-
Tallahassee Bound – 2015 Legislative Scholars Selected
The department is pleased to congratulate the next round of Legislative scholars for the 2015 session. We are proud to be sending a large number of students this session, and thanks to all those who applied. This session’s applicant pool was very competitive. Please join us in congratulating those selected. 2015 Political Science Legislative Scholars: […]
-
Grant Awarded for Research Excellence
Dr. Kerstin Hamann, professor of political science and chair of the department at UCF, was a recipient of the Miami-Florida European Union Center for Excellence’s (MEUCE) Faculty Research Grant. She plans to use the grant to continue her research on the recent financial crises in the European Union, especially the policy-making process and electoral consequences of […]
-
More Than Just a Game
The 2014 FIFA World Cup hosted in Brazil had a major impact on the country and its stance in the world. With much focus on Brazil preparing to open its country to millions of people for the tournament, an underlying concern was lurking in the shadows: security. The Harvard International Review article, “Dark Shadows: The […]
-
Local High School Students Try to Balance the Federal Budget
Any budget decision can prove to be a challenge, especially with the Federal Budget. The Lou Frey Institute of Politics & Government at UCF recently hosted their Fall 2014 Symposium to help high school students examine the issues that the President’s Budget Supercommittee could not solve. The event took place on Monday, September 29 at the UCF Alumni […]
-
Dr. Kang Has Been Knighted!
This fall brought in not only new students, but new faculty to the department. We would like to introduce one of those faculty members, Dr. Kyungkook Kang, who has joined us this semester. Just like the highly recommended book he suggested, “Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk” by Peter L. Bernstein, Dr. Kang […]
-
UCF Grad Finds his Dream Job through the Power of Networking
William Lusk, ’13, packed his bags with suits, resumes and dreams of finding a job after graduation as he headed for a maritime security conference in 2011. At the time, Lusk had already received his bachelor’s degree in political science from UCF in 2009 and was working on receiving his master’s degree from UCF in […]
-
Flip-flopping in the Sunshine State
With this election being titled one of 2014’s most expensive and arduous campaigns, former Republican governor, Charlie Crist and current Florida governor, Rick Scott, are under tough scrutiny. A Quinnipiac poll shows that neither candidate has an overwhelming lead. Since both candidates have made changes to their campaigns, it has stirred a lot of media attention. Charlie Crist, […]
-
Terrorism: A Ubiquitous Peril
Although terrorism is not a novel threat, it is certainly becoming more versatile in nature. Terrorism is an ever present peril that invades people’s lives and thoughts, destroying homes and properties, and leading to social, economic, and political changes. Marcos Degaut, a Ph.D student in Security Studies, has published a new book “”O Desafio Global do Terrorismo: […]
-
The Emotional War – How Bad News Effects Decision Making
“Emotion and Strategic Learning in War” an article recently published by Assistant Professor Thomas Dolan. The article was published in the International Studies Association Journal Foreign Policy Analysis. Dr. Dolan explores the hypothesis that anger and anxiety—responses to different kinds of bad news—determine whether leaders alter their war aims or strategies, or decide to ‘stay the course’. The […]
-
Brazil’s Global Power Dream
“Going Downhill? Some Notes on the Brazilian Deindustrialization and Economic Slowdown” is an analytical article written by Marcos Degaut, a PhD student in Security Studies. The article was recently published by Mundorama, an International Relations journal edited by the University of Brasilia. Mr. Degaut discusses the current Brazilian economic situation and analyzes some possible causes of its economic […]
-
Potential Repercussions in the Wake of Slain Journalist
The release of a video showing the murder of American journalist and former UCF student Steven Sotloff has demanded attention globally. The murder of Steven Sotloff was a response to the US’s continued airstrikes on ISIS (the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria). “In the long run the attention they may be getting may not […]
-
Distinguished Speaker Series Launches in a Spicy New Venue
On Sept. 9, Dr. James Alan Fox will be kicking off the Distinguished Speaker Series in Winter Park at Cocina 214. Fox will be speaking about “Mass Shootings in America: Myths and Realities.” Specifically, he will talk about how these events are more methodical than people imagine and that increasing our understanding of mass murders […]
-
UCF’s Opportunities Open Doors for Dynamic UCF Alumna
Jennie Hayes, ’10, has never been one to take the easy road. During her time at UCF, Hayes double majored in political science and interpersonal-organizational communications, took four internships, and was involved with many extracurricular activities. After graduating from UCF, Hayes earned her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law. There, she also took […]
-
Distinguished Speaker Series With A Spicy New Venue
The College of Sciences at the University of Central Florida will be presenting the Distinguished Speaker Series at a brand new venue this year, Cocina214. This Mexican and Tex Mex kitchen is sure to bring some spice to this series starting in September. The series brings renowned speakers from across the country to enrich the […]
-
Voting Rights Abroad
“Diffusion of Diaspora Enfranchisement Norms: A Multinational Study”, an article Dr. Anca Turcu co-authored with Dr. Robert Urbatsch of Iowa State University, was recently published by Comparative Political Studies. It examines why states decide to grant voting rights to their citizens overseas. Traditional accounts of franchise extension suggest that governments’ motivations are either political or […]
-
Is the Future Sustainable?
Dr. Peter Jacques, Associate Professor, recently published a new book that introduces the issues in global sustainability in Sustainability: The Basics published by Routledge. The text includes a discussion of the contested meaning and core principles of sustainability, issues of measuring sustainability, as well as the ethics and politics that surrounds sustainability. The book concludes with […]
-
Ph.D. Student Published in Foreign Policy Blog
Joe Funderburke, a Ph.D. student in the Security Studies Program in the Political Science Department, together with his co-authors Ad Godinez, Andy Whiskeyman, and Bryan Groves, published a blog posting entitled “To operate in a renewed Cold War atmosphere, the U.S. needs to realistically pursue its interests and its values “. The authors argue for a U.S. foreign policy […]
-
UCF Political Science Alumnus Created Successful Multi-Media Company
As a college freshman, UCF alumnus Brad Gans, ’01, envisioned studying in the UCF film program. But after taking a political science class, his eyes were opened to different ideas and he eagerly switched his major to political science. His double major in political science and criminal science has taken Gans from working for England’s […]
-
Political Science Alumnus Appreciates Career Advice
When UCF undergraduate Todd Curry, ’03, ’06, approached graduation, he wasn’t sure which path to take: law school or graduate school. He sought advice about both paths with his UCF mentor, taking into account Curry’s expectations and his mentor’s experiences. Curry is very thankful that he realized that pursuing a master’s degree in political science […]
-
Swinging for Scholarships
Monday, June 30 at the Interlachen Country Club, the National Center for Simulation‘s 20th anniversary and the Lou Frey Institute Golf Tournament will be held. The Tournament will benefit the Vince Amico & Hank Okraski STEM Scholarship Funds and the Lou Frey Institute of Politics & Government. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled day of golf […]
-
Dr. Hamann Presents a Research Seminar in Wales, UK
Dr. Kerstin Hamann presented a research seminar entitled “Unions against Governments: Contesting Policy Reforms through General Strikes in Western Europe” at the Cardiff University Business School in Wales, UK. The seminar discussed Dr. Hamann’s collaborative research with Alison Johnston (Oregon State University) and John Kelly (London University) on the causes and consequences of labor union […]
-
Dr. Mirilovic Examines Dual Citizenship Across Nations
Dr. Nikola Mirilovic recently published an article in International Political Science Review entitled “Regime Type, International Migration, and the Politics of Dual Citizenship Toleration.” Dual citizenship toleration has been growing cross-nationally. Scholars have explained dual citizenship toleration by pointing to increases in international immigration and to the pursuit of remittances by sending countries. Dr. Mirilovic […]
-
UCF Alumnus Uses Political Science Degree in More Ways than One
At the age of 20, Rishi Bagga, ’03, graduated from UCF with a bachelor’s degree in political science, and he never thought he would use it in so many different ways. Eleven years later, the successful attorney has now worked in various fields of law, politics and hospitality. After graduating from UCF, Bagga moved to […]
-
The Empire Strikes Back
Marcos Degaut, a Ph.D. student in Security Studies, has written an article called “The Russian Strategic Culture and the Annexation of Crimea: The Empire Strikes Back?” With Crimea’s annexation by Russia, in March 2014, and President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to make a military incursion into Ukraine to ensure Crimea’s incorporation into Russian Federation seems to have […]
-
Incentive Awards in Teaching, Research & Scholarship Go To………….
The College of Sciences is elated to announce the 2013-2014 winners for the Teaching Incentive Program, Research Incentive Award, and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. As Dean Michael Johnson said, “this is a very accomplished group.” Each year, UCF’s Academic Affairs’ Office of Faculty Excellence gives incentive awards to outstanding faculty for their dedication to teaching, […]
-
Recent UCF Alumnus Lands Job in Vienna, Austria
Imagine living in a beautiful and exotic city, learning the culture and interacting with different people. This was exactly the task assigned to Marco Funk, ’11, when he moved to Vienna, Austria and later begin his job as a research and communications associate for the International Organization for Migration. Funk works in the Research and […]
-
UCF Student Selected For Fulbright Award to Taiwan
Congratulations are in order to Christopher Szczerba for being selected for the Fulbright Student Award to Taiwan! The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to experience international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and school teaching worldwide. The program currently awards approximately 1,900 grants annually […]
-
2014 MPSA Conference Papers
The 2014 MPSA (Midwest Political Science Association) conference was held Thursday, April 3 – 6, 2014, at the Historic Palmer House Hilton hotel in Chicago.The 2014 conference had several new elements, including the Empire Lecture Series, an Open Discussion session where people can meet and discuss a topic of common interest without pre-planned presentations, and a section […]
-
Spring 2014 College of Sciences Graduation Reception
All College of Sciences’ faculty, staff and graduating students are cordially invited to attend our annual UCF College of Sciences Graduation Reception Saturday, May 3 in the atrium of the Psychology Building, immediately following graduation commencement. Light refreshments will be provided. The reception will be hosted jointly by the Nicholson School of Communication and all […]
-
Alumnus Soars With F-16 Jets In Pakistan
As an exchange officer for the United States Air Force (USAF) and F-16 instructor pilot, Brian Gerwe, ’99, spends his days flying jets and living out the dreams of many. Currently embedded in the Pakistani air force, Gerwe’s mission is to support the interests of the United States and Pakistan to enhance the goals associated […]