Students and Dr. Lowe with city council member Dan Lavelle. (Photo Credit: Bethany K Photography)
	Carlow PoliSci professors at work.

For teachers, the process of learning is often referred to as “professional development,” but that term means so much more than advancing in one’s profession.  It is our opportunity to return to the role we cherish the most: the learner. 

This summer I had the opportunity to travel to Europe with the Pittsburgh World Affairs Council to work with a group of western Pennsylvania high school teachers as they learned European history, culture, politics, and government in a program that took us to Brussels, Belgium – the seat of the European Union – and to Vienna, Austria.  What made this group extraordinary – and in turn what made this an extraordinary experience for me – was that they sought out opportunities to learn in their free time, in conversations with one another, as well as in the seminars and with conference presenters.

In short, teachers love being students... and we love helping students learn what we (as educators) loved learning, seeing, and experiencing.  Each academic year presents an opportunity for me to excite a new generation of leaders – our Carlow students – to study, understand, and engage in a global dialogue about issues such as domestic and international policies, governance, political culture, and advocacy.

 
It is always an exciting time to study politics, law, and public policy, as there are issues large and small, local to global, in which you can take part!  Fall 2011 will see candidates preparing for spring primary elections in local, state, and national races – so there will be many opportunities to watch or to volunteer on a campaign.  These past four semesters, students have interned for campaigns, local and state non-profit organizations, and sitting politicians. Their experiences have turned into jobs and provided bridges to various careers in and outside of government.  You, too, can become a part of this process. As a citizen, your voice and vote matter. As a student, you can engage in political issues through research, discussion, and coursework at Carlow and beyond.

We welcome you to explore the tabs above and links to the right to learn how you can begin your involvement. Whether you want to understand how the state and federal governments contribute to your loans and grants, the current healthcare debate, or determine where our troops are sent and with what gear, there are courses and opportunities here for you. 

Interested in the role of women and minorities in government? There are courses where you will study women and politics and minorities and the law in the U.S. and in comparison with other countries.  Expand your world-view by studying and experiencing what is occurring beyond our borders.

As the teachers on my summer trip experienced, education does not end when you leave the classroom.  We offer internships and programming, on and off-campus, which will help you to decide your next step beyond Carlow.  This semester we will hear U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia on September 24.  In November we will travel to Washington, D.C. for a 3-day seminar on Women, Law & Public Policy.  And in the second half of this semester, first year students can attend an eight-week pre-law institute held on campus.

This website is your resource for course planning, internships and jobs, programs, and most notably, tremendous support for pre-law oriented students from any major.  But to get the most from our Department’s offerings, you must go to class and be prepared and actively engaged.  Our enthusiastic and interesting instructors look forward to seeing you in class and learning about your goals and interests. 

Join us!