Class exploring politics of national security is a tribute to an alumnus

During the Joshua Aron First-Year Writing Seminar class, "The Politics of National Security and Intelligence," Feb. 9 in Goldwin Smith Hall, instructor Jason Lyall, center, doctoral candidate in government and the Joshua Todd Aron fellow, leads a discussion. Classmembers include (from foreground, right to left) Natalie Serper '04, Arts; Robbie Witkop '07, CALS; Lisbeth Fotheringill '07, Hotel; Josh Perlman '07, CALS; Chris Meyerer '07, Engineering; and Gordon McLaughlin '07, Arts. Frank DiMeo/University Photography

By Franklin Crawford

After Ruth Green's son Joshua Todd Aron, a 1994 Cornell alumnus, was killed in the World Trade Center attack Sept. 11, 2001, she was determined that his alma mater transform the tragedy into a vehicle for educating students about national security issues.

The result of Green's tribute is the Joshua Aron First-Year Writing Seminar on "The Politics of National Security and Intelligence," one of the most popular courses now offered through Cornell's John S. Knight Institute for Writing in the Disciplines.

"It's a very significant addition to the curriculum," said Cornell Vice Provost Isaac Kramnick. "For the first time since the Sept. 11 attacks, Cornell is offering a credited course designed specifically to get undergraduates to think critically about some of the most pressing issues that face their generation and the nation as a whole."

Aron, who majored in consumer economics and housing in the College of Human Ecology, was an equities trader at Cantor Fitzgerald. He was killed five days before his first wedding anniversary.

The course that bears his name is listed with the Department of Government and currently is being offered for two years. And, with support from Green, it provides resources for a graduate student, designated the Joshua Todd Aron fellow, to design and teach the course.

Jason Lyall, a Ph.D. candidate in government, is the Aron fellow teaching the inaugural seminar this semester. Lyall's specialty is international security and, more broadly, international relations.

The seminar quickly enrolled the maximum of 17 students. It meets three times a week in Goldwin Smith Hall.

"The class is designed as an overview," Lyall said. "For example, we examine the origins of Al-Qaeda, the motives behind suicide terrorism, the intelligence failures of 9/11, and the question of how to balance civil liberties with the need to ensure our security. We use a variety of sources to investigate these questions, ranging from declassified intelligence reports, speeches by public officials, and declarations from Al-Qaeda, including some film footage."

Lyall said the class assignments are "designed to allow the students to tackle these problems and propose their own solutions." For example, students will be asked to write reports on the problems and possibilities of consolidating democracy in postwar Iraq.

"The class allows us to take a step back from the fast-paced events found in the morning newspaper and add some much-needed context," Lyall said. "I can't think of anything more important than to provide these students with the opportunity to study and debate these issues, given that the choices we are making now -- in Iraq as well as at home -- will have far-reaching consequences."

Valerie Bunce, professor and chair of the government department, emphasized the importance and relevance of the seminar.

"The seminar is helping students think in original and more complex ways about American security and American foreign policy after 9/11," Bunce said. "This is very important for freshman, because they are just beginning their college experience, and the ability to integrate reading, discussion and writing means that the experience will go 'deeper.'"

Knight Institute Director Jonathan Monroe expressed gratitude to Green for her generosity and courage.

"Under any circumstances, such a course would be an important addition to the university's First-Year Writing Seminar curriculum," said Monroe. "The course ranked very high in student demand -- in the top 25 of 250 seminars offered. We are especially proud and honored to offer the seminar in Josh's memory."