THE TRUMAN VOLUME I, ISSUE 1 POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWSLETTER AUGUST 27, 2007 Dr. Stuart Vorkink Retires THE CHAIR’S CORNER After 34 years of service to the university, Professor Stuart Vorkink retired at the end of the 2007-2006 academic year. The 2007-08 academic year Dr. Vorkink will be remembered for his many important contri- finds many changes at Truman, butions to Truman. His contributions include leadership in the most notably the restructuring to university’s assessment program, leading the design team for a departmental system and the the University Recreation Center, and supervising the Depart- launching of the new Depart- ment of Political Science’s Model U.N. program. Dr. Vorkink ment of Political Science. We has volunteered to continue to teach Truman’s LSAT prepara- have worked hard so that stu- tion course. dents will only notice changes for the better. Most of your po- litical science related questions can still be dealt with by your New Departmental Website Launched academic advisor, almost all of whom remain in their old offices http://politicalscience.truman.edu in McClain Hall. Students seek- The Department is pleased to announce the launching of its ing further assistance can still new departmental website at http://politicalscience.truman.edu visit the “old” Social Science Of- fice in MC 214, or come see me .Here students will find convenient links to degree worksheets as chair in my new location in for the major, suggestions for the proper sequencing of politi- cal science courses, as well as a complete description of po- MC 218. litical science course offerings and the requirements to minor The Political Science faculty con- in political science. tinue to work on several initia- Current students will also benefit from a handy link to the Po- tives further to improve our pro- litical Science Research Design Handbook and be able to take gram. We are working on insti- a sneak peak at course offerings for the spring of 2008. Fac- tuting “Departmental Honors” for ulty profiles and contact information are also prominently fea- our many outstanding graduates tured. who deserve further recognition on their transcripts. We also are Those considering a major in the discipline can access infor- in the planning stages for institut- mation about the nature of the program at the link “For Pro- ing advising and counseling ses- spective Students.” Special links also provide useful informa- sions both for our junior and sen- tion about internship opportunities through the department and ior students who are thinking careers in political science. about life after Truman and our Students interested in , College Democ- freshmen and sophomores need- rats, Student Senate, Mock Trial and the Pre-Law Club will ing advice about courses and find links to these student organizations on the site.. curriculum.

Randy Hagerty, Ph.D. Professor and Chair

Dr. Jeff Wm. Justice Joins Politi- Internship Opportunity with the cal Science Faculty Jay Nixon Campaign The internship will offer students a structured ex- perience working one-on-one with campaign The Political Science Department is pleased to staffers - the intern's staff mentor. Interns will learn announce the addition of Jeff William Justice to the skill sets that allow them to analyze issues and the faculty. Dr. Justice holds a bachelor's de- articulate solutions to the pressing problems of the day. Interns also will learn that activism and partici- gree in political science and history as well as pation in the democratic process yield results. a master's degree in political science from Mid- Though responsibilities vary, most internship op- western State University and a doctoral degree portunities will include: in political science from Texas Tech University. • Working with the Nixon for Governor Staff & His teaching and research interests include community organizations to increase visibility European and Latin American politics, voting throughout Missouri by coordinating community behavior, nationalism and ethnic conflict, un- events and voter contact efforts. conventional political behavior, and political • Working with community leaders to coordinate philosophy. He will also coordinate the Tru- grassroots campaign activities, including phone man State Model United Nations team. banks, fundraisers, and community event appear- ances.

Interns will have the opportunity to work on a cam- Outside of academics, Dr. Justice is an avid paign where they learn about public interest issues, outdoorsman, enjoying camping, hiking, hunt- gain political knowledge, and see how the democ- ing, and other outdoor pursuits. He spends ratic process. much of his free time working with the Boy Interested students should send resumes to: Scouts of America, serving in various capaci- ties at the local, regional, and national levels of Brandon Costerison the program and has served on several na- tional event staffs. He is a licensed indoor [email protected] and outdoor referee for the Soc- cer Federation. As both a part of his research and a leisure time activity, he enjoys learning languages, including French, Gaelic, Italian, Dr. Breuning needs student research assis- and Danish, among others. Dr. Justice is very tants. Political Science majors are preferred, excited about joining the Truman State faculty especially those who have completed or enroll during the fall in methods. This would be for and bringing his unique and vibrant style of scholarship hours. Contact Dr. Breuning’s of- teaching to the classroom. fice to apply.

Dr. Jeff Justice is also seeking student Students are encouraged to benefit from his workers for Academic Year 2007-08. Stu- enthusiasm and knowledge this fall by enroll- dents still needing to fill scholarship hours ing in Pols 275 Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict are invited to contact Dr. Justice in his office in MC 111C. or in one of his sections of Pols 171 Introduc- tion to Political Science

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New Course Offerings for the Fall of 2007

There have been several important additions to the political science curriculum since the end of the Spring 2007 semester. The faculty have heard your requests for more political science electives, and we have worked hard to increase the number of these for the next fall and spring.

We encourage you to sign up for as many of these that interest you and that fit your schedule.

REMEMBER, EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALL OF THE ELECTIVES THAT YOU NEED TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR, YOU CAN STILL TAKE MORE POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES AND COUNT THEM AS GENERAL FREE ELECTIVES TOWARD THE 124 HOUR GRADUATION REQUIREMENT.

So why not take another Political Science class for the fun of it? Current students may now go into their Truview accounts and add any of the courses listed below.

1. Pols 275 Politics and Film Tuesday evenings, 6:00.-9:00 p.m. Instructor: Parker; Location: MC 209

In this course you will watch and analyze a number of films with politically relevant content, from the era of silent films to the present. While you will be entertained by the films themselves, the primary educational purpose is to help you develop critical analytical skills toward the cinema as a conveyer of political messages and images.

2. Pols 275 Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict MWF 2:30-3:20 Instructor: Justice; Location: VH 1146

This course will explore forces and the relationships between nationalist feelings, ethnic loyalties and how these interact to fuel conflict around the globe today. Dr. Justice has a very dynamic class- room presence, and you will enjoy learning about this important subject matter from him.

You may also get a substitution to count this class toward the International Studies Minor.

There are still seats available in:

3. Pols 275 Women, Gender and Politics MWF 3:30-4:50 Instructor: Breuning Location: VH 1332

This course addresses the role women play in politics in sub-national, national, and global arenas and is comparative in nature. Examples will be drawn from a variety of countries and contexts. The conceptual components of the course explore the social and cultural construction of gender, its im- pact on politics, as well as the politics of changing gender roles

You may also get a substitution to count this class toward the Women’s Studies Minor.

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NEWS AND NOTABLES

Courtney Robbins spent nine weeks in Costa Rica Presidential Debate in Chicago on August 7. He contin- with Professor Piper for nine weeks to study Spanish. ues to work as a Senior Policy Analyst for the Heritage She is now fluent in Spanish, which will benefit her Foundation. future career in International Relations. Bonnie Treichel worked this summer at Edgerton and Rachel Candee spent her summer in Washington, Weaver, LLC, which is a law firm in Hermosa Beach, Cali- D.C., where she worked for the non-profit organiza- fornia. She reports that her work there was an awesome tion The American Institute for Cancer Research. learning experience! The law firm is comprised of 8 attor- Rachel also took classes on de Tocqueville and Eth- neys and 10 additional staff members, so it was a small, ics at . family and friendly atmosphere. She had the opportunity to work on a corporate raiding case that began in Novem- Theresa Perkins, after returning from a semester ber, 2004. Throughout the summer she created charts studying abroad in Ireland, spent the summer work- and visuals that were used in the Orange County Superior ing as a student intern for the Dept. of Veteran Af- Court as well as the NASD Arbitration hearing. The sum- fairs. She worked for the Veterans Health Administra- mer concluded with a three week NASD arbitration hear- tion at the VA Medical Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. ing in which she was able to sit in on many strategy meet- Sam Hodge was elected the new National Political ings, witness preparation, and the actual hearing. She Affairs Director for the College Democrats of America had the opportunity to prepare documents and do re- in late July at the National CDA Convention in South search that was used on a daily basis. Carolina. (This position manages and enhances the Mindy Maness interned in Washington D.C. for Congress- College Democrat's Caucus system and plans cam- man Ike Skelton (D-MO). Since she interned the previous paign events, programs and campaign invasions.) semester in Jefferson City at the Missouri State Capitol, it Political Affairs is one of seven national executive was very interesting to go straight from state politics to offices for youth in the DNC. Sam is also the Vice national politics. Since the United States change in party President of the College Democrats of Missouri and power to Democrats having the majority, Congressman Co-Chairman of the College Democrats of Missouri Skelton was named the Chairman of the Armed Services GLBT Caucus. Committee, one of the most prestigious committees on the Kevin Haynie spent this summer working in the Re- hill. Mindy reports having several truly wonderful experi- cords Department of Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosen- ences.. Some of these included meeting and conversing thal, which is a nationally-prominent law firm with with the Marine Commandant, sitting in on the Congress- branches from coast to coast, including Kansas City man's personal meetings including ones with the Foreign and St. Louis. Kevin worked in the St. Louis branch Minister of Pakistan, members of the Parliament of Af- of the firm. ghanistan, and the ambassador to India, and attending several extremely important hearings regarding the War in Emily Kiddoo interned this summer with the Republi- Iraq, the War on Terrorism, etc. can National Committee in Washington, D.C. She spent the majority of her time monitoring conserva- Nikki Rust traveled August 1- 10th to Pignon, Haiti. The tive blogs and updating GOP.com, but she also got to Pignon hospital has enabled the community to have below help with fundraising e-mails. The RNC's summer average infant mortality rates, population infected with interns also get to have lunch once a week with a AIDS, and mortality rates in general. This hospital has political leader, and Emily got to meet Karl Rove and also started several community programs such as building Vice-President Cheney. Emily reports that the interns schools, providing scholarships to students in primary decided Rove must have magical powers because school through college, a goat program that gives away after meeting him they were all 100% in favor of the goats as a source of income to needy people in the com- President's immigration plan optimistic about Iraq, munity, and health education programs. Nikki worked for and positive Republicans are going to win everything a week with the hospital helping build benches for the pri- in 2008. mary schools and aiding the hospital in fixing its facilities. Heath Hall, Class of 1997, was part of the air team analysts for XM Radio for the AFL-CIO Democratic

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