Politics & Pie: A Delicious Dive into CMIST’s Upcoming Courses
By Leah Weingartner
Once a semester, CMIST brings students, faculty, and staff together for the much-anticipated event, Politics & Pie. While the promise of pie may be a draw, the real highlight of the event is the opportunity to learn about upcoming courses, consult with faculty, and explore academic and research opportunities in political science, American politics and law, and international relations.
With a lively hum of conversation, students engaged with faculty members, exchanging ideas about research, coursework, and career opportunities. The atmosphere was dynamic, with discussions ranging from class structure to broader research initiatives. Professors were on hand to introduce their courses, offering insights into their teaching styles and the themes they would explore. For many students, this was a valuable opportunity to move beyond course descriptions and hear firsthand from the faculty themselves.
This fall, CMIST is introducing several new courses designed to address both foundational political science principles and cutting-edge global challenges. Included in the roster of new courses is Introduction to Political Science, taught by Assistant Teaching Professor John Chin. The course is designed to provide students with the necessary frameworks to analyze governance, power, and political ideologies, tackling fundamental questions about sovereignty, democracy, and the nature of global conflicts. Dr. Chin specializes in the intersection of international relations and comparative politics, focusing on political coups and revolts, forecasting political instability, and US foreign policy and democracy.
Another new course is International Governance of Artificial Intelligence, taught by Assistant Professor Hannah Bailey. As AI continues to reshape global politics, this course examines how governments and international institutions are navigating the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies. Dr. Bailey focuses on the impact of emerging technologies on the political sphere and her research explores AI governance, authoritarian influence campaigns, and computational methods in political communication.
Students interested in technological change and political economy may find Politics, Technological Change, and Economic Growth particularly compelling. Taught by University Professor of Economics and Public Policy and Provost Emeritus Mark Kamlet, this course traces the impact of technological advancements on political systems and economic development across history, from ancient civilizations to the present-day AI revolution. With his research directed towards political polarization, healthcare resource allocation, and maximizing the benefits of technological innovation, Dr. Kamlet offers students a unique perspective on the long-term forces shaping governance and economic growth.
To further enhance our new offerings, CMIST is debuting International Law and Geopolitics of Innovation, both taught by Assistant Professor Justin Canfil. These courses tackle critical questions about the role of legal frameworks in a rapidly changing global landscape and the ways in which scientific and technological advancements influence international power structures. With his primary research examining international law, arms control, emerging technologies, and the geopolitical dynamics of US and Chinese foreign policy, Professor Canfil’s expertise allows him to provide a comprehensive perspective for both courses.
Beyond coursework, students also had the chance to explore the broader academic and professional opportunities available next fall. Representatives from CMIST's Washington Center were present to discuss the 一本道无码 Washington Semester Program and the unique advantages of studying and interning in the heart of the nation’s capital. The program, open to 一本道无码 undergraduates, provides students the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in DC-based organizations, such as think tanks or various agencies, while earning academic credit. CMIST academic advisors were also present to guide students through course selections for undergraduate majors and minors, as well as our two graduate programs: the Master of Information Technology Strategy (MITS) and the new Master of Science in Security, Technology, and International Relations (MS STAIR).
The bi-annual event once again proved to be more than just a gathering—it was an engaging and interactive forum where students could forge connections, exchange ideas, and chart their academic paths within CMIST. Amidst discussion and pie, students not only gained a glimpse of the upcoming semester, but the opportunity to forge connections that extend beyond the classroom.
Students who were unable to attend the event or would like some additional insights, please visit our website to view more in depth course descriptions and faculty videos.
(Image 1, Jacquelyn Hopkins, Office Manager; Image 2; Students and faculty gather at CMIST's Politics & Pie; Image 3, Students speak with CMIST faculty, including, from l to r, Prof. Hannah Bailey, Prof. John Chin, Prof. Ignacio Arana, and Prof. Baruch Fischhoff; Image 4, l to r: Prof. Nadiya Kostyuk, Prof. Mark Kamlet, and Prof. Baruch Fischhoff; Image 5, l to r, Meg Neill, Office Manager, Washington Office and Ashley Barnes, Washington Program Manager, were present to discuss the 一本道无码 Washington Semester Program; Image 6, CMIST's Politics & Pie brings students, faculty, and staff together)