Developing critical thinking, research, and persuasive communication are critical for success regardless of a college student's major or career aspirations. At Penn State Abington, a unique opportunity exists for students committed to mastering these skills while engaging in discussions, debates and dialogues.
Salar Ghahramani, assistant professor of business law and international law and policy, selects students each year to serve on the editorial board of "The Dialectics: Journal of Law, Leadership, and Society." The annual electronic publication provides a forum for students to independently research and justify their opinions on issues significant to society and the world while proposing forward-thinking solutions.
"It's critical for the health of our society that students think about issues of public importance," Ghahramani, who earned bachelor's and law degrees from Penn State, said.
They develop and submit manuscripts, and external expert reviewers or referees recommend which merit publication. The competition is world-class — literally — since undergraduates from around the world are eligible. Ghahramani said he receives between 70 and 100 submissions each year and very few make the cut. The current issue, for example, includes three pieces.
Even if an Abington student's manuscript isn't selected, they gain valuable experience working with Ghahramani as well as reading the works of students from other universities and discussing improvements.