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.

MajorCourses
Chris Miller brown bag

Political Science Brown Bag: Violating Norms and Framing Identities:Anti-Democratic Rhetoric in Congressional Communications

As anti-democratic pressures threaten democratic norms worldwide, are they reflected in messaging from Congress?  A content analysis of public statements from lawmakers spanning the 2020 election and 2021 insurrection illuminates unsettling trends.  

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Aleksandra Sznajder Lee
Sznajder Lee Awarded

Aleksandra Sznajder Lee, associate professor of political science, received the 2023 Distinguished Educator Award from the University of Richmond at Colloquy.

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Dr. Sandra F. Joireman
Joireman Published

Sandra Joireman, professor of political science and Weinstein Chair of International Studies, published the article "Post-conflict Restitution of Customary Land: Guidelines and Trajectories of Change" in World Development.

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Dr. Jennifer Bowie
Bowie Published

Jennifer Bowie, associate professor of political science, published the article "Hierarchical Interactions and Compliance in Comparative Courts” in Political Research Quarterly.

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Dr. Dana El Kurd
El Kurd Published

Dana El Kurd, assistant professor of political science, published the article "Elusive decolonisation of IR in the Arab world" in Review of International Studies.

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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

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 Specialist: Susan Wolski