Political Science
Rachel Henry
507-786-3127
@stolaf.edu
wp.stolaf.edu/poli-sci
Political science is the systematic study of government, politics, and public policies in the United States and around the world. Students in political science courses learn to frame thoughtful questions, consider diverse perspectives, marshal convincing evidence, and communicate with clarity and conviction about the major issues of public life.
Many political science courses at St. Olaf carry OLE Core curriculum attributes. The Political Science Department shares faculty and courses with Asian studies, environmental studies, Latin American studies, Russian studies, and gender and sexuality studies. It also cooperates with the Education Department in its social studies education major.
The study of political science is often combined with majors in English, economics, history, philosophy, world languages, or any of a number of interdisciplinary majors and concentrations. Many political science students go on to complete graduate and professional degrees, not only in political science but also in law, education, public policy, international affairs, management and administration, or communications. Our graduates become policy analysts, teachers, legislators, advocates, attorneys, business owners, consultants, public relations managers, ambassadors, administrators, researchers, and journalists. The study of political science enriches students’ experience of the liberal arts and prepares them to engage in public life as responsible citizens and reflective leaders.
Overview of the Major
The political science major provides broad exposure to the discipline and develops skills in critical thinking, systematic inquiry, and effective writing and speaking. Students majoring in political science complete courses in four areas: American politics and public policy, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. Political science majors also encounter and apply a variety of approaches to studying political behavior and public policy, with particular emphasis on social scientific inquiry. Advanced seminars and independent study courses provide opportunities for specialized study and advanced research. Off-campus courses, internships, and other experiential learning experiences engage students with the realities of public life.
Special Programs
Political science students may choose from a rich assortment of domestic and international study opportunities, some during January term and others lasting a semester or more. See the Smith Center for Global Engagement section of this catalog. They can also arrange for credited internships in a wide variety of settings, from law offices and campaign organizations to the national or state legislature. Further information on internships, January term study abroad and away course offerings, and other special programs such as the Washington Semester and international programs with political science credit, is available in the department or from the Smith Center for Global Engagement.
Requirements for the Major
Students majoring in political science must complete a minimum of nine courses in the discipline, including no more than three level I courses, one course introducing research methods (PSCI 220 Analyzing Politics and Policies), and no fewer than two level III courses.
Majors must include at least one course from each of the four subfields: American politics and public policy, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. Level III courses do not count for subfield distribution.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| American Politics and Public Policy | ||
| ES/PS 276 | Environmental Politics | 1.00 |
| PSCI 111 | American Politics | 1.00 |
| PSCI 204 | The New Hampshire Primary and U.S. Presidential Politics | 1.00 |
| PSCI 211 | Media and Politics | 1.00 |
| PSCI 244 | Race and American Politics | 1.00 |
| PSCI 255 | Political Parties and Elections | 1.00 |
| PSCI 272 | American Constitutional Law: Power | 1.00 |
| PSCI 311 | Seminar in American Politics | 1.00 |
| Comparative Politics | ||
| AS/PS 255 | Politics in Asia | 1.00 |
| PSCI 112 | Comparative Politics | 1.00 |
| PSCI 115 | Imagining Democracies Globally | 1.00 |
| PSCI 117 | Politics and Human Rights | 1.00 |
| PSCI 252 | Politics and Development | 1.00 |
| PSCI 264 | Latin American Politics | 1.00 |
| PSCI 282 | Russian and Eurasian Politics | 1.00 |
| PSCI 350 | Seminar: Immigration and Citizenship | 1.00 |
| PSCI 370 | Seminar: Courageous Resistance to Injustice | 1.00 |
| PSCI 382 | Seminar: The Geopolitics of Eurasian Energy | 1.00 |
| International Relations | ||
| ES/PS 201 | Topics in Global Environmental Politics | 1.00 |
| PSCI 115 | Imagining Democracies Globally | 1.00 |
| PSCI 119 | The Problem of War | 1.00 |
| PSCI 121 | International Relations | 1.00 |
| PSCI 245 | Asian Regionalism | 1.00 |
| PSCI 258 | World Politics | 1.00 |
| PSCI 285 | International Law | 1.00 |
| PSCI 321 | Seminar in International Relations | 1.00 |
| Political Theory | ||
| PSCI 113 | Introduction to Political Theory | 1.00 |
| PSCI 119 | The Problem of War | 1.00 |
| PSCI 260 | History of Modern Political Thought | 1.00 |
| PSCI 262 | Critics of the State | 1.00 |
| PSCI 284 | Ethics of Citizenship in Times of War and Terrorism | 1.00 |
| PSCI 384 | Seminar in Political Theory | 1.00 |
The subfield designation of PSCI 299 Topics in Political Science, PSCI 298 Independent Study, PSCI 398 Independent Research, PSCI 399 Seminar, January term courses, or other courses not listed above depends on the content of the course in a given semester; students should consult with a faculty member in political science and with the department academic administrative assistant to determine the appropriate subfield for one of these courses. All level III courses are offered as seminars with two prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one other course in the relevant subfield.
Students may designate a selected statistics course OR one additional semester of a world language beyond the level of proficiency required for the World Languages and Culture requirement (French, German, or Spanish numbered above 232 or Chinese, Greek, Latin, Japanese, Norwegian, or Russian numbered above 231 and taught in the target language) as one of their nine courses in the political science major. Additional study in statistics and/or a world language is especially recommended for students considering graduate study.
*By completing this major, the student also satisfies the OLE Core Writing in the Major requirement.
Political science majors are also encouraged to seek out opportunities for experiential or applied study through internships, study abroad or away programs, on-campus courses with an experiential component, or independent projects under faculty supervision. Up to two study abroad or away courses instructed by non-St. Olaf faculty may be included in the major. An internship for academic credit may also count toward the major, although internships cannot be used to satisfy subfield requirements. Additional suggestions and guidelines for including off-campus work and experiential study in the political science major are available in the department; students are encouraged to consult with their advisor in making their plans.
AS/PS 255: Politics in Asia
How do people in Asia understand citizenship? Students learn how membership in cultural, social, and political communities shapes rights, responsibilities, and identities in Asian countries. Reading historical and social science research, students consider and compare citizenship in Asian countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Offered periodically. Counts toward Asian studies, Chinese, Japanese, and political science majors and Asian studies concentration.
Prerequisite: one previous course in Asian studies or political science is recommended.
ES/PS 201: Topics in Global Environmental Politics
Population growth, industrialization, and the consumption of fossil fuels have increased global environmental problems. The course examines the ways in which nation-states and/or international institutions have addressed these environmental concerns. Depending on the instructor, the focus of the course is either the environmental problems of a particular area (e.g., Latin America, Russia or Asia) or a broader global arena (e.g., international institutions and the environment). Offered alternate years. Counts toward international relations concentration.
ES/PS 276: Environmental Politics
Analysis of environmental policy includes the politics of agenda setting, policy selection and program implementation, and the effects of policy outcomes. Offered annually. Also counts toward business and management studies concentration.
PSCI 111: American Politics
The promise of American politics is the equal freedom of all. How does practice match principles? What roles do class and race play? Do interest groups and political parties foster democracy? This course is designed not only to help students understand American government and politics but also to motivate them to be active and informed participants. Offered annually.
PSCI 112: Comparative Politics
Why do some societies have democratic political systems and others authoritarian ones? What is democracy? Is it the norm or the exception? The course provides a foundation for the understanding of contemporary political regimes. It applies the major concepts of comparative analysis to the political systems of Western and non-Western societies. Offered annually.
PSCI 113: Introduction to Political Theory
This course is an introduction to some of the central, interrelated concepts and questions of political theory. Some of the readings will be drawn from recognized classics in the field while others will arise from contemporary debates about political issues and cultural diversity within the U.S. The course pays considerable attention to historical shifts in political thought but is not designed to provide a chronology of the great Western political thinkers. Instead, this course aims to provoke and sustain a semester-long exploration of what it means to be a political actor -- that is, a citizen -- and what it means to think about politics. Offered annually.
PSCI 115: Imagining Democracies Globally
Where does democracy originate, within nations or from international processes? What factors shape efforts around the world to claim power for the people? Should democratic states seek to promote democracy internationally? This course asks students to consider these questions by exploring global experiences of democratization from the 20th century through recent events. The course introduces ideas from political scientists and political actors and requires students to compare them. Offered annually.
PSCI 117: Politics and Human Rights
What makes a person capable of repression? Who obeys morally unjust orders to torture or kill innocent victims? What causes genocide? Who risks his or her life to defend others' rights? Using case studies from around the world, this course looks at various explanations for the range of ways individuals respond to immoral government actions, with special emphasis on theories of political psychology.
PSCI 119: The Problem of War
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the long tradition of debate concerning the nature and legitimacy of war. The course explores the reality of war, the revulsion of violence and the possibility of just war through texts ranging from Thucydides, Aquinas, and Walzer. The course explores contemporary debates in light of moral and empirical arguments learned.
PSCI 121: International Relations
War and peace, justice and power -- these are age-old topics of the politics among nations. This course examines them by emphasizing certain problem areas in the world and evaluating the principal theories for understanding international politics. Offered annually. Also counts toward international relations concentration.
PSCI 204: The New Hampshire Primary and U.S. Presidential Politics
Since its inception in 1916, the New Hampshire primary has attained a preeminent place in American presidential politics. This course will provide students with a broad overview of the presidential nominating process through a detailed examination of the New Hampshire primary. Students read academic analyses of the New Hampshire primary and intern with a presidential candidate. Offered periodically during January term. Apply through The Smith Center for Global Engagement.
Prerequisites: one course in political science or permission of instructor.
PSCI 205: International Organizations
Why do states create and join international organizations (IOs)? What roles do they play in solving global problems? The goal of this course is to help students develop a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of international organizations and the global problems they attempt to address. Particular emphasis will be placed on students' ability to think critically, both about global challenges and the global governance mechanisms designed to solve these challenges. Also counts toward international relations concentration.
PSCI 210: Gender and Politics
This course offers students an introduction to the study of gender in the field of political science. It begins with fundamental questions relating to definitions and construction of gender. It then surveys scholarship relating to gendered political participation and civic engagement, women's movements, sexism, representation, voting behavior, and campaigns and elections.
PSCI 211: Media and Politics
In a democratic state, the media play an important role in linking the people to elected officials and political institutions. The course is principally concerned with this connection. By analyzing broad and varied forms of political communication and studying scholarship on the role of media in society, students explore the structure of American media with respect to political institutions, the effects media can have on individuals' political attitudes, and the role the media play in political campaigns and governance. Also counts toward media studies concentration.
Prerequisite: none, but one course in political science is recommended.
PSCI 214: Religion and American Politics
Religion has played a crucial role in most major issues of American politics ranging from slavery, civil rights, prohibition, the criticism of capitalism, the affirmation of capitalism, abortion, same-sex marriage and the very place of religion in our public life. This course examines the ways in which religion and politics intersect in public opinion, campaigns, public policy, lobbying, court cases, political rhetoric, and the broader principles of American political culture. Looking at both quantitative and qualitative evidence, the course explores different theoretical explanations of the role of religion in American politics. Offered alternate years.
PSCI 215: The Politics of Authoritarian Survival
More than half of the planet's population lives under non-democratic rule, and 40% of the world's governments are authoritarian. This course examines the domestic and international challenges authoritarian leaders face in their quest to stay in power. Focusing on contemporary examples of political dynamics in authoritarian regimes, students consider survival strategies related to ideology, coercion, cooptation, electoral manipulation, patronage distribution, economic growth, and civil-military relations. Offered annually.
Prerequisite: prior course work in Political Science recommended.
PSCI 220: Analyzing Politics and Policies
This course explores the diverse modes of inquiry in the discipline of political science. Broadly centered around the question, "How do you know?," students focus on different methods of locating and collecting data, reviewing political texts and contested concepts, and constructing theoretical explanations of political phenomena. Offered each semester. Also counts toward environmental studies major (social science emphasis) and business and management studies concentration.
Prerequisite: one previous course in department and a declared PSCI major. Non-majors may register with permission of instructor.
PSCI 222: International Political Economy
How do states govern their economies and how does the international economy affect domestic politics? This course aims to answer these two interrelated questions by introducing students to theories of the politics of trade, finance, and investment; as well as contemporary debates on the role of economic organizations, regional trade agreements, migration, environment and inequality. The course approaches each topic by examining alternative theoretical approaches; students evaluate these theories using historical and contemporary evidence. Offered annually in the fall semester. Alsco counts toward international relations concentration.
Prerequisite: prior course work in political science or economics useful but not required.
PSCI 232: American Political Thought
American politics is about ideas. This course traces the origins of these and other important ruling ideas in the writings of America's most prominent thinkers. We devote special attention to what is often called "the American creed" (liberal individualism, egalitarianism, republicanism, and community) and the creed's many critics, particularly with respect to race and American political thought. Offered alternate years during spring semester.
PSCI 234: World Courts in Europe (study abroad)
This course introduces students to the complexities of international dispute resolution. Students meet with leading figures in international law at some of the most important venues for resolving conflicts among states. Students gain a general understanding of the complex institutional mechanisms that have been created to ensure the security and improve the welfare of states as well as the international courts created to prosecute international crimes and promote human rights.
PSCI 244: Race and American Politics
This class aims to better understand the racial climate in the United States, and the implications for American politics. Differing analytical perspectives from political science are used to interpret the role of race. A central question is the degree to which "post-racial" is an appropriate description of the current era. Also counts toward race and ethnic studies major and concentration.
PSCI 245: Asian Regionalism
Currents of nationalism, regionalism, and globalization organize political life around the world. What trends and policies promote regional integration? What forces frustrate integration? To answer these questions this course investigates security, economic, and cultural relations at the beginning of the 21st century within Asia and between Asia and Russia and the U.S. This course looks at the historical interaction of national, regional, and global forces for additional answers. Offered periodically. Also counts toward Asian studies, Chinese, and Japanese majors and Asian studies and international relations concentrations.
Prerequisite: previous course in Asian studies or political science, or permission of instructor.
PSCI 246: Introduction to Public Policy
The product of the political process is public policy. This course surveys the major areas of domestic public policy in the United States: education, welfare, health, housing, the environment, and the economy with special attention to the impact of public policies on women and minorities. Also counts toward business and management studies concentration.
Prerequisite: one course in political science or permission of instructor.
PSCI 252: Politics and Development
Some formerly developing countries have found the way to join the ranks of the industrialized nations, others have not. What explains the difference? By introducing students to theories of modernization, dependency, world systems, order, class, revolution, state, and political economy, the course attempts to provide the framework for answering this question. Also counts toward Latin American studies major and Latin American studies and business and management studies concentrations.
PSCI 255: Political Parties and Elections
Political parties have traditionally served to organize the American electoral process but not to govern. Is their role changing? This course examines party organization, candidate recruitment, campaign strategies, the role of the media, election financing, and citizen participation.
PSCI 257: Foreign Relations in the Americas
Often controversial, foreign relations in the Western Hemisphere include not only the political and economic influence of the USA south of its borders, but how states in Latin America and the Caribbean interact with each other and with states and intergovernmental organizations around the world. Offered periodically during the spring semester. Also counts toward Latin American studies major and international relations and Latin American studies concentrations.
PSCI 258: World Politics
The goal of this course is to expand students' knowledge of conflict, cooperation, trade, development, inequality, imperialism, and power in world politics. The course uses substantive examples to teach about issues and institutions in "world politics" and to examine appropriate mechanisms to understand and explain international phenomena. Also counts toward business and management studies concentration.
PSCI 260: History of Modern Political Thought
Machiavelli founded modern political philosophy by asking "How does the ruler acquire power?" This course explores how modern political thinkers answered this question by changing the grounds of authority from religious and philosophical foundations to rational ones. Texts include Machiavelli's Prince and Hobbes's Leviathan, Locke's Second Treatise, Rousseau's Social Contract, Marx's Communist Manifesto, and Nietzsche's Use and Abuse of History.
PSCI 262: Critics of the State
Twentieth-century thought across the political spectrum was critical of the modern state. Traditionalists and radicals alike were horrified by the rise of totalitarianism and the dangers of unrestrained political authority. In this course students engage with the works of leading critics of the state on both the Right (e.g. Hayek) and Left (e.g. Foucault), consider the similarities and differences of their critiques, explore the ethical consequences of the alternatives, and assess their contemporary relevance.
PSCI 264: Latin American Politics
How do the peoples of Latin America participate politically? How do domestic politics interact with national and international economics? How do states treat challenges posed by migration and by desires for "modernization" and democracy in a context of authoritarian legacy and debt? Students examine how Latin American politics work, focusing on Mexico, parts of Central America, the Caribbean, the Andean Region, and the Southern Cone. Also counts toward Latin American studies major and Latin American studies and business and management studies concentrations.
PSCI 272: American Constitutional Law: Power
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the principles of American constitutional law as well as the political struggles that shaped them. The course focuses not only on constitutional doctrine, but also on competing interpretations and political effects of landmark decisions. This course emphasizes debates over civil rights and civil liberties that have been central to modern Supreme Court jurisprudence.
PSCI 282: Russian and Eurasian Politics
The course examines continuity and change in Russian political culture. The institutions and politics between the Soviet and Post-Soviet periods under the leadership of Yeltsin and Putin are explored. The course considers Russia as an energy-exporting state. The varied political developments of former Soviet republics in Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia are compared and contrasted. Also counts toward Russian Studies major and business and management studies concentration.
PSCI 284: Ethics of Citizenship in Times of War and Terrorism
How ought citizens respond to threats to national security from terrorists and distant states? The course examines Just War theory and Jihad to enquire about the connections between religions and political violence. It considers the strategic logic of terrorism and the ethical "costs" of responses to it. It examines conflicts between Islamic "moderates" and "extremists" to reveal the ethical and political spectrums within Islam.
Prerequisite: required prior experience of political analysis or the study of religion.
PSCI 285: International Law
Once the purview of diplomats and generals, international law has broken those narrow confines and is becoming a part of traditional practice in areas of business, environment, human rights, and criminal law. This course introduces students to this vast and changing subject from a liberal arts perspective, including its history, theory, and practice. Also counts toward international relations concentration.
PSCI 294: Academic Internship
Internships are available in a wide variety of public and private institutions including the state legislature, lobbying agencies, law firms, media organizations, corporate public affairs, and executive agencies.
PSCI 295: Internship and Reflection Seminar
This seminar integrates the liberal arts with the experience of work and the search for a vocation or career. Course content will include both an off-campus internship and on-campus class sessions that connect academic theories/analyses of work with their particular internship experience. Students will also consider and articulate the value of the liberal arts for their pursuit of a creative, productive, and satisfying personal life.
PSCI 296: Political Science Research Practicum
The political science research practicum provides a new opportunity to realize the college and department's commitment to undergraduate research. Students put research skills into practice by gathering and analyzing empirical evidence, and producing a substantive research project. With research topics varying from term to term, students develop methodological expertise surrounding a current problem in political science, and collect and analyze data to address the problem. Offered alternate years.
PSCI 297: Washington D.C. Politics and Intl Relations Practicum (study away)
This course combines experiential learning with ethical reflection. It offers networking and possible job shadowing opportunities in the areas of policy-making, advocacy, campaigning, federal and local government, journalism, advocacy, law, among others. Students will be matched with a number of St. Olaf alumni and professionals in Washington, D.C. and be able to talk with them about their jobs and perhaps shadow them at their workplace. The jobs-shadowing and career-related experiences will be paired with course material that will help you learn about the practice of governance, politics as a vocation, political efficacy and the ethical dimensions of leadership and public service. Offered annually during January term. Apply through Smith Center for Global Engagement. Also counts toward international relations concentration.
PSCI 298: Independent Study
After completion of three courses in political science, students may approach a member of the department faculty and propose a course of study not currently offered to be conducted in tutorial fashion.
PSCI 299: Topics in Political Science
The department periodically offers special topics courses. The specific title of the course is listed in the class and lab schedule when it is offered.
PSCI 311: Seminar in American Politics
This seminar introduces the core questions, concepts, and theories of the field of American politics. With topics varying from term to term, students read both "cutting edge" research and the classic articles of the field. The methodology employed in the research is a central topic. Students ask whether the methods are appropriate and helpful for answering the central questions of American politics. The course also includes a major research project.
Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield, or permission of instructor.
PSCI 321: Seminar in International Relations
The course introduces core questions, concepts, and theories of international relations. Topics vary, ranging from persistent problems and enduring themes in global relations to Prominent questions confronting scholars of international relations. The course highlights methods and practices of political science research and includes a major research project. Also counts toward international relations concentration.
Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield, or permission of instructor.
PSCI 322: Seminar: Economic Statecraft
Economic statecraft refers to states' use of economic means to pursue foreign policy goals and political ends. This seminar provides students with advanced study of economic statecraft tools, which often combine economic rewards and punishments. Specifically, students explore when and how governments choose from their economic statecraft repertoire, and assess the effectiveness of the available tools, including but not limited to foreign aid, bilateral trade and investment, and economic sanctions. Offered annually in the fall semester. Also counts toward international relations concentration.
Prerequisite: PSCI 220 and one course in the international relations subfield, or permission of the instructor.
PSCI 350: Seminar: Immigration and Citizenship
This course investigates entry control policy, integration and citizenship policy, and the political activities of migrants in the wealthy democracies. Alternative arguments emphasizing the role of economic interests, sovereignty, national identity, and gender are introduced. Opportunities for academic civic engagement projects are included in the course.
Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield, or permission of instructor.
PSCI 370: Seminar: Courageous Resistance to Injustice
Individuals, communities, and organizations have found ways to address even the most egregious state abuses of human rights and other injustices. Using comparative analysis, this course considers cases and theories of nonviolent personal and political resistance and the factors that appear to contribute to people taking action and to successful responses. Students research and analyze cases of their choosing in light of the literature.
Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and at least one course in the subfield, or permission of instructor.
PSCI 382: Seminar: The Geopolitics of Eurasian Energy
Students examine the geopolitics and political economy of Russia as an energy producing and consuming "Petrostate." Beginning with the domestic political economy of the Russian energy industries, students proceed to Russia's relations with Central Asia from which it imports gas and with Europe to which it exports oil and gas. The course also considers Russia's relationships with the U.S.A., India, and China. Special attention given to Russian/Norwegian energy relations in the Barents Sea. Also counts toward Nordic studies concentration.
Prerequisite: PSCI 220 and at least one course in the subfield, or permission of instructor.
PSCI 384: Seminar in Political Theory
This is an advanced course in the area of political thought. The topic, a detailed study of either major works or themes in political philosophy, varies with each offering.
Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield, or permission of instructor.
PSCI 394: Academic Internship
Students with ideas for internships are encouraged to approach instructors within the department in order to arrange supervision for credit. For Level III credit students must have successfully completed a Level II internship in the same area.
Prerequisite: PSCI 294.
PSCI 396: Directed Undergraduate Research
This course provides a comprehensive research opportunity, including an introduction to relevant background material, technical instruction, identification of a meaningful project, and data collection. The topic is determined by the faculty member in charge of the course and may relate to their research interests. Offered based on department decision. May be offered as a 1.00 credit course or .50 credit course.
Prerequisite: determined by individual instructor.
PSCI 398: Independent Research
Students who have taken five political science courses, one of which is in the area of the proposed research, may propose an independent research project to a member of the departmental faculty.
Prerequisite: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield, or permission of instructor.
PSCI 399: Seminar
Seminars are special topics courses offered periodically by the department. The specific title of the seminar is listed in the Class and Lab Schedule when it is offered. May be repeated if topic is different.
Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield, or permission of instructor.
Department Chair, 2024-2025
Douglas J. Casson
Professor of Political Science
political philosophy; constitutional law; Director of Fellowships
Joshua R. Anderson
Assistant Professor of Political Science
American politics; political philosophy; history of science
Jo M. Beld
Vice President for Mission and Professor of Political Science
public policy; American politics; assessment of student learning
Kimberly (Kim) Carr
Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science
Chris B. Chapp
Professor of Political Science; Morrison Family Director of the Institute for Freedom and Community
American elections; political communication; public opinion
Menevis Cilizoglu (on sabbatical spring semester 2024-25)
Associate Professor of Political Science
Timothy Collins
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Political Science
Daniel J.B. Hofrenning
Professor of Political Science; Martin E. Marty Chair in Religion and the Academy
American politics; religion and politics; parties and elections; public policy
Megan Kennedy
Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science
Anthony D. Lott (on sabbatical calendar year (Feb 2025-Jan 2026))
Associate Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies
international law; international relations; international security
Katherine Tegtmeyer Pak
Professor of Political Science and Asian Studies
Asian politics; comparative democracy; immigration; citizenship; human rights
Kris E. Thalhammer
Professor of Political Science
comparative politics; Latin American politics; political tolerance; human rights
Thomas Worth
Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science