The Center for Social Theory and Comparative History (CSTCH) was established in 1987. Its aim is to encourage the development of social theory that is historically rooted and history that is theoretically informed. It is the recipient of grants and gifts from various institutions including the Mellon Foundation (in partnership with the Department of Sociology) and The Albert and Elaine Borchard Foundation.

The core of the CSTCH's intellectual work is the biweekly Colloquium Series during the Winter and Spring Quarters. Each year the Colloquium Series is organized around a single theme, with each session intended to build upon the previous one. The most recent topic was "Democracy at the Crossroads" (2005-2006), papers of which will be published in a volume. Prior to publication, CSTCH maintains a catalogue of Working Papers presented at the colloquia and post digital audio files at the UC’s e-scholarship repository.

CSTCH occasionally appoints visiting scholars in residence for either the Winter or the Spring Quarter. They attend the colloquia and often present a public lecture/paper. It has also hosted Fulbright scholars who participate in the programs and research related topics.

Contact Information

• Robert Brenner, Director
• Thomas Mertes, Administrator
• Phone: (310) 206-5675
• Fax: (310) 206-4453
• Email: mertes@ucla.edu
• URL: http://www.issr.ucla.edu/cstch/