Suchergebnisse

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

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

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

COLLEGE STUDENTS TODAY OFTEN LACK BASIC ACADEMIC SKILLS, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE SKILLS IS CLOSELY & INEXTRICABLY INTERWOVEN WITH TEACHING AN ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE, & EVERY COLLEGE INSTRUCTOR MUST COMBINE TEACHING HIS/HER DISCPLINE WITH WORK ON THESE SKILLS, INCLUDING WORK WITH STUDENT PAPERS. VARIETY OF TEACHING TECHNIQUES ARE DESCRIBED TO SHOW HOW AUTHORS DOES THIS IN TWO POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES.

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