Department of Political Science

Department of Political Science

Political science is the empirical and theoretical study of systems of governance and power, political attitudes and behavior, and public policy and law, both abroad and in the United States. The Department of Political Science teaches students the critical thinking, analytical, and communicative skills needed for understanding how governments and politics function in contemporary and historical contexts. Alumni of the department work in fields related to government, public administration, business, law, and policy research and advocacy.

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February 21, 2025
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Ice Cream Social Fall 24

Political Science Ice Cream Social and Scavenger Hunt Fall 2024

Join us for a delightful afternoon at the Department of Political Science’s Ice Cream Social and Scavenger Hunt on September 12th from 4:30 to 5:30 PM in the Garden of the Five Lions. Indulge in delicious Deluca Gelato while exploring our department through a fun and interactive scavenger hunt. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover the resources and opportunities available to you, and to engage with our faculty about the exciting prospects within our program. Don’t miss out on this chance to enjoy a sweet treat and learn more about what our department has to offer!
Brown Bag F24

Political Science Brown Bag: A Look at the 2024 Election

Join us for an engaging discussion on the upcoming 2024 election, featuring insights from two professors Dr. Ernest McGowen and Dr. Dan Palazzolo. Dr. McGowen will speak about the presidential campaign and Dr. Palazzolo will discuss the key congressional races. 

All students are welcome to attend, whether you bring your lunch or enjoy the free pizza provided! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives on the 2024 election!

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Dan Chen
Chen Published

Dan Chen, associate professor of political science, published "Fan Engagement with Chinese Celebrities’ Political Signaling on Weibo" in the Journal of Contemporary China.

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Dr. Jennifer Erkulwater
Erkulwater Awarded

Jennifer Erkulwater, professor of political science, received the 2024 Distinguished Faculty Service Award from the University of Richmond at Colloquy.

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Dr. Jennifer Bowie
Bowie Published

Jennifer Bowie, associate professor of political science, along with UR alumni co-authors Bianca Wieck, '21 and Meghna Melkote, '22, published the article "Lower Court Influence on High Courts: Evidence from the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom” in the Journal of Law and Courts.

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Dr. Ernest B. McGowen III
McGowen Awarded

Ernest McGowen, associate professor of political science, was awarded the Distinguished Educator Award at the 5th annual Black Excellence Gala hosted by the University of Richmond Student Center for Equity and Inclusion.

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Scholarship Repository Readership

The University of Richmond's Scholarship Repository shares faculty publications with a world-wide audience. The map below shows where articles from political science faculty are being read around the globe.

Upcoming Events

Oct 23
Philosophy: Searching For Courage Together: A Socially Scaffolded Account for Embodied Beings Like Us
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Oct 23
Sustainability for the Forgotten
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Oct 23
City Excursion: Richmond Mayorathon
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Oct 24
Journalism in the Age of Disinformation with Matthew Philips, Assistant Managing Editor, CNN
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
See More Events

Resources

Center for Civic Engagement

Richmond Law

Library Research Guide

RVAGOV

 

Contact Us

Mailing Address:
Department of Political Science
202 Weinstein Hall
231 Richmond Way
University of Richmond, VA 23173

Phone: (804) 289-8529
Fax: (804) 287-6833

Department Chair:  Dr. Tracy Roof

Academic Administrative Coordinator: Emilee Papa