Research and Publishing
Politics and Ontology in Thucydides' story of Alcmaeon
By Borden Flanagan of American University The story of Alcmaeon, in an emphatically unnecessary digression, frames Periclean imperialism in terms of the cosmological themes of motion and rest, thereby suggesting how ontological questions are disclosed in fundamental political problems. Thucydides’…
Why the 2020 census shouldn't ask about your citizenship status
A naturalization ceremony, in December 2015. AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File Jennifer Van Hook, Pennsylvania State University “Is this person a citizen of the United States?” On March 26, the U.S. Commerce Department announced that a citizenship question would be added to the 2020 census. This question,…
The 2018 MPSA Conference Is Here: What Have You Done for Me Lately?
By Harold Young of Austin Peay State University “Expectations should not always be taken as reality; because you never know when you will be disappointed.” ― Samuel P. Huntington I must admit I am sometimes coy in responding to the question, "So, what do you do?” When I say I am a professor of…
Politics in the Trump Era – A Curated Guide to MPSA 2018
by Chana M. Solomon-Schwartz In less than a month, scholars from more than 50 countries will congregate at the 2018 MPSA conference to present research, connect with one another, and eat deep-dish pizza. With more than 80 sections represented, there are panels, roundtables, talks, posters, and…
Members of Congress respond to more than money – sometimes
By Jan Leighley, American University and Jennifer Oser, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Does citizen activism really affect the actions of elected officials? Despite the ubiquitous role of money in campaigns, elections and policymaking, some citizens clearly still believe in the power of…
When the elite abandon democracy – A Warning from Belize?
By Harold Young of Austin Peay State University “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As always, my first full day in Belize starts in my barber’s…
New ways scientists can help put science back into popular culture
Science is one thread of culture – and entertainment, including graphic books, can reflect that. 'The Dialogues,' by Clifford V. Johnson (MIT Press 2017), CC BY-ND Clifford Johnson, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences How often do you, outside the…
Faculty Advantage: Using Wikipedia to Teach Controversial Topics
By Mark K. Cassell of Kent State University It’s a problem nearly everyone who teaches political science confronts at one time or another: how to effectively teach a controversial topic. Topics like same-sex marriage or gun control are charged with emotion. Students arrive with entrenched beliefs…
MPSA in 2017 - Accomplishments Worth Celebrating (video)
This year was confusing at times and exhausting at others, but it also had its high points. As we say goodbye to 2017, we welcome you to join us for the MPSA highlight reel. Our thanks to everyone who played a part in making these projects a reality, including our program chairs, council members,…
The Top 5 MPSA Roundtable Audio Recordings (podcasts) from 2017
Each year at its annual conference, MPSA records dozens of professional development panels focusing on topics most relevant to researchers and to those who teach. Audio from the roundtable discussions is available to MPSA Members online by visiting the Highlighted Presentations Section of the…