Issue 9, SPRING 2019
POLITICA THE POLITICAL SCIENCE PROGRAM NEWSLETTER JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY
ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER
IN THIS EDITION v v v v v v v v v v v
Our Mission From the PSA Corner Program Update Reflections from Our Seniors Political Spotlight Travel and Learn News From Our Alumni Our New PSA Board Picture Gallery Fall 2019 Courses Our Curriculum
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POLITICA, is an annual newsletter published by the Program in Political Science at JCSU. Named after the Portuguese and Spanish word for Politics, this publication serves the purpose of highlighting events, activities and achievements by the Program in Political Science, its faculty and students. It’s also a space for scholarly and social engagement. Submissions and staff positions are open to all University students, and not limited to political science majors and minors. If you have articles, news or events you would like to submit for publication to POLITICA or are interested in becoming a staff member please contact program coordinator, Dr. Terza Lima-Neves.
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PROGRAM MISSION The political science major is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the philosophical and practical issues associated with political systems, institutions and organization, and political participation and governance and to encourage critical thinking about the nature of citizenship, rights, and duties in the modern world. The program also aims to support the mission of the College of Arts and Letters and Department of Social Sciences of providing quality professional preparation in the field of political science as well as academic preparation for graduate studies. It also aims to fulfill the University’s purpose of producing graduates who are able to communicate effectively, think critically, learn independently and demonstrate competence in the field of political science while being responsible global citizens.
The Political Science Student Association Corner (PSA) Laura Salinas Senior, Political Science President, Political Science Student Association
It was a Tuesday morning, and I was the only Hispanic/Latina in a class of 25 students. I was nervous and frankly scared to death about meeting my advisor who also happened to be the professor teaching introduction to political science. In comes an African woman with a styled afro, and the first thing she asks is, “If power were to walk through that door, what would it look like?” Three years later, I now know that there is no definitive answer because the factors that impact it are constantly changing.
Current students and alumni, With Dr. Terza LimaNeves At The 2019 Meeting Of The North Carolina Political Science Association At JCSU
The political science program at JCSU is small, but nonetheless fulfilling and innovative. We’ve been taught by selfless intellectuals who hope to inspire the next generation of world leaders. Therefore, how can the political science program improve? At times, I find that the professors care more about our futures and dreams than ourselves. As people of color, we’ve seen more doors slammed shut in our faces than opened with opportunities to effect the change we want to see. We are a part of a generation that is constantly reminded that we “don’t know politics” or “your voice doesn’t matter” or “you’re too young”. Instead of shying away, we must use this as motivation to share our knowledge.
As I prepare to graduate next spring, I am reminded of every course I’ve taken and the dreadful readings about information I thought I would never use. To any incoming freshmen, don’t be intimidated by the great amounts of
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homework or demanding professors. They will require the very best of you. Trust that everything you learn will help you not only in your career, but also in life. Everything is political. ~ ~
REFLECTIONS FROM A GRADUATING SENIOR
A Message From Our Program Coordinator
Dr. Terza A. Silva Lima-Neves, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Political Science Chair, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
This has been a very challenging year to say the least! We’ve had many personnel changes in our program but we have certainly pushed through. I am so thankful to our students for their patience and support during this time. Our students stepped in and stepped up as the wonderful leaders that they are! As you will see, we still were able to assemble a wonderful group of programs this past academic year, such as welcoming back to campus, alumna Dr. Msia Clark, political scientist and Howard University professor, for her first official keynote lecture during International Women’s Month in March. I know we will continue to thrive in years to come! I look forward to all that the future holds for our program! ~ ~
Contact Dr. Terza Lima-Neves Email: tlneves@jcsu.edu Twitter: @DrTLimaNeves
Juhn-Luke Browne Class of 2019, Political Science
“If you don’t get politics, politics will get you”. That was one of the first statements my then future professor, advisor and mentor, Dr. Lima-Neves told us in the introduction to political science class roughly four years ago. At that time, I was an undecided freshman at Johnson C. Smith University, a little confused and intimidated in what I wanted to major in. However, all that changed when I took that introductory class and realized that politics is all around us, and after a few sit-downs with Dr. Lima Neves, I became a political science major and now on my way to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Johnson C. Smith University. My four years studying political science under dignified professors Dr. Terza Lima-Neves and Dr. LaTonya M. Williams was some of the most fun and challenging times ever. These two professors don’t play, and I was challenged every day in my courses some of which include international relations, policy analysis, foreign policy, and research methods. In these courses, I was taught the different aspects of politics and how it is used in everyday life. My mind was opened to the wonders of black political thought ideologies like black nationalism and the construct of how men can be feminists. These courses challenged my thinking, in wondering
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why we are only taught politics from a United States standpoint, wondered how other states teach their students and what are they learning in terms of history and politics. Thoughts like these inspired opportunities for me like my study abroad to Cape Verde, or our Tuesday and Thursday “thinking lounge” space where we discuss various topics of political science and philosophy in Dr. Lima Neves’ office. For the new or current students of the political science program at JCSU, I just want to say that you will get what you pay for. The opportunities of knowledge and relationships that can be found in this department are extraordinary. I advise you to not take anything for granted in this major and to do your best and become the scholars that you are destined to be. In closing, I want to thank once again my professors for giving me the knowledge, discipline and motivation to take on this world. I have learned and discovered more about myself in these four years than in most of my life and I will continue to make you and the department proud in my future endeavors. ~ ~
university and their lives while attending Johnson C. Smith University. There needs to be a weekly forum for students of all disciplines to come together and discuss these current events and how they are affected by the decisions made on Capitol Hill. By bringing different disciplines together to discuss these current events as well as bringing together diverse mindsets, it will aid in creating new or innovative methods to address the political environment issues. Students also have to answer the call to action and take a seat at the table in Congress, Senate, and the offices within the White House to help amend the Constitution where the system is aimed to protect every American citizen despite the hue of their skin. ~ ~
By Cameron Mitchell Senior, Interdisciplinary Studies
POLITICAL SPOTLIGHT Johnson C. Smith University’s Political Environment of Imagine walking across the block of your campus and being harassed by voter registrars asking you, “Hey, are you registered to vote?” This is a typical day on Smith campus during election season. The political environment of Johnson C. Smith University’s student body has been relatively dormant since the graduation of politically involved upperclassmen. The rate of voting among the current generation available to vote is declining rapidly since the 2008 and 2012 elections. Universities should approach election seasons with some vigor and innovation, holding events that educate their students on the campaigning candidates’ platforms, religious beliefs, and how these candidates aim to help the communities/cities/states/country. Also, how this affects the student population and the university, considering we are a private institution that receives funding from the United States government. I believe that the student body is unconcerned with the political environment because they don’t know how vital it is to the
************* IS LOVE POLITICAL? Lessons from a Political Science Course As both a non-traditional student and a military veteran, having a little bit of life experience has allowed for me to better understand the world around me. So, when I sat down for my first day of a political science course, I honestly did not expect to be surprised by much of anything new. I had no idea how wrong I was. We discussed love and politics and hearing the passionate responses, I became inspired to strive for a deeper understanding of politics and the world around me. In every aspect of our existence, politics plays some role. Even something as simple as filling one’s gas tank involves politics, as the price of a barrel of oil is directly linked to which conflict the
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United States is affiliated with politically at that time. My time serving in the United States Army made me observant of politics at a more dedicated level than casual conversation. I was compelled to investigate local news as well as global stories because a single narrative was not satisfactory to me. Ever since I began the journey of being politically aware, the academic aspect of political science has interested me. Pursuing an education at a historically black college has allowed me to feel even more compelled to continue my path to political awareness. Due to enrolling in my first academic political science course, I am much closer than I ever could have hoped to have been on my own. This family at JCSU has shown me that the pursuit of knowledge of all kinds is important, especially if it is political in nature. The pursuit of knowledge always starts with an idea or a question. My question at the beginning of the Fall semester at JCSU was “Is Love Political?”. This question has many implications, however my initial answer was yes, and I even provided a suitable answer as to why. Now we sit at the end of the semester and I have had time to reflect on my response to that prompt. Now I believe that not only is love political, I believe that it is paramount that it remains as such. Politics is about understanding the world around us. I simply believe that we owe it to ourselves to pursue love and relationships with that same tenacity. ~ ~
By Demetrius Martin Sophomore, Criminology and Political Science
TRAVEL IS A NECESSITY… NOT A LUXURY
The first country I ever visited was Jamaica. I was excited to experience a scenery that I have never experienced in the U.S. I was excited to be near the ocean and even more excited for the tan I was going to get. I was overall grateful for that experience, and wouldn’t have changed it for the world, however, nothing could have prepared me for the spiritual, emotional, and loving journey that was Cape Verde. When I found out I would be traveling to Dr. Lima-Neves’ home country, I was absolutely ecstatic because I’ve heard so many beautiful things about the country, and most specifically her island São Vicente. I was amazed at how perfect of a time this trip could’ve came, and that my dream of Africa being the first continent I visit would be coming true. As I took the flights from Charlotte to Boston to Lisbon to São Vicente, I had time to reflect on the journey I was undertaking. It was way more than traveling for me, it was opening me up to a new chapter and a new direction I could take my life. From the time I arrived in São Vicente, to the time I left, I was able to meet Dr. Lima-Neves’ family and their warm hospitality, I was able to visit the island of Santo Antão, I met a new friend that made the journey that much more real and exciting. For the almost two weeks we were there, I was starting to feel like a citizen, I didn’t want to impose my American bias on anyone and anything. I am grateful for my knowledge of international relations prior to the trip, it allowed for me to keep an open mind of every aspect of daily life within the country. Also, while journaling, I came to a realization that even though I am black, and I blend in physically, I was just as lost culturally, almost as though I was a non-black tourist and everyone native could see right through me. It made me evaluate what it meant to be black, and what my culture meant to me in the United States. I am grateful for my culture while also a jealous of a continent that I am 100% certain to derive from, while having no idea where. These emotions may come off as negative but it only made me appreciate and admire the beauty of Cape Verde even more. I figured since I don’t know exactly where my ancestors come from, I can admire every African country as if it were the land of my ancestors. And the amazing part to all of this that I nearly forgot is that I can travel there again. It didn’t have to be the first and the last time. Had it not been for the
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relationship between Dr. Lima-Neves and I, I couldn’t say when and where I would be experiencing those feelings of being an outsider in an African country. I’m glad it happened at this time. From now on, traveling is more of a necessity than a luxury for me. I am eager to experience how to compare and contrast my culture with others and know that even though I may be different culturally, we all as a human race are connected and open to learn and respect cultures around the world. ~ ~
By Aria Springfield Senior, History and Political Science
WHAT ARE THEY UP TO? Catching Up With Our Alumni Facia Johnson, ‘14 Founder, LOAF Clothing Brand After graduating from JCSU in 2014, I just knew for sure that I would be working in politics of some degree because of all of the internships I participated in while in school. My first position out of school was working Kay Hagan’s Senatorial campaign in Wilmington, NC and then I went on to work several other campaigns after that, including the Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton Campaigns in South Carolina. I dabbled in corporate and retail work in between, but I still didn’t feel like I was in the “right” position. Overtime I learned that there is no right position and that life is a journey where you often have to try things you “think” you like to do, to ultimately learn what works best for you. During what would be my last campaign cycle I had a revelation to pursue fashion full time. It was something I was always passionate about but couldn’t see it as a career for me due to cultural conditioning from my Liberian family who only appreciates the doctors and lawyers of the world. I decided to move back to New Jersey and immerse myself full time into the industry. I worked for multiple celebrity stylists in NYC for free for 6 months in hopes of obtaining my own clients but life didn’t work out as planned. I ended up getting a job in fashion operations and realized there was something missing in my life which was my alignment with God. I loved Jesus and loved fashion but couldn’t understand how to bridge the two.
Aria at a community center for the arts in Sao Vicente Island during her trip to Cabo Verde, West Africa.
Fast forward to July 2018, I moved to London, England to do missions work with a global organization called YWAM (Youth With A Mission). The London base had a specific program that was a perfect mix of God and fashion. I’ve now been living in London for the past 8 months. Although being a missionary can be tough at times, it has been one of my best decisions thus far. I’ve been able to really launch my clothing brand LOAF, be a part of London Fashion Week and most importantly strengthen my relationship with God. My best advice for any student that is struggling with deciding what to do after college or for life
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2019-20 PSA EXECUTIVE BOARD
in general would be to LIVE outside of your comfort zone. Fear will cripple you if you give it room. Everyone is afraid of something, but you have to choose to be intentional to go against whatever is trying to hold you back.
If you would like to hear more about my story, have questions or just want to talk feel free to email me at faciajohnson@gmail.com! Also, you can check out my fashion brand www.theloafbrand.com or @theloafbrand on Instagram. ~~
LAURA SALINAS President HYNEIF HALL Vice-President SHADIYAH STALLWORTH Secretary ALAYSHA WILLIAMS Treasurer
MALIK BROWNE Mr. PSA
TATIANNA STATTON Ms. PSA
2019 ACADEMIC AWARDS RECIPIENTS QUANEISHA PAYNE Counts-Jones Distinguished Service JUHN-LUKE BROWNE Hanes Walton Best Senior Paper LAURA SALINAS Highest GPA in Political Science Our Annual Academic Awards Ceremony and Reception
CONGRATULATIONS!
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JCSU HOSTS 48th ANNUAL CONFERENCE MEETING OF THE NORTH CAROLINA POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION The Annual Meeting of the North Carolina Political Science Association (NCPSA) was held at Johnson C. Smith University’s New Science Center Building on Friday, February 22nd. This year’s conference chair was Dr. Terza Lima-Neves. Lima-Neves is also the 2019-20 President of NCPSA, the first Black person to serve in this capacity in the history of the Association. This is also the first time NCPSA met on an HBCU campus. The meeting brought together faculty, independent scholars, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, from across North Carolina and beyond during this one day conference. Participants presented their research via panels and posters and enjoyed professional networking activities. Drs. Deborah Quick, Nicola Bivens, and Anita Bledsoe Gardner from JCSU’s Department of Social and Behavioral Science organized a panel on issues in higher education and student achievement with students Jameia Booker and Mary Holiman. Other JCSU presenters included graduating seniors Juhn-Luke Browne, Quaneisha Payne and recent alumna Norsharra James, currently a teacher for Teach for America in South Carolina. In line with this year’s theme, “Towards Student Centered Approaches to the Study and Practice of Political Science,” the conference’s keynote speakers were JCSU alumni, Kirstin Hall, a social justice advocate in Washington, D.C. who also holds a Masters in political communication from American University and Ramon Garibaldo Valdez, doctoral student at Yale University and community activist. The conference was made possible by the Smith Institute for Applied Research, the McNair Scholars Program, the College of Arts and Letters, the Southern Political Science Association, and JCSU staff, faculty and student volunteers. For more on NCPSA, please visit their Web site, ncpsa.net.
JCSU student volunteers who also presented their research at the annual NCPSA conference
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PROGRAM EVENT GALLERY
(Left) Melissa Mahtani, Terza Lima-Neves, H.E. Maureen Mwanawasa, Hajira Attah during the 2018 No Backpack Day Fundraising Gala and Panel Discussion. Mrs. Mwanawasa is the former First Lady of Zambia, Dr. Lima-Neves and political science minor, Hajira served as panelists. (Right) In April 2018, The First Lady of Zambia, Mrs. Maureen Mwanawasa visited JCSU and met with professors, students and administrators.
Congrats to Dr. Terza Lima-Neves, recipient of the 2017-18 Cato Par Excellence in Teaching Award!
Dr. Terza Lima-Neves with University President C. Armbrister and Dean Brian Jones of the College of Arts and Letters
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PROGRAM EVENT GALLERY Travel and Learn Abroad: Cabo Verde, West Africa
As a result of Dr. Lima-Neves’ Cato Par Excellence Teaching Award in 2018, she was able to select two students, graduating senior Juhn-Luke Browne and junior history major and political science minor, Aria Springfield and travel to her native Cabo Verde Islands, West Africa in February 2019 to interact with students, faculty and staff at the Universidade de Mindelo to observe how they learn and teach international relations. They discussed themes, major concepts during a traditional tea gathering and toured the University’s campus. They visited three of the 9 inhabited islands. The trio is pictured touring the mountains of Santo Antao Island, an African art exhibit, and with university students, Belle, Jacob and Lizy.
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PROGRAM EVENT GALLERY BLACK HISTORY MONTH LUNCH & LEARN For Black History Month, we welcomed Dr. Joseph Ewoodzie, professor of sociology at Davidson College for a “Lunch and Learn” talk based on his book, Break Beats in The Bronx, focused on the history of Hip Hop.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH LECTURE AND FILM SERIES
JCSU alumna, Dr. Msia Clark was the keynote speaker at the University’s 7th Annual International Women’s Month Lecture and Film Series held in the Duke Library. Her lecture focused on PanAfricanism, feminism, and Hip Hop. Dr. Clark also signed copies of her books recently acquired by JCSU’s Duke Library.
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CONGRATULATIONS To The Class of 2018!
Ke’Aira Wilson, Quanetta King, D’Andre Carter
Dariana Reid and Valeria Hernandez
Norsharra James
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CONGRATULATIONS To The Class of 2019!
Quaneisha Payne and Juhn-Luke Browne
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FALL 2019 COURSES
OUR CURRICULUM
POL 100A: Intro to Political Science TR 12-1:15pm
The required courses for the Political Science Major are (27 credit hours):
POL 131A: Intro to American Government MWF 1-1:50pm
POL 100 Intro to Political Science POL 131 American Government POL 230 Intro to Political Analysis POL 333 Comparative Politics POL 334 International Relations POL 335 Political Theory POL 398 Research Methods POL 431 Policy Analysis POL 434 Constitutional Law POL 499 Senior Paper
POL 131B: Intro to American Government MWF 2-2:50pm POL 230A: Intro to Political Analysis MWF 12-12:50pm POL 334A: International Relations TR 12-1:15pm POL 335A: Political Theory TR 1:30-2:45pm POL 431: Policy Analysis TR 9:30-10:45am POL 434 Constitutional Law MWF 3-3:50pm POL 491Q: Politics of Gender and Hip Hop TR 9:30-10:45am POL 499 Senior Investigative Paper TR 1:30-2:45pm LAW 230 Introduction to Legal Studies TBA LAW 394 LSAT PREP TBA
ELECTIVES
An additional 15 elective hours in the Major from the following courses: POL 231 State and Local Politics POL 235 Intro to African Politics POL 330 Public Administration POL 332 The Developing World POL 339 Black Political Thought POL 430 Women in Politics POL 432 Seminar in American Politics POL 433 International Organizations POL 435 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties POL 437 Foreign Policy POL 439 Internship POL 491 Special Topics in Political Science Majors must also take (12 credit hours): ECON 231 Principles of Macroeconomics HIS 136 History of the United States to 1865 PSY 233 or SOC 233 or MTH 136 Statistics The Program in Political Science at Johnson C. Smith University is located on the Second Floor of McCrorey Hall (MCH). Join us on Facebook at Political Science Program at JCSU!
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