Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program at The Graduate Center, CUNY

MALS Lightning talks faculty spotlight this week is Dr.Prithi Kanakamedala!

During the event, she will center her three minutes on ‘Past is Present: researching New York City History for the public(s).’ Brooklyn's past can offer lessons in how we can organize better worlds and futures. But how do we make sure this narrative reaches a variety of publics? This talk shall unpack one 16-year case study.

Dr. Prithi Kanakamedala is Professor of History at Bronx Community College and The Graduate Center CUNY (MALS and BRES). She is the author of Brooklynites: the Remarkable Story of the Free Black Communities, and an active public historian in New York City for just under two decades.

On April 23rd, join us to hear from Dr.Prithi Kanakamedala and many others. Come connect, learn, and experience the kind of collaborative work happening in the MALS program.

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/MALSShowcase

We’re excited to spotlight MALS student speaker Oluwadara (Dara) Ojugbele for our upcoming Lightning Talks & Research Showcase!

Dara is a multidisciplinary artist and cultural worker whose work explores ancestry, ecology, and storytelling to reimagine the relationship between our inner and outer worlds. Her project, Inner Sanctuaries: A Sacred Grove Concept for Urban Spaces, invites us to think about how we create spaces for reflection, connection, and community within the city.

Join us on April 23 for the MALS Lightning Talks & Showcase to hear Dara and other incredible speakers share their work through engaging 3-minute presentations.

Join us Thursday, April 23 for an evening of research, conversation, and community.

This event brings together faculty, current students, and newly admitted Fall 2026 students for the MALS Lightning Talks Research Showcase, featuring 3-minute presentations from both faculty and students.

Schedule of events:

5:00 PM
Open Faculty Meeting in Room 4108

6:00 PM
MALS Lightning Talks Faculty and Student Research Showcase in C-198

7:00 PM
Food, drinks, and community in the MALS office and student lounge, Room 4108

Food will be provided at both the meeting and the mixer.

This is a great opportunity to support your peers, share your work, and connect with the MALS community, including incoming students.

Please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/MALSShowcase
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⚡️ MALS Lightning Talks: Meet the Program ⚡️

The MALS program is hosting a recruitment event for newly admitted students on Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 PM, combined with a student and faculty research showcase. Everyone is welcome to join us for food, fellowship, and a celebration of the work happening across the MALS community.

We are currently inviting current MALS students to apply to give a 3-minute lightning talk on their thesis research, creative capstone, or the outcome of a MALS research or travel grant. Several MALS faculty will also be presenting.

This is a great opportunity to practice your presentation skills, share your work, and showcase the range of interdisciplinary scholarship that defines the program.

🔗 Interested in presenting? Submit a short description of your project, your faculty mentor, and your availability here:
https://tinyurl.com/MALSLightning

We can’t wait to learn more about your work!

MALS program calls for applications for Research Awards, Research Assistantships, and Travel Awards this Spring.

All MALS students in good standing and enrolled for one or more credits (not maintaining matriculation) are eligible.

Applications are due by Friday, February 20th at noon.

Students may apply for only one award category at a time (Internship, Research Travel, or Research Assistantship).

All students should start their Research Assistantship, Internship, or Travel no later than March 13th or during the summer session following the spring semester. The research assistantship, internship, or travel research should conclude by August 20, 2026.
All students are required to send the department a two-page report (double-spaced) at the completion of the travel or research.

If you have any questions, please email the Liberal Studies inbox ([email protected]).

We encourage all eligible students to consider applying and look forward to reviewing your submissions.

More details and application can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/MALS26Awards

A friendly reminder to the MALS community:
Classes officially begin Monday, January 26!
We hope you’ve had a restful break—see you back soon.

We’re excited to invite you to our End-of-Semester Open Meeting, open to all MALS students and faculty.

We’ll kick off with a meeting, followed by a social hour. Food and refreshments will be provided.

Date: Thursday, December 11th
Time: 5:30-8:30 PM
Location: GC, Room 4108

RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/MALSOpenMeeting2025

We’d love to see you there. Please feel free to join for the meeting, the social hour, or both.

Reminder, MALS students!
Spring 2026 registration opens Tuesday, December 2nd at 9:30 AM.
Check your course options ahead of time so you’re ready to go!
More info on class offerings: https://tinyurl.com/mals2026

Join the MALS Student Association this week for a screening and discussion of Jordan Peele’s Get Out!
Date: Thursday, November 6th
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Light snacks and refreshments provided.

We're excited to introduce:
📜 Lecture & Conversation with Juan Manuel Ramírez Velázquez
🗓️ Thursday, December 4 | 🕓 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 Room 9205, The Graduate Center, CUNY (365 Fifth Ave, NYC)
✨ In-person event — RSVP by Monday, November 24. Reception to follow!

Details and RSVP can be found here: tinyurl.com/jrmvtalk

Be sure to check out the latest edition of the MALS Weekly Newsletter!

https://tr.ee/PqU2kGJRqH