Div II Profile: JOE NEWLIN 15F
CONCENTRATION TITLE
American Government and Constitutional Law
AREAS OF FOCUS
U.S. political and philosophical history
FACULTY COMMITTEE
Will Ryan, codirector, writing program
Aaron Berman 70F, professor of history
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ANY SURPRISES OR PIVOTS DURING DIV II?
I started out my Div with a heavy focus on political philosophy, but I pretty quickly realized that wasn鈥檛 the path I wanted to take. While I often enjoyed the arguments, the philosophical discussions of politics were usually too abstract for me. I鈥檝e always been a solution-oriented person, which doesn鈥檛 always lend itself to extended philosophical musings. However, through a class at Mount Holyoke I discovered constitutional law, which has given me a practical application for philosophical arguments. Decisions by the court often rely on the same tools as philosophy but have real-world implications. I鈥檝e been able to combine this new-found interest with my practical 鈥淎merican Gov鈥 aspect, which has enabled me to achieve the balance and direction I wanted in my Div.
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THE PLAN
- Extract and explore many of the key elements of a traditional American government major that one may find at one of鈥╰he Five Colleges, complemented by policy-based studies (econ, education) and a philosophical footing (Con Law)
听 - Internship with Maine Senator Angus King in Washington, D.C.
听 - Understanding the multiple approaches to this country鈥檚 political system, with a heavy focus on past and present disagreements on the Supreme Court
听 - For CEL-2 I plan to coach the Northampton Rec Department鈥檚 Middle School Ultimate Frisbee team.
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HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE PASSING DIV II?
By starting Div III! To be honest, I don鈥檛 have any particular celebratory plans, but I鈥檓 excited about this summer. I鈥檒l be continuing my work with Angus King on his reelection campaign and operating my ice-cream boat for its fourth season on Little Sebago Lake, in Maine.