The ChicagoAreaStudy (CAS) is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative UIC
initiative (sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the
Institute of Government and Public Affairs, and the Institute for Research
on Race and Public Policy) for integrating basic social science research,
graduate training, and engaged, policy-relevant research. This is
accomplished through yearly original social science data collection,
structured around a two semester graduate research methods training
practicum. Each year the method of inquiry will vary (face-to-face
survey, telephone survey, qualitative study, etc.), as will the specific
topic of the study and the faculty investigator. But the common threads
across each CAS study will be (1) high quality, practicum-based, training
of graduate and advanced undergraduate students in research methods; (2)
the collection of data that can answer basic social science questions as
well as speak to pressing policy issues; and (3) a study that addresses
substantive topics that have some relevance to issues of race/ethnicity in
the urban context. Combined, these features of the CAS place it squarely
in service of UIC's Great Cities Commitment.

For more information contact Professor Maria Krysan or Tyrone Forman