2013 Festival of Scholars
Perspectives on Political Science
| Date: | Tuesday, April 24 |
| Time: | 10:00am - 12:00pm |
| Location: | Nygreen Hall 1 |
Description: |
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Student Abstracts at this Session
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Student(s): Rebecca Cardone Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Brint |
Human Rights, Religious Minorities, and Democratic Duty: Symmetries Between Israel and IranWhile U.S. foreign policy advocates Israel and vilifies Iran, Israel and Iran maintain a paradoxical symmetry that privileges a preferred religious identity, and, therefore, marginalizes the rest. Claims encouraging such privilege are legitimate; however, structural privilege harbors structural violence. By utilizing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a mirror of virtue, the thesis analyzes how neither Israel nor Iran upholds their promise to the international community to sustain the UDHR. Although they differ such that Israel’s judicial activism often protects individuals from legislation that infringes on human rights, the implementation of policy prior to the court’s decision still affects the norms of existence, ultimately contributing to the cycle of violence. The symmetries between Israel and Iran imply critical inquiry of the nature and extent to which religion can influence the politics of democracy, particularly in the aftermath of the Arab Spring and the goals of U.S. foreign policy. |
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Student(s): Kristen Keough Faculty Mentor: Dr. Haco Hoang |
Correlation Between Youth Civic Engagement and Historic GPA and SAT ScoresThe purpose of this project is to examine the correlation between academic indicators (GPA and SAT scores) AND trends in voting levels among young adults ages 18-24. The average SAT and GPA scores of students since 1972 will be analyzed for variations/patterns in voter turnout using quantitative and qualitative methods. Regression analysis will be augmented by qualitative data (interviews and site visits) from/related to admission counselors, college professors, high school teachers, administrators, and civic volunteers. The data sets will be used to determine the extent to which GPA and SAT scores are predictors of youth voting patterns. |
