Challenge

Abstract

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Morehouse Research Institute (MRI), established in 1990, promotes an interdisciplinary program of scholarship. It is designed to generate, disseminate, and exchange information which can guide public policy and programs, particularly those which impact upon black men in American society. As an integral component of Morehouse College, students are involved at all levels. The program is aimed at revitalizing the social sciences and the humanities in undergraduate liberal arts education. The intent is to reproduce the supply of economists, political scientists, historians, psychologists, sociologists, and others who will become the next generation of infonned policy makers, researchers, educators, and policy analysts. MRI includes the following components:

Curriculum. Enriching and expanding existing courses and developing new courses which introduce students to perspectives on race, gender, and class in American social structure and processes. Includes courses from all disciplines, but with emphasis in the social sciences and the humanities. Organizing and sponsoring faculty development and enrichment activities.

Research and Information Exchange. Addressing the dearth of scholarship on issues impacting black men specifically, and the black community in generaL Activities of this component include, but are not limited to, the following:

The Scholars Program and Information Exchange Network. Sponsoring research projects and the presentation and examination of emerging issues in conferences, workshops, and seminars led by visiting scholars and policy makers. Hosting on-going projects, short courses, and colloquia by scholars in residence.