Social Sciences

Alumnus Russ Pitman celebrated for decades of dedication and generosity

Russell “Russ” Pitman ’58 visited Rice’s new Academic Quadrangle Dec. 11, marking a significant moment in the institution’s history.

Rice researchers examine why people remember certain things and not others

A recently published review paper from researchers at Rice University sheds light on human memory.

Rice hosts fall family festival for refugee families

The Rice Center for Civic Leadership and Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston partnered with students enrolled in Multicultural Psychology to host a fall family festival Nov. 23 for refugee families.

Rice senior aims to change public perceptions of law enforcement officers

The lives and lived experiences of law enforcement professionals were the focus of a Nov. 21 campus event, “Behind the Badge,” organized by Rice University senior Kelsea Whiting.

Religion boosts interest in life extension for Black but not white Americans, suggests Rice research

Black Americans are more interested in life-extending health technologies than their white peers and religion increases this desire.

Rice alumna Adrogué makes history as judge on new Texas Business Court

Rice University alumna Sofia Adrogué was sworn in as judge of the 11th Division Texas Business Court Nov. 19 at the Harris County Courthouse.

Rice thought leaders examine Texas’ move toward Bible-based school curriculum

Mark Jones and David R. Brockman discuss the ongoing Republican-led initiatives in the U.S. to introduce more religious content into classrooms.

Political block parties in Pennsylvania may have boosted voter turnout, new study finds

Research led by a Rice University political scientist finds that residents living in neighborhoods that hosted at least one block party in prior presidential election years were nearly 2 percentage points more likely to vote in that year’s presidential election compared to those who lived on blocks without such events.

Rice hosts Southeast Mellon Mays Fellowship conference, fostering future scholars in humanities and social sciences

The Southeast Regional conference of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) Program unfolded at Rice Nov. 1-3, gathering undergraduate fellows from across the Southeast to present their research, connect with peers and explore graduate school opportunities.

Rice community celebrates democracy on Election Day with voting and campus activities

Members of the Rice University community enjoyed the first Election Day block party held Nov. 5 in the Academic Quad.

Rice experts available to discuss 2024 election

Rice University experts are available to discuss a number of 2024 election topics.

Celebrating democracy: Rice Election Day activities to feature on-campus polling, civic celebration and watch party

Rice is gearing up for Election Day on campus Nov. 5.

Rice study: Chinese scientists prioritize government service more than global peers

New Rice research finds Chinese scientists feel a greater obligation to serve their government with research efforts than international counterparts.

Scientia lectures explore challenges to US democracy

Democracy and threats to it were front and center as the Rice Scientia Institute hosted its first event of the fall semester Oct. 24.

Students prep for careers in politics and public service in fall course offerings from Rice Social Sciences

A variety of distinctive political science courses this semester provides students a unique opportunity to explore careers in public service, experience life on the campaign trail and examine the dynamics of the 2024 election.