Political Science
Upcoming Events: Fall 2009
Where is Germany Heading?
The political landscape in the run-up to an historic election
Mark K. Cassell, Kent State University
Gunther Hega, Western Michigan University
Daniel Goeler, University of Passau
This fall marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is also a moment when the political architecture that framed a stable, democratic and economically successful regime is showing signs of stress. The panel will overview the changing political landscape in the Federal Republic of Germany to better understand the upcoming federal elections scheduled for September 27, 2009.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
3:30 pm
Friedmann Hall, Room 3301 (Poli Sci library)
free and open to the public
The Power of a Promise:
Education and Economic Renewal in Kalamazoo
Michelle Miller-Adams, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
When a group of anonymous donors announced in 2005 that they would send every graduate of Kalamazoo Public Schools to college for free, few within or outside the community understood the magnitude of the gesture. The Kalamzoo Promise holds the potential to fundamentally change the educational, economic, and social fabric of Kalamazoo. Dr. Miller-Adams will discuss the program's impact so far, as well as the challenges that remain if the Kalamazoo Promise is to catalyze the community transformation envisioned by its designers.
Michelle Miller-Adams is author of The Power of a Promise, the first comprehensive account of the Kalamazoo Promise, as well as two other books on community-building and economic development. She is currently a visiting scholar at the W.E. Upjohn Institute and assistant professor of political science at Grand Valley State University.
More at http://www.michellemilleradams.com
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
3:30 pm
Friedmann Hall, Room 3301 (Poli Sci library)
free and open to the public
Community College Teaching: A Good Choice for Me?
With increasing emphasis politically and socially on community colleges as options for higher education, as well as tighter job markets in liberal arts colleges and universities, more social science graduate students may consider a career in community college teaching. What is it like to teach in community college? How is it different and like teaching in other higher education settings? What are the students like? These and related questions will be discussed by a panel of experienced community college professors to include:
Timothy Farrow, Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kevin Dockerty, Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009
3:00 pm
Friedmann Hall, Room 3301 (Poli Sci library)
for WMU Arts & Sciences grad students