Welcome back, e-briefly, to the Department of Political Science at the University of Minnesota! We have revived the PoliSci Connection, a newsletter to alumni and friends of the department. We hope that you will want to hear from us, and we know that we are very eager to hear from you.
Political Science continues to be a very popular major at the U; we have more than 700 active majors this year. Although our faculty is a bit smaller now than in recent years, we continue to provide undergraduate and graduate students with an experience that allows them to work closely with faculty both in classes and in a variety of research settings. Right now, for example, we are finishing up the summa cum laude thesis defenses for the year as we prepare to send off another graduating class.
Providing a quality education to undergraduate and graduate students at a public university is quite challenging right now. As you probably know, state funding has fallen and tuition has increased. Students now face large debt and greater pressures on their time to work and study. Presented with greater economic uncertainty, students hope to use their education to find a direct foothold in the world.
Our department understands these concerns. We have long provided outstanding study abroad and internship opportunities. Our internships in state government provide many students with a way to begin their careers. Students who major in political science develop the kinds of analytical, writing, and data-usage skills that serve them well throughout their lives. They also learn about the world of politics: a world in which power shapes the prospects for change, both for better and worse.
Still, we know we can do more to help current students connect to the wider world. This is a key place where you, dear alumni, come in! We invite you to think of yourselves as members of a larger community: the community of those who care about how the U educates citizens. New alums, older alums – we want to hear about your perspectives and your memories with us.
In issues to come, we’ll focus on new and continuing faculty, on telling you about curricular innovations and research projects, and on stories of you – our alumni.
Don’t be shy! Become involved with us. Let us know how you are doing, and what questions you have about how we are doing. We have a growing presence on social media; feel free to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
Thanks for being a part of the Minnesota Political Science community.
Best,
Joan Tronto, Professor and Chair
Scholar of the College, 2013-2016
