Professor Nsia-Pepra's Article Published

Dr. Nsia-Pepra has recently had an article published in the January-February issue of US Military Review, the professional peer reviewed journal of the U.S. Army.  Titled “Militarization of US Foreign Policy in Africa– Strategic Gain or Backlash?,”the paper critically examines US increased military involvement in Africa fueled by terrorism, need for  energy sources, and to counter China’s creeping influence in Africa.

Nsia-Pepra argues that other nations conceptualized these actions as exploitative and imperialistic; aimed to control Africa’s energy resources. The US involvement also raised concerns about challenges to sovereignty, welfare and the survival of the African Union.  America’s covert and overt military alliances and joint operations with selected military allies affected spillage, intensity, protractedness and duration of the Congo, Sudan and Darfur conflicts.    The US militarization policy has backfired, undermining the attainment of its strategic interests.  To elicit Africa’s support in achieving its interests, the United States needs to debunk its neorealist “hard power” policy and adopt liberal “soft power” policies such as assisting Africa in its socio-politic economic development.

Well done Dr. Nsia-Pepra!

Triumph of the Alumni: Carol Wilson Hired to Work in DC

Carol Wilson (at left in photo), who graduated in 2010 with a BA in History and Creative Writing, recently reported that she had secured her dream job.  After graduation from IUPUI with her MA in Public History, she was hired by History Associates Incorporated, a firm that compiles research reports for legal cases, museum exhibits, and other projects.  Carol reports that she will be working for the next few years at the National Archives in Washington, DC.

We knew that Carol would be a rising star one day, and she has exceeded our already high expectations.

Congratulations Carol!

HPJ Introduces New Approach to Senior Capstone

Dr. Waters, the instructor of the recently revamped Senior Capstone 1 course, had students in a circle to discuss ideas about writing a Capstone paper.  In a change from the past, instead of having students work with an individual professor after a topic is chosen, students will spend the semester discussing issues involved in the process of writing a professional research paper.  At the end of the semester, they will choose a final topic and will have a professor assigned as their primary reader.

Also added to the requirement for the capstone is a provision that students must present their research, either on campus or at a student-centered or professional conference.  The capstone experience now begins in the Spring Semester of the student's junior year, with completion of the project scheduled for the Fall Semester of their senior year.  That will give students the Spring Semester of their senior year to find a conference at which to present.

This will bring the capstone project more in line with our efforts to encourage students to share their research experience with others.  Such events allow students to gain valuable real world experience and bolster their resume's to increase their chances of gaining employment in their field, or secure a spot in graduate school.

8th Annual Polar Bear Invitational Mock Trial Tournament Held at ONU

Last weekend, the HPJ Mock Trial Program held the eighth annual edition of its popular Polar Bear Invitational Mock Trial Tournament.  Eighteen colleges and universities brought more than two-hundred students to campus to practice their skills at arguing cases.

This year, the subject under consideration was a criminal case about a robbery at an amusement park.  Student teams provide lawyers and witnesses who argue the case.  Judges were drawn from HPJ and other ONU professors, ONU law students, and team coaches.  Participants are judged on how well they play their roles, and promote their positions.

WLIO in Lima featured a report on the tournament that can be viewed here.

Northwood College won the tournament, and the top ten teams are listed below:

Top Ten Team Awards:

1.      1285 Northwood 7-1

2.      1243 Chicago 6-2 CS 21

3.      1029 Hillsdale 6-2 CS 19.5

4.      1482 Michigan State 6-2 CS 17 OSS 77

5.      1546 Michigan 6-2 CS 17 OSS 70

6.      1545 Michigan 6-2 CS 17 OSS 69.5

7.      1435 Carneige Melon 6-2 CS 16.5

8.      1345 OSU 6-2 CS 15

9.      1028 Hillsdale 5-3 CS 19

10.  1286 Northwood 5-3 CS 16.5

HPJ Students Shine in the New Mexico Sun

Three HPJ students recently presented at the 2014 Phi Alpha Theta Biennial Convention in Albuquerque.  Franklin Howard, John Curiel, and Autumn Kalikin presented their research and enjoyed the warmth over the Christmas break.

Howard presented his paper "Upgrading the Closet: Pulp Fiction and the Gay Man's Quest for Space in American Society, 1940-1969."

Curiel's paper was "Depolarization Through Rationality in Chile: The 1988 Plebiscite and its Aftermath."

Kalikin's paper title was "A 'Riveting' Tale: How the Press and the Public Viewed the Working Women of World War II."

In addition to escorting the students to New Mexico, Dr. Waters also took part in a faculty panel and presented a paper titled "American Labor's Cold War Embassadors."  He also chaired a panel on Mexican and Caribbean History, and another on Latin America.

The students enjoyed their experience and also impressed their audiences.  So much so that Howard was offered the opportunity to publish his paper in a journal.  This is a significant opportunity that very few undergraduate students have the opportunity to accomplish.

And, as can be seen in the photo, the students even found the time to do a little "Hilling."

Well done Franklin, John, and Autumn!