Political Science Department

The Hamline University political science department aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the subject matter, methods, and assumptions of political science. Our overriding goal is to help students understand the dynamic and changing political world in which they live and its ramifications for their lives. In the process, students also acquire improved analytic, speaking, and writing skills necessary for succeeding in a challenging sociopolitical and work environment.

Opportunities for Nonmajors

Nonmajors are welcome in all political science courses and are encouraged to use all of the department’s resources, including political internships, independent studies, survey research data bases, and the particular expertise of each faculty member. Nonmajors may also apply to the Model United Nations program.

Honors and Special Programs

The political science department participates in all of the honors and special programs available to Hamline students. Especially of interest are the honors thesis program, independent studies in political topics, collaborative research projects, teaching apprenticeships, internships in the public sector, senior seminars, and a wide variety of off campus programs including the Washington semester, J-term study abroad, Model UN, and semester programs offered through HECUA. Political science students may also choose to pursue a certificate in international journalism. Additionally, a small number of excellent students are selected each year to work as department assistants.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Political science graduates typically follow careers in public management, policy analysis, planning, law, politics, or business. Hamline political science graduates include people who have become career diplomats, accomplished scholars, professors, high-ranking public employees, policy analysts, attorneys, elected officials, important political leaders, and professionals in a wide variety of other occupations. Similar opportunities are available today and in the future to able, well-trained political science graduates. The department periodically offers career panels, information sessions, and announcements about these possibilities.

Faculty

The political science faculty have wide-ranging experiences, achievements, and recognition within the political science profession. The faculty have studied and traveled widely in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Top professional recognition has come through books and articles published, teaching awards, and offices held in professional associations on a regional and national basis.

Alina Oxendine, associate professor. BA, MA 1997, Emory University; PhD, University of Minnesota. Dr. Oxendine has published several articles on civic engagement and information technology and is active in the International Society of Political Psychology. She also co-directs Hamline’s Collaborative Research Program. Her research interests include American politics, public policy, community involvement, and economic inequality.

Binnur Ozkececi-Tanner, associate professor. BA, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey; MA, University of Notre Dame; PhD, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University. Teaching interests: Theories of International Relations, Political Conflict, Politics and Security in the Middle East, Regional and International Security. Research interests: Foreign Policy Analysis, Turkish Foreign Policy; International Security, Politics of the Middle East. She also manages the Washington Semester Program.

Joseph G. Peschek, professor, chair. BA 1974, University of Washington; PhD 1984, University of Massachusetts. Dr. Peschek is the author of two books and several articles on American politics. Research interests: contemporary American politics, political economy, and contemporary democratic theory.

Karen J. Vogel, professor. BA 1980, Pitzer College, Claremont; MA 1982, PhD 1986, University of Oregon. Dr. Vogel works with political science internships and advises student participants in Model United Nations programs. Research interests: European integration, women and politics, and transitions in Eastern Europe. She has been honored with Hamline University’s Burton and Ruth Grimes Teaching Award, and she has been recognized by the American Political Science Association as an Outstanding Teacher in 2004. She is the Director of Hamline’s Model United Nations Program.

Zhenqing Zhang, assistant professor. BA, English and Diplomacy, Foreign Affairs College, Beijing, China (1998); MA, International Studies, Foreign Affairs College, Beijing, China (2001); PhD, Political Science, University of Minnesota. Twin Cities (2011). Teaching interests: politics in the Asia Pacific, international political economy, international development, and democratization. Research interests: U.S-China trade relationship, international intellectual property rights (IPR) regime, and East Asia democratization. Dr. Zhang holds a graduate certificate from Johns Hopkins University – Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies (2000).