From Tacoma to Bishkek: PPPA students experience internships

Posted on March 10, 2014 by pppauwt

Lester Burkes, intern for Sen. Sheldon

This winter was a busy time for student internships. Eleven of our students won spots in the prestigious Washington State Legislative Internship program in Olympia – which meant once again UW Tacoma sent more students to participate in this program than did any other school in the state. Students interned with senators and representatives during the past legislative session. In addition to their office work, interns participated in weekly academic seminars and workshops, met with state officials, took part in a budget exercises, and participated in mock hearings and mock floor debates. Many also had opportunities to shadow an elected official or administrator of a state agency, and take a trip to Victoria, B.C. to compare law making in Canada with law making in the US. Seven other PPPA students interned for members of the US Congress here in Tacoma (Rep. Derek Kilmer) and Seattle (Sen. Patty Murray), while three went to Washington, DC to work for Rep. Kilmer, Rep. Adam Smith, and Sen. Maria Cantwell. One other intern worked at Joint Base Ft. Lewis-McChord, and a final was the ASUWT representative in Olympia.

Brandon Bannister debating on the Senate fl

Michael in Bishkek

: Global Studies major Kristie Weisert interned for Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles. While sitting at the Senator’s desk, she remarked that “my Senator makes me feel like I could actually be a Senator one day!”

My-Le Tang with Gov. Inslee

This quarter also saw one of our students, Michael Wotherspoon (a senior, majoring in Law and Policy) intern in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He is still there studying Russian and writing for Spektator Magazine, a publication that reports on Central Asian affairs. Our man in Bishkek is writing articles about democratic reform and freedom of religion in the Kyrgyz Republic — a topic he’ll share with us during a May 29th seminar.

Two faculty members to join PPPA

Posted on March 9, 2014 by pppauwt

IAS recently hired two new faculty members who will join PPPA faculty next year. Sarah Hampson will be joining us to teach courses in public law. She is currently finishing up her PhD. in Political Science at the University of Connecticut, and her specialty is in Law and Society, with a special interest in policies around a work/life balance. She is interested in connecting big questions in law and society with practical public policies. She is also interested in politics, women in the military, and race and ethnicity in American Politics. “I am very excited to be joining UW Tacoma this fall, and I look forward to teaching courses in public law, including Law in Society, Constitutional Law, and Law and Public Policy.”

Elizabeth Bruch is our new expert in human rights. She earned a law degree from the University of Wisconsin, has a PhD in sociology from the University of British Columbia, and will be teaching courses primarily in the area of human rights. Her research focuses on international law and policy, human rights, and humanitarian intervention. Having worked as a human rights lawyer before she began teaching, Elizabeth brings this perspective to her classes and scholarship. “I am looking forward to joining the PPPA Division of IAS this coming fall. My family and I will be moving to the Tacoma area from Vancouver, BC, Canada, and we are excited to explore another part of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.” Next year she will be teaching International Human Rights, Humanitarian Law, International Law and International Organizations.

Three faculty gain new positions

Posted on March 8, 2014 by pppauwt

Our loss is someone else’s gain. Three of our faculty members will be leaving at the end of the year to pursue other opportunities. Prof. Michael Zbaraschuck (left), a lecturer in Religious Studies, has been teaching for us for three years. He has just been awarded a tenure track position down the road at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). “Although I’m excited to pursue new professional opportunities at PLU, I’ll miss my students and colleagues here at UW Tacoma.” Prof. Daniel Bennett (right) also gained a tenure track position in Political Science at Eastern Kentucky University. Dan is teaching public law classes for us this year, and commented: “I have relished the opportunity to teach at UW Tacoma, mainly because of the students — the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives I have encountered in the classroom is incredible.” Finally, Brad McHose (left) recently accepted a Visiting Scholar position at the Center for Ethics in Society at Stanford University, and will be heading south this summer. Brad has taught courses in ethics and philosophy for us over the last two years. We will miss all three of them, but wish them well with their new positions.

Faculty writes oped on Turkish politics

Posted on March 7, 2014 by pppauwt

This month Professor Turan Kayaoğlu published an oped in The News Tribune where he analyzes an array of current political developments in Turkey. In “The Rise and Fall of Turkey’s Prime Minister Erdogan, in Three Acts,” Prof. Kayaoğlu criticizes the Turkish government for its abuse of power and turn toward authoritarianism.

Annual internship and PPPA paper prize event

Posted on March 6, 2014 by pppauwt

Scheduled for April 30 during the lunch hour, our annual internship event offers a chance for faculty and students to hear about our students’ internship experiences over the year. This event is also coupled with the announcement of our annual paper prize competition winner. This award goes to the student chosen by faculty for having written the best capstone paper. Last year, the award went to Arianna Shorey (right) who last month presented her paper to faculty and students during a lunch hour seminar. Previous winners and their papers can be found in UW Tacoma’s Digital Commons collection.

Relaunching of student club

Posted on March 4, 2014 by pppauwt

This winter, the Politics Philosophy & Economics club voted in a new set of officers (left). The club’s mission is to provide a venue for students to explore their interests in anything related to politics, philosophy or economics, and to provide students with experiences and resources that aren’t available in the classroom setting. For more information, contact the new club president, Nicholas Eutsler (eutslern@uw.edu)

Spring class: run Washington, DC

Posted on March 3, 2014 by pppauwt

This spring, PPPA is offering a new course on the United States Congress (TPOLS 353). It provides a unique learning opportunity by engaging students in an actual simulation of a legislative session through the use of specialized computer software. Students will be assigned to committees, will debate issues, and will hold votes. Some days will be designated for committee work, while others will be used to elect “legislators” to positions, vote on bills, allow for floor speeches, debate legislation, and so on. Through this hands-on experience, students will gain an appreciation for how the U.S. Congress functions. The course is offered Monday & Wednesday 10:20-12:25. Contact Prof. Ben Gonzalez for more information (bfg@uw.edu).

UW Tacoma’s Pre-Law Society gets in gear

Posted on March 1, 2014 by pppauwt

For those students considering law school–no matter the interest level–UW Tacoma’s Pre-Law Society (PLS) can be a valuable resource. This year the PLS is led by PPPA students Chelsea Hager and Brian Holden, and has been active in sponsoring law-related events. Last fall, Ann Kitchel, Assistant Professor at Willamette University College of Law, visited with PLS members, engaged them in a mock law school class and answered questions about the law school admissions process. Speaking about her visit, Brian Holden noted “I didn’t realize how much work applying to law school would be.”

Want more information? Check out the PLS on DawgDen, or contact Chelsea Hager (hagerc2@uw.edu) or Brian Holden (bch9@uw.edu).

Upcoming Events

Posted on March 1, 2014 by pppauwt

April 10 – Middle East and Africa Seminar Series, with Mr. Faisal Roble. “Post Civil War Somalia: Challenges and Opportunities” 4- 6 pm in Carwein Auditorium.
April 15 – Film & Panel Discussion- “Buddhism After the Tsunami: The Souls of Zen.” 3/11 Japan Special. 6-8 pm in Carwein Auditorium
April 23 – Middle East and Africa Seminar Series, with Professor James Long. “Electoral Fraud and Political Violence in Africa.” 12:30 (Location TBD)
April 28 – Philosophy Roundtable, with Professor Rob Crawford. Topic: “War and Legitimacy: Why Accountability for US Torture Failed”. 4:00-5:30 pm in the Chihuly Room, Snoqualmie Library Building,.
April 30 – PPPA Internship Event and Paper Prize Presentation. 12:30 pm in the Jane Russell Commons.
May 7 – Middle East and Africa Seminar Series, with Professor Nader Hashemi. “Is Rouhani an Iranian Gorbachev?” 4pm in the Tacoma Room.
May 15 – PPPA Seminar by Paper Prize winner. 12:30 pm in the Tacoma Room.
May 29 – Middle East and Africa Seminar Series, with Michael Wotherspoon. “Politics, Ethnicity and the Press in Kyrgyzstan.” 12:30 pm in the Tacoma Room.