Meet Dr. Julie Blase, Political Science Professor and Dance Lover
Dr. Julie Blase joined Principia College’s Political Science Department in 2003. Her primary scholarly focus is international relations, with special interest in globalization and security; Latin American and Middle Eastern politics; and U.S. federalism and foreign affairs. She presents her research in both English and Spanish at conferences and workshops.
Blase was the faculty adviser for the student-led Public Affairs Conference from 2004 to 2007 and, along with Dr. Brian Roberts, advises the College’s Midwest Model United Nations team. She has also served in a variety of administrative capacities over the years. In October 2016, Blase led the first Principia Lifelong Learning (PLL) trip to Cuba.
Q. What research are you working on right now?
A. I’m writing a conference paper examining the shift from national security to human security in the Americas—specifically, the move from fearing conquest by a powerful country to fearing attacks by individuals. I’m so intrigued by how people and governments cope with fear. It really matters, and it’s so hard.
Q. What led you to teaching?
A. While in grad school at the University of Texas at Austin, every time I heard one of my colleagues lament the condition of the job market, I would acknowledge that I had a contribution to make, that I wasn’t going to complete grad school and have nothing much to do afterwards. Then, when I was about a year away from finishing my degree, my department colleague Brian Roberts called and asked me to apply.
When I started teaching at the College, I had these moments when it felt like this had been the plan all along—I was just the last to know about it.
Q. What do you love about teaching?
A. I love those moments when a student realizes that what we are studying is relevant to his or her life, and that ideas learned in one area matter across the board. Such a moment came in my Latin American Politics course awhile ago. I had just said, “Most Latin American countries had won their independence by 1826,” when a student from Cameroon suddenly snapped to attention. “What?” he gasped. “If Latin America became independent that long ago . . . and it’s taken them this long to develop, . . . then what does that mean for Africa?” I knew then he’d be taking something out of the class.
Q. What do you find most challenging about teaching?
A. The paperwork. I have to be my own office manager and administrative staff. All of that takes my focus off teaching.
Q. Can you share a character education moment you’ve had at Principia that particularly stands out to you?
A. For a while, I seemed to have a knack for sensing when students were not being honest. I’ve had many uncomfortable conversations with students in my office and in front of the Scholastic Committee. Those situations are so hard, but I figure those are the ones I’m really getting paid for.
One of those students was expelled. I was so disappointed with what he’d done that, initially, I never wanted to see him again. But he came back, graduated, and proved himself so wonderfully that I wrote grad school recommendations for him! He has finished his master’s and is in a PhD program. We are still in touch, and I love hearing from him.
Q. What work would you pursue if you weren’t a professor?
A. Dance and choreography. I’m co-teaching a Ballroom Dancing class with Paul Paradis (C’89). He instructs the steps, and I talk about technique, etiquette, and history. I love it!
Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A. Other than dancing, LOL? Well, I just designed and built an insulated doghouse for our family dog, Gabby.
Q. If you had a day off and weren’t allowed to use it to catch up on work, what would you do?
A. In the morning: yoga with my husband, Lee; then we’d play basketball and go for a swim with our youngest son, Jacob, preferably at a warm beach. Then Lee and I would dance! We would also share a lot of yummy food with people we love.
Q. If you could give students only one piece of advice, what would it be?
A. I can’t do only one, sorry!
- While you are in school, take every opportunity to improve your writing.
- Never confuse Christian Scientists with Christian Science.
- Get on top of your thought first thing in the morning to handle fear—figure out what ideas work for you. For me, it’s usually pushing myself to better understand God as Principle, as the basis of empathy and calm action.