PPA Newsletter

Greetings everyone. Let me begin by reminding you that the deadline (April 1) for new graduate program applications is fast approaching. If there are any people you think might be interested in the program and need more information, please put them in touch with me as soon as possible.

And speaking of deadlines: Have you dealt with the writing proficiency exam? Have you advanced to candidacy? Have you filed for graduation? Have you finished your thesis? (Okay, I couldn't resist that last one...)

MARCH 8 SEMINAR ON "STEALTH DEMOCRACY"
You are invited to a talk by Professor John Hibbing on "stealth democracy" at CSUS. Hibbing is the co-author of an important recent book arguing, on the basis of extensive survey and focus group analysis, that Americans are uninterested in greater political involvement. Instead, what they desire is the democratic system equivalent of a "stealth bomber" that is only visible in emergencies. According to Hibbing and his coauthor, any actual involvement in politics is commonly the result of distrust of what politicians are doing rather than desire to participate. This is a significant if controversial thesis, and I think you'll find his talk provocative.

Hibbing, who is Regents Professor of Political Science at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, is coming to CSUS at my invitation. His talk will be on Monday, March 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the first floor Lobby Suite of the University Union. I hope to see you there.

MARCH 19 SEMINAR ON "UNDERSTANDING AND OVERCOMING FRAME-BASED BARRIERS TO INTRACTABLE CONFLICTS"
You are also invited to the above seminar, offered by Professor Barbara Gray of Pennsylvania State University. The talk is sponsored by the Center for Collaborative Policy, and any of you who've taken courses from David Booher are likely to find the seminar especially interesting. It will take place from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Oak Room on the second floor of the University Union. Please contact Teresa Pal from the Center at 445-2079 or tpal@ccp.csus.edu if you plan to attend.

COLLABORATIVE DECISION MAKING CERTIFICATE
Speaking of the Center, for now we're putting on hold the idea of the department offering a certificate in collaborative policy making. In significant part this decision is based on the tough fiscal times we're facing. The department remains committed to offering electives in this area, and we plan to move the two existing courses from experimental to permanent courses in the catalogue over the next few months.

BELATED CONGRATULATIONS TO SHARYN LAIS
We offer belated congratulations to current student Sharyn Lais for appearing prominently in a recent Sacramento Magazine article about how people with busy lives stay in shape. Obviously, we all now know whom to contact if we need a fitness guru.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION
It's been a while I recommended a book. So I want to use this opportunity to recommend a current favorite: Perez Zagorin's How the Idea of Religious Toleration Came to the West (Princeton University Press, 2003). It's a truly provocative look at how tolerance was nurtured by a few deeply religious people who nevertheless challenged widespread attacks on "heretics" and claims about the certitude of specific religious doctrines. In the post-September 11 world, I think this book has particular relevance.

Ted Lascher
PPA Department Chair

COMMUNICATOR