October 16, 1998

Contact: Timothy McKernan, 594-2588

 

Political Science is Golden

The year was 1948. Harry S. Truman defeated Thomas Dewey in what remains perhaps the biggest upset in the history of American presidential politics, a new state in the middle east called Israel had been created, and the cold war between the Soviet Union and the United States had begun in earnest. Such was the atmosphere the year San Diego State College formed its political science department.

Political science observes its golden anniversary as one of the most popular majors at SDSU, attracting large numbers of students preparing for diverse careers including law, banking and academia. Its course offerings are also selected by many students to fulfill general education requirements.

“The public law emphasis, in particular, has developed a tremendous reputation,” said Harlan Lewin, the department’s chair. “Many of the top law schools come here to recruit. We have developed a unique internship program with the County Courthouse that matches our students with judges in one-to-one relationships, providing unparalleled insight to the judicial process. Through the Institute on World Affairs, diplomats, ambassadors and others provide first-hand insight into a variety of issues to our students.”

Lewin said students also benefit from the department’s comparative courses concerning Mexico and central and South America.

“Several faculty travel to these countries to do original research,” he said. “Our students are getting first-hand information about issues vital not only to San Diego, but to the entire global community.”

The department will use the occasion to honor Viva Link, the department secretary from 1961 to 1986, at a reception at Scripps Cottage on October 24. For more information, or to arrange an interview with Dr. Lewin and other political science professors, please call Timothy McKernan at 594-2588.