About the Canadian Studies Program

RCMP officers at UC BerkeleyThe Canadian Studies Program at the University of California, Berkeley is the preeminent U.S.-based program of its kind west of the Rockies. A vibrant academic center since 1982, it supports research and teaching about Canada and presents intellectually rigorous public programming to deepen understanding of Canada and Canada-US relations. The Program enjoys particular strength on issues of immigration, the Arctic, the environment, energy and native peoples. It also serves as a nexus for Canadians and friends of Canada in the Bay Area and beyond, including UC Berkeley’s growing population of Canadian students, as well as faculty, policy-makers, technology leaders, and members of the public who seek a “beyond the headlines” analysis of issues in Canada.

The Canadian Studies Program supports the study of Canada at Berkeley through a number of key initiatives, including:

Colloquium Series

During the academic year, the Canadian Studies program hosts a monthly colloquium series. These talks offer a chance for Program affiliates and members of the campus community to learn about the important research being conducted on Canada by faculty, graduate students and visiting scholars.  Colloquium talks are always free, and open to the public.

Canada in the Classroom

Canada in the Classroom brings guest speakers into existing UC Berkeley classes, in any discipline, to speak on Canadian topics. Berkeley faculty who request Canada in the Classroom support, usually in the form of a modest stipend to visiting experts, are customarily asked to make their class open to affiliates of the Canadian Studies program on the day of the guest lecture.

John A. Sproul Fellowships

John A. Sproul Fellowships provide a modest stipend for visiting scholars to conduct research or writing at Berkeley on Canadian or Canada-related topics for a semester or a year.  One or more Fellows are typically selected per year, with an award in the range of $1,000 - $8,000 depending on the length of the stay. Sproul Fellowships are intended to supplement funds a visiting scholar has from other sources while conducting research at Berkeley.

Edward Hildebrand Fellowships

Edward Hildebrand Fellowships support the research of Berkeley graduate students whose dissertation research focuses primarily or comparatively on Canada. The funds are intended to assist with research expenses, and travel to conduct fieldwork in Canada. One or more Hildebrand Fellowships may be awarded per academic year in the range of $3,000 - $5,000. Summer awards are also available. Rita Ross Undergraduate Prize in Canadian Studies The Rita Ross Undergraduate Prize in Canadian Studies awards $250 to the undergraduate student who has produced the best original paper or project on Canada each year at UC Berkeley. The Ross Prize is open to Berkeley undergraduates in all disciplines.

Co-Sponsorship of Conferences & travel funds

Canadian Studies is please to co-sponsor conferences at UC Berkeley on topics in line with the goals and mission of the Program. In some cases, travel money is also available for faculty and graduate students to present research in Canada [subject to budget restrictions].

Thomas Garden Barnes Chair in Canadian Studies

The Canadian Studies Program is directed by the Thomas Garden Barnes Chair in Canadian Studies, established in 2005 to recognize the late Professor Thomas Barnes’s long service to the Program. The distinguished Canadianist Nelson H.H. Graburn, Professor of Anthropology at Berkeley and Co-Director of the Canadian Studies Program from 1986 to 2012, was the first holder of the Barnes Chair. In 2012, Irene Bloemraad, Professor of Sociology, assumed the Barnes Chair and Directorship.