New I-Series Spring 2024

For Spring 2024, Computer Science is offering a new course titled "You and I, and Generative AI." (CMSC 116; full syllabus), taught by Hal Daumé. This programming-free, general-education course will aim to address the question:  

What would it take to ensure that generative artificial intelligence (AI) acts as a force for good, what does that mean, and is that even possible? 

Recent advances in generative AI have enabled many people to do things they previously were incapable of - such as essay writing or adding special effects to home movies - but have also brought about a series of ethical questions around their development and use - such as the role of AI in Hollywood brought into the public eye through the 2023 writer’s strike. We will explore these questions from the perspective of computer science, the social sciences, the humanities, and the law. In this course, students will not only learn about the challenges of developing generative AI technology that is aligned with human values, but also actively participate in crafting tomorrow’s solutions.

APAN Information Session

 APAN is a Master of Science degree in Applied Political Analytics, with primary elements of political science and quantitative analysis, for those who want to work with data in an applied political setting, such as Congress, a Cabinet Dept, non-profit organizations, or campaigns, to name a few. Our tracks of study include a 4+1 option for current UMD undergrads, who can earn the MS degree in just one additional year of study, at a lower overall cost.

The Deadline for Best Consideration is January 20th, 2024. The Deadline for all applicants is March 1st, 2024. More information about applying for the APAN 4+1 program can be found here.

APAN INFO SESSION (online)

Wednesday, January 10, 5-6pm

Register here for Zoom link.

In the session, we will briefly cover the facets of the program and answer any questions. Registration links for future sessions are also on our website, here: https://gvpt.umd.edu/graduate/upcoming-events

If you are unable to attend this session, there will be a session on Tuesday, February 20th, 5-6pm. Register here for the Zoom link.

United Nations Association of the National Capital Area Spring Internship Opportunities

 

The United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) has several internships to be filled for the Spring Semester:

• Programs & Membership Program Assistant
• Graduate Fellows Program Assistant
• Communications & Design Assistant

These internships will be for 20-32 hours/week, Monday through Thursday to start in the next few weeks until at least mid-May. Our internships offer a great opportunity to engage in advocacy, programming, communications, and operations in a non-profit office environment. As well, our office is connected with many Untied Nations Agencies and like minded organizations in DC, offering unmatched networking opportunities.

Spring Internship with National Security Network

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a nonpartisan policy institute dedicated exclusively to promoting pluralism, defending democratic values, and fighting the ideologies that threaten democracy. 

The National Security Network is seeking a full-time or part-time intern with an interest in national security, US foreign policy, the US-Israel relationship, and professional development. Interns will have the opportunity to attend exclusive high-level NSN events and roundtable discussions, as well as network with FDD experts and rising mid-career national security practitioners. 

Responsibilities

• Assisting on a wide array of research initiatives including current U.S. national security trends, and current events and national security challenges in Israel
• Drafting remarks for FDD experts
• Helping plan national security trips to Israel
• Coordinating event logistics and staffing NSN events
• Assisting with program management for NSN programs
• Assisting with research initiatives including current U.S. national security trends and current events/national security challenges in Israel
• Miscellaneous market research projects

 

Skills

• Strong organizational skills and should be able to juggle many different projects simultaneously
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proactive problem solvers with a keen attention to detail
• Knowledge of US national security and current events in Israel and the region
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word and Excel 
• Smartsheet experience is a plus 

 

*Please note that applicants must be available to attend and assist with several evening NSN events. The NSN Intern will be expected to work in FDD's office at least twice a week.

 

Eligibility

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science. Computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
• Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Application Materials Required

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
3. Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
4. Unofficial transcript copy

Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Deadline: January 31st

Apply on Handshake or through the FDD's website. 

Spring Congressional Relations Internship for Foundation for Defense of Democracies

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a nonpartisan policy institute dedicated exclusively to promoting pluralism, defending democratic values, and fighting the ideologies that threaten democracy.

FDD Action is seeking full-time and part-time Congressional Relations interns. FDD Action advocates for effective policies to strengthen U.S. national security. Interns will work closely with FDD Action staff to conduct research on a number of our congressional projects. Interns will cover congressional hearings; do background research on issues being considered by Congress, and other legislative research projects pertaining to timely national security issues. In your cover letter, please share a particular national security issue of interest to you and thoughts you have about this issue. FDD Action is looking for interns with broad research experience and an interest in the legislative branch. While internship experience on Capitol Hill is a plus, the skills and network acquired during this internship will help those seeking opportunities on Capitol Hill in the future. Internship includes career guidance throughout the semester.

Eligibility

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics or Political Science.
• Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Application Materials Required

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover letter 
3. Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
4. Unofficial transcript copy

Please indicate in your cover letter where you found this internship and your availability for the semester. If you are interested in multiple positions, you may use the same cover letter for each but submit separate applications.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Deadline: January 19th

Apply on Handshake or on FDD's website.

Fulbright UK Summer Institutes for 1st & 2nd Year Students

The US-UK Fulbright Commission offers special Summer Institutes for U.S. citizens to study in the United Kingdom (UK). These expenses-paid summer programs provide the opportunity for U.S. undergraduates (U.S. citizens, aged over 18, see eligibility details below), with at least two years of undergraduate study left to complete, to come to participate in a three or four week academic and cultural summer program.

Participants in these programs will get the opportunity to experience an exciting academic program at a highly regarded UK University, explore the culture, heritage and history of the UK and develop their academic ability by improving presentation, research and communication skills.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be U.S. Citizens;
• have a GPA of 3.7 or higher; 
• be 18 or older; 
• be a second or first year student, and/or have at least two years of undergraduate study remaining after the Institute finishes;
• cannot have spent more than 4 weeks outside the U.S. in the last 5 years. Exceptions are made for refugees and/or students from a different cultural background who have spent time abroad due to family emergencies.

Please note: First-generation college students and students who receive or are eligible for need-based aid are especially encouraged to apply. 

The Summer Institutes will cover the majority of participant costs. This includes round-trip airfare from the US to the UK, tuition and fees at the host university/institution, accommodation and meals and in some cases a small daily allowance. 

Participating 2024 Summer Institutes are:

• Aberystwyth University (Identity and nationhood through the Lens of Wales)
• Queens University Belfast (Understanding Northern Ireland)
• University of Bristol (Arts, Activism, and Social Justice)
• University of Exeter (Climate Change and the Environment) 
• University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art (Technology, Innovation, and Creativity)
• University of St. Andrews ( Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People)

Application deadline: February 1, 2024

For more information: https://www.fulbright.org.uk/our-programmes/undergraduate-and-pre-university-programmes/uk-summer-institutes/ 

Want to learn more? Contact Leslie Brice Bustamante: lbrice@umd.edu.

New ECON Class for Spring 2024: Economics of Poverty and Discrimination

 The ECON department recently added a new course to the spring that might be of interest to GVPT students! Open to all majors, ECON375: Economics of Poverty and Discrimination, will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30-10:45am. The prerequisite classes are ECON200 and ECON201.

Dive into the intricate dynamics of socioeconomic disparities with ECON375: Economics of Poverty and Discrimination. Uncover the roots of persistent poverty and explore the economic ramifications of discrimination. Join this class to get an economics lens on the complex interplay of poverty, discrimination, and economic growth.