Save the Date! The new spring semester is under way, and faculty in the Department of Political Science are already turning our attention to senior capstone supervision, working with and advising POSC396 students as they initiate work on their projects.
Please add to your calendar the Senior Capstone Presentations Event, on Wednesday, April 19, from 5:00 to 8:00pm. As we approach the conclusion of spring semester, seniors who are completing capstone projects this year will present their work in progress to the Political Science faculty and their POSC peers, as well as to friends and family, who are welcome to the presentations. As usual, everyone is invited to the buffet dinner that we hold between the first and second set of presentations.
And Save This Date! Clare Malone, Senior Political Writer for FiveThirtyEight.com, will give a public lecture on Tuesday, February 7, from 4:30-6:00pm, in Clark Hall 309. Her talk, “Are There Any Norms Left? What Clues 2016 Offers to America During the Trump Presidency,” may help us understand democracy and governance in what appears to be a completely new political context. There will be a question-and-answer session after her talk, which is sponsored by the Center for Policy Studies and the Department of Political Science, among others. We hope to see you there.
Political Participation and Citizen Action, 2nd ed. President Trump’s administration is off to an unusually difficult start, in part because of the political activism his initial actions have provoked. The immediate post-inauguration Women’s Marches were followed this past weekend by mass demonstrations and protests at airports around the US, in response to the Executive Order Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States. Universities have been affected strongly by the uncertainties surrounding the order and have taken clear and principled stances in opposition to the order. President Snyder and Provost Bud Baeslak sent a letter yesterday that reiterates the University’s support for all students and members of the CWRU community, regardless of immigration status, protecting the privacy of student records, and underscoring our key commitments to open and civil (if rigorous) discourse, and to the inclusion and diversity that thrive on our campus. The CWRU Faculty Senate passed a resolution on Tuesday, which has been sent to all elected officials in the State of Ohio, from the Ohio Assembly members to our US Senators, as well as to the mass media. Political science disciplinary associations, such as the American Political Science Association and the Midwest Political Science Association, as well as the Social Science Research Council, have taken similar positions. Whatever one’s political position, this is certainly a time of heightened citizen activism and citizen commitment to public service.
The Department of Political Science supports our students’ commitments to public service through our Wellman Hill Public Service Internship Grants Program. Please note that applications for Wellman Hill Internship Grants are due Friday, February 10, 2017. Students have only one week to finish up their applications. Please make sure that the CWRU faculty member writing your letter of reference is aware of the deadline. As you complete your application, remember the program’s mission is to encourage Political Science majors to pursue and accept public service summer internships. Details about the program and application process are available on the department’s website. The grants are made possible by a generous gift from Elizabeth Hill (B.A., M.A. 1997) to honor her grandfather, Wellman Hill. In past years, the selection committee awarded recipients up to $4,000 each. For any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact Professor Posner at elliot.posner@case.edu.
We also encourage high school students to get politically involved, and the CWRU Model UN Team has been active in organizing the Cleveland Spring 2017 Model UN Conference (see the information, below, in this Newsletter). Many thanks to Political Science major Siddharth Hariharan and all our CWRU students working on this event (and to Professor Pete Moore, Model UN Advisor, who is currently on sabbatical)!
With all best wishes,
Karen
Karen Beckwith, Flora Stone Mather Professor
Chair, Department of Political Science, Case Western Reserve University
General Announcements
- Applications for Wellman Hill Political Science Internship Grants are due Friday, February 10, 2017. That gives you one week to finish up your application. Please make sure that the CWRU faculty member writing your letter of reference is aware of the deadline. As you complete your application, remember the program’s mission is to encourage Political Science majors to pursue and accept public service summer internships. Details about the program and application process are available on the department’s website. The grants are made possible by a generous gift from Elizabeth Hill (B.A., M.A. 1997) to honor her grandfather, Wellman Hill. In past years, the selection committee awarded recipients up to $4,000 each. For any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact Professor Posner at elliot.posner@case.edu.
- 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: Democracy and Demagogues: Lessons from Ancient Greece and Rome
February 3, 12:30-1:30p.m., KSL Dampeer Room
The authors of the U.S. Constitution read Thucydides and Cicero and argued that the Constitution was desirable precisely because it could help prevent the effects of demagoguery. Many commentators have linked the concerns of Roman “republics” to the presidency of Donald Trump. To what extent can the experience of Ancient Greece and Rome help us understand the causes and future of the Trump presidency? Join Classics professors Rachel Sternberg and Timothy Wutrich for this discussion.
Are There Any Norms Left? What Clues 2016 Offers to America during the Trump Presidency
February 7, 4:30-6:00p.m., Clark Hall 309
Clare Malone, senior political writer for FiveThirtyEight.com, will come to campus for a discussion on the election and the future of politics in the U.S.
Career Opportunities and Resume Writing for Humanities Majors
February 3, 12:00-1:00p.m., Clark Hall 206
Learn about corporate, government, and nonprofit career and internship opportunities, as well as effective resume writing tips. Registration is requested.
The Rising Tide of Global Populism
February 7, 7:30-9:00p.m., The Happy Dog (West Side Location)
This discussion will examine the growing trend of populism worldwide and what this means for liberal democracies.
Establishing Immigrant Justice
February 9, 7:00-9:00p.m., Organize! Ohio
Join the Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network to learn about opportunities to help immigrant communities in the Greater Cleveland area.
Understanding Turkey’s Authoritarian Turn
February 10, 12:00p.m., The City Club
Join this discussion on Turkey’s changes from democracy to autocracy and how this has affected other countries.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Events
Now-February 24
The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebrates the history, spirit and life of the man who brought hope to a nation and empowered that nation to start healing. Join the CWRU community for a series of events, including lectures, discussions, and more.
Social Justice Teach-In
February 4, 11:00-3:30p.m., TVUC Ballroom
The Social Justice Teach-In is designed to inspire students and community members to be active and engaged citizens, to increase their understanding of social justice issues, and to enhance their leadership skills in areas such as service, advocacy, and philanthropy. Admission is free, but registration is required by January 30.
Medicaid and Health Reform: Past, Present, and Uncertain Future
February 7, 12:00p.m., The City Club
Join this conversation on the ACA’s effects to date and its uncertain future. Tickets are $35 for nonmembers.
Get Experienced! Career Fair Prep Workshop
February 7, 6:00-7:00p.m., Nord 400
Ensure that you are prepared for the upcoming career fair with tips from the Career Center staff.
Get Experienced! Career Fair
Feburary 13, 10a.m.-2:00p.m., Veale Convocation, Recreation, and Activity Center
Get a head start on your future at the upcoming Career Fair.
U.N. World Social Justice Day
February 20, 6:30-8:30p.m., Crawford Hall A9
This discussion, featuring Professor Pete Moore, will examine the concept of “refugees,” U.S. naturalization and immigration laws, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria.
Cleveland Spring 2017 Model UN Conference
March 7-8, 8:30a.m.-1:30p.m., TVUC
CWRU’s Model United Nations Team, now ranked 26th nationally, will be hosting the Cleveland Spring 2017 Model UN Conference. Students and faculty are welcome to attend and observe high school students debating various political topics, ranging from closing the global wage gap to civil unrest in Venezuela. President Barbara Snyder will be delivering a keynote address during the opening ceremonies in the Ballroom, which will run from approximately 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM on March 7. Contact Siddharth Hariharan (sph39) with any questions!
Career Opportunities
Transformation Alliance Program Coordinator
The Transformation Alliance is seeking a Program Coordinator to support their work as part of Cleveland’s Plan for Transforming Schools .
Director of Development, Facing History and Ourselves
This position will play an integral role in strategically building the Cleveland development effort to meet and exceed our ambitious fundraising goals. This position will work with development leadership, the Cleveland Office Director, Advisory Board members, and other staff to initiate, plan, and manage fundraising efforts, including donor research and cultivation, gift solicitation, stewardship, Advisory Board activities, fundraising events including our signature spring benefit, and partnership management with the Corporate and Foundations team.
Graduate Programs
CSU College of Urban Affairs Open House
February 11, 12:00-5:00p.m., CSU
The Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University is hosting an open house for all prospective graduate students. This is an opportunity for students to see our campus and meet program directors, faculty, our graduate advisor, students, and alumni.
Kent State University MA and PhD Programs
If you are considering a graduate program in Political Science, check out the Political Science Department at Kent State University. When you visit our website you will learn about our great tenure-track placements, nationally recognized faculty, and funding opportunities, including tuition, fees, and a generous paid assistantship.
Columbia University Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences MA program
QMSS is an innovative, flexible, interdisciplinary social science Master of Arts degree program at Columbia University that focuses on quantitative research techniques and strategies. The program integrates the perspectives and research methods of six social science disciplines: Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Statistics.
Internship and Fellowship Opportunities
Policy Matters Ohio Internship
This internship provides a unique opportunity to develop new leaders in the areas of research, communications, development, and community outreach. Internships are offered during each semester and the summer.
WKYC Internship
WKYC offers paid internships for college students interested in Careers in Broadcasting and Digital Media. Assignments would include working side by side with experienced journalists in storytelling, videography, digital and social media.
Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship
The Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship program offers emerging young leaders
from across the country the skills and networks needed to create the community they envision and
jumpstart a career in public service.
A select group of Fellows will be embedded in public sector agencies in Cleveland working on
the frontlines of civic innovation. If you are a recent college graduate considering a public service
career, choose the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship and continue the reinvention
of a rustbelt city on the rise. The online application will be available January 23-February 22.
Previously posted opportunities can be found on the department webpage. Please make sure to check regularly as to not miss approaching deadlines!
Scholarship Opportunities
American Public Works Association Scholarship
The Ohio Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) is issuing two $1,000 scholarships to Graduate Students majoring in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a closely related field. The application deadline is February 24. See here for the further details.
Summer Opportunities
Public Policy Boot Camp
The Summer Policy Boot Camp offers top college students and recent graduates an opportunity to engage with Hoover Institution scholars and policy practitioners on the campus of Stanford University. The program will take place August 20-26 and is free of charge. The early application deadline is February 1, and the regular application deadline is March 1.
A Little Extra…
- The CWRU Faculty Senate condemned President Trump’s January 27 Executive Order at their meeting on Tuesday.
- The American Political Science Association, Midwest Political Science Association, and The Social Science Research Council each issued statements in response to President Trump’s January 27 Executive Order.
- Law Professor Jonathan Adler weighed in on President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch.