The year 2018 is not yet three months old, but the year marks the half-century – 1968 – since a range of protests of ordinary citizens, organized industrial and agricultural workers, and students swept across Europe and North America. Preceded by the protests and boycotts of the US Black civil rights movement, already well under way, and followed by Italy’s 1969 “hot autumn” of general strikes, 1968 was not a singular year. Nonetheless, protests ranged from the Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia, worldwide anti-Vietnam War demonstrations, student protests at Columbia and Cornell Universities, the May ’68 events in Paris that brought down the French government, the mass demonstrations at the US Democratic National Convention in Chicago, student protests in Tlatelolco Plaza in Mexico City that resulted in a massacre of the protestors, and the symbolic protests of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the Summer Olympic Games.
Fifty years later, and two days ago, on March 14, 2018, thousands of students across the United States left their classrooms to protest violence against students in schools, and against violence against others. Following the shootings, with an assault-style weapon, that killed seventeen persons at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, students mobilized nationwide to protest the easy access to weapons in the US and the lack of legislative action around issues of gun control. The March 14 commemoration of the dead is one of several days of planned protest.
In a year marked by #metoo, Time’s Up, a second Women’s March, increased activism by labor unions and labor union organizing, and continued activism around Black Lives Matter, #enough is the most recent mobilization of young people, students, and those whose issues have been ignored or silenced. Fifty years after 1968, it will be interesting to see what the next years bring in terms of political participation, political protest, legislative responses, and political party realignment.
I hope everyone is enjoying a healthy and happy spring break. I look forward to the safe return of all to campus when spring semester resumes on Monday, March 19.
With all best wishes,
Karen
Karen Beckwith
Flora Stone Mather Professor
Chair, Department of Political Science
“[I]n 1989…, Senator Howard Metzenbaum, an Ohio Democrat, introduced the original assault weapons ban bill after a gunman armed with an assault rifle killed five children and injured 29 more in a schoolyard in Stockton, California.”
Washington Post, February 22, 2018
- Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for the second annual Arnaud Gelb Journalism Awards and Internship Grants, featuring up to $2,000 in prize money and internship funding. Applications are due March 19.
- The Fulbright U.S. Student Programprovides grants to recent graduates for individual research projects in a foreign country.
- Phi Beta Kappa will be awarding grants of up to a few hundred dollars to assist College of Arts and Sciences students in their research. Applications are due April 16.
- 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!
A Different PoV: Plea for Academic Rigor on North Korea
March 20, 11:30a.m.-12:45p.m., Crawford Hall A13
In this presentation, Merose Hwang, an associate professor at Hiram College, advises to look beyond an enemy lens to find a better way of understanding North Korea. As a part of the Social Justice Research Lunch Series, attendees should bring their lunch; drinks and desserts will be provided. RSVP to socialjustice@case.edu.
“Redistricting and Gerrymandering in America and Ohio: The Effort to Reform How Districts Are Drawn”
March 20, 7:00-8:30p.m., Landmark Centre, Beachwood
This forum will feature expert discussion on gerrymandering and redistricting from local and national perspectives and discuss future expectations on the issue.
Women of Color Series: “Intersectionality in Action: Motherwork”
March 21, 12:00-1:30p.m., TVUC Suite 248
In this session, participants will discuss motherwork as a derivative of feminist engagement, and also highlight the links between trauma and mitochondrial DNA. Christin Farmer, executive director of Birthing Beautiful Communities, and Carmen Lane, founder and owner of ATNSC Doula, will participate in a panel discussion of their work.
The Ethics of Hospitality and the Question of the Refugee
March 21, 5:00-7:00p.m., Dolan Science Center, John Carroll University
This event will feature presentations by professors from Penn State University, John Carroll University and CWRU. Presentations will explore how the idea of health extends to the well-being of the environment, and extends the meaning of the environment to include social institutions and forms of thinking.
No Más Bebés
March 21, 6:00-8:00p.m., TVUC Ballroom A
This documentary follows Mexican immigrant mothers who were sterilized while giving birth at a Los Angeles hospital.
How the Tax Law Reinforces Economic and Other Policies
March 22, 4:30-5:30p.m., Moot Courtroom
The conventional wisdom about the relationship between taxes and budgets is backward: The tax code is more an instrument of social and industrial policy than a way to raise revenue. Tax Notes contributing editor Lee Sheppard, one of the most widely read and respected tax commentators in the world, explains how to think more clearly about the tax system.
Abstinence-Only-Until Marriage: The Politics of Contraception and Sex Education
March 22, 6:00-7:00p.m., Ford Auditorium, Allen Medical Library
Join Iris Harvey, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio for her talk on the basis for and effects of sex education public policy. This is a part of the 2018 Cleveland Humanities Festival.
An Awakened Woman: From Child Bride to International Scholar
March 23, 12:00-1:30p.m., The City Club
Join the City Club for a conversation with Tererai Trent, Ph.D., one of the most internationally recognized voices for quality education and women’s empowerment – and distinguished as Oprah Winfrey’s “All-Time Favorite Guest.” Nonmember tickets are $35.
Friday Lunch: Alzheimer’s: From Care to Cure and Back
March 23, 12:30-1:30p.m., Dittrick Medical History Center, Allen Memorial Library
Join Peter Whitehouse, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Neurology for this discussion on Alzheimer’s.
A Day in the Life of a Common Pleas Judge
March 23, 12:45-2:00p.m., Sears 356
Judge Kathleen Sutula will talk about her experience working in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.
Food Politics in 2018: A Humanities Perspective
March 23, 4:30-5:30p.m., TVUC Ballroom A
In this Lecture, the NYU Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health, Marion Nestle, will discuss today’s paradox of a globalized food system threatened by both food insecurity and obesity. This is a part of the 2018 Cleveland Humanities Festival.
Women’s Liberation at CWRU: Educating, Empowering, and Creating Institutional Change from 1965 to 1972
April 6, 12:30-2:00p.m., TVUC Center for Women
POSC major Gillian Prater-Lee will present research on the women’s liberation movement at CWRU, including activism surrounding sexual liberation, reproductive rights, the Vietnam War, and women in athletics. Panelists will discuss changes in women’s activism and representation at Case from 1965 to today. RSVP to socialjustice@case.edu.
International Conference on Conflict Resolution
May 22-25, CWRU Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
The International Conference on Conflict Resolution Education (CRE) is an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and research. Presentations will focus on innovations in the field that are making broad impacts in local, state, national, and international communities.
Internship and Fellowship Opportunities
City of University Heights Mayoral Internship
The University Heights Mayoral Internship Program offers college students unique experiential learning opportunities in local government. Selected participants will work closely with the Mayor and Department Directors. Placement will be based on a number of factors, including the student’s interests, experience/skills, as well as the City’s needs.
Cleveland Council on World Affairs
CCWA offers a variety of internship opportunities during the Spring, Summer and Fall. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Congresswoman Marcia Fudge
Unpaid internship opportunities are available at Congresswoman Fudge’s Washington, D.C. and Warrensville Heights, OH offices. There is no application deadline; interns are accepted throughout the year.
Department of Agriculture Student Trainee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking energetic college students who are looking to contribute to Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) activities while developing their professional communication skills. The deadline has been extended to Friday, March 16.
FairVote Legal Fellow
FairVote is the nation’s leading advocate of better voting methods. The Legal Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for those with an interest in election reform to work on substantive projects while building valuable skills and networking with others in the field. Applicants must have a J.D.
Goodrich for Congress Campaign
Want to help turn a red Congressional seat blue here in Ohio? Ohio 16th Congressional District is now an OPEN Seat thanks to Rep. Jim Renacci choosing to challenge Senator Sherrod Brown. Grant Goodrich is a former Marine, farm-owner and heads up the Great Lakes Energy Institute here at Case Western. He cares deeply about finding common sense solutions to climate change, rising higher education costs and helping to stop gun violence. If you’d like to intern with the campaign, please send a resume to Irene@goodrichforcongress.com.
Latin American News Digest
Summer 2018 internships are available for student writers and researchers to translate and condense articles from Latin American sources for weekly publications.
Legal Momentum Social Media/Research Intern
Legal Momentum is searching for a talented social media/research intern who can work in our communications department. We offer a very flexible schedule. Graduate or undergraduate students are welcome.
Mann Child Policy Externships
The Schubert Center for Child Studies and the Childhood Studies Program at Case Western Reserve University collaborate with public and non-profit community organizations to offer Mann Child Policy Externships. Students gain first-hand perspectives on the policy process by engaging in planning, research, analysis, and/or advocacy activities emphasizing policy related to children and childhood. Applications are due March 30.
Montgomery Summer Research Diversity Fellowships
The American Bar Foundation is pleased to sponsor an annual summer research fellowship for undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds interested in pursuing graduate studies in the social sciences. This summer program is designed to introduce students to the rewards and demands of a research-oriented career in the field of law and social science. Applications are due March 20.
Ohio Environmental Council
The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund is looking for an intern to help with government affairs research and writing in Columbus. Applications are due March 30.
Ohio House Democratic Caucus
The Ohio House Democratic Caucus (OHDC) is currently seeking motivated, politically-minded individuals to join the OHDC Internship Program for the 2018 election cycle. Interns will work directly with a Democratic candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives.
Ohio House of Representatives Legislative Page Position
Currently the Ohio House of Representatives is searching for qualified undergraduate students to fill Legislative Page positions.
Ohio House of Representatives Legislative Volunteer Internship
Currently the Ohio House of Representatives is searching for qualified undergraduate students for volunteer internships. Interning for the legislature provides an opportunity for self-motivated outgoing college students to gain an understanding of the legislative process by actively participating in it.
The Ohio Legislative Service Commission: 2019 Legislative Fellowship Program
The LSC Legislative Fellowship Program is a paid, full-time, professional, 13-month experience for college graduates who will have completed their bachelor’s degree by December 2018. This program provides practical experience in the legislative process and in legislative research. Applications must be postmarked by April 1.
Post Baccalaureate Fellowship for Study Abroad
The Wright Plaisance fellowship in the amount of $20,000 will be awarded to a student planning to study at a European or South American university after graduation. Applications are due May 1.
Republican Party of Cuyahoga County
RPCC interns will be involved in various elements of the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. This involvement includes contributing to and participating in Party operations, working with elected officials and candidates, and performing occasional clerical duties.
Senator Sherrod Brown Fellowship
Senator Sherrod Brown is running for re-election in 2018 and
his campaign is seeking motivated and enthusiastic students to
become fellows on his fundraising and field teams. This fellowship will have two parts: one in Columbus during
summer 2018, and one at the fellow’s college campus during
the fall semester. If interested in a position, please send a copy of your resume and cover letter to Caroline Gonzalez.
Victims of Communism
The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC) is an educational and human rights nonprofit organization devoted to commemorating the more than 100 million victims of communism around the world and to the freedom of those still living under totalitarian regimes. The Academic Programs intern will assist the Director of Academic Program’s mission to educate the public on the history, ideology, and legacy of communism.
The Left Forum Conference and Scholarships
Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply to attend this year’s Left Forum.This year’s conference theme is “Toward a Winning Strategy for the Left.” (Click here for full conference details.) Volunteer and internship opportunities are also available. Scholarships to attend will be up to $1000. All applications should be submitted to socialjustice@case.edu as a PDF before April 2, 2018.
Study Abroad Scholarships
The College of Arts and Sciences and the Eirik Borve Fund for Foreign Language Instruction will award 40 $1,000 scholarships to undergraduates enrolled in CWRU courses abroad in the summer of 2018.
Public Service Scholarship
The B.A. Rudolph Foundation Public Service Scholarship supports female undergraduate students who are applying to or have secured an unpaid internship in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Internships in Maryland and Virginia are fine, as long as they are generally near Washington, D.C. Applications are due April 11.
The American Political Science Association
APSA currently has staff opportunities for several positions, including Director of Finance and Administration, Development Director, and Senior Director of Academic Programs.
Cleveland Zoological Society
The Manager of Data & Analytics position is a service-oriented role that supplies the management, fundraising and membership teams with timely and relevant information and is a trusted resource for the entire organization. Applications are due April 2.
Cleveland Council on World Affiars
CCWA is now hiring energetic and creative people to join their team. Current open positions include Manager of Student Education Programs and Administrative Coordinator (full-time).
M.A. in Security Studies
We live in a world, where national security issues often dominate the policy agenda. In response to the growing need for national security professionals, the Department of Political Science at the University of Akron offers the Master of Arts Degree in Political Science-Security Studies Track. This course of study is intended to prepare professionals in the world of national security occupations.
- Case Western Reserve University has named Ben Vinson as its next provost. Find out more about the new provost here.
- Sign up for TurboVote to receive election reminders, get registered to vote, & apply for your absentee ballot.