THIS MONTH'S HEADLINES:
- GRADUATING SENIORS
- STUDY ABROAD IN TORONTO
- MESSAGE FROM JOHN GAMBLE
- FACULTY IN THE NEWS
- STUDENT GROUP NEWS
- FACEBOOK PAGE
- HOLIDAY WISHES
1. GRADUATING SENIORS
If they complete all course requirements, Political Science majors Andrea Monserrate Arce and Bailey Rollage are scheduled to graduate this month. Andrea is also scheduled to graduate with a Crime, Law, and Psychology minor. In addition, Sociology minor Emily Cratty and Transnational Perspectives minor Sierra Long are also scheduled to graduate.
We extend best wishes to our graduating seniors and with their plans for the future!
2. STUDY ABROAD IN TORONTO
Penn State has approved the resumption of study abroad programs, and North American Politics (PL SC 299/499) will again be offered in Toronto between May 15–June 11, 2022, and taught by Dr. Robert Speel. The course, which takes place on the Ryerson University campus in downtown Toronto, combines Penn State and Canadian students in one classroom for discussions about the comparative politics of the United States and Canada and on international relations between the two countries.
Among the topics to be discussed will be a comparison of the development of separate political cultures, comparisons of government institutions, election systems, federalism, and regionalism, and comparisons of each country's policy approaches toward the economy, health care, gun control, language, free speech, legal marijuana, abortion, medically assisted suicide, and the role of religion in education. Issues important in international relations between the two countries will also be discussed—this includes trade, border security, prevention of terrorism, pandemic responses, and control of the Arctic. Class excursions will visit the Ontario Parliament Buildings and Fort York, site of an important battle in the War of 1812.
Penn State and Behrend College provide generous financial aid to assist with the costs of summer study abroad programs. Most students have received such aid for this program in the past. Non-residents of Pennsylvania will pay in-state tuition for this course.
In addition, due to a grant from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Endowment Fund and donations from Penn State Behrend alumna Barbara Welton, the first ten students with completed and accepted applications for the program will receive $400 grants to lower the program fee cost from $950 to $550. The program fee cost covers one month's stay in a private room at a Ryerson University residence in downtown Toronto.
3. MESSAGE FROM JOHN GAMBLE
Dr. John K. Gamble, who retired last year as a Political Science professor from Penn State Behrend after over 40 years, wishes to send the following message to former and current students:
From: Dr. John Gamble, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science and International Law, now living in Redmond, Washington, a suburb northeast of Seattle.
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I now have been retired for 1½ years and should have written this sooner. My “last days” at Behrend were affected by COVID—no surprise. Eric Corty, Charlotte Ku, and Rob Speel had planned a major event for April 2020 featuring lectures by my son, on quantum computing (he is “Senior Quantum Engineer at Microsoft) and me, not on quantum computing.
I’ve taught many of those who will read this. I’d love to hear from you. What memories! Why did I return to the Seattle area— I got my Ph.D. here, fell in love with mountains, and my family, especially grandsons Owen (5) and Ezra (2), live here. This is a very progressive state—high taxes, and —are you sitting down— Democrats and Republicans get along.
I wish I could have retired, peacefully and content about the condition of the United States. I cannot. What the hell has happened in the U.S. over the last five years? I have never seen so much hostility and misinformation. I am not going to single out individuals or political parties. My concern is much broader. Has the United States reached the point where we cannot have a civil, respectful disagreement about important matters? As the old saying goes: “disagree without being disagreeable.”
My “solution” that I call “Three Steps towards Sanity” pleads for:
- Sense of fair play
- Respectful tone
- Explaining stuff better
I’d love to hear from all of you. Everything is on the table (except of course peanut butter). Penn State permits me to keep my e-mail: [email protected].
I wish you, yours, and our country peace, respect, civility, tranquility, and fairness.
Warmest wishes,
JKG
4. FACULTY IN THE NEWS
Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned, Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science, was interviewed by Publimetro Mexico for an article about Russia-Ukraine tensions.
5. STUDENT GROUP NEWS
- Next semester, College Republicans will have biweekly meetings and will choose dates based on everyone’s schedules. Also, they plan to have a debate with College Democrats at some point during the semester. They plan to start getting involved in campaigns for Governor and Senate candidates who are running in 2022. To get involved, contact President Garrett Watson.
- College Democrats is planning upcoming events. To get involved with the group, contact President Mallory Flesik.
- The Behrend Political Society is planning upcoming events. To get involved, contact President Madison Kwiecinski.
- Behrend Model United Nations is planning to attend a conference next semester. To get involved, contact President Lily Rasmussen.
6. FACEBOOK PAGE
All students and alumni are invited to like the Penn State Behrend political science Facebook page and get updated news and find out about events.
7. HOLIDAYS
Best wishes to everyone on final exams and during the entire holiday season!