As a result, what we recognize as global geographies are dramatically transformed in a relatively short period. Not unconnected is an equally important crossing of intellectual boundaries emerging at the same time. The rise of African American studies, gender studies, cultural studies, gay and lesbian studies, among others, has institutionalized cross-disciplinary research in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Many disciplines seek to become transdisciplinary, and in the field of Area Studies, this cross-disciplinary intellectual work combines with an appreciation of the geographical shifts under way. Border studies is itself a fledgling field.
Borders occur in many forms.
They can be economic or cultural, physically marked or imagined, visible or invisible. Others have responded that increased border crossing has in some places led to a reassertion of borders. The Center has applied for a Ford Foundation grant to carry out research in connection with efforts to revitalize Area Studies. Fellows will be drawn from throughout the social sciences, humanities and sciences. All full-time CUNY graduate faculty are eligible for the fellowship.