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, internships in the public sector, junior-senior seminars, and a wide variety of off campus programs including the Washington semester, J-term study abroad, 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, and Africa. Top professional recognition has come through books and articles published and offices held in professional associations on a regional and national basis.

Erika G. Alin, professor. BA 1986, State University of New York at Stony Brook; PhD 1990, American University, School of International Service. She is the author of a book and several articles on U.S.-Lebanon policy and Palestinian politics. Research interests: Middle Eastern politics and ethnic politics.

Alina Oxendine, instructor. BA, MA 1997, Emory University; ABD, University of Minnesota. She has research interests in American politics, public policy, community involvement, and inequality issues. She has published several articles on civic engagement and information technology.

Chen Pao Chou, instructor. LLB 1981, Chinese Culture University, Taipei; MPIA 1996, University of Pittsburgh; ABD, Kent State University. He has research interests in East Asia, comparative politics, and political and economic development.

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

Karen J. Vogel, professor, chair. BA 1980, Pitzer College, Claremont; MA 1982, PhD 1986, University of Oregon. Dr. Vogel also 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.