The Department of Political Science will be hosting the Michigan Political Science Association (MIPSA) Conference for the association’s 50th annual conference Oct. 25 to Oct. 26 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.
The first meeting of MIPSA was held at MSU in 1968, and now they are back to mark the 50th annual meeting where it all started.
The theme this year is “50 Years (1968-2018): Now & Then.” The theme is demonstrating that MIPSA is still as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.
According to a press release issued about the event, “Many parallels can be drawn between 1968 and today. Political, social, racial, economic and cultural tensions in Michigan, the United States and the globe remain. All the while, new technologies continue to shape how we interact with one another."
It is expected that 100 to 150 undergraduate and graduate students, professors, researchers and practitioners will be in attendance from the state of Michigan and beyond.
“MIPSA continues to encourage political science research and facilitate the exchange of information among faculty and students at Michigan colleges and universities,” the release said.
A variety of topics will be discussed, including political theory, the U.S. Supreme Court, campaigns and elections. Keynote presentations will take place on Thursday with lunch and Friday with dinner.
According to a press release about the event, “A Thursday evening banquet, awards, and keynote presentation, featuring two former Chiefs-of-Staffs and state insiders, Dennis Muchmore and Mary Lannoye, who will share their perspectives on governing in Michigan and what it means for the future of the state."
At the Friday presentation, the current state of political journalism will be discussed. Zoe Clark of Michigan Radio, John Lindstorm of the Gongwer News Service and Riley Beggin of Bridge Magazine will all be featured speakers. There will also be a chance for a question and answer session during this time.
The midterm elections will be another topic of discussion.
“Steve Mitchell of Mitchell Research & Communications and Arnold Weinfeld of Michigan State University’s 'State of the State Survey' will present their findings on the characteristics of the Michigan electorate for this upcoming election,” the press release said.
Professional registration for the event–including dinner on Thursday and lunch on Friday–is $90. Student registration–including dinner on Thursday and lunch on Friday–is $50. Student and guest registration with no meals is $25.
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