Political Science Newsletter - February 2019

THIS MONTH'S HEADLINES:

1. MODEL UN TEAM WINS AWARDS AT MODEL NATO CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON
2. FALL 2019 COURSES
3. EUROPEAN UNION STUDY ABROAD COURSE MAY 2019—DEADLINE EXTENDED WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
4. PL SC 177 STUDENTS PREPARE TO SPEND SPRING BREAK IN WASHINGTON
5. BREXIT TALK ON CAMPUS FEBRUARY 27
6. PUBLIC POLICY FUND SPRING EVENTS ON ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMY
7. PENNSYLVANIA POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION MEETING IN APRIL
8. H&SS INTERNSHIP STIPEND AVAILABLE
9. GRE INFORMATION SESSIONS ON CAMPUS
10. SUMMER PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE
11. STUDENT GROUP NEWS
12. FACULTY IN THE NEWS
13. FACEBOOK PAGE

 

1. MODEL UN TEAM WINS AWARDS AT MODEL NATO CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON

Congratulations to the Penn State Behrend Model UN team on their awards at the International Model NATO 2019 conference this month in Washington, D.C.! The team was awarded Outstanding Delegation on the North Atlantic Council; Distinguished Delegation in the Partnerships and Cooperative Securities Committee; and overall Superior School Delegation. During the conference in Washington, the Model UN team also went to a foreign policy briefing at the French Embassy.

The Penn State Behrend Model UN team also hosted an intercollegiate model NATO scrimmage at the Behrend campus on February 2. Political science major Carlos Mora was recognized as Excellent Delegate for his representation of France.

To get involved with future events, contact Faculty Adviser Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned at [email protected].

 

2. FALL 2019 COURSES

Here is a list of Political Science and Sociology courses that will be offered at Penn State Behrend in Fall 2019.

Remember that all political science majors must take PL SC 001, PL SC 003, PL SC 014, and either PL SC 007 or PL SC 017, as well as 24 other credits (usually eight other courses) in PL SC. Of those other 24 credits, at least 12 (four courses) must be at the 400 level, and at least 3 credits (one course) must be taken in each of the subfield requirements (American Government, Comparative Politics, International Politics, Government in Theory and Practice). Some courses can be used to fulfill either of two subfield requirements, but you cannot use the same course on your degree audit to meet both of those subfield requirements.

If you need help with scheduling or understanding the requirements of the major, please make an appointment to see your adviser.

Politics and Government minors must take PL SC 001, PL SC 003, and 12 other credits (four courses), including 6 credits at the 400-level.

Sociology minors must take SOC 001 and 15 other credits in SOC, including at least 6 credits at the 400-level.

Crime, Law, and Psychology minors must take SOC 012 and 3 other credits in sociology, 6 credits in psychology, and 6 credits in political science from lists of approved courses. See Professor Monahan Lang in Sociology for details.

Fall 2019 Courses

  • PL SC 001 - American Politics (GS, US)
  • PL SC 003 - Comparing Politics around the Globe (GS, IL)
  • PL SC 007N - Contemporary Political Ideologies (GS/GH)
  • PL SC 014 - International Relations (GS, IL)
  • PL SC 014H - International Relations (GS, IL)
  • PL SC 017N - Introduction to Political Theory (GS/GH)
  • PL SC 020 - Comparative Politics of Western Europe (GS, IL, Comparative)
  • PL SC 111 - Debating the Purpose of Government (GH, Theory and Practice)
  • PL SC 140 - Contemporary Controversies in International Relations (GS, International)
  • PL SC 437 - War in World Politics (International)
  • PL SC 471 - American Constitutional Law (American, Theory and Practice)
  • PL SC 481 - Global Political Economy (International)
  • PL SC 482 - American State and Urban Politics (American)
  • SOC 001 - Introductory Sociology (GS)
  • SOC 012 - Criminology (GS, Theory and Practice)

 

3. EUROPEAN UNION STUDY ABROAD COURSE MAY 2019 - DEADLINE EXTENDED WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Between May 12–27, 2019, Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned, Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science, and Chris Harben, Assistant Teaching Professor of Managaement, will be co-teaching a course titled "The E.U.: The Tale of Two Countries."

The interdisciplinary course provides Penn State students in the fields of Business, Economics, Pre-Law, Public Policy, Engineering, and others with hands-on experience of the real-world policy, economic, and social impact of the European Union. Participating students will examine the impact of the European Union via two case studies: Great Britain and Ukraine.

There will be three main study sites. The course will begin on Penn State Behrend’s campus, where the students will learn the fundamentals of the E.U.'s evolution, foundational treaties, and institutional arrangements. For the first part of the international experience, students will travel to London, U.K. During their week-long stay, the students will meet with representatives of major transnational companies, academics, and members of the press (such as the BBC). The second half of the study abroad program will take students to Kyiv, Ukraine. Here they will be hosted by the Kyiv School of Economics, and will examine the effects of the E.U. on Ukraine with professors of the KSE, members of Ukrainian government, representatives of national and transnational economic and business sectors, and representatives of media and social sectors. As part of the trip to Ukraine the group may also visit the site of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Great Britain’s decision to leave the European Union (Brexit) is an unprecedented event in the history of the European Union. This messy divorce has many important implications politically, as well as in terms of business and economic relations in Europe and globally. On the other hand, Ukraine is a country aspiring for closer relations with the European Union. The new Association Agreement between Ukraine and the E.U. has come at a high price for Ukraine, and the E.U. continues to put pressure on the Ukrainian government for faster and more radical reform.

The two cases provide contrasting, yet complementary, views of the power of the European Union to influence domestic politics, economics, and society of European countries. The goal of the course is to provide students with a nuanced understanding of the E.U.’s institutions and their importance.

The estimated cost of the trip is $2,000 plus airfare. The cost of the trip is subject to change and booking/purchase of airfare is the responsibility of the student.

Students in the course are eligible for generous financial assistance from at least two Penn State sources:


To apply for the course, contact Dr. Surzhko-Harned as soon as possible.

For more information about the course, please stop by the H&SS School Office at 170 Kochel, or contact Dr. Surzhko-Harned at [email protected].

 

4. PL SC 177 STUDENTS PREPARE TO SPEND SPRING BREAK IN WASHINGTON

A group of 18 Penn State students will be heading to Washington, D.C., during Spring Break as part of the course PL SC 177, Politics and Government in Washington, D.C. While in Washington, students are scheduled to tour the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department, the Capitol, and the Library of Congress. They also will be meeting with Pennsylvania members of Congress, including Behrend political science alumnus Guy Reschenthaler, and attending briefings with Behrend alumni at the State Department and the Department of Labor. Other alumni will be hosting the group to discuss union political activism and trade policy in Washington. During that week, students will be visiting the World Bank, the National Archives, Ford's Theatre, and the C-SPAN studios, among other locations. And there will be an evening session with local political science alumni and free appetizers at Whitlow's restaurant in Arlington. More details about the trip will be included in the March newsletter.

 

5. BREXIT TALK ON CAMPUS FEBRUARY 27

"Brexit: Is It Worth It?" will be presented by the Public Policy Fund with Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned, Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science, and Dr. Christopher Harben, Assistant Teaching Professor of Management, on Wednesday, February 27, at 5:00 p.m. in the Metzgar Center lobby.

 

6. PUBLIC POLICY FUND SPRING EVENTS ON ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMY

The Public Policy Fund is sponsoring a series of events about the Environment and the Economy in March and April.

Tuesday, March 12, 6:00 p.m.. McGarvey Commons, Reed Building - "Climate Change in Action," co-sponsored by Environment Erie
Hear from expert panelists about climate change and the potential impacts for the region and Erie County. As citizens, we can make personal choices to reduce our contribution to climate change, but we also need the community infrastructure in place to continue behavior that is environmentally friendly. Learn how to participate in creating a vibrant, sustainable community.

  • Sara Stahlman-PA Sea Grant
  • Brittany Prischak-Erie County Department of Planning
  • Joy Knapp-Erie County Department of Planning
  • Amber Stillwell-Regional Science Consortium
  • Honey Stempka-Executive Director, Environment Erie (moderator)
  • Leann Sestak-Environment Erie

Wednesday, March 20, 5:00 p.m., Metzgar Center - "Erie's Income Inequality," presented by Dr. Ken Louie, Associate Professor of Economics at Behrend and Director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie

Tuesday, March 26, 5:00 p.m., Metzgar Center - "Perils of Plastic," a presentation by Dr. Sherri Mason, the new College Sustainability Coordinator at Behrend. Dr. Mason received the prestigious Heinz Award in the Public Policy category for her groundbreaking research identifying the presence of microbeads and microfibers in fresh water, and for raising awareness of their potential health impact, resulting in state, federal and international policy change. She is also a member of the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP) Working Group 40, a body that advises the United Nations on the scientific aspects of marine environmental protection.

Wednesday, April 3, 5;00 p.m., Metzgar Center - "Condor Preservation & Public Policy," presented by Dr. Arpan Yagnik, Assistant Professor of Advertising, Communication. The event will include displays about the use of advertising for public policy to protect the California condor.

Wednesday, April 10, 5:00 p.m.. Metzgar Center - "You Are How You Eat," presented by Katie Chriest, Sustainable Food Systems Program Coordinator at Penn State Behrend

 

7. PENNSYLVANIA POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION MEETING IN APRIL

Undergraduate research proposals are welcome for presentations at the 80th Annual Pennsylvania Political Science Association Meeting to take place at Muhlenberg College in Allentown on Friday, April 12. The deadline for proposals is February 28. Apply to the Undergraduate Research section at the PA Political Science Association website.

 

8. H&SS INTERNSHIP STIPEND AVAILABLE

Once again, the ACPC is offering an internship stipend to HSS students who are interested in pursuing an unpaid internship for academic credit in the summer of 2019.

The HSS Internship Stipend covers the cost of a 3-credit internship course in the summer semester. Students do not need to have an internship secured to apply, but they should be completing the application process. Students may apply through Nittany Lion Careers, job #42816. Applications are due Sunday, April 7, 2019.

Questions should be directed to Danielle Taft at the ACPC, [email protected].

 

9. GRE INFORMATION SESSIONS ON CAMPUS

Current juniors considering graduate school should plan to take the GRE/GMAT this summer.

All GRE/GMAT Information Sessions are held in Room 208 of the Lilley Library:

  • Thursday, March 14, from 12:00–1:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 17, from 4:00–5:00 p.m.

 

10. SUMMER PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE

One of the leading Public Relations firms in the world, Burson Cohn & Wolfe, is seeking paid summer interns at offices in several cities, including Pittsburgh and Washington. The deadline to apply is March 1. To apply and for more information, go to the BCW application website. Questions can be directed to Sarah Veslany, a Penn State Behrend alumna in political science and communication, [email protected].

 

11. STUDENT GROUP NEWS

College Republicans continue to hold "Change My Mind" events on the upper floor of the Reed Building on Friday afternoons. The group plans to attend CPAC at National Harbor outside Washington, D.C., on February 27–March 2 and has potential funding available to help other students who want to attend. The group is also planning a Spring Formal on campus during the weekend of April 13 with prominent guest speakers. Details can be found at their website. They are planning a College Republican Retreat during the week of June 21–23 that will involve visits to historic sites from the French & Indian War in southwest PA. The group meets regularly on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in Reed 112. To get involved with College Republicans, contact President Bailey Rollage at [email protected].

College Democrats meets Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in 059 Kochel. After Spring Break, they are planning to invite Democratic presidential candidates and local political candidates to visit the Behrend campus. To get involved, contact President Tiffany Zinn at [email protected].

The Behrend Political Society meets Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. in 060 Kochel. They are planning a voter registration event on March 13, noon–3:00 p.m., outside Bruno's, at which buttons also will be sold. The group is planning a student-oriented debate on environmental issues for later this semester. To get involved, contact President Rachel Mills at [email protected].

 

12. FACULTY IN THE NEWS

Dr. Zachary Irwin, Associate Professor Emeritus of Political Science, has written a book chapter titled "The Macedonian Orthodox Church in the New Millennium" in Orthodox Churches and Politics in Southeastern Europe, to be published in early 2020 by Palgrave Macmillain and edited by Sabrina Ramet.

Dr. Kilic Kanat, Associate Professor of Political Science, spoke at a panel discussion on "The Middle East After the U.S. Withdrawal from Syria" sponsored by the NATO Association of Canada and the Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto earlier this month. He also moderated a series of discussions on U.S.-Turkey Relations at the SETA Foundation in Washington.

Dr. Molly Monahan Lang, Assistant Teaching Professor of Sociology, presented a talk titled "Medical Marriages: Analyzing the Lives of Physician Spouses Using a Mixed Methods Approach," for a panel on "Upsetting the Tenure/Non–Tenure Track Hierarchy: An Interactive Conversation," at the Sociologists for Women in Society meeting in Denver earlier this month.

Dr. Robert Speel, Associate Professor of Political Science, wrote a commentary titled "Investigation Doesn't Rule Out Legislating," about President Trump's State of the Union Address in February. His commentary appeared in a number of online news sources, including South Africa's News24.

 

13. FACEBOOK PAGE

All students and alumni are invited to like the Penn State Behrend political science Facebook page to get updated news and find out about upcoming events.

Posts this month include photos from the Model NATO conference and posters for upcoming Public Policy Fund events.