by a CHASS faculty member or graduate students who meet at least three times over the quarter.  Book selections may vary, but applications should clearly articulate the intellectual and research rationale for the proposed title. Book clubs are not designed to overlap or conflict with existing seminars or courses for the participants, nor are they intended for discussions of the convener’s own book.

Book Club program details:

• Awards cover cost of book purchases, up to $300 total per club
• Titles should have the potential to engage multiple perspectives, disciplines and methods in critical intellectual inquiry and/or research
• Groups agree to meet at least 3 times during the quarter (in person or on Zoom)

Participants

• Conveners must be CHASS Faculty or Graduate Students
• At least half the participants in the group must be CHASS scholars from at least two departments/units
• Minimum group size: Five participants, including convener

Meeting Space

Looking for a place to meet for your book club? Book space at the center in College Building North for a location on campus, with an “off campus” feel. And coffee!

Optional – Apply for an Author Event

Invite the author to join the conversation! One Author Event proposal will be awarded per quarter.

Book club applicants may opt to request supplemental funds to host a discussion with the author. Supplemental awards of up to $750 will be provided for a virtual or in person meeting with the author of the book club selection. Author discussions may be hosted as a book club meeting or in a format open to the campus/public, either in the same quarter or a subsequent quarter in the year. Award funds may be used for meeting expenses, travel, and/or modest honoraria. UC faculty members will be offered research awards in lieu of honoraria.