Public Leadership Minor
John C. Koritansky (1970), Chair, Garfield Institute for Public Leadership, Professor of Political Science
A.B., Cornell University;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Chicago
Academic Interest: American constitutional law, American Politics, Political philosophy; Public administration
Nozar Alaolmolki (1982), Chair, Professor of Political Science
B.Sc., B.A., Northeast Missouri State University;
M.A., Xavier University; Ph.D., Miami University
Academic Interest: Foreign Policy; International Politics, Middle Eastern Politics
Kathy Luschek, Associate Director, Garfield Institute for Public Leadership
Other Faculty and visiting scholars contribute to the courses in this program.
Mission
The Garfield Institute prepares students for leadership in matters of public policy, foreign and domestic. It is grounded in the liberal arts education that Hiram College has maintained throughout its history. The Institute also serves to inform the public by bringing to campus persons whose own responsible leadership enables them to clarify issues of public policy.The minor in Public Leadership combines interdisciplinary teaching and experience to prepare students for careers of service in multiple publics. The minor develops vision, knowledge and practical skills to foster a new generation of policy makers. Through coursework and participation in opportunities on and off campus, students develop self understanding and the insight and abilities from multiple disciplines for successful careers in public service, nonprofit organizations, and international institutions.
Core requirements for the minor
INTD xxx: Public Leadership (team taught) Central to public leadership is the ability to connect public issues and policy solutions. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the course will study public policy analysis – the process by which an issue becomes public and the debates regarding appropriate courses of action. Students will understand and apply relevant theories and skills through an examination of cases involving policy issues. These issues may at times focus on broad societal concerns (e.g. environment, education, healthcare, global security) or a specific policy issue (e.g. international trade agreements or social security). Students enrolled in the course will have opportunities for mentoring, participation in the Garfield seminars (as a Scholar or as an attendee), and community service.
PLDS 498: Internship All students in the minor must complete an internship relevant to the minor and individual career interests. Internship opportunities are available through the Bliss Institute and the Washington Semester. A variety of other internship opportunities may also be pursued in nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, and other international institutions here or abroad. The minor offers the opportunity for students to focus in one of two career areas. Students will choose 13 hours of electives with the approval of a Garfield advisor. These electives should complement and extend a major area of study and the student’s long term career objectives. Each student, in consultation with the advisor, will submit a statement of intent and the proposed course of study to the Garfield Advisory Committee. For more information, contact Professor John Koritansky, Chair of the Garfield Institute.
Career Opportunities for Minors in Public Leadership
Public Leadership in Local, State and Federal Government
Students with interests in careers in government at the local, state, or federal levels may pursue positions in the executive, legislative or judicial branches. Working in a wide variety of government agencies, serving as support staff for elected officials, and/or running for public office are all possible career options for students after graduation. Successful leaders in these careers will require a broad understanding of political, social, economic and legal institutions within which problems are identified and policies are shaped as well as the abilities essential to engage effectively in the process of developing and implementing policy decisions.
Public Leadership in International Affairs
Students with interests in diplomatic, consular, commercial, and overseas cultural and information services may pursue positions as administrative, economic, and political officers for government agencies such as the Department of State or Commerce or with a variety of Nongovernmental Organizations (NGO) here and abroad. Successful leaders in these careers will require a broad understanding of international institutions, economic and security concerns, and power relations influencing policy decisions. The study of at least one foreign language at the 103 level or the equivalent is required. Electives in the minor may concentrate in specific public policy domains to complement a major field of study.
Possible elective concentrations in the Public Leadership Minor
Environmental policy
Healthcare policy
Social policy
US foreign policy
Comparative foreign policy