Political Science Department

Manju Parikh

Associate Professor of Political Science

For the last 18 years, Manju Parikh’s autumn has included teaching political science at CSB/SJU. This year, however, she is taking time off to care for her husband while he is being treated for heart blockage. “I miss teaching, but I know that I would feel guilty if I did not take care of my family responsibilities first, and I am enjoying being at home,” explained Parikh.

Even though she is technically “on-leave” for the year does not mean that Parikh’s schedule is empty. She regularly gives presentations and speeches on topics such as U.S. foreign policy, diversity, problems of development and global gender issues. Parikh is also engaged in researching various topics, including the political representation of women in legislatures around the world, specifically in India, where she grew up. And, last summer, Parikh was part of the CSB/SJU faculty group that traveled to Bosnia. “I went to Bosnia because I wanted to hear about the women’s experiences in that area firsthand. Often the only news we hear from war-torn nations are about the families that are killed, the houses that are destroyed, but seeing the social effects was fascinating. What happens to the families when the men go away to fight? The women must take on more responsibility. The social impact was wonderful to learn about by talking to them.”

In a typical year, Parikh teaches International Relations, Asian Politics, Global Gender Issues, Developing Nations and a Symposium course that focuses on war and peace. In winter semester 2003-04, she will be teaching a new Honors course at CSB/SJU called “Politics of Diversity: New Immigrants and Refugees in Minnesota.” This new class will focus on the changing demographics of Minnesota, understanding the circumstances that bring these groups to Minnesota and how they impact the state’s economy, culture, society and politics. Parikh is also involved in the Learning Through Difference Learning Community, a campus organization which promotes diversity. “Diversity is so important at college. Our society is changing and we need to find ways to get along and to live and work together. Diversity makes life interesting, and as we learn about people from other countries and other cultures, our interest turns to admiration.”

Parikh, who was born in Bombay, India and grew up in Calcutta, received her bachelor’s degree in political science from American University of Beirut in 1972. She went on to get her master’s at J. Nehru University in New Delhi, India and then came to the United States, where she earned her Ph.D. in political science from the University of Chicago. After teaching for a couple of years in New York, she came to CSB/SJU and has been a member of the community ever since.

Much has changed in the world in the 18 years Parikh has spent in central Minnesota, but fortunately Parikh says, “I love to learn new things. This job is always changing, but I’m always interested in new ideas.”