Political Science Advising NewsletterFebruary 17th, 2009 |
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Important DatesPOLITICAL SCIENCE ADVISING OFFICE HOURS:
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In This Issue:Fellowships/ Scholarships/ Grants
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Study Abroad Programs
There is a great opportunity to learn more about Estonian language, culture and people during this upcoming summer. There is an exploratory seminar, organized by Associate Professor Daniel Winterbottom, taking place in Estonia August 28 - September 18. The seminar concentrates on how to apply efficiently working sustainable solutions, which are found in the U.S., in a site with a long historical background. All majors are welcome to apply, whether you are an undergraduate or a graduate student. During the three week period, students will be working in two towns - Tallinn and Tartu - in teams with Tallinn University of Technology, Tartu College students. Lectures and weekend tours give a good overview of the historical background and present situation in Estonia. Students will earn 5 credits: CHID 474 or LARC 496/598 credits. Program fee is $ 3000 (IPE fee and airfare are not included) Informational meetings are coming up on Feb 17th and March 3rd, Architecture Hall 110, 12:00-1:00 pm. If you have more questions, please feel free to e-mail Merit Lesta at meritl@u.washington.edu . You can also find more information about the seminar on this website
The Athens Program is accepting applications to assemble 15 dedicated student scholars for a special research program in Greece this Summer! http://www.com.washington.edu/program/athens/ DATES: August 11 to September 12, 2009 OVERVIEW: The Athens Program from the Jackson School of International Studies seeks 15 dedicated student scholars interested in contributing to the body of knowledge in social sciences. Students live and work out of the comfortable Norwegian Institute in Athens near the famed Acropolis, and are engaged in ethnographic study of the emerging civil society and civic engagement in Greece – specifically, how digital technology such as cell phones and email encourage civic participation. Students are expected to gather and analyze data, and present their findings in a conference-like setting at the end of the program. This is a challenging but immensely rewarding program. There is extensive field work with Greek students, as well as Greek social activists, media practioners, local residents, scholars and government officials. COURSES (taught by Dr. Taso G. Lagos, Jackson School of International Studies): All students receive 13 credits for this program. * EURO 399 (UW Athens Program Director Taso G. Lagos): Study Abroad Undergraduate Research * GEOG 295 (UW Athens Program Director Taso G. Lagos): Special Topics in Geography * EURO 111 (Professor Heracles S. Panagiotides): Introductory Modern Greek language instruction COST: $3950 program fee plus $250 UW International Programs and Exchanges fee for a total of $4,200. Fees include: Instructional costs, room and board, all Athens Metro passes and other group transportation, Greek island excursions, ferry tickets, group meals and all hotel accommodations. (NOT included are airfare, weekday lunches, personal spending money, and incidental expenses.) No additional tuition payment is required. ELIGIBILITY: Any UW student who has successfully completed at least one-quarter of classes. ADMISSION: First-come/first-served. Priority Deadline: March 20th APPLICATION/INFORMATION FORMS available online or contact: Dr. Taso G. Lagos, Director, Athens Program, (206) 351.7495 taso@u.washington.edu Stacey Engle, Program Coordinator, Athens Program, (206) 437.4282 staceyen@u.washington.edu Info Sessions
Each week, the UW Career Center offers workshops addressing career-related topics (how to write a resume and cover letter, how to have a successful interview). With the exception of the two-days "Dependable Strengths" seminar, all workshops are free. Details about the workshops and the weekly calendar of events can be found here . You may also check out internships and career positions on HuskyJobs . All UW Career Center workshops are held in Room 134 Mary Gates Hall unless otherwise noted. Approximately 50 minutes long, workshops are generally held during the afternoon at the UW Career Center throughout Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters. See calendar for dates and times. Please note a special event this week: PUBLIC SERVICE AND NON PROFIT OPPORTUNITIES FAIR If you're hoping to spend your working life making a positive impact in the lives of others, then you won't want to miss this opportunity to find out about internship, career and volunteer opportunities with 50+ local and national organizations and agencies in the non-profit and public service sectors. When: Thursday, February 19 All students and alumni are invited to this free event, which is sponsored by the UW Career Center, the Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center, the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, the Program on the Environment & the School of Social Work. You will find more information about this event on the center for career services website.
The UW Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) is holding an information session for students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. The ABET-accredited BSCE degree is appropriate for students interested in both civil and environmental engineering. CEE Information Session Thursday, February 19, 2009 3:30-4:30pm More Hall 225 (UW Seattle campus) Several faculty members will attend to talk about their areas of engineering interest (such as construction, structures, environmental, etc). There will also be an optional tour of More Hall labs afterwards.
Tax 101 workshops for U.S Resident Students: You've received your 1098T tax form! Are you confused about the information it contains? Student Fiscal Services offers workshops to help students understand the 1098T tax form, the Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits, and student account or scholarship issues in relation to taxes. This class is offered free of charge. Below are the classes in February: February 18, 2009 (2 sections, same day) 12:30pm - 1:30pm, 2:00pm - 3:00pm HUB 310 Tax 101 for Non US Resident and International Students: Student Fiscal Services offers workshops to help Non US Resident and international students understand the tuition accounts or scholarship issues in relation to taxes. This class is offered free of charge. Below are the classes in February: February 18, 2009 3:30pm - 4:30pm HUB 310 Questions about the classes: Please call 206-221-2621 or 206-221-5950. Any tax questions: Please call 206-221-2609 or email taxquest@u.washington.edu Fellowships/ Scholarships/ Grants
It is with great excitement that the Ellison Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies would like to announce the launch of the Vladimir Gross Memorial Endowed Fund to honor the legacy of Vladimir Gross, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literature, who taught Russian language at the UW for nearly four decades. REECAS would like to request applications for the new, annual Gross Undergraduate Fellowship for exceptional undergraduate students interested in studying in Russia. Priority will be given to undergraduates to travel to Russia to study the Russian language, but funds may also support undergraduate students to travel to Russia to study the country's history, literature or culture. One award of up to $1000 will be offered toward airfare or lodging between June 2009 and May 2010. To apply: Submit the following required material: (1) a 2-page essay, double-spaced, 12 font (Courier, Arial or Times New Roman), with 1 inch margins on all sides, in which you explain your study abroad plans and how these funds will assist you, (2) a budget outlining your expenses, (3) one faculty letter of support, and (4) an unofficial copy of your transcript. Applications are due February 27, 2009. Please send application materials to: Marta Mikkelsen, Associate Director, REECAS Program, Box 353650, Seattle, WA 98195
Conferences/ Talks
ICTs & The Environment: What are the environmental impacts of information and communication technologies in the developing world, and how can we use these new technologies to improve the environment? WHAT: A research discussion with Teresa Peters (formerly with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Global Libraries Program) to discuss ICTs and the environment (follow link to posting: http://www.cis.washington.edu/2009/02/brown-bag/ ). WHERE: Parrington Hall, Commons (3rd Floor) WHEN: February 17th, 2008 12-1pm ABSTRACT: Environmental issues cut across all areas of development, but in the area of information and communications technology for development (ICTD) many environmental costs and benefits appear in even starker contrast. ICT can serve as a valuable tool to help protect the environment - for example, as a means for monitoring and managing complex environmental systems. But technology also raises serious environmental concerns - especially for developing countries - in particular related to power and e-waste. Developing country governments expect to have the same opportunity to exploit natural resources as other countries have had on their path to development, and protecting the environment is often pitted against other more pressing development concerns. Yet, given what is known today about the risks to future generations if steps are not taken now to protect the environment, it is short-sighted not to consider the environmental aspects of any development activities. Since ICT plays such an important role in development, the environmental impact of increased ICT use in developing countries merits special attention. Teresa will initiate the discussion with issues she raises in a brief concept paper. In addition to the discussion, Teresa is keen to identify a masters or PhD-level student interested in research collaboration on this topic. This opportunity is open to students interested for this and/or next academic year. ABOUT TERESA PETERS: Teresa Peters is a partner at Kickstand Consulting working on a range of issues related to the use of information and communications technology to achieve social goals. She is also exploring new ground in the field as a research affiliate with the Center for Information & Society at the University of Washington. Recently, Teresa was a Senior Program Officer with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where she worked on the Global Libraries program as a senior member of a 13-person team on a $328M initiative to bring effective, sustainable public access to ICT in developing-country libraries. Teresa is a lawyer with a background in technology, policy, and development, with experience working at the highest levels of international policy-making and in ground-level projects in developing countries and disadvantaged communities. She founded bridges.org in 1999, an award-winning nonprofit organization based in Africa that promoted the effective use of information communications technology and business processes for socio-economic development. Previously, Teresa was an official at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) based in Paris, where she led the efforts of the Committee on Information, Computers and Communications Policy in authentication, cryptography and security of information systems. Teresa has been an active voice in the global conversation on the digital divide and electronic commerce and has been involved in civil and human rights efforts in Latin America, Africa, Europe and North America. In 2003, the World Economic Forum named her a Global Leader of Tomorrow. A native of Ohio, Teresa holds a JD from Washington College of Law at American University and a BA in Anthropology from Ohio State University.
Making the Most of Your UW Experience Seminar Speaker Series concludes today, Tuesday Feb. 17, 3:30-4:20 in MGH 206 with Barbara Thomas. Ms. Thomas currently serves as acting director and curator of the Northwest African American Museum. Her extensive history includes serving as Director of the Seattle Arts Commission and Bumbershoot Arts Festival, as well as marketing manager of The Elliot Bay Book Company. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend the lecture
Monday, 02-23-2009: The Global Arms Trade: Weapons of Individual Destruction, by Rachel Stohl, Senior Analyst at the Center for Defense Information (CDI) Location: University of Washington, Kane Hall 210 Seattle, WA 98195 Cost: Members $10, Non-members $15, Students $10 How are U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq affected by trade in small arms? Why are small arms labeled “weapons of individual destruction?” How does the international small arms trade affect the war on terror? While world attention is focused on weapons of mass destruction, most of the millions of victims of recent conflicts have been killed by weapons of individual destruction: small arms and light weapons. Over 800 million of these cheap, light, portable weapons are available around the world, part of an estimated annual authorized trade exceeding $4 billion and a black market trade worth over $1 million annually. Efforts to control the global trade in these weapons have largely faltered and today, terrorists, drug lords, and governments use these weapons to wage war and commit violence. Internationally renowned small arms expert Rachel Stohl will discuss the devastating implications of the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms. The World Affairs Council presents Rachel Stohl, a Senior Analyst at the Center for Defense Information (CDI) at the World Security Institute in Washington, DC. For nearly 15 years, she has worked on issues surrounding the international arms trade, small arms and light weapons, and children and armed conflict. Prior to joining CDI, Ms. Stohl was a Scoville Fellow at the British American Security Information Council (BASIC) in Washington, DC. Ms. Stohl also previously worked at the United Nations Center for Disarmament Affairs in New York and at the Program for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Conversion in Monterey, CA. Ms. Stohl has also served as the Consultant to the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on the Arms Trade Treaty and has been a consultant to numerous non-governmental organizations, including Oxfam and World Vision. Ms. Stohl's work has appeared in numerous publications including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Foreign Policy, and the Small Arms Survey. She is quoted regularly in domestic and international newspapers and is a frequent guest on radio and television, with several appearances on National Public Radio and CNN. She appears in numerous documentaries including “Making a Killing: Inside the International Arms Trade,” available on the DVD of the feature film *Lord of War*. Ms. Stohl speaks regularly at Congressional hearings and briefings for Members of Congress and their staffs. She has worked with the U.S. military on issues of child soldiers and has presented seminars at the U.S. Naval Academy, Quantico Marine Base, and Coronado Naval Air Station. Ms. Stohl is often a featured speaker at international conferences, such as the United Nations Conference on Small Arms and the United Nations Special Session on Children. Ms. Stohl is Chairperson of the Small Arms Working Group, former board member of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), Steering Committee Member of the U.S. Campaign to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, a member of Women in International Security, serves on the experts board of the Center for Unconventional Security Affairs at the University of California Irvine, and is Advisor to the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict. Please pre-register online or by calling the Council at (206) 441-5910.
“The Superhero Next Door: Democratic Leadership and the Duality of Character”
The Application Deadline for this year's 12th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium is approaching on FRIDAY, FEB. 20 at 5pm and we hope that you will consider participating. You can present research you've engaged in with faculty as the result of ongoing work or a research project you're working on in a course. To access the online application, instructions, and information, please visit http://exp.washington.edu/urp/symp . For more information, please read the TOP 10 MYTHS below: TOP 10 MYTHS about the ANNUAL UW UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM *10* The Symposium is competitive and since I've only been working on my research a short time, my application won't be accepted. =>UNTRUE, our goal is to have as many students who meet a minimum standard for research present as possible. You will find students with various levels of experience presenting at the Symposium and all have something to contribute and gain from the experience. *9* I can't attend the Symposium because all of that activity will make me too hungry! =>All presenters will receive a snack bag when they check in to keep them fueled throughout the event. *8* I already present in my departmental symposium so I don't need to participate. => Why not gain more experience and use your poster or presentation more than once?? This can only help you as you think about next steps in your post-undergrad career and/or your plans for graduate study. Also, you'll gain valuable experience presenting to people outside of your major area of study and NETWORKING with guests. *7* My research has to be in the sciences in order to be included. =>While we have many students from the sciences who present in the Symposium, all academic disciplines are represented, including the social sciences, arts, and humanities! The Symposium showcases quantitative (nos.-based) and qualitative (e.g., interviews, surveys) research. There's even a performing arts session that will take place in a studio in nearby Meany Hall. *6* I don't have my results yet so I can't present this year. => You need not have results yet in order to apply to present your work this year. In fact, we advise all students to talk about their research question(s), methods, anticipated results, and possibly future research avenues in their abstracts. *5* I've never written an abstract before and doubt that I can do this right now. =>The Undergraduate Research Program has lots of ways to help you. Come to an abstract-writing workshop (see http://www.washington.edu/research/urp/courses/abstractwriting.html , utilize our online abstract writing instructions, including a powerpoint tutorial and sample abstracts (see http://www.washington.edu/research/urp/symp/applicationinfo.html ), stop in to 120 MGH for our Advising Drop-In Hours (Wednesdays 10 am – 12 pm; Thurdays 2:30 – 4:30 pm) or email urp@u.washington.edu with questions or to request an appointment. *4* I'll have to skip it because I don't own a tuxedo or floor-length taffeta gown that I could wear on Symposium Day. =>No formal attire is required though you can dress up if you like. We advise students to dress "business casual." *3* I can't present a poster because don't know how to design one or where to print it. =>We have lot's of information available on this one (see http://www.washington.edu/research/urp/symp/participants.html ) and will send you announcements soon of our Poster Design Workshops. *2* I'm not a good public speaker so I can't sign up to do an oral presentation. =>Practice makes perfect! Everyone gets nervous before a presentation (don't believe those who say otherwise) but we urge you to get experience with this format as preparation for entering the job world or graduate study. We will send you announcements soon of our Oral Presentation Practice Sessions that will help you prepare for Symposium Day. *1* The Undergraduate Research Symposium is one of the most important learning experiences that you can have as a UW undergraduate. =>This one isn't a myth at all! You will really enjoy and be challenged by Symposium Day. Your mentors will receive formal invitations to attend, and you can choose to have us send invites to family and supporters as well.
The UW Nu Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political science Honors Society presents: Crisis In Gaza: Prospects for the Future. A conversation with Joel Migdal. This event will take place on February 24th, 2009 from 7:00 - 8:30pm in 301 Gowen Hall. All are welcome!
Resilient Community Planning in the Global Context Presentations describing community planning in China and India, with a discussion on bridging the gap between Graduate Research and Professional Practice Tuesday, February 24, 2009 5pm – 7pm Gould Hall, University of WA (University Way at NE 40th Street) Come enjoy Indian appetizers and hear about how “resilient community planning” is being practiced elsewhere in the world. Manish Chalana led students on a month-long Exploration Seminar last summer to investigate rural development and planning in the remote mountain communities of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve area in the upper Himalayas. He will discuss the work that the group conducted in 2008, and plans for the 2009 program. Dan Abramson will present his work in community planning in China, and its applicability to a new UW initiative to undertake sustainable earthquake recovery planning in Sichuan. He will share his experiences from a trip he made to the earthquake zone in mid-December, and outline a program including an exchange between Puget Sound-area professionals and Chinese counterparts to take place in early May, followed by a summer studio project in China. Presentations will be followed by a panel discussion with Diane Sugimura (Director, Department of Planning and Development, City of Seattle), Dan Carlson (Lecturer, Evans School of Public Affairs), Jessica Miller (Graduate Student in Architecture), and Katie Lichtenstein (Graduate Student in Urban Planning), moderated by John Owen (MAKERS Architecture + Urban Design). Sponsored by the Department of Urban Design and Planning Professionals Council and the Department of Urban Design & Planning. Other
Dear Students, The Orator, Undergraduate Journal of Political Science, is now accepting submissions!
For the past two years, PSA, the Political Science Honor Society at the UW, has edited and published The Orator, an undergraduate journal of political science articles written by UW students. Last year, The Orator was named in the top ten undergraduate journals nationwide! Though a political science journal by name, The Orator is open to submissions from any major, provided they are in some way related to politics or political issues. Submissions to The Orator are accepted on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the better! The application form must be filled out and turned to the Political Science Advising Office, Smith 215, with the submission attached. We at PSA look forward to reading your papers! Kaegan Faltys-Burr PSA Communications Director
The European Union Center of Excellence at the University of Washington is pleased to invite you to join us at the fifth West Coast Model European Union, March 6-7, 2009 , where we will simulate the upcoming Czech EU Presidency of 2009. The goal of this simulation, in addition to acquiring in-depth knowledge about the European Union, is to provide students a forum in which to gain experience in public speaking and negotiation skills, organization and planning skills, to apply their research and to meet with colleagues from a variety of schools while learning about teamwork and leadership. The Model EU is a simulation of European Council summits that take place during a member country's presidency. Teams of two undergraduate students play the roles of representatives of EU member state delegations. This year the students will negotiate issues to be discussed during the Czech presidency of 2009. The 2009 Model EU will feature two concurrent summit negotiation sessions focusing on the following issues: Energy Security and Enlargement (for more information on the topics of debate, please see the Agenda on the Model EU website ). Right now there are openings for students to represent Sweden and Hungary , with a strong possibility of openings on the Germany and Finland delegations. Students prepare by researching the issues to be negotiated and their country's position on these issues. Participants are expected to produce and submit two documents prior to the conference: a position paper and proposed resolution in which they draft a resolution to bring to the negotiations before the conference. Individuals are also expected to actively participate in negotiations during the conference. While many students who participate in the Model EU have some previous background in European Studies, most students are not EU specialists before signing up and students from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds are welcome. Information on the Model EU, including materials to help prepare for the event, including the Presidency's agenda, are posted on the West Coast Model EU web site . For questions, more information or to join the UW's delegation at the 2009 Model EU, please contact Petra Kellie or Karen Boschker at euc@washington.edu , by phone at 206-616-2415, or stop by the EUCE office in Thomson 120.
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