CAHSS

News and Updates about UMBC’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Thomas Schaller, Political Science, Op-Ed in The Baltimore Sun

Political Science Professor Thomas Schaller writes in his latest op-ed published in The Baltimore Sun that while polls show Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown with a commanding lead in the Democratic primary for governor, continuing with a mistake-free campaign will be the key to victory in June. Schaller writes Attorney General Douglas Gansler and Del. Heather Mizeur, Brown’s opponents in the race, haven’t gained traction statewide and are competing for votes in Montgomery County while Brown has gained widespread support. “Mix in a string of union endorsements and the backing of Gov. Martin O’Malley, U.S. senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, half of the state’s U.S.… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, Op-Ed in The Baltimore Sun

Justin Vélez-Hagan, Public Policy, Op-Ed in Fox News Latino

In an op-ed published February 17 in Fox News Latino, Justin Vélez-Hagan, Public Policy Ph.D. student and Executive Director of The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, argues recent policies put forth by Puerto Rico’s government are not the solution for long-term economic growth and development. Vélez-Hagan writes Puerto Rico’s “Jobs Now Act” was intended to grow the economy by offering tax exemptions and credits along with incentives for hiring underemployed groups, but the cost to hire and train new employees far outweighs the benefits of the new policy. “It’s especially surprising given the latest employment numbers,” writes Vélez-Hagan. “According to the Government… Continue Reading Justin Vélez-Hagan, Public Policy, Op-Ed in Fox News Latino

Dennis Coates, Economics, in The Daily Iowan

The Daily Iowan’s editorial board recently published a column arguing that the Iowa Senate should reject a $9 million tax break for a motor racing track in Newton, Iowa purchased by NASCAR. The authors contend that accepting tax breaks and appropriating public funds to build and maintain complexes for organizations such as NASCAR can harm the local economy. A study by economics professor Dennis Coates was referenced in the article in which he argued sports welfare negatively impacts local residents because most money generated by sports stadiums ends up going to the owners. “The professional sports environment in the 37 metropolitan… Continue Reading Dennis Coates, Economics, in The Daily Iowan

Donald Norris, Public Policy, in The Washington Times

A recent article in The Washington Times reviews states that have experienced glitches after rolling out health exchange websites as part of the Affordable Care Act. The article mentions the Maryland website which experienced software defects, causing state officials to offer retroactive coverage to users who couldn’t purchase plans in time for the start of the new year. In the article, Public Policy Professor and Chair Donald Norris offered insight into how the health exchange website problems could affect the upcoming Democratic primary in the race for governor. He said Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown will likely win despite being the target of… Continue Reading Donald Norris, Public Policy, in The Washington Times

Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in Governing Magazine

In an article published last week, Governing Magazine explored participation in the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), Republican Governors Association (RGA) and National Governors Association (RGA), and how it is increasingly becoming a proving ground for governors seeking higher office. Political Science Professor Thomas Schaller is quoted in the article when describing Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s leadership role with the DGA. He says O’Malley “used the platform very well,” and “it gave him reason to take positions on national issues, especially inequality and poverty.”   While leading a governors association can be a good platform to develop a policy portfolio and weigh in on key policy… Continue Reading Thomas Schaller, Political Science, in Governing Magazine

Michele Osherow, English, in Folger Theatre Production Diary

Folger Theatre announced on its “Production Diary” blog last week that Richard III has been extended and will now run at the theatre through March 16. English Associate Professor Michele Osherow worked closely on the production of Richard III as dramaturg and sat down for an interview to discuss her role. In a Q&A published on the Folger Theatre blog, Osherow notes the role of dramaturg can vary depending on the production. “In a general sense, the dramaturg is thought of as ‘the scholar in the rehearsal room,’” Osherow said. “The scholarship I’ll bring to a Folger project can range from literary criticism… Continue Reading Michele Osherow, English, in Folger Theatre Production Diary

Remembering Aron Siegman, Professor Emeritus and Former Chair of the Department of Psychology

FROM: Christopher Murphy, Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology Aron Siegman, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, passed away in late January. After earning his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1957, Aron served on the faculty at Bar-Ilan University in Ramat-Gan Israel and then as a Research Associate and Research Professor of Medical Psychology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.  Aron joined the faculty of UMBC in 1969, before Psychology was an official department.  From 1970 to 1978 he served as discipline coordinator and then Department Chair. Aron was instrumental in launching graduate programs in the Department, and in recruiting… Continue Reading Remembering Aron Siegman, Professor Emeritus and Former Chair of the Department of Psychology

Donald Norris, Public Policy, on WYPR

Maryland State Delegate Heather Mizeur is considered a long shot to win the Democratic nomination for governor. But in a story that aired on WYPR Wednesday, February 12, Mizeur said she’s confident given her strong army of volunteers despite running against two candidates with more name recognition and money. Public Policy Professor and Chair Donald Norris was interviewed for the story and commented on Mizeur’s prospects in the race. He said there is no chance she can win because her campaign doesn’t have the finances or statewide recognition to overcome Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Attorney General Douglas Gansler. “It… Continue Reading Donald Norris, Public Policy, on WYPR

Joan Shin, Education, Receives Ben Warren International House Trust Prize

Education Professor of Practice Joan Shin has received the 2013 Ben Warren International House Trust Prize for her book Teaching Young Learners English (National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning, 2013). Shin coauthored the book with JoAnn Crandall, Professor Emerita and former Director of the Language, Literacy and Culture Ph.D. program. The prestigious award is given annually to the author or authors of the most outstanding work in the field of language teacher education. The Ben Warren International House Trust was created as a memorial to the work and life of Ben Warren, who was a leader in developing the world’s leading language teaching organization. Shin’s book was… Continue Reading Joan Shin, Education, Receives Ben Warren International House Trust Prize

Jason Schiffman, Psychology, in The Daily Beast

An article published February 9 in The Daily Beast titled “What Military Base Shootings Reveal about the Mental Health Debate” examines if better mental health screening can prevent future tragedies from occurring. Psychology Associate Professor Jason Schiffman was interviewed for the story and is currently a staff member at Maryland’s Center for Excellence on Early Intervention for Serious Mental Illness. In the article, he argues early treatment for people experiencing symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia can help prevent them from causing harm to themselves or others. “Studies show one in 5 people in their early phases of psychosis will have a suicide attempt, which… Continue Reading Jason Schiffman, Psychology, in The Daily Beast

Ann Christine Frankowski, Center for Aging Studies, in The New York Times

In a recent article in The New York Times blog “The New Old Age,” author Paula Span wrote about the Office of Inspector General’s report on Medicare payments for vacuum pumps. The report stated Medicare was paying “grossly excessive” prices for the devices. Ann Christine Frankowksi, senior research scientist for UMBC’s Center for Aging Studies in the department of sociology and anthropology, was quoted in the article commenting on ageist perceptions of sexuality. “The general concept is that older people are asexual, that they don’t have, or shouldn’t have, any thoughts about sex,” said Frankowski, whose research has included sexual behavior and policies in… Continue Reading Ann Christine Frankowski, Center for Aging Studies, in The New York Times

Artwork by Jason Hughes, IMDA, in the New York Times

This week, a project by Jason Hughes, IMDA, was included in a New York Times Education Life slideshow that highlights the work of students whose art creatively solves a problem. One of only 17 featured artworks, Hughes’ limited edition Artistic Futures Savings Bonds aim to raise and sustain support for future artworks. He says, “they can be bought for $100 and increase in value every six months, to $250 in 10 years. Art patrons can trade in the bond toward the acquisition of a new work or hold onto it as an artwork itself.” View the full slideshow including Hughes’ work: “Students Get… Continue Reading Artwork by Jason Hughes, IMDA, in the New York Times

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