Teaching

What does it mean to be represented in a democracy? Who has a voice, and who is left out? This course explores political representation — both as an ideal and as a lived reality. We examine the design of American democratic institutions, the impact of the Voting Rights Act, and the ongoing role of courts in shaping who gets represented. A central theme is how race and racial attitudes continue to shape political power and outcomes. Along the way, we ask hard questions: Does representation translate into policies that reflect public preferences? How fair are the systems we use to draw voting districts? And what are the consequences of unequal representation for the health of American democracy?

This course provides an introduction to the United States Constitution and the principles of constitutional law. Using landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped the development of constitutional law in the United States, students gain familiarity with legal arguments and understand the historical, political, social, and moral dimensions of the American constitutional structure. The course explores the structure of the Constitution, the powers of the federal government, and the relationship between the federal government and the states. It also covers the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment — including Due Process and Equal Protection — examining the protections these amendments afford and the ways they have been interpreted by the Supreme Court. Throughout, students engage with key constitutional concepts including federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights.

This course explores political polarization in the United States. It's not just learning about the extent of political polarization; it's about active engagement in analyzing some of the most contentious issues facing the nation today, such as the 2nd Amendment, abortion rights, crime, and immigration policy. Throughout the semester, students participate in a variety of learning activities, including critical readings, in-depth discussions, and live debates. These components are designed to foster a deep understanding of the multifaceted nature of American political divides. Students are challenged to explore and argue from diverse viewpoints, broadening their perspectives and cultivating empathy for opposing arguments. The course provides an opportunity to deeply engage with the current political climate, delve into the roots of American political divides, and develop essential skills for civic engagement and discourse. It's ideal for students interested in political science, history, law, and social justice, and for anyone seeking a deeper comprehension of the complex political landscape of the United States and its implications for justice and injustice in society.

In the aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, understanding the intricacies of electoral processes has become paramount. This course is a blend of political science and data analytics, focusing on the U.S. electoral system with special emphasis on the 2024 election and the upcoming midterm and local elections. History demonstrates that elections can have profound and enduring impacts — from the pivotal election of 1876, which concluded Reconstruction and reshaped the nation for a century, to the razor-thin margins of the 1960 Kennedy election and the 2000 Bush-Gore contest. Throughout the semester, students actively engage in data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation, applying these techniques to election trends, voter demographics, and the influence of technology on political campaigns. The course also explores how data analytics can assess the health of democracy, examining metrics such as voter turnout, electoral competitiveness, and public trust in electoral institutions. As the course progresses, students use analytical tools to make informed predictions about the 2026 midterm elections and delve into odd-year elections in various states and localities. Additional subjects include political advertising, campaign finance, media bias, partisanship, nationalization, mobilization strategies, vote suppression, election security, voter knowledge, racially polarized voting, gerrymandering, forecasting models, and public opinion polling.

By the end of RAPS II, students are able to critically evaluate most studies that use statistical tools in political science research. Students learn to design and carry out original research applying quantitative methods, with an emphasis on using graphical tools to aid the interpretation and presentation of results.

This seminar examines prominent classical and contemporary works in the two major subfields of American politics: political institutions and political behavior. The seminar addresses topics such as Congress, the presidency, the bureaucracy, and the courts, but also public opinion, elections, campaigns, political parties, and the importance of geography, wealth, ethnicity, gender, and religion in politics. There is an emphasis on analyzing and appraising the theory, methodology, and contributions of the selected readings, and on discussing their complementarity. Intensive discussions and written essays are key components of the course.