This article reports a quasi-experimental study that assessed whether purposeful political engagement efforts in the general education classroom, coupled with co-curricular programming, enhances student interest in politics and political efficacy. The subjects of the study were students in political science general education courses at a…

In this article, the author discusses Black intellectual superstar Melissa Harris-Perry, who is ditching drama at Princeton University in order to build a new, unique center at Tulane, in the heart of the South. The new center will focus on the study of race, gender, and politics in the American South, a job created specifically with her in mind.…

This paper analyses the unfolding of the quality agenda in England from 1992 to the present. By using two disciplinary approaches, "political science" and "social philosophy", the article traces the recent transition from quality assurance to quality enhancement. How is this development to be explained and how significant is…

This paper outlines an integrative approach to teaching (qualitative) comparative methods at the introductory undergraduate level. The integrative approach does not view methodological instruction as a topic to be treated cursorily at the outset of a course, but rather one to be intertwined throughout an academic term as students simultaneously…

Presents a dramaturgical dialog used by the authors to introduce two competing paradigms in the politics of national development, modernity theory, and dependency theory. The imaginary participants are Alex Inkeles and Immanuel Wallerstein. The dialogs have advantages as teaching strategies. (SR)

In recent years one of the most significant changes in UK Universities has been the increased use of virtual learning environments (VLE) as a method of supporting learning and teaching. This has in part been influenced by research which suggests that student learning experiences can be enhanced by the judicious use of new technologies and partly…

Argues that political science has much to add to the emerging literature on science, technology, and society (STS). Reviews existing literature, notes deficiencies, and concludes with a list of five STS topics which could be addressed by political science. (JDH)

Nine general observations are drawn from a survey of professors of Latin American Studies. From the reading lists and syllabuses, various approaches, instructional materials, and innovations are noted. (KM)

Breaks were imposed in the game Monopoly, at which times the players, college level students, elected one person and gave him or her the power to change the rules. Behavior similar to political behavior in the real world resulted. The students discovered the resemblance and wrote papers on what had occurred. (RM)

Describes a political science classroom situation wherein students created their own definition of politics through political action. (HS)

Presents an exercise for use in political science courses on the college level that requires students to solve a frequently occurring problem--the provision of a collective good and the allocation of its costs. To solve the problem, students answer questions such as "Why do we have governments?" and "What constitutes a just policy?" (Author/DB)

Describes the post World War II development of the discipline of international relations, stating that it helped reinvigorate interest in the tradition of political philosophy. Examines shortcomings, such as its division into realist and idealist camps, and discusses the works and ideologies of people such as Morgenthau, Aron, and Beitz. (GEA)

Elaborates ways in which literature may influence politics and demonstrates literary techniques employed to develop political arguments, disseminate political thought, and articulate ideological positions. Describes an interdisciplinary undergraduate course which used literature from Latin America as its focus. (JDH)

The many ways in which religion and politics relate is discussed. If political science is not interested in religion, religion seems definitely interested in politics. The reasons for and the dangers of this sudden recent interest in politics by religion are pointed out. (RM)

This study examines the educational and personal effects of the New York State College Intern Program, designed to provide college students with first-hand knowledge of the legislative process and functions. The internship experience had no significant influence on students' patterns of interest and values. (Author/RM)