October 22, 2018 Newsletter

Opportunities and Announcements for the Week of October 22, 2018

 

Review of the Political Science ProgramAs we anticipate fall break, the Department is also anticipating an external review of its programs. Every eight years, the Ohio Department of Higher Education reviews graduate programs; this year, for the first time, all degree programs in our department will be evaluated: the PhD Program, the Master’s Program, and the Bachelors’ Degree Program. Three political science professors arrive in Cleveland to meet with the political science faculty: Paul Herrnson of the University of Connecticut, Robin Kolodny, Temple University, and Brett Ashley Leeds, Rice University. While these external examiners are on campus, they will also meet with university administrators, and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.  

External examiners will also have the opportunity of meeting with our political science majors and minors. I encourage our students who are interested to join the external examiners on Wednesday, October 24, from 4:00-5:00pm, in Mather House 100. This is an opportunity for our students to meet with faculty from other political science programs, to discuss and to reflect on their experience with the undergraduate political science major here at CWRU, to share ideas, and make suggestions for improvements and for strengthening the program and our Department, moving into the future.  

Seniors Capstone Presentations:  Mark Your Calendars. As students prepare to enroll in courses for the Spring 2019 semester, many students will be anticipating and planning for their capstone work. Several of our POSC majors are enrolled in POSC 396 and are working on their capstone projects this semester. Those students will present their work in progress to the assembled faculty and political science students at the Department’s Senior Capstone Presentations and Dinner, in the Senior Classroom of the Tinkham Veale University Center, on Wednesday, November 14, from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Students presenting at this event often invite their friends and family members to attend, and all are welcome. We particularly extend an invitation to our junior and sophomore political science majors, to join the faculty and capstone students for the presentations and for the dinner. Students who would like to see what a successful capstone project looks like should feel free to attend. It’s an excellent opportunity to see the presentation process, and everyone is welcome.

Those interested in the capstone work that our students have done in previous semesters can find the archive of capstone titles and faculty supervisors here.

Fall Break and ThereafterFall break begins at the conclusion of classes today. The long weekend is a welcome respite for most of us, even as faculty will be grading papers and exams and submitting midterm grades.  Once fall break concludes, the Department will have a very busy schedule. As mentioned above, external examiners will be on campus and will command our immediate attention. Our annual Careers Colloquium for Political Science is scheduled for November 2, and the Careers Workshop for our POSC majors and minors will be held on Saturday, November 3. The November midterm elections follow quickly thereafter, with the Department’s biannual Election Night Watch Party on November 6, starting at 7:00pm, in Mather House 100. The Wellman Hill Public Service Internship Program for 2019-20 will be announced with an information session on November 7. The Senior Capstone Presentations and Dinner, as detailed above, take place the following week. And, of course, first-year students may declare a political science major, starting November 1, with registration for Spring 2019 courses opening on November 12. In sum, it will be a very busy November for our Department and for our students.

The schedule for the remainder of Fall Semester makes Fall Break seem all the sweeter. I hope everyone has the opportunity to relax, to reflect, and to return to campus renewed.

Have a safe, happy, and healthy fall break!  

With all best wishes,
Karen

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

“Every election is determined by the people who show up.” 
― Larry J. Sabato, Pendulum Swing


General Announcements

  • Check out the Political Science Department spring courses here!
  • Join the (new!) Immigration Justice Book Club! The first three undergraduates to RSVP for the Immigration Justice Book Club will receive a free copy of the book.
    The first meeting is on Tuesday, November 20, 7-8:30pm at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Heights.
    RSVP to socialjustice@case.edu.
  • The Kelvin Smith Library has turned on a trial of the EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS). Faculty, staff, and students can search for journal articles, books, newspapers, and a lot more from this single search. Please give this new search a try and let the KSL librarians know how you like it. They have created a couple of quick forms to gather your feedback. You can also send comments to Brian Gray or Shelby Stuart.
  • 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!

 

AnchorEvents

We the Corporations: How American Businesses Won Their Civil Rights
October 19, 12-1:30pm The City Club of Cleveland
UCLA Law Professor Adam Winkler discusses his book, the evolution of the corporate “civil rights” movement, and the implications for our democracy in the 21st century. Nonmember tickets are $37.

Friday Lunch: The Context of Coverage: Ohio’s Medicaid Expansion
October 19, 12:30-1:30pm KSL Dampeer Room
Join us as Loren Anthes discusses a Department of Medicaid report, the reasons the state expanded coverage, and the political context based on the Center for Community Solutions’ own work on the program.

Greater Cleveland Law Expo
October 19, 2-6pm, Alumni Center
The Greater Cleveland Law Expo is an excellent opportunity for students, community members, and pre-law advisors to learn more about law school and the legal profession. The Expo includes a law school fair with representatives from various law schools, and breakout sessions for pre-law advisors and students. Event is free, registration is required.

Exploring the Syrian Refugee Crisis
October 23, 6-8pm, Corporate College West, 112, 25425 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, OH
This event will feature a panel discussion with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), a nonpolitical, nonprofit global medical relief organization is working on the front lines of crisis relief in Syria, neighboring countries, and beyond to alleviate suffering and save lives. The discussion is meant to deepen participants’ knowledge on the current crisis in Syria. Free and open to the public.

U.S.-China Relations: The Slow Economic War
October 24, 5:30-7:15pm Linsalata Alumni Center, Great Hall
Join CCWA as we host Thomas Hout, Visiting Professor at Middlebury Institute of International Studies, best-selling author, and career consultant, for a discussion of the economic relationship between the United States and China. Student tickets are $5.

I AM EVIDENCE
October 24, 6:30-9pm, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Noble Commons
This compelling documentary follows stories of survivors who have waited years for their rape kits to be tested, and has a particular focus on Cuyahoga County, where the Cuyahoga County Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Task Force is following up on the testing of nearly 5,000 previously untested rape kits. View the trailer here. A discussion will follow. Event is free, registration is required.

Causes of Wrongful Conviction: Why Innocent People Get Convicted of Crimes They Did Not Commit
October 24, 7pm Landmark Centre Building
One of the common questions in wrongful conviction work is “how did this happen?” Learn more about the psychology of wrongful convictions, including how our brains function as we store memories, make observations, and recall them later. Better understand how political and other pressures reinforce, rather than remedy, mistakes. And discuss how we can work to avoid wrongful convictions. Event is free, advanced registration is recommended.

A Conversation with Yossi Klein Halevi
October 25, 5pm, Clark Hall 206
Israeli journalist Yossi Klein Halevi discusses his vision of how to untangle the ideological and emotional knot that defines the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. He will discuss his new book, Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor, and help his audience understand the painful choices confronting Israelis and Palestinians that will ultimately help determine the fate of the region.

“One Night Only” Lecture with Ike Barinholtz
October 25, 6pm, Windows on the River, Bridge View Room
Ike Barinholtz, like many celebrities these days, is using his influence to speak out against attacks on our most important rights. His wit and irreverence allows us to face the reality of our current political climate with a much needed smile on our face. The event is free and open to the public.

Capturing the Flag Film Screening
October 25, 6:30-8:30pm, Mather House 100
This unexpected story about American democracy traces a tight-knit group of friends as they travel to Cumberland County, North Carolina – the 2016 epicenter of voter suppression – intent on proving the big idea that American democracy can be defended by small acts of individual citizens. A discussion will follow. View the trailer here. RSVP to socialjustice@case.edu.

Addiction to Recovery: Circle of Caring for Self and Others in the Community
October 25, 7pm,  Landmark Centre Building
This panel discussion will take us on an exploration of how self-care, caring for others, and fostering a caring and compassionate community can ease the pain of individuals and families touched by addiction and aid recovery. Our panelists will share their own personal stories of caring for themselves and their loved ones. Event is free, registration is required.

Friday Lunch: The Impact of Conflict on Health
October 26, 12:30-1:30pm, Kelvin Smith Library Dampeer Room
War zones are not healthy for children or other living things. That may seem obvious, but it is really a challenge: what can be done to protect potential victims? Dr. Geoff Hodgetts has worked against the dangers in some of the world’s most dangerous places, from Sarajevo during the siege to Kandahar province of Afghanistan. Please join us as he speaks about his experiences. 

Learn from the Lawyers
October 26, 12:45-2pm, Sears Library, Room 333
Hear from three lawyers. Lunch provided. RSVP to terri.mester@case.edu.

Legal Writing Workshop
October 27, 11:30am-1pm, Bellflower 102
In this 90 minute workshop, students will learn how to apply plain language principles to the unique demands of legal writing. Register by emailing writershouse@case.edu for intent to attend. Free pizza.

The Human Cost of Communist Tyranny in Cuba and North Korea
October 29, 4:30-6pm, Tinkham Veale University Center Senior Classroom
Join Suzanne Scholte, chair of the North Korean Freedom Coalition, and Maria Werlau, executive director of Cuba Archive, for a panel discussion on the reality of communism in North Korea and Cuba moderated by Dr. Murray Bessette, director of academic programs at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

The long reach of housing policy discrimination on the well-being of children today
October 30, 9-10am, Tinkham Veale University Center Ballroom A
Faculty, students and staff at Case Western Reserve University and Cuyahoga Community College are invited to join the Schubert Center for Child Studies in a roundtable discussion with Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law.Event is free, registration requested.

Exploring the Government’s Role in Segregation
October 30, 4-6pm, Jerry Sue Thornton Center Ford Room, 2500 E. 22nd St., Cleveland
Richard Rothstein, author of the Color of Law, will provide a national perspective on his work documenting the history of state-sponsored residential segregation, racial inequality and inner-city poverty that has disadvantaged and held back generations of African Americans, even after the Constitution was meant to have repaired these inequalities. Event is free, registration required.

Why Black not Blue? Revising & Reimagining Children’s Picture Books in the Age of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks Movement
October 30, 4:30pm, Clark Hall 206
In this presentation, Cara Byrne will analyze how the current #WeNeedDiverseBooks movement both advocates for increased representation of children of diverse racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and encourages a deeper understanding of how illustrative art possesses its own complex ties to racist tropes in children’s literature. Event is free, registration is requested.

Election Night Watch Party
November 6, 7pm, Mather House 100
Join Professor Joe White and other members of the Political Science department for food, refreshments, and analysis as we watch results come in from around the country in the midterm elections.

 

AnchorInternship and Fellowship Opportunities

Special Events Internship at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History
This internship allows students interested in event planning and coordinating to delve into the museum environment and gain hands-on skills from a highly esteemed workplace. The deadline for spring applications is November 1.

Social Justice Scholars Study Group
The Social Justice Institute invites first-years, sophomores and juniors to apply for the Social Justice Scholars study group. Accepted applicants will receive a $500 stipend for their full participation. Over the course of spring semester 2019, accepted applicants will gather with Social Justice Institute Co-Director John Flores to discuss four books and several short primers. Students interested in applying should submit a brief one-page statement that explains why they are interested in joining Social Justice Scholars, emailed to socialjustice@case.edu by Friday, Nov. 2.

Capital Semester International Affairs and Public Policy Internship
Spend a semester in the nation’s capital with students from around the country and world who are all passionate about public policy issues and making an impact on the world. The intensive schedule is designed to maximize your time in Washington by combining learning in the classroom with practical internship experience. Applications for Spring 2019 close November 9. 

Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides a $15,000 stipend for a graduating college senior to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world. Applications are due by January 18, 2019. 

Victims of Communism
The VOC is seeking spring 2019 interns who possess a commitment to educating people about the history of communism and the dangers of collectivism. The internships are based in Washington, D.C. Click here for the available internships and how to apply.

UST Internship Opportunity
UST, an immigrant and refugee services organization, is currently seeking two interns. Interested students can apply here.

Cleveland Council on World Affairs Internships
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Ken Harbaugh for Congress Internship Program
At Team Harbaugh, interns gain boots-on-the-ground experience with critical areas, such as political coordination, campaign finance, field operations, and communications. Each intern will work directly with one of our branch leaders. To apply, send your resume to Joe Roth, Team Harbaugh’s Intern Coordinator at joe@kenharbaughforcongress.com.

Senator Rob Portman
The Office of Senator Portman hosts interns in our Washington, DC and state offices year-round, providing an opportunity for Ohioans and students at Ohio colleges and universities to gain experience working for the people of Ohio in the US Senate. Spring 2019 applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Rumi Forum
Unpaid research and project internships are being offered this spring at this organization that promotes interfaith and intercultural dialogue. For further questions, email internships@rumiforum.org. Apply online.  

Voices for Ohio’s Children Internship
Voices presents several opportunities for students to build skills in nonprofit administration, legislative advocacy, event planning, community development, and more. To apply, please send your resume and a 1-2 page writing sample to: gavin@raiseyourvoiceforkids.org

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

 

AnchorVolunteer Opportunities

Ken Harbaugh for Congress
OH-7 Congressional Candidate Ken Harbaugh is looking for student volunteers who would be interested in assisting with door knocking in the Ohio 7 District. The campaign is hosting aWeekend of Action (THIS weekend, October 12, 13, 14) and has free housing available for those who need it. Interested students should email Jess Kukura at jessica@kenharbaughforcongress.com.

Ohio Office of the Public Defender
The Office of the Ohio Public Defender welcomes contact from current law students, recent graduates, and other interested parties who are seeking volunteer opportunities. We accept applications for unpaid positions on a continuous rolling basis, so interested parties may apply at any time.

Libertarian Party of Ohio
The LPO is seeking college students to serve as volunteers for various political campaigns throughout the state. Students will be placed into meaningful positions working directly with both candidates and campaign managers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Joshua Butler, Youth Engagement Liaison for the Libertarian Party of Ohio.

 

AnchorSummer Opportunities

Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute for Undergraduates
The goal of the PPIA Fellowship Program is to help prepare students to pursue Masters’ or joint degree, typically in public policy, public administration, international affairs or a related field, through partnerships with universities across the country, and through an alumni network that provides opportunities to connect with nearly 4000 individuals who share the same interest in public service. Apply online by November 1.

FU-BEST Internship
Students interested in doing an internship in Berlin can apply for an 8-week placement on a full-time basis (35-40 hours per week). Apply online by December 1.

IT Lab: Summer Security Intensive
SSI is a fellowship program for rising college seniors. This paid seven-week summer fellowship program is designed for U.S. citizens and permanent residents interested in pursuing graduate degrees and careers in the information security sector. Priority applications are due February 1, 2019.

National Academy of Social Insurance
The National Academy of Social Insurance is looking for graduate students, recent graduates, and qualified upper-division undergraduate students for placement in its twelve-week, paid, summer internships. Students interested in U.S. social insurance and related issues are encouraged to apply for one of the Academy’snationally-competitive internship programs. This listing was forwarded by Professor White, who is a member of the NASI and can tell interested students more about the organization. Applications are due on February 1, 2019.

 

Career Opportunities

Campaign Legal Center
The CLC has an open position for General Counsel. Contact Debbie Tang or Tory Clarke for more details about this opportunity. 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The CFPB is seeking applicants for the Director’s Financial Analyst position. This unique, two-year rotational fellowship sits at the intersection of the federal government and the financial services industry. Apply online. Interested students should reach out to Aarif.Masani@cfpb.gov for any questions about the position or the application process. Application closes on October 24. 

City Club of Cleveland
The City Club of Cleveland has two open positions:part-time Office and Customer Experience Coordinator (applicants should send resume and cover letter to CFO Julie Kelly, jkelly@cityclub.org) and full-time Membership and Advancement Manager (applications should send their resume and cover letter to Director of Advancement Noelle Celeste, nceleste@cityclub.org).

JET Program
The JET Program offers post-graduate job opportunities in Japan. Numerous POSC alumni have participated in this program. Applicationsaccepted this fall.

 

AnchorA Little Extra…

  • Israel: Then & Now
    Now through May, 2019 Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
    Israel: Then & Now tells the story of a people with no home, rejected across the globe for religious beliefs, find hope in a land they can make their own. Take a look back and imagine what’s ahead during this world premiere special exhibition that combines milestone moments, historic images, interactive media, and film to explore Israel: Then & Now. Admission is $12

 

Please note that the Department of Political Science alerts our students to a range of opportunities, including internships, fellowships, and jobs.  We do not endorse or sponsor these, and leave it to the judgment of our students what is most useful and appropriate to them.

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