Honors and Activities for International Affairs Majors
Ongoing activities, clubs and honor societies available to International Affairs majors include:
Global Society
The goal of the Global Society is to educate Kennesaw State students, faculty and staff about trends and issues in the international arena. The importance of international affairs awareness is stressed. This is accomplished mainly by participating and competing in Model United Nations, Model Arab League, and Model Organization of African Unity Conferences that are held at regional, national, and international levels. Also, on various occasions, the Global Society will invite speakers to campus as part of its International Awareness Lecture Series. The Global Society is on the web at The Global Society at KSU.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Chien-pin Li
The following organizations are part of the Global Society...
- Kennesaw State University Model United Nations
The KSU Model U.N. program is designed to give students hands-on experience about the nature and essence of international relations in a simulation context. Specifically, students learn about the difficulties and complexities of international diplomacy and global issues through participation in various Model U.N. Conferences that replicate the operations of the United Nations. As representatives from different governments, students work with one another to arrive at solutions to the problems facing the globe. In the processes of debating, caucusing, and resolution writing, students experience both the thrill and the frustration of international diplomacy. It is truly an interesting and stimulating experience. Model UN is on the web at The Global Society.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Chien-pin Li
- Model Arab League
The Model League of Arab States offers students an unparalleled opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the contemporary Arab world. By playing the role of real life diplomats, Model participants learn through doing, and in the process refine the leadership, analytical, and communication skills to manage the global challenges of the 21st Century. Participation in the Model Arab League opens the door to the National Council on U.S. - Arab Relations's academic and professional development programs for college students: internships in Washington, D.C. and the Arab world, study visits to Kuwait, and the renowned Summer in Syria Program at the University of Aleppo. Participation is open to students of all majors. Model Arab League is on the web at The Global Society.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Nurudeen Akinyemi
- Model OAU
The Model OAU Team is the most recent addition to the Global Society. The University System of Georgia partially sponsored a first-ever Southeastern Regional Model OAU in November, 1997. The Global Society sent seven students to this conference, and came away very excited about adding this new experience to the many things it already does. Students from all majors are invited to join! Model OAU is on the web at The Global Society.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Garrett Smith
Kennesaw State University High School Model United Nations
The Department of Political Science and International Affairs sponsors a High School Model United Nations each year in December. Over thirty high schools and more than 800 students now participate in the program, which began in 1966KSU students, members of the Global Society, serve as chairs and rapporteurs for the simulations. KSUHSMUN is on the web at The High School Model UN Program at KSU.
Director: Dr. Helen Ridley
Co-Director: Dr. Chien-pin Li
Faculty Advsor: Dr. Harry Trendell
KSU Political Science Club
This organization is dedicated to providing students an opportunity to get involved in politics. The club provides a forum for discussion of political, economic, and social issues. Students are encouraged to organize programs and sponsor events designed to stimulate interest and awareness of politics. Some examples of activities include voter registration drives, luncheons featuring guest speakers invited to campus, and the publication of a club newsletter. Open to any KSU student with an interest in political science, the Club meets in tandem with the KSU Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha. All KSU students are encouraged to join. The Political Science Club is on the web at Human Resources.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kerwin Swint
Pi Sigma Alpha
The Political Science and International Affairs Department is the home of the Nu Tau Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Honor Society for Political Science. Candidates for membership are selected from graduate and upper class students, faculty members, and persons of notable achievements and contributions in Political Science, government, and international affairs. Criteria for student membership include: at least 15 hours in Political Science courses, of which 5 hours encompasses 300-400 level courses, a "B" average in political science courses, an overall cumulative average of 2.5. The Chapter functions as an integral part of the Political Science and International Affairs Department in the promotion of worthwhile extra-curricular activities related to public affairs.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kerwin Swint
Society for Legal Studies
The Society for Legal Studies is open to any KSU student who has an interest in legal studies. Meetings are held once each quarter. Programs focus on meeting law school requirements and understanding significant legal-related issues. The Society is the sponsor for the Kennesaw State University Mock Trial Teams and publishes a quarterly newsletter, "The Legal Beagle."
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Gordon
Mock Trial
KSU students participate in Intercollegiate Mock Trial regional and national competition sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association. KSU is the host site for the Southeastern Mock Trial Regional Competition. KSU teams also participate in invitational tournaments. Mock Trial is sponsored by the Society for Legal Studies and is open to all students. The Department offers a course in fall quarter that is the prerequisite and it is from this class that the teams are chosen.
Academic Coaches: Dr. Helen Ridley, Dr. Elizabeth Gordon
Department Newsletter
The Department publishes a semi-annual newsletter mailed to all majors and alumni. It includes information about faculty, departmental activities, alumni, and surveys Political Science and International Affairs graduates about numerous issues.
Editor: Dr. Kerwin Swint