Political Science

Overview

How We Work

Faculty of the Political Science program of Knox College have a range of methodological and political perspectives. You might take "American Constitutional Law," join JusticeCorps, or participate in pre-law advising—all with Professor Sunderland. With Professor Kampwirth, you'll learn about Latin American politics and women worldwide in classes like "LGBT Politics in Latin America" or "Global Feminism and Antifeminism." Some of us are conservative, some are liberal, and others are in between. Whatever your views, you'll find a faculty member to support them—and to challenge them.

We create knowledge. Through independent studies and Honors projects, our students gain hands-on experience in pursuing original research. Charlie Harned '16, an ASSET Fellow, conducted primary research for his paper "Research on Reform to the American Democratic System." He spent the summer examining the impact of three political initiatives (redistricting reform, nonpartisan primaries, and campaign finance reform) on Americans across the country. For our students who pursue advanced degrees, long-term research experiences like Harned's are invaluable.

We learn locally. We know that our students don't just belong to the Knox community; you also belong to the Galesburg community. In "Power and Social Justice in Galesburg," you'll spend a term examining the issues facing your new home. The course explores race/ethnic relations, the politics of economic development, poverty policy, and urban sustainability. For your final project, you'll create a research paper analyzing and proposing solutions for problems facing the local community.

We learn globally. In classes like "Women and Latin American Politics," "European Governments," and "Religion and World Politics," you'll learn about political issues all over the world. But we don't stop there. Many of our students spend a term (or more!) abroad.

Some pursue careers in politics...

• Research Associate, Vote Smart. Paige Lee '15. Des Moines, Iowa.

• Staff Assistant, U.S. House of Representatives. Philip Bennett '14. Washington, D.C.

• Education Policy Director, Senator Dick Durbin, United States Senate. Brad Middleton '08. Washington, D.C.

• Director Of Government Affairs, Illinois Manufacturers' Association. Donovan Griffith '07.

Some pursue law careers...

• Associate Attorney, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP. Helen Hapner '11.

• Legal Assistant, Kirkland & Ellis. Amanda Mitchell '11. Chicago, Illinois.

• Associate, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Erica Jaffe '08.

• Partner, Behr, McCarter & Potter. Joel Christensen '06. St. Louis, Missouri.

• Director of Enforcement, NCAA. Brynna Barnhart '03. Indianapolis, Indiana.