The Center for Historical Enquiry & the Social Sciences (CHESS)

This cross-disciplinary center, headquartered at the MacMillan Center, spans the divide between the social sciences and humanities, bringing together a diverse complement of scholars to answer large questions that help us better understand the world we live in. Scholars learn from one another’s methodological expertise and substantive knowledge.

The Center for Historical Enquiry & the Social Sciences highlights the interplay between history and the present. Its work spurs new collective thinking about large-scale social transformations and solutions to seemingly intractable social crises and problems. Taking intellectual risks is actively encouraged.

CHESS supports study groups at the intersection of social science and history. If you’re a Yale graduate student and have an idea for an interdisciplinary reading group in that vein, reach out to chess@yale.edu for more information about how CHESS can help you.

Current Graduate Reading Group

"Method: Marx and After"

Did Marx have a method? If so, what distinguishes it from other epistemological traditions in the social sciences, humanities, and philosophy? To what extent can Marxism be considered a "science"? During the 2026-2027 academic year, we will meet once a week to discuss a range of texts guided by these questions. Our readings will include both authors who attempted to formulate a distinct Marxist method and others who challenged Marx's fundamental epistemological assumptions. Potential authors include Stuart Hall, György Lukács, Vladimir Lenin, Michel Foucault, Ray Brassier, Michael Burawoy, Louis Althusser, and others. To get involved, please contact Elliott Gruenhut (elliott.gruenhut@yale.edu).