When teaching Political Science and International Relations, I have three main objectives: First, I teach the students to know and understand the basic terminology, concepts, and ideas of the subject matter. Second, I teach them to apply these concepts to critically evaluate current affairs, politics, and relations, and to form educated opinions on important issues and events in the global world. Third, after taking my course, I want the students to be able to effectively communicate these opinions and evaluations in oral and written form; formulate and support arguments with evidence and examples, and intelligently discuss current affairs. In the case of individual or small group tutoring, I would first inquire about the student's objectives and then devise a strategy of how best to achieve the students' goals.
I am interested in a part-time online teaching/tutoring position. I have a Ph.D. in Political Science from Emory University, and I currently work as an adjunct instructor at UNC-Charlotte, where I teach courses on extremist ideologies, politics of terror, and ethnic conflict for the Department of Global Studies. Apart from my education in political science and politics, I have taken courses on the art of teaching, which has always been one of my favorite activities. I generally develop very good relationships with the students, and I particularly enjoy numerous interesting academic discussions with them, which have greatly enriched me throughout my life.
I have taught courses in the fields of international relations and politics, and American government in the past, and I am qualified to teach basic introductory classes as well as specialized upper level undergraduate courses. Having worked on numerous research projects and having graded many student papers, I am qualified and available to help students with their research and writing in the areas of political science, politics, current political issues and international relations. Apart from English, I am fluent in French and Czech. I have an experience in teaching online, and I am comfortable communicating through a video conference.
Kamila Valkova Valenta
Curriculum Vitae
(2020)
Education
Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
Ph.D. in Political Science (2005)
Florida International University, Miami.
M.A. in International Studies (1997)
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton.
B.A. in Economics with honors (1994)
College of Economics in Prague, Czech Republic.
International Economic Relations (1990-1992)
Teaching Experience
Adjunct Faculty. âExtremist Ideologies and Politics of Terrorâ and âEthnic Conflict Around the Worldâ, University of North Carolina, Charlotte (2014 â present).
Instructor. âAmerican Governmentâ, Georgia Perimeter College, Atlanta (2004).
Co-instructor with Professor David Davis. âIntroduction to International Relationsâ, Emory University (2000).
Teaching Assistant. âIntroduction to International Relationsâ, Emory University (1999).
Participant in the Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunity (TATTO) Program, Emory University (1998-1999).
Teaching Assistant. Introduction to International Relations, Florida International University (1997).
Instructor of English as a Foreign Language. Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced English Courses, Alfa-Omega Language School, Prague, Czech Republic (summer 1996).
Fellowships and Awards
Department of Political Science Four-Year Fellowship, Emory University, 1997-2001.
Distinction in International Conflict Comprehensive Examination, Emory University, 1999.
Department of International Studies Summer Research Grant, Florida International University, 1997.
Department of International Studies Two-Year Assistantship, Florida International University, 1995-1997.
Deanâs List Award, Florida Atlantic University, 1993.
Publications
âMarking 30 Years of Freedom,â Catholic News Herald (Nov 6, 2019).
âDomestic Terrorism and the Evil Withinâ Catholic News Herald (Aug 14, 2019).
âThe Gift of Religious Freedom,â Catholic News Herald (Mar 27, 2019).
âThe Need for Civic Nationalism,â Catholic News Herald (Feb 13, 2019).
âDemocracy is at Risk without American Leadership,â Catholic News Herald (Aug 14,
2018).
âWe Need Religious Tolerance in a Pluralistic World,â Catholic News Herald (May 23,
2018).
âThe Flight to Egypt and Refugees Today,â Catholic News Herald (Jan 4, 2018).
âStand up to Violent Extremism by Supporting Immigration,â Catholic News Herald
(Dec 20, 2017).
âForeign Aid Saves Lives, Builds Peace,â Catholic News Herald (Aug 16, 2017).
âConversions in the Midst of Conflict,â Catholic News Herald (Apr 12, 2017).
âCuba After Fidel Castro: A Difficult Journey Towards Freedom,â Catholic News Herald
(Dec 7, 2016).
âReligious Freedom Is Declining Around the World,â Catholic News Herald (Oct 27,
2016).
âTerrorism and the Co-existence of Christians and Muslims,â Catholic News Herald
(Aug 19, 2016).
â'Brexit,' EU Identity Crisis Are Signs of Decline of Christianity in Europe,â Catholic
News Herald (Jul 28, 2016).
âMexican Border Problem Goes Beyond Walls and Bridges,â Catholic News Herald
(Mar 18, 2016).
âWelcoming Syrian Refugees Could Make Our Country Safer,â Catholic News Herald
(Dec 4, 2015).
âCuba, Other Post-Communist Countries Need Evangelization,â Catholic News Herald
(Aug 28, 2015).
âMiddle East Policy Must Include Protecting Christians,â Catholic News Herald (Apr 10,
2015).
âFreedom of Speech: A Great Gift and a Great Responsibility,â Catholic News Herald
(Jan 30, 2015).
âCelebrating Christmas in Peace is a Privilege,â Catholic News Herald (Dec 19, 2014).
Presentations
âNegotiations or Violence? Minority Strategies in Multi-Ethnic Statesâ 2001. American Political Science Association Meeting, San Francisco, California.
âProtecting Minorities: Domestic Causes of Foreign Military Intervention on Behalf of Ethnic Minoritiesâ 1999. American Political Science Association Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia.
âSecurity and Democratization: Exploring the Linkage Between International and Domestic Politicsâ 1999. Midwest Political Science Association Meeting, Chicago, Illinois.
âEthnic Minorities and Military Interventionâ 1998. Southern Political Science Association Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia.
Research Projects
Dissertation defended in April 2004. The dissertation addressed the question: When is a minority group likely to challenge its government using peaceful or violent means? I developed a theoretical model of group-government interaction, which yields predictions for the behavior of minority groups and the overall likelihood of conflict in multi-ethnic societies. My quantitative tests as well as my historical case studies provided strong support for this model.
Research assistant for Professor Dan Reiter, department of Political Science, Emory University, summer-fall 2000. The research project focused on the effects of NATO enlargement on democratization in the Czech Republic. The research was based predominantly on interviews with Czech politicians, military officers, and journalists.
Research assistant for Professor Suzanne Werner, department of Political Science, Emory University, summer 1999. Researching and coding twentieth century battles that would become a part of a new data set on battles in the past two hundred years.
Foreign Language Skills
Czech (native), French (professional working proficiency), Italian (conversational)
Volunteer Community Service
Co-organizer of a movie night for the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall and celebration of religious freedom with a presentation, follow up discussion and screening of the documentary film Jerzy Popieluszko: Messenger of the Truth. St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Charlotte, November 9, 2019.
Co-organizer of a movie screening and a follow up discussion of the documentary film John Paul II: Liberating A Continent. St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Charlotte, May 20, 2017.
Parent Volunteer, Chaperone, and International Fair Presenter. St. Gabriel Catholic School, Charlotte, 2006-2019.
Singer of the Emory University Chorus. 1998-2004.
Member of Deanâs Advisory Committee, College of Social Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, 1993-1994.
Student Exchange Coordinator, AIESEC (International Organization of Students in Economics and Business), Prague, Czech Republic, 1990-1991.
Public Relations Coordinator, Amateur English Speaking Theater, Prague, Czech Republic, 1990-1991.
Member of student anti-Communist movement. Participating in the student-led Velvet Revolution that liberated Communist Czechoslovakia, November 1989.
Immigration Status
Naturalized US Citizen.
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