A Busy Fall in Political Science

A BUSY FALL IN POLITICAL SCIENCE                                      

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Political Science at Purdue University has developed a fall program that includes chances for new students to meet virtually with current students and for virtual discussions to take place between majors and faculty, recent alums, representatives from Purdue’s award-winning chapter of the national Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha, and members of the wider campus community.

Students will also have the opportunity to virtually engage with members of the legal community through an interactive discussion with Colby Alexis of the international law firm Sidley Austin, and Jacob Lofgren an Assistant Attorney General in the State of Colorado.

The center-piece of the fall semester’s virtual schedule is an evening with the Hon. Michael Y. Scudder, Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on October 19.

Judge Scudder’s talk, “Working at the White House and the United State Supreme Court” will draw upon his experience clerking with Justice Anthony Kennedy at the nation’s highest court, and working in the White House as the General Counsel to the National Security Council and as Senior Associate Counsel in the administration of President George W. Bush.

In addition to these virtual events, the Department will collaborate with the Center for C-SPAN Scholarship & Engagement, the Brian Lamb School of Communications, and the Center for C-SPAN Scholarship & Engagement Student Community to co-sponsor a number of limited in-person watch parties to coincide with the presidential and vice-presidential debates. The watch parties, known on campus by the name “Pizza and Politics” will take place on  September 29, October 7, October 15, and October 22.