Departamento de Ciencias Sociales

Twenty-five years after the last military dictatorship ended the University of Buenos Aires created the Faculty of Social Sciences. It was 1988. The Faculty of Social Sciences also known as Sociales needed a home. Existing university buildings were insufficient. Students and professors staged a two-month strike demanding a new building. The university eventually bought a former textile factory. This new building on Ramos Mejia street could house 3600 students. The Faculty’s student body kept growing. By 2002 the Ramos Mejia building was too small. Students took over the UBA rector’s offices for 43 days. They secured an agreement to build new headquarters. The university purchased an abandoned Terrabusi factory. It was reconditioned as the Faculty of Social Sciences’ new home. This building on Santiago del Estero street opened in 2011. It houses all graduate courses today. The Departamento de Ciencias Sociales has a rich history. Its journey reflects Argentina’s political and social landscape. The move to the Santiago del Estero building marked a significant milestone. It symbolized the faculty’s growth and its commitment to research and education. The Departamento de Ciencias Sociales is more than just a building. It’s a hub for academic discourse and critical thinking. It’s a place where students shape Argentina’s future. The Instituto de Investigaciones Gino Germani is housed within the Departamento de Ciencias Sociales. It is one of the largest and most relevant research institutes in Latin America. It boasts over 260 researchers 220 grant holders and 150 research interns. The Instituto de Estudios de America Latina y el Caribe also resides within the Departamento de Ciencias Sociales. It promotes a Latin American perspective in social studies. The Departamento de Ciencias Sociales also has a specialized library. It houses over 53000 volumes including digitized works. Today the Departamento de Ciencias Sociales stands tall. It stands as a testament to the perseverance of students and faculty. It’s a place of learning debate and critical engagement. It continues to shape the intellectual landscape of Argentina and beyond. It’s a vital part of the University of Buenos Aires. It’s a place where social sciences come to life.