Undergraduate Students

Upcoming Events

The Center for Social Concerns is sponsoring a series of election related events for undergraduate students. For additional information, please consult their website.

NDVOTES ’08
The Survivors:  Super Tuesday & Early Primaries Analysis
Wednesday * February 6 * 7:30-8:45 PM * Coleman-Morse Lounge

Jack Colwell , Dept. of American Studies [Political Analyst, South Bend Tribune]
Dianne Pinderhughes, Dept. of Political Science [Expertise in Minority Voting]
Darren Davis, Dept. of Political Science [Expertise in Political Polling]
 
By Tuesday, February 6th, over 40% of the convention delegates will be accounted for and almost 30 states across the nation will have gone to the polls in the bid for their presidential hopeful.  From a crowded field for both parties, what emerges is a top tier of “survivors” for both parties.  Who are they, why and how did they get there, who voted, what did the polls say and not say, what were the key issues and personalities that made the difference?  Hear analysis on these questions and more from our own ND experts on the caucuses and primaries that began with New Hampshire and culminates on Super Tuesday.  Come political junkies, pundits, and rookies -- bring your friends, roll up your sleeves and let’s talk politics. 

Sponsored by the Center for Social Concerns NDVOTES’08
NDVOTES’08 – the cutting edge of political discussion at Notre Dame

NDVOTES’08 Issues Series:  Healthcare in America
Wednesday * February 13 * 5:00- 6:15 PM * Coleman-Morse Lounge
Speaker: William Evans, Dept. of Economics and Econometrics

Heard a lot about health care plans from the candidates but not really sure what the facts are behind the buzz words?  All current presidential candidates list health care reform as a top priority.  Healthcare in America is designed to provide some background from the perspective of a top economist on the issue.  Professor William Evans will help us to understand the buzz behind the words, background behind the issue, and provide an economist’s assessment of health care in America.  Against this backdrop, Evans will then summarize the issues that a successful health care reform package must address, outline key proposed reforms, and discuss likely economic consequences of reform packages.  Come, hear, and offer your own prescription for healthcare.

Sponsored by the Center for Social Concerns NDVOTES’08 with Social Justice in American Medicine (SJAM)
NDVOTES’08 – the cutting edge of political discussion at Notre Dame

Go to NDVOTES’08 at http://socialconcerns.nd.edu/mission/justice_ed/justice.shtml for more info, to get involved, or for help registering to vote

Events are free and open to the public

 

Outstanding Senior Thesis Award

The Program in American Democracy sponsors an Outstanding Senior Thesis Award for the best senior honors thesis in the area of American politics. To be eligible for the award, senior theses should be submitted to the Department of Political Science Undergraduate Studies office by the announced thesis deadline in early April.

2006-2007

Shawn McCoy
The Effects of Campaigns on Young Voter Turnout
Advisor: Paul D. Mueller

2005-2006

Kristin Pene
Accidents Waiting to Happen: Policy and the Environmental Impact of Hurricane Katrina
Advisor: Barbara Connolly

2004-2005

C. Jacqueline Genesio
Faith in Social Welfare: Constitutional and Political Analysis of the Faith-Based Initiative
Advisor: Donald P. Kommers
Nathaniel R. Racine
Urban Revitalization and Democratic Society in the United States, Or, How to Sigh and Begin the Rebuilding Process
Advisor: Benjamin Radcliff

2003-2004

Mary Elizabeth Komperda
Mothers v. Workers: How U.S. Public Policy Addresses and Affects Women
Advisor: Mary Keys

2002-2003

Erin Long
One Voice or Many? A Study of Variation Among Business Interest Groups
Advisor: Christina Wolbrecht

 

Internships and Other Opportunities

Students are encouraged to further their knowledge of American politics through internships and other programs on campus and beyond. Please consult: