California Fellows Program

Seniors! Here is an interesting opportunity to learn and work in California State government after graduation. Puget Sound IPE majors have had some success in this highly selective program. Details here: http://www.csus.edu/calst/programs/

Iraq and Vietnam on 11/4

Visiting scholars (and noted authors) Dr. Joseph Fry (University of Nevada at Las Vegas) and Dr. George C. Herring (University of Kentucky) discuss parallels between Iraq and Vietnam. Presented in cooperation with the Business Leadership Program.

Don't miss this timely discussion. 5pm on Tuesday 11/4 (Election Day!) in the Trimble Forum

Real World Globalization

The story of how globalization works in practice is endlessly fascinating, as anyone who has read Pietra Rivoli's The Travels of a T-shirt in the Global Economy or Marc Levinson's The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger already knows.

Now the BBC has decided to try to map one piece of real world globalization by putting a GPS transponder in an ocean shipping container and following it for a year. Click here to see where The Box is today and how far it has come since it started its journey in the UK.

Microfinance Brown Bag 11/5

Andrew Miller-McKeever (IPE '09) will discuss "Microfinance Explosion" at the next IPE Brown Bag event on Wednesday 11/5 at 1pm in the WSC Murray Boardroom. Everyone is invited.

Andrew's presenation is based in part upon research he did this summer while working for Russell Investments. He'll discuss the changes that are taking place as for-profit groups enter the microfinance arena.

(The 11/12 Brown Bag will feature IPE professor Cynthia Howson discussing her researh on "Women, Sugar and Trafficking in Senegal.")

Ghana Fieldwork Photos

Karen Miller (IPE '05) recently reported on her continuing fieldwork in Ghana. You can read her blog entry here http://ipeatups.blogspot.com/2008/10/alumni-report-karen-miller-in-ghana.html

Here are photos to go with the text. Thanks, Karen, for this report!

IPE Major Elective Changes

This is a special announcement concerning IPE major electives.

For students who entered Puget Sound prior to Fall 2007 (and are planning to graduate under the university catalogue requirements from that period), the IPE elective system is unchanged. Your catalogue (and your Cascade Degree Progress Report) includes a list of approved IPE electives. You need to take three courses from this list to satisfy the elective requirement for your IPE major. (Note: approved study abroad courses can also be used to satisfy the elective requirement and you and your advisor can also request that other classes satisfy the elective requirement if they are particularly relevant to your thesis research).

Students who entered Puget Sound in Fall 2007 or later (or who are planning to graduate under university catalogue requirement from this period) have different elective requirements. This new elective system was implemented in response to feedback from IPE graduates who have told us they wished they had chosen their electives more carefully.

There is no list of approved electives. Rather, the requirement states

Elective courses: Three courses (usually upper-division courses) in IPE or related disciplines. Elective courses must be pre-approved by the student’s IPE advisor in consultation with the student. A course used to satisfy this requirement may not also be used to satisfy a university core requirement. Elective classes should be chosen to:

• Broaden or deepen the student’s understanding of IPE theory;
• Provide economic, political, social or historical context for analysis of important IPE issues;
• Provide specific expertise necessary for a student’s senior thesis research;
• Develop analytical tools useful in IPE research;
• Deepen knowledge of a particular country or region.

What this means in practice is that you and your advisor need to have a serious discussion about your goals for the major and then choose the particular classes (usually from IPE but potentially also from Economics, Politics & Government, Comparative Sociology and other departments) that fit your needs.

This elective system gives you enormous freedom to choose electives but combines this with responsibility to think seriously about how elective and required courses will fit together. It also means a bit more work for you -- you will need to look at the Cascade Course Lookup pages for various departments in thinking about your class schedule.

You'll also need to fill out a special multi-part form that your advisor will provide that will help you think through what you want to take and why and help us keep track of your progress toward graduation. The text of this form is provided below.

Thanks in advance for your help in making this new system work.

IPE Student/Advisor Elective Approval Form Text

(get the actual form from your IPE advisor)

IPE majors are required to take three elective courses (usually upper-division courses) in IPE or related disciplines. Elective courses must be pre-approved by the student’s IPE advisor in consultation with the student. A course used to satisfy this requirement may not also be used to satisfy a university core requirement. Elective classes should be chosen to:

· Broaden or deepen the student’s understanding of IPE theory;

· Provide economic, political, social or historical context for analysis of important IPE issues;

· Provide specific expertise necessary for a student’s senior thesis research;

· Develop analytical tools useful in IPE research;

· Deepen knowledge or a particular country or region.

1. Specific course to be approved: give department, number, section, instructor term and year. (For Example, IPE 311A, Political Economy of Third World Development, Kontogeorgopoulos, Spring 2007).

2. Explain how this course builds expertise in international political economy, making specific reference to the criteria above.

3. List any other courses that have been approved as IPE electives. No more than two study abroad classes may be used as IPE major electives.

Presidential Election Brown Bag on 10/29

IPE is all about the consideration of alternative perspectives, so it makes sense that we'd want to have a Brown Bag about the election. Bring your lunch and policy questions and opinions to this special open forum discussion at 1pm on Wednesday 10/29 in the WSC Murray Boardroom.

IPE + yummy desserts = one sweet deal.

U.S. - Canada Environmental Issues 10/28

Steve Scher (Seattle Weekday, KUOW) and Vaughn Palmer (Vancouver Sun) will discuss US-Canada environmental issues in a program on "Framing Cross-Border Environmental Issues, U.S. and Canada," on Tuesday 10/28 at 7 p.m., Schneebeck Concert Hall.

The discussion will be entirely driven by questions submitted by students and comments from the audience. Full details here http://www.ups.edu/x30670.xml

Vote in the Global Election

The Economist argues that the U.S. Presidential election has global implications, so it would only be fair if a global electorate got to choose. This isn't how the Constitution is written, of course, but it is an interesting idea.

The Economist has created a website where "global citizens" can vote regardless of their home country. You can check it out (and cast your vote) here:
http://www.economist.com/vote2008/?sa_campagin=gec/campaign/email/oct/

You'll find a lot of policy information on this website, too.

Financial Crisis: Required Reading

Andrew Felton and Carmen M. Reinhart are the editors of a new volume, The First Financial Crisis of the 21st Century, which is available as a free download on the internet at
http://www.voxeu.org/index.php?q=node/1352

It is required reading for anyone who wants to understand the on-going financial crisis.

Re-Engage: America and the World after Bush

On Thursday, October 16^th, international affairs journalist Helena Cobban will discuss her new book RE-ENGAGE! America and the World after Bush: An Informed Citizen’s Guide. The event will take place in Trimble Forum at 7:00 pm. Her visit is made possible with support from the Division of Student Affairs, Brad Dillman’s Residential Seminar, and the Andrew Mellon Foundation.

Cobban’s book addresses the “steps Americans should take and the ideas we need to think about as we try to mend our country’s crisis-riven relationship with the rest of the world.” Among the issues examined are global inequality, global human rights, climate change, and security challenges. RE-ENGAGE will be available for purchase and signing following the lecture.

Cobban is a veteran journalist who has written for the Christian Science Monitor, the Boston Review, and other periodicals. She is currently serving as a Friend in Washington for the Friends Committee on National Legislation and is publisher of justworldnews.org.

10/22 Brown Bag: Turkey and EU Stagnation

Ryan Donahue (IPE '09) reports on his summer research with Professor Dillman: "Revitalizing Old Europe: Could Turkey's Accession to the EU Ease Economic Stagnation?" Wednesday October 22 at 1pm in the WSC Murray Boardroom. Interesting discussion + yummy dessert = Sweet.

Bring your lunch to this IPE discussion group.

Global Reach

This blog is intended for the use of student, faculty and alumni of the IPE Program at Puget Sound, but it's a fact that people all around the world check in here to learn about our programs and read these reports. Here's a map showing the locations of the last one hundred visitors to this website!

Wanted: Assistant Professor of IPE

Although this blog is intended mainly for the use of Puget Sound students, faculty and alumni, we get a lot of hits from all around the world. With that in mind, we are posting this faculty employment notice.

The IPE Program has opened its search for a new assistant professor of International Political Economy. The job starts Fall 2009. Job description and application information can be found here:
http://www.ups.edu/x30509.xml

World Food Day Program 10/16

On October 16, International Political Economy will sponsor the World Food Day Teleconference. The event will be held in Jones Hall 208 (note room change) and hosted by Professor David Balaam.

From 9 to 10 am, we will broadcast a live panel discussion done by three development experts: Dr. Nancy Birdsall, founding president of the Center for Global Development, focusing on global warming and poverty issues; Dr. Siwa Msangi, a native of Tanzania, an award-winning research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute in Washington, DC, he leads global modeling work on water issues, focusing on global food supply and demand trends; Mr. Mark Ritchie, Minnesota’s Secretary of State, he brings to the table an understanding of grassroots U.S. public activities and attitudes on global issues.

From 10 to 11 am, Professor David Balaam will facilitate a group discussion and answer any questions from the attendees.

We invite and encourage all members of the UPS community to attend this event

World Affairs Council Internship Opportunity

Just received this from the World Affairs Council in Seattle:

Greetings from the World Affairs Council!

Here at the World Affairs Council in Seattle, we have quarterly unpaid internships for up to 12 internationally-minded students in the Puget Sound Community.

Our interns commit 12-15 hours per week during our office business hours, which are 9am-5pm Monday through Friday for 10-12 weeks (3 - 6 months). Our interns gain valuable hands on skills and perform basic office tasks plus special projects, which vary depending on the department. In the past, special projects have included accompanying high-level international delegates to their meetings in Seattle, writing grants, and co-creating international curriculum for local schools. Whether your interest is in applying what you have learned in your international affairs class, tweaking your office skills and resume, or finding out about the inner workings of a not-for-profit, there are lots of opportunities for you at the World Affairs Council! And what’s more, after you complete your internship, you will receive a complementary one year membership plus receive monthly newsletters with job, intern, and volunteer opportunities.

The World Affairs Council in Seattle has six departments which include Administration, Development, Membership, International Visitor Program, Community Program, and Global Classroom. If you are interested in applying, please take some time to review the website at www.world-affairs.org/aboutus_internships.html and take a closer look each department. You may submit your resume and cover letter to Ms. Mel Carnay at mcarnay@world-affairs.org. The deadline for the Winter Quarter internship is November 21, 2008.

If you have any questions, please contact our Office Manager, Ms. Mel Carnay, at mcarnay@world-affairs.org. We regret that we are only to able to contact candidates selected for interviews.

Alumni Report: Karen Miller in Ghana

Here's a report from Karen Miller (IPE '05):

When I graduated from UPS three years ago, I never thought I would be given the kind of responsibility or be faced with the types of challenges I am encountering today. I moved to Ghana two months ago to witness development in practice, and have gotten the opportunity to work with incredibly strong and talented African women in their struggle for economic empowerment.

One day I sat across the desk from a weathered woman in a colorful sari who leaned over with folded hands and said, “We need money.” Her eyes were piercing through thick-rimmed glasses but a grin soon crept across her face and erupted into hoots of laughter. “We really need money,” she repeated through heaving chuckles. I tried to laugh along with her, relieved that I had time to gather my thoughts before continuing our discussion. Her statement was in response to my questions about what the young women in her organization were struggling with the most, and what type of assistance my organization could offer. She is the head of an NGO in Ghana called Ghacoe Women’s Ministries, which is currently focused on training poor, unskilled women to make a type of cloth called batik. The organization I volunteer for in Ghana, African Business Network (ABN), provides microfinance and training services to women who own or want to start small businesses, which is why I was visiting her office. Her unexpected response was telling of the micro-business climate in Ghana, where countless poor are struggling to put skills to use, but have no means to start a business, and tend to spend capital in the wrong places if they are lucky enough to acquire it. Even more telling was her laughter, which revealed how absurd she knew her request was: financing the startup of her batik makers’ businesses was never in the cards. But at least they were off the streets, she said.

When I graduated from UPS with a degree in IPE, I had no idea what I wanted to do with it. After working and traveling in developing countries and bouncing around in odd jobs, I decided to pursue a career in international development, which brought me to West Africa. Having very little knowledge of the continent or country I was about to move to, I found another IPE alum, Sarah Brabeck, who had departed for the Peace Corps in Ghana after graduation and was able to give me advice. She had also worked with women in Ghana and hoped to find a way for them to add value to their products, such as incorporating Shea butter into cosmetics. Most of the employed population in Ghana works in the informal sector, with very few links to resources, finance, or services. Moreover, women comprise a disproportionate number of the poor, reinforcing the cycle of high birth rates, chronic disease, malnutrition, and lack of education. ABN is one of the many NGOs in Ghana attempting to break that cycle and bring women economic empowerment, but it is an uphill battle and too few resources are available. I have appreciated that Ghanaians approach these problems with a sense of humor as well as a sense of determination. It is also amazing to see the community of expats who have come to live in Africa and work on development issues alongside Africans. I had sometimes felt a sense of hopelessness for Africa when studying its problems in the classroom, but seeing the cooperative efforts being made up close is encouraging for Africa’s future, as well as our own.

Seattle Grad School Forum on 10/21

Each year, the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) sponsors forums where potential and prospective graduate students can learn about programs from officers of APSIA member schools. In addition:

• Meet admissions officers from the professional schools of international affairs at leading universities
• Discuss admissions requirements, common curricula, financial aid packages, joint degree programs, and career opportunities
• Collect application information on programs of interest.

Here is information about the upcoming Seattle program

Tuesday 10/21/2008 4:00 PM

4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Student Union Building (HUB), Room 108
University of Washington - Seattle

Register Online for this Forum (Registration is free).

Schools expected to attend include:

University of California, San Diego
Columbia University
University of Denver
Georgetown University
The George Washington University
Harvard University
The Johns Hopkins University
University of Maryland
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Pittsburgh
Princeton University
University of Southern California
Syracuse University
Tufts University
University of Washington

Career Fair on Weds. 10/8

The Fall Career Fair http://www.ups.edu/x12576.xml, previously scheduled for Oct. 8 & 9 has changed to Wednesday, Oct. 8 only. Organizations from all career fields will be on campus from 4 to 7 p.m. in WSC Marshall Hall.

· Students from all classes and majors can make face-to-face contacts with employers and inquire about internships or jobs, explore career options, and practice networking skills.

· First-year students can benefit simply from walking through and looking around. Even if they don't speak to employers, it will help them feel more comfortable at future Fairs.

· Sophomores can find out which majors enter various fields as part of their decision-making process for selecting a major. Over one third of the employer representatives are Puget Sound alumni!

10/8 Brown Bag: Tourism and Elephants in Thailand

IPE Professor Nick Kontogeorgopoulos will discuss his eco-tourism research on "The Role of Tourism in Elephant Welfare and Conservation in Northern Thailand"at the next IPE Brown Bag discussion on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 1pm in the WSC Murray Boardroom.

Everyone is invited. Refreshments, of course.