Teaching
Courses on American politics, the presidency, and electoral strategy
Current Courses
The Practice of Citizenship: Cooperation and Obligations in Democratic Life
Undergraduate Course This course examines citizenship as both a practice of democratic life and a solution to cooperation problems. We integrate political theory, American political voices, and empirical political science to ask: What civic capacities sustain democracy, and what obligations do citizens and institutions share in cultivating them? Students will engage with classics from Aristotle to MLK, analyze modern empirical studies on trust, polarization, and civic education, and reflect on their own university’s role in preparing citizens.
Introduction to American Politics
Undergraduate Course
The Biden presidency concludes amidst international turmoil, the fallout from a global pandemic, and increasing economic dissatisfaction among Americans. American institutions are being tested by a polarized political environment, regular mass protests, and are still adjusting from the former and possibly next president, who challenged many political norms. We will explore how we got here and consider the future of American politics.
The first part of the class deals with the institutional building blocks of the American political system. After we discuss the principles of political science, we’ll discuss the operation and evolution of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. (Not currently planning to offer.)
Course Introduction Video:
Business of Elections
Undergraduate Course
Understanding presidential elections through the prism of business and political science. This course examines electoral strategy, campaign management, voter targeting, and the intersection of politics and business in modern American campaigns.