| CREC Institute for American Politics This course provides an overview of American government and politics and helps students understand how American politics affects the everyday life of ordinary people. It will explore the origins and values of our government and the primary focus will be on United States national government and American political culture. Emphasis will also be placed on understanding different interpretations of American government and special attention will be given to the concepts of pluralism and constitutionalism. Students will have the opportunity to discuss current events and public policy (including the occupation of Iraq). This is a four-week residential program to be held on the campus of Saint Joseph College in West Hartford |
Professor Kenneth Long
Academic Director
| Kenneth J. Long, Ph.D., is Professor of Political Science and Chairman of the History and Political Science Department at Saint Joseph College. He is the author of numerous articles on American politics and political theory. |
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Michael Blanker
Teacher | Michael Blanker is a Social Studies Teacher at New Britain High School. He possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Science from Fordham University and a Masters degree in Education from the University of Hartford. Michael Blanker has been connected with the CREC Summer Institute for American Politics since its inception in 2002. |
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Khristina Surgeon '09
Teaching Assistant, Institute for American Politics | Khristina Surgeon '09, a student in the Honors Program, is an International Studies major and a Political Science minor at Saint Joseph College. Originally a native from Jamaica and one of nine foreign students on the Saint Joseph College campus, Khristina completed a semester in Washington, D.C. In Washington, D.C., she took courses in American Politics and Government, focusing specifically on the Electoral and Legislative Processes, while also completing an internship with the League of Women Voters. Khristina has a strong interest in human rights and development, and this has led her to become a member of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA.) She intends on going on to Law School after she completes her studies in 2009 and has future hopes of working for the United Nations. Khristina was honored at the 2008 Academic Day held at the Connecticut Legislature. She was also responsible for organizing a presentation on Genocide at the Ideas Festival held at the Metropolitan Center for Global and International Studies, a CREC Magnet School in Bloomfield, Connecticut. |
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Kathy Ly '11
Administrative Assistant Institutes for American Politics and Global Studies
| Kathy Ly, a student in the Honors program, is entering her sophomore year at Saint Joseph College this upcoming fall and is planning on majoring in International Studies. She has a very strong interest in culture, languages, and globalization with a special interest in Japan. |
