Information Session for IS Majors Studying Abroad
- OGE director Larry Pickener will lead an information session for IS Majors about studying abroad, tomorrow (Tuesday Nov 8) from 12-1pm. Here is the zoom link.
IS Fall Social
- Join the peer advisors and other IS students to chat about classes, registration, and study abroad over hot chocolate and cookies tomorrow evening (Tuesday Nov 8) at 6:30 pm in Connolly House. RSVP here.
IS Major Info Session for Class of '26
- Join Prof.Owens, Prof.Nakazato, and the peer advisors for an information session on the IS major and application process Wednesday Nov. 16th from 6-7pm in Devlin 101. There will be a presentation, followed by Q&A with the opportunity to hear directly from students in the major.
Class registration begins this week!
- Important: All undergraduates are required to meet with their academic advisor before they register for Spring 2023 classes.
- The IS Program web site has updated lists of approved Spring 2023 courses on the Courses page. You can also find a spreadsheet of approved Spring 2023 courses here.
- Any final course questions can be answered by reaching out to one of the peer advisors.
Senior Send-Off Dinner
- Members of '23 (Majors and Minors): Please fill out this google form to let us know if you would be interested in attending a formal dinner in the Spring.
Name the Newsletter
- Help us name the newsletter! Now that we've redesigned the newsletter, we want to revamp it with a new name. Fill out this google form to vote for your favorite option or suggest an original.
Join your class GroupMe
|
|
Get to know the Intro to IR Professors!
Jennifer Erickson is an associate professor in the Political Science department, with a joint appointment in the International Studies program. At BC she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on international relations and security such as "Global Governance" and "The Future of War", as well as the core IS course "Introduction to International Relations".
|
|
|
Her research interests include international security and arms control, conventional and nuclear weapons. Previously, Professor Erickson has served as Nuclear Security Fellow at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University and has conducted field work in the US and Europe. She is currently a faculty affiliate in the Security Studies Program at MIT and the managing editor at H-Diplo's International Security Studies Forum.
IS Courses:
Intro to IR
Global Governance
Something exciting about teaching Intro to IR in the spring: "Intro to IR is one of my favorite classes to teach! I always look forward to the material, because I am a scholar of international relations and this class lets me cover so many topics that interest me, but I also always look forward to meeting the new IS majors and getting to know them over the course of the semester and beyond."
Recap of her time as Editor of Security Studies: "I’ve recently completed four years as an associate editor (AE) at the journal Security Studies. AEs select reviewers for article manuscripts for peer review and evaluate those reviews to help make decisions about whether or not to publish those manuscripts. Publishing is really important for scholars’ careers, and so this was a position that required a lot of care and attention. We’re currently also working on putting together a special issue (i.e., many articles on a specific theme, published together) on “race and security,” which we hope will feature many important empirical topics and theoretical perspectives on an issue that often does not get a lot of attention in mainstream security studies."
Books of the Moment: "I enjoy reading fiction for fun! I like all sorts of genres, and books both "fluffy" and serious. Choosing favorites is too hard, though, so I thought I'd make a short list of modern fiction that relates to my own interest in international security and that in particular capture experiences of war and conflict for individuals and communities. As a result, the books below tend to be more serious books, with sometimes difficult stories and scenes. Certainly, there are many more I could add to the list, too, and I'd love to hear from you with recommendations for this theme or any fiction books you've loved recently!
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (set around Nigeria's Biafran War, this book follows several "ordinary" people and the effects of war on them and their families);
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker (the story of the siege of Troy and its aftermath told from the perspective of the women and Briseis in particular);
Milkman by Anna Burns (not the easiest writing style -- I bought it in the Dublin airport but it was *not* an airplane read -- following an unnamed young woman in an unnamed town who is pursued by a local paramilitary during the Troubles of Northern Ireland);
We, the Drowned by Carsten Jensen (a novel of a small Danish seafaring village from the mid-19th century through World War II, whose sailors and their families are shaped by industrialization and war; it's more than a "war novel" but some of the war sections had particular resonance for my own research on new weapons and norms of war, so I wanted to include it here)"
|
|
"Primate Conservation and Green Cities" Info Session 
- When: November 10, 7-8pm
- Where: Zoom
- Abroad Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Join Professor Nicole Gross-Camp to explore conservation and sustainability initiatives in the context of the Global South and the country of Rwanda. The course will focus on two main themes: conservation with a focus on primates and sustainability initiatives in the country’s urban capital city, Kigali. Email grosscam@gmail.com to receive the link.
"South Africa: Religion, Justice & Reconciliation" Info Session
- When: November 14, 12pm, November 30, 6pm
- Where: McGuinn 400 Session 2: Zoom
- Abroad Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Join Prof.Synder, with food provided, to learn more about this summer course. This course examines South African religious communities that have resisted racism and xenophobia and led national efforts at reconciliation in the decades after the apartheid era officially ended. Scholarly readings and lectures combine with numerous site visits to help students examine the concepts of religio-cultural identity that have energized many South Africans’ struggle for justice and peace.
"Studying an Innovative Economy: Start Ups In Israel" Info Session
- When: November 15, 5pm
- Where: Stokes N131
- Abroad Location: Tel Aviv
Join Prof.Chazen to learn more about how businesses get started, funded and grow by spending 1 month in one of the most innovative countries in the world. (Course Title: "Studying an Innovative Economy: Start Ups In Israel") Major innovations, such as Waze, cybersecurity to protect financial transactions (FinTech) and advances in healthcare have all originated in Israel. The course is very experiential, by meeting entrepreneurs, venture capital investors and visiting companies and tech parks and other places where innovation happens. Applications are open and reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply here.
"Environment Law and Policy in the US and Europe" Info Session 
- When: November 15, 5pm
- Where: Devlin 220
- Abroad Location: London
Join Prof.Fowley to learn more about the summer course, "Environment Law and Policy in the US and Europe". This course will cover environmental law and policy in the United States and Europe. Taught in London, it will compare the environmental laws and policies of the United States to those established by the European Union (EU), while also assessing the consequences of the United Kingdom (UK) leaving the European Union (Brexit).
"Contentious History and the Politics of Contemporary Korea" Info Session 
- When: November 17, 6pm
- Where: Stokes N141
- Abroad Location: Seoul
Join Prof.Hwang to learn more about this introductory immersion course that surveys the contentious intersection between history and politics in contemporary Korea. Students will explore the following questions: What were the critical historical experiences and issues that became part of the public discourse and catalyzed political contestations in local and international/global communities? Why did these issues become contentious and for whom? What actions and counteractions did they inspire?
List of Pre-Approved Summer Abroad Courses for IS majors and minors:
Art and Patronage in Renaissance and Baroque Rome and Beyond (Rome, Italy) (GC)
Borders and Refugees: The Ethics of Migration (Athens, Greece) (CC, ESJ)
Contentious History and the Politics of Contemporary Korea
Global Health Perspectives (Quito, Ecuador) (ESJ, PEDS-DS)
History of the Italian Mediterranean: Una Faccia, Una Razza (Venice, Italy) (GC)
Saints and Sinners (Rome, Italy) (GC)
|
|
Rising Tensions in the Taiwanese Strait
- When: November 9, 7pm
- Where: Zoom
- Who: Taiwanese Cultural Organization at Boston College
Catholic Perspectives on Health
- When: TBD
- Where: Zoom
- Who: St. Joseph's University, India
Sign up to participate in these conversations here. |
|
|
|
|
Report from peer advisor Thalia Chaves:
"This Sunday, COP27 officially began in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Boston College’s delegation is proudly representing the BC community at the annual climate convention. Yesterday, delegates, including IS major Thalia Chaves, sat in on the opening remarks by the Egyptian president, emphasizing the conventions primary goal: full implementation of the Paris climate agreement. He outlined the central focus areas as transformational shift to full implementation, progress on critical work streams, and delivery of transparency and accountability."
To stay updated, check out the COP27 website here, follow #BC_UNCOP, and register for briefings from BC delegates here. (2pm Nov 8, 10, 15, and 17 in Schiller 501)
|
|
IS Majors Studying Abroad Information Session
- When: November 8, 12-1pm
- Where: Zoom
OGE director Larry Pickener will lead an information session for IS Majors about studying abroad. Zoom link here.
Boren Award Application Information Session
- When: November 8, 4pm
- Where: Zoom
OGE will be hosting an information session to provide more details about the Boren scholarships, fellowships, and flagship language initiatives. The deadline to apply through BC is Jan 3, 2023. RSVP here to receive the zoom link.
Gasson Lecture: Drafting Colombia's Truth Commission Report
- When: November 8, 4:30pm
- Where: Gasson 100
The Office of Global Engagement is sponsoring the Fall Gasson lecture by Francisco de Roux, S.J. de Roux will speak on his involvement in drafting Colombia's Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Coexistence, and Non-Repetition. He is widely recognized for his work towards peace-building, reconciliation, and dignity for victims of the Colombia armed conflict. Find more info here.
IS Fall Social
- When: November 8, 6:30-7:30
- Where: Connolly House
Come join us at Connolly House to catch up with International Studies students over a cup of hot chocolate and cookies! A great opportunity to talk with peer advisors about upcoming course registration. Contact peer advisors Christina (quinngy@bc.edu) or Mairi (scholefm@bc.edu) if you have any questions! RSVP here.
Swing Kids - Film and Talk
- When: November 10, 5:30-9:00pm
- Where: Devlin Hall Auditorium 008
Join the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Boston for a screening of Swing Kids, a tragic Korean War film – and an exuberant musical. Set in the brutal Geoje-do prisoner of war camp, it tells the story of a group of South Korean, North Korean, Chinese, and American characters who have been tasked with putting on a tap-dance show. Starring K-pop idol D.O. of EXO, Swing Kids reimagines the Korean War as an experience of cross-cultural encounter and exchange.
"The Empire Strikes Back": Panel Discussion on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II
- When: November 11, 12-1:15pm
- Where: McElroy Conference Room 237
As a part of International Education Week, Boston College will be featuring a panel of international undergraduate and graduate students, sharing their perspectives on the role of the Commonwealth in current geopolitical systems since the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the appointment of the new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This panel will be moderated by Associate Dean Candace Hetzner and Assistant Dean Elizabeth Shlala. Find more information about this event and others happening for International Education Week here.
IS Major Info Session for Class of '26
- When: November 16, 6-7pm
- Where: Devlin 101
Join Prof.Owens and the Peer Advisors for an information session about the IS major and application process. There will be a presentation, followed by time for Q&A with students in the major.
Book Launch for Prof.Kadivar: Book Talk and Reception 
- When: December 7, 5:30pm
- Where: Schiller/245 Beacon St 107
Join the Sociology and IS departments to celebrate the launch of Prof.Kadivar's new book, Popular Politics and the Path to Durable Democracy (Princeton 2022). The book examines the conditions leading to the success or failure of democratization, shedding vital new light on how prodemocracy mobilization affects the fate of new democracies. The event will feature a conversation with Prof.Kadivar about his book and will be followed by a reception with food & drink. RSVP here.
|
|
|
Beyond the IS Program
Jobs, Internships, and Fellowships
|
|
|
Endeavor 2023
- Endeavor is a free three-day career exploration program over winter break that will empower you to take control of your career journey. Through reflective exercises, conversations with alumni mentors, and career treks at organizations in the Greater Boston area, you will explore the fit of a few career options and leave knowing at least one career field you are interested in further exploring. They are offering $250 mini-scholarships to students with high financial need in order to offset the lost wages from days not working while attending the program. Register early to ensure your spot! Learn more here.
Forest Foundation Spring Social Service Jobs
- Apply today to be considered for a ten-week, paid, spring service job for undergraduates at Greater Boston nonprofits. Students passionate about mission-driven nonprofit work can apply for funding and assistance in finding an internship at a local nonprofit. Application opens 11/15/22; deadline 12/31/22. Find more information here.
Eagle Intern Fellowship
- Fund your unpaid school year internship with the Eagle Intern Fellowship! This is a competitive funding opportunity designed for students with demonstrated financial need. Please be advised the school year has a final deadline of January 31st at 11:59 pm or while funds last! If you would like to fill out an interest form, please click here, and for more general information, please click here.
Massachusetts House of Representatives Internship Opportunity
- Representative Michael Day is looking to take on several college interns. Legislative interns will have an opportunity to work on a variety of policy areas such as environmental protection, housing, prison reform, gun safety, and reproductive rights. Representative Day would be happy to support class credit for the internship if that is an available option. (1 credit internship available to IS majors) The timeline and number of hours per week are flexible and can be worked out based on the intern's availability. The office is looking to have a Legislative Intern for at least 10 hours per week, and would ideally like them to begin at the end of November 2022 and have them throughout the 2023 Spring semester. Anyone interested in applying should email Talia.Quinn@mahouse with a resume, cover letter, and writing sample.
Don't Forget these core resources for career and internship opportunities:
|
|
|
|
This photo was taken at the ERIP class dinner Prof.Owens and his family hosted at their home. Good food and a great time to connect! Credit: Prof.Owens
|
|
|
Submit your postcard (abroad or on-campus) or student voice (reflections) here! See past examples here.
|
|
|
|
Peer Advising Walk-In Hours
The Peer Advisors will be available for walk-in advising in the IS office (Connolly House, Room 202) during the following times:
Monday: 9am - 12pm, 4-5pm
Tuesday: 9 - 10am, 1-5pm
Wednesday: 9 - 11:30am, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Thursday: 1:30 - 3:30pm
Friday: 9am - 12pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
