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The understanding of science by members of the public has been of increasing concern to social scientists. This article argues that such understanding, or the ostensible lack of it, is structured by discourses that address science both as an abstract entity or principle (science-in-general) and as an activity directed at specific phenomena or problems (science-in particular). Drawing upon a wide range of interviews about various sources of ionizing radiation, it is suggested that understanding is tied to questions of social identity that encompass relations of differentiation from and identification with science and the institutions in which it is embedded

This article reports on the evaluation of political science research internships & considers their costs & benefits for a political science education. Students indicated high levels of appreciation of the inaugural Political Science Research Internship Unit at the U of Western Australia in terms of its contribution to their personal development & work experience. A substantial number of interns gained insights into the policy process through this form of experiential learning. Many came to appreciate the contingency & the normative dimensions of knowledge in the policy process. Whereas about half of the students found the transition from the seminar room to the policy world difficult, the other half were more successful in applying their theoretical knowledge to practical experiences. The article also indicates how this evaluation informs future course design. 10 References. Adapted from the source document.

Provides an overview of Swedish political science education & research. It is noted that Sweden has not often been at the cutting edge of the discipline, but the importance of that is pondered. Some information on the Swedish Political Science Association & the major journal, Statsvetenskaplig Tidskrift, is offered. References. J. Zendejas

This article reports on the evaluation of political science research internships and considers their costs and benefits for a political science education. Students indicated high levels of appreciation of the inaugural Political Science Research Internship Unit at the University of Western Australia in terms of its contribution to their personal development and work experience. A substantial number of interns gained insights into the policy process through this form of experiential learning. Many came to appreciate the contingency and the normative dimensions of knowledge in the policy process. Whereas about half of the students found the transition from the seminar room to the policy world difficult, the other half were more successful in applying their theoretical knowledge to practical experiences. The article also indicates how this evaluation informs future course design.

Introduces the establishment & general goals of the Task Force on Mentoring established by the American Political Science Assoc Council. The Task Force was created to provide guidance & mentoring assistance with focus on the needs of women & people of color. L. Collins

A symposium comment reflecting on the debate between political scientists & political theorists. The debate is analogous to an older one between political scientists & economists. If economists now actively engage in government policy planning & formation, might political knowledge yet have a vital public role to play, eg, in countering popular indifference & fostering incentive not just to vote, but to vote judiciously? Yet prescriptions for political scientists would be counterproductive. Upholding pluralism in the field itself seems a reasonable goal. 10 References. K. Coddon

Reports on an evaluation of Political Science 545, a master's degree-level seminar offered at California State U at Fullerton that focuses on methods used by political scientists to conduct research & report findings. The course is intended to go beyond the usual objectives of learning, creativity, & motivation by requiring students to attend the Western Political Science Assoc (WPSA) conference & interview one of the paper presenters. Students are also encouraged to develop their own research project. Information was obtained from a survey of 31 students who were enrolled in Political Science 545 & attended the 2000 WPSA conference. The questionnaire was designed to measure the motivational level of the conference in relation to stimulating research ideas & seeking a career in political science. The results showed that exposure to the work of practicing political scientists had a positive impact on the students' graduate education by both enkindling creative research ides & providing career motivation. A summary of major student criticisms of the conference is included. 3 References. J. Lindroth

Frank R. Baumgartner, professor, political science
department, Pennsylvania State University, will spend the 2004–2005
academic year on sabbatical leave at the European University
Institute in Florence, Italy and at Science Po in Paris, France.Jonathan Bendor, Walter and Elise Haas Professor of
Political Economics and Organizations, Graduate School of Business,
Stanford University, was appointed a member of the American Academy
of Arts and Sciences.Michael Berkman, associate professor, political science
department, Pennsylvania State University, will spend the fall 2004
semester on sabbatical leave completing a book on educational
politics.