Political Science Advising NewsletterNovember 19, 2007 |
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Important DatesNov. 2-25: Period 1 Winter Registration Nov. 19: Pi Sigma Alpha Meeting Nov. 22-23: Thanksgiving Holiday
For all other important dates, consult the Academic Calendar
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In This Issue:
Workshops/Information Sessions
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Study Abroad ProgramsIf you are interested in going abroad this winter and spring, consider applying to our Netherlands Exchange Program! We have two spots available in our Utrecht program (near Amsterdam) and we are now taking applications from all UW students. Deadlines are extended through October/early Nov. Students pay UW tuition, airfare, and housing (equivalent to housing costs at the UW). You may use UW scholarships and financial aid to cover costs. Utrecht University is on the semester system and exchange dates are late Jan-July. For more information on the University of Utrecht Honors College, click here. If interested, please contact Julie Villegas. During Spring Quarter 2008 the Comparative History of Ideas Program and Hellenic Studies will offer a program in Ioannina, Greece, with visits to study centers and historic sites in the region. Students will receive credits in CHID and European Studies. It is well known that Greece is the birthplace of democracy and Western Civilization in general. Today, Greece is politically stable and economically developed and the first country in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean region to have become a full member of the European Union, including participation in the Euro zone. As such, Greece plays a significant role in guiding her neighbors in their ambition to join the European Union. The Greek program will focus on the study of Greek history and culture, and Greece/Albania relations during the age of nationalism. The program will take place at the University of Ioannina (UOI) in the city of Ioannina, which is located in the Northwest part of Greece. Ioannina, with a population of approximately 100,000, will provide the students with memorable opportunities to trace the long history of Greece. They will visit thousand year-old theatres and other Greek and Roman sites in the surrounding area, Byzantine churches, remnants of the Ottoman rule, and places where the Greeks of modern times made sacrifices in the defense of freedom. At the same time they will experience life in contemporary Greece. APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 1, 2007 For more information on the CHID Prorgam in Greece, click here. ScholarshipsPride Foundation and Greater Seattle Business Association's (GSBA) Scholarships Application for the 2008-09 school year is now available. The group has over 40 different types of scholarships but only 1 application to complete. A record $350,000 is available. Applications must be post-marked by January 25th, 2008 (but it is recommended to start the process early). You can learn more about the scholarships program, download the application, and find out about upcoming application workshops in your area by visiting: http://www.pridefoundation.org/scholarships. If you have any questions see contact info below. Randy Brians Each year, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace holds a rigorous national competition to select 8-10 graduating seniors (or those who have graduated during the previous academic year but have NOT yet begun graduate studies) to serve as junior research fellows. They are matched with senior associates -- academics, former government officials, lawyers and journalists from around the world -- to work on a variety of international affairs issues. Junior Fellows have the opportunity to conduct research, contribute to congressional testimony or organize briefings. They spend one year at the Endowment in Washington, DC, in full-time positions that include salary and benefits. Projects for 2008-09 are: Chinese Political Transitions; Chinese Economics; Democracy/Rule of Law; Non-Proliferation; Russian/Eurasian Studies; Central Asian Studies; South Asian Studies; Trade, Equity and Development; Middle East Studies; Energy and Climate Change. The University of Washington may nominate two students for consideration. Please be aware that this program is extremely competitive and our nominees must have very high academic achievement. Only 5% of applicants are accepted as Fellows. If you would like more information and/or would like to be considered for this program, please come to an information session at the Undergraduate Scholarship and Fellowship Fair on Tuesday, October 30, 11:30-12:30, Mary Gates Hall 120. If you are not able to attend the info session, you must pick up copies of the materials from Betsy Bridwell, Director of Career Services at the Jackson School of International Studies, Thomson 124. You may contact her at 543-0176, betsyb@u.washington.edu, with questions. She prefers to talk personally with students to help evaluate their match for this program. The deadline for all materials to be submitted is December 10, 2007. Talks/LecturesThe African Studies Program at the Jackson School of International Studies, PATH, and World Health Cinema present a screening of the film: Workshops/Information Sessions Students can still attend any one of the remaining open sessions: InternshipsIn partnership with The Boeing Company, The Washington Center (TWC) is offering an opportunity for students from UW to join students from other U.S. universities and China in an internship program in Washington, D.C., that will focus on bilateral trade, best business practices, and cross-cultural awareness between the two countries. Ten students from each country will be accepted, and internship placements will be with organizations that focus on areas such as international trade and US-China relations. To see details about the program, go to www.twc.edu/students/uschina.shtml#2 This 15-week internship program begins on February 14 and ends on May 31, which spans winter and spring quarters. In most cases, students will register only in spring. They will enroll in 15-credits of Pol S 498, The Washington Center Internship, graded credit/no credit. In addition to the internship, students will take an academic class in D.C. and complete a portfolio. Juniors and seniors from the three UW campuses in any major who have a GPA of at least 3.0 are eligible to apply. Applications are due to the UW liaison, Meera Roy in the Political Science Department, by NOON on Monday November 21 . They may be delivered to Smith 215 or Gowen 101. Competitive applicants will demonstrate a strong background and interest in issues of U.S.-China relations. A UW committee will forward nominees to TWC for final selection, which will include a phone interview with their staff. Students who are chosen to participate will receive a scholarship that will cover program and housing fees, assistance with airfare, and a monthly stipend. Students are responsible for paying UW tuition. For more information about the program and to download an application, go to www.twc.edu/students/uschina.shtml#2 (please disregard references to UW-Seattle--students from any UW campus can apply). If you would like to learn more about this program or have questions, please come to a TWC information session or contact Meera Roy at meroy@u.washington.edu or 543-9456 with questions. Do you want to help Seattle youth develop the tools they need to become empowered citizens? Are you interested in experimenting with the potential of the Internet to offer young people new options for political self-expression and engagement? Are you looking for an internship that will let you apply your skills in the community, and establish connections to people in education, non-profits, and city government? In Winter quarter, the Center for Communication and Civic Engagement (CCCE) will be hosting its seminar/internship class to explore these issues. The class is "Becoming Citizens: Engaging Youth in Politics," and provides opportunities for UW students to learn about and participate directly in youth civic education in the Seattle community. For more information, email Chris Wells at cfw7@u.washington.edu . Becoming Citizens students will work at a variety of internships. Many will be helping to implement the CCCE's newest civic project—Puget Soundoff, an online environment being designed to foster political participation among Seattle youth. Soundoff interns will work with youth from across Seattle to help them develop civic and political skills, media literacy, and skills for using the Puget SoundOff environment. Computer and Internet expertise is not required for the internship. Other internship opportunities include placements directly in youth programs, such as the YMCA's Mayor's Youth Council, City Year's City Heroes program, and in public school civics classrooms. In addition to their internships, in a weekly seminar students in Becoming Citizens will meet to discuss their experiences, learn skills for working with youth, and learn more about youth civic engagement. You can enroll in Becoming Citizens through the Pipeline program (for Education credits), or as a Political Science or Communication internship. There are several credit options (2-5) based on how much time you want to dedicate to the internship. If you're interested in enrolling, or if you have questions, contact Chris Wells, Becoming Citizens instructor, at cfw7@u.washington.edu Legislative Internship Position Deadline for applications: Wednesday, November 28, 2007. The Washington State Labor Council, AFL/CIO will be hiring a legislative intern for the duration of the 2008 legislative session, January 17 – March 13. The intern will assist the Labor Council lobbying team in their efforts to pass legislation that will improve the lives of working families. It is a full time, paid position in Olympia . Hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Applicant must have good communications, writing, note taking and computer skills. Must have fundamental sympathies for goals of organized labor. Widely considered to be the "voice of labor" in our state, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO represents and provides services for hundreds of local unions and trade councils throughout Washington state. The WSLC's core programs are legislative advocacy, political action, communications and media relations, and assistance with organizing campaigns. Email resume to Robby Stern at rstern@wslc.org by no later than Nov. 28, 2007. For more information, please visit the WSLC web site at: http://www.wslc.org/whoweare.htm. Winter-spring and Summer Internship opportunities are available in the office of Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA). Congressional interns assist front office staff with administrative duties such as answering phones, distributing mail and giving tours of the United States Capitol. Interns will also have the opportunity to work closely with legislative staff on constituent correspondence, legislative research and other various projects. Applicants should be highly motivated and have strong written and oral communication skills. Applicant Instructions: If you are interested in an internship, please submit an application consisting of: To submit your application or for more information, please email Jessica Rogers by Nov. 20, 2007. Do you want to intern at a London Financial Firm, Madrid Newspaper, or a Geneva UN Office? These and many other opportunities are available to UW students next year. Spend a Quarter in London, Madrid, or Geneva while gaining professional experience and earning UW credit. UW students are invited to apply for an unpaid Summer internship in London or Fall internship in Geneva or Madrid. EUSA, the organization hosting the internships, finds internships for you in a variety of industries:
To learn about all three programs, visit: http://foster.washington.edu/ciber/EUSA.shtml Applications are due January 24th. The Thomas C. Wales Foundation Fellowship Program matches aspiring community leaders with community-based organizations that are addressing issues critical to the local community. The goal of the Fellowship Program is to develop community leadership through hands-on project development. It aims to directly advance the cause of civic engagement by cultivating future civic leaders in the mold of those the Wales Foundation honors with its Thomas C. Wales Award for Passionate Citizenship. Wales Fellows work on key projects, shadow the leadership process, and help their Host Organization fulfill its goals. The internship will: Internships begin in January, end in May, and provide a $500 stipend upon completion. Attached are a more detailed description of the fellowship program, descriptions of current projects, the application form and an optional supplemental form. If you are interested in applying, the deadline is November 26. For more information, click HERE. For an application, click HERE. Job OffersGrassroots Campaigns, Inc. (GCI), a national firm specializing in building grassroots support for progressive causes, political candidates, public interest campaigns, and non-profit fundraising operations, is interviewing potential staff for their campaigns to Take Back the White House. Grassroots Campaigns' current and past clients include MoveOn.org, the Democratic National Committee, the ACLU, and the League of Conservation Voters. We are hiring for the following positions: Position: Citizen Outreach Director Citizen Outreach Directors and Assistant Directors manage grassroots fundraising offices. They work with a team of other directors to recruit, train, and work with a staff of up to 100 paid canvassers to build support for the 2008 elections and a wide range of nonprofit organizations. Position: Field Organizer Field Organizers work in targeted Congressional districts and major metropolitan areas around the country. They will recruit, train, and work with volunteers to build the support needed to win on critical issues and get good candidates elected. In fall 2008 Field Organizers will help run one of the largest get-out-the-vote drives in the country. For all positions: Qualifications: Sound communication and motivational skills, strong desire for political change, and work ethic are essential. We are looking for people who have a strong leadership background, and who are ready to take on a lot of responsibility. Previous field organizing or canvass experience is a plus, but not a pre-requisite. Salary/Benefits Annual salary begins at $24,000, and increases commensurate with experience. Staff may opt into our health care plan. Student loan assistance repayment program offered. Locations: Nationwide, ask recruiter for more details. To Apply: Dependable Strengths is an intensive, non-traditional job-search seminar designed to help identify patterns of strengths through examining good experiences. Participants will learn how to effectively articulate their strengths and talents and uncover potential job opportunities. What : Dependable Strengths Workshop When : November 30th & December 3rd , 2007 Where : Career Center, 134 Mary Gates Hall, University of Washington - Seattle campus Web : http://depts.washington.edu/careers/careerplan/depstrg.php Cost : General registration is $150; $120 for UW Alumni Association members and currently enrolled UW students OtherCompete in intercollegiate forensics events (debate, individual events) Work on your research, organization, and public speaking skills Meet new people and have fun! Check out our website for information on our regular meetings, our competitive schedule, and to join our listserv for updates on all of our activities! You can also email Volunteer coach Christi Siver or Student President Charlotte Sanders. The Political Science/LSJ/Jackson School Writing Center is now open in Gowen 105, to the left of the main Political Science office. We offer many resources to help you write better papers and are open weekdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm (except Friday when we close at 1:00). We have undergraduate tutors ready to read your papers and talk with you about the elements of good writing. We can help you at every step of the writing process, from figuring out what the assignment is asking you to do to a final reading to polish your writing. If you want to make an appointment call us at 616-3354 or stop by our office to sign up. We also offer useful paper handouts for students. These cover topics such as paper organization, final draft checklist, citing print sources, and punctuation. They can be found outside the Center and on our website. Would you like to make a real difference in the life of a young person? If you answered "yes" to any of the above, then participating in the "Inner Pipeline" is for you. Since Winter of 1998, the Pipeline Project has offered UW students the opportunity to earn credit for tutoring, mentoring, or conducting research in the Seattle public schools. We offer a number of EDUC 401 seminars each quarter entitled "Inner Pipeline." Students will attend weekly seminars and tutor in a school or community organization for 2-5 hours per week. Students generally earn 2-5 credits depending on the number of hours spent tutoring. Winter Quarter Inner Pipeline seminars include Becoming Citizens, EcoTeam, General K-12, Literacy in the Criminal Justice System, Math and Science, Creative Writing, Refugee Communities, Literacy Through Photography, Global Health and Water Rights, College Access Project, At-Risk Middle School Students, and Returning Inner Pipeline. Interested students should contact Claire Fraczek; For a complete list of Pipeline seminar offerings and descriptoins of the seminars listed above, click here. Do You Wonder... Powerful Questions, Many Answers COME EXPLORE THESE QUESTIONS AND MORE WITH YOUR PEERS SIGN UP FOR INTERGROUP DIALOGUE (3 credits) WINTER QUARTER 2008 Gender Dialogue: Tuesdays 2:30 p.m.-5:20 p.m. Go to http://www.ssw.washington.edu/idea for ADD CODE APPLICATION The Institute for International Law and Politics was established to promote teaching and research in the area of intersection between international law and international relations. Recent developments such as treatment of detainees in the War on Terror, the debate over global warming, and the Supreme Court decision in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld are difficult to assess in the absence of an understanding of legal rules and an appreciation of the ways in which these rules may affect behavior. Admission to the program will be based on the applicant's academic record (official transcripts), three letters of recommendation, an academic writing sample, the Graduate Record Examination results (the Department requires all applicants to take the General Test of the GRE), and a statement of purpose. Other admissions requirements will include an application fee for all applicants and TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers—scores of 550 (paper test) or 213 (electronic test) or higher. Applications received before February 1, 2008 will be given special consideration. For more information about the MA Program, please contact us at 202-687-6237 or by e-mail at arenda@georgetown.edu If you are thinking about further study at the graduate level, consider applying to the concentration in Cultural, Social, and Political Thought (CSPT) at UVic. CSPT affords the best and brightest students in the humanities and social sciences the chance to study theory at an advanced level. It is available to those doing MA or PhD degrees in one of four participating departments (English, History, Political Science, and Sociology), as well as to students pursuing Individual Interdisciplinary graduate degrees. This fall, a group of students set out to create an endowed scholarship to fund an LSAT prep course for low-income students at one of the prep schools (Princeton Review, Kaplan, Sandweiss, etc.) in Seattle. Working with the Undergraduate Scholarship Office, pre-law, and law students, the mission is to give low-income students an equal footing for admission into the nation's top law schools. It takes $25,000 to endow a scholarship at the University of Washington. The group has hopes of raising $50,000 + by the end of this school year. The scholarship board is looking for several current students to join their mission. Working on the scholarship board will not only be a great opportunity to give back to your community and help your fellow students, but will also provide face time with local attorneys and firms, major corporations, and law school officials. Help is needed in 3 areas: Commitment time varies from 2 - 10 hours a week. To get involved, email jdomski1@u.washington.edu. Pi Sigma Alpha General Meeting
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