October 30, 2017 Newsletter

Opportunities and Announcements for the Week of October 30, 2017

 

Welcome back!  I hope everyone has enjoyed a happy and relaxing Fall Break.  The resumption of our academic work, in a three-day week, has been busy and very interesting.  From a College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Meeting (in just a few minutes) that will consider a proposal for a new minor in African and African American Studies, to a brief videotaping celebrating the establishment of the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women, to yesterday’s Department meeting concerning the Provost’s Commission on the Undergraduate Experience, to this afternoon’s lecture by our Visiting Assistant Professor Girma Parris – this has been a busy three days.

In this regard, first, I invite all to attend Professor Parris’ lecture this afternoon.  Listed under “Events,” below, the lecture is based on Professor Parris’ dissertation work at the Johns Hopkins University and on his interest in comparative education policy.  I hope many of you will join us this afternoon at 4:00pm in the Senior Classroom of the Tinkham Veale University Center for Professor Parris’ lecture and questions from the audience (with refreshments).

Second, the Political Science faculty had an interesting and (in my opinion) a highly productive discussion about the Provost’s Commission on the Undergraduate Experience (CUE) and the draft proposals that the faculty are currently considering.  One conclusion that I draw is that the Department of Political Science has succeeded in addressing several of the issues raised in the draft report.  We have a strong advising system for our majors and minors; as Chair, I meet with every new major and minor, to discuss the Department’s undergraduate curriculum and the range of opportunities available to our majors.  In that regard, we have also succeeded in organizing a competitive internships grants program, with a range of additional internship opportunities listed on our webpage and in this Newsletter.  We collectively celebrate our seniors as they present their Senior Capstone work-in-progress, every semester, with presentations to the faculty and our students, and a buffet dinner.  Our upper-division courses require substantial writing (as well as critical thinking, critical analysis, and appreciation of substance and method in political science). 

I’m sure there are many places where the Department can improve its support for undergraduate learning, research, public service, and community among our undergraduates.  To that end, I welcome any comments or suggestions our students might have in terms of improving the undergraduate experience in Political Science at CWRU; I also welcome comments from our alumni, who may have insights that will help us to strengthen our program.  Please feel free to email me at karen.beckwith@case.edu, or, if you wish, you can send an email to Ms. Anna Conboy, one of our Department Assistants, at axc702@case.edu.  She will forward your suggestions to me, maintaining your anonymity and confidentiality.

Mock Trial!  And best wishes to POSC major Sarah Thomas and the entire CWRU Undergraduate Mock Trial Team as the three CWRU teams compete in the 10th annual Spartan Throwdown invitational tournament this weekend at the Cleveland Justice Center!

Cheers,
Karen
 
Flora Stone Mather Professor
Chair, Department of Political Science
 

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

 


 

General Announcements

 

  • November 13th is the first day to register for Spring 2018 classes. See what the Political Science Department is offering here.
  • Stay up to date with the department by following our Twitter feed! Check it for day to day opportunities and information!
  • Like us on Facebook! Our department will be regularly posting events, opportunities, and general information to our page!

 

Events

 

Friday Lunch: Patenting Pot
October 27, 12:30-1:30p.m., KSL Dampeer Room
As Professor Craig Nard has written, “it’s hard to make sense of cannabis regulation” Under federal law, Marijuana is a Schedule I drug, comparable to LSD and heroin. But it’s legal in eight states for recreational use and in 29 (plus D.C.) for medical purposes. Please join us as Professor Nard discusses a curious issue at the intersection of law, economics, and politics.

Why the Turks Have It Better: US Bilingual Education and Islamic Religious Instruction in Germany
October 27, 4:00p.m., TVUC Senior Classroom
Professor Parris examines Islamic religious instruction in Germany and bilingual education in the U.S. in the respective national debates over cultural identity and as comparable institutions of political incorporation.

Women of Achievement Luncheon
October 27, 12:30-2:00p.m., Thwing Center Ballroom
The Flora Stone Mather Center for Women and the Office of the Provost have announced this year’s recipients of the Mather Spotlight Prize for Professional and Academic Achievement, Leadership and Service to Faculty Staff and Students. The Women of Achievement awards honor women faculty’s achievement of tenure, promotion and outstanding accomplishments of the past two years as well as a Notable Woman of the Year. RSVP to the above link.

Lunch with SJI – Learn about the Social Justice Minor
October 27, 12:45-2:00p.m., Mather House 100
Join SJI Academic Coordinator John Flores for an informal lunch and conversation about SJI and the social justice minor. RSVP to Lisa Kollins.

The Value of Global Diversity during Tumultuous Times
November 1, 3:00p.m., TVUC Senior Classroom
Molly Watkins, Executive Director for InternationalAffairs, will speak as part of the Power of Diversity lecture series.

Why Wait? Early College: National and Local
November 1, 12:00p.m., The City Club
Join Ian Bickford, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President of Bard College at Simon’s Rock and former Dean of Early Colleges at Bard, for a discussion on early college, its present and future, in national and local contexts.

Conversations!: The Problem of Pain: From Harm to Pharm
November 1, 6:00p.m., Lakewood City Hall Auditorium
A history talk about the past, present, and future of pain killers. The talk will be followed by a panel discussion on the opiate crisis and a public round-table.

Youth Forum: Missing Faces: Creating a Reflective Democracy
November 2, 12:00p.m., The City Club
A panel discussion of elected officials and experts from traditionally underrepresented groups will talk about how we can create a government that is more reflective of the American population and how can young people, people of color, women, and other underrepresented groups can be empowered to enter into the political arena. Tickets are $35.

Friday Lunch: Cleveland’s Muslim Community
November 3, 12:30-1:30p.m., KSL Dampeer Room
Join Ramez Islambouli, Lecturer of Arabic and Islam; Adjunct Professor of Islamic Law; and President, Uqbah Mosque Foundation, to discuss the history and challenges of Cleveland’s Muslim community
 
The Wedding Cake Divide: At the Intersection of Gay Rights, Free Speech, and Religious Liberty
November 3, 12:45-2:00p.m., Sears 357
This event will feature Jessie Hill of the School of Law. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to Dr. Terri Mester.

Trumponomics 2.0
November 6, 6:00-8:00p.m., Happy Dog at the Euclid Tavern
This event will feature Professor Pete Moore and other CWRU faculty presenting on foreign policy, health care, immigration, and other issues. Free food and soft drinks will be provided.

International Law and Fifty Years of Occupation
November 7, 12:30-2:00p.m., TVUC Senior Classroom
Lisa Hajjar will speak about the Israeli government’s approach to controlling the West Bank and Gaza, and changes in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the past fifty years involve evolving official reinterpretations of international humanitarian law (IHL) as well as human rights laws.
 

Internship and Fellowship Opportunities

International Affairs Research Fellowship
The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program provides an opportunity for graduating seniors and recent graduates to work at The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace for one year.

Dettelbach for Ohio Campaign
Interns will assist Democratic Candidate and Former US Attorney Steve Dettelbach’s 2018 campaign for Ohio Attorney General. Interns will help with policy research, volunteer management, fundraising, administrative staff support, and traveling with campaign staff within the campaign jurisdictions. To apply, please send a brief cover letter and resume to Millie Vaughan at millie@steveforohio.com.

Ohio Citizen Action Environment and Social Justice Internship
Ohio Citizen Action is seeking activist minded individuals to join our campaign staff. At OCA you will learn what it takes to be a community organizer. You will be joining a team of dedicated and likeminded individuals in the fight to protect our environment, public health and our communities at large. OCA provides the opportunity to make real environmental change stemming locally and reaching out globally.
 

Previously posted opportunities can be found on the department webpage. Please make sure to check regularly as to not miss approaching deadlines! 

Job Opportunities

The Congressional Research Service
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Government and Finance Division is seeking an Analyst in American National Government to analyze public policy issues related to the regulation and administration of elections and voting in the United States. The focus of the Division’s work in this area is on the role played by various institutions, policies, and procedures in shaping electoral processes and practices. The issues may include, but are not limited to, election administration, voter registration and turnout, apportionment and redistricting, voting rights, and other election policies and practices.
The ideal candidate will have experience conducting policy analysis in these areas and must be able to work as part of a collaborative team. Strong writing, research, and presentation skills are essential.

Ohio Citizen Action
At Ohio Citizen Action, (OCA) you will learn what it takes to be a community organizer. You will be joining a team of dedicated and like-minded individuals in the fight to protect our environment, public health and our communities at large. As a member of our campaign team, you will have the opportunity to influence the ever expanding environmental and social justice movement in Ohio.

 

A Little Extra…

 
  • Howl-o-ween
    October 29, 1:00-3:00p.m., House 5 Great Room
    Join Campus Canines for a Cure and Case Pre-Veterinary Medical Association to de-stress and get in the Halloween spirit by visiting with therapy dogs dressed in costumes and painting pumpkins. 

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