POLITICAL SCIENCE T
he political science major at Rollins prepares you for a lifetime of responsible leadership, giving you the tools to lead powerful change in our backyard and around the world. In small, discussion-based classes, you’ll learn about how the world really works from expert faculty who make your development their No. 1 priority. Along the way, you’ll gain in-demand problem-solving skills—from data analysis to deliberate decision-making—and then put your newfound knowledge to work through study-abroad experiences, immersive internships, and collaborative research projects. Whether you pursue a career in politics and government or business and law, you’ll be uniquely prepared to create lasting positive change.
Why Study Political Science at Rollins Emphasis on Communication Our focus on persuasive writing, critical analysis, and dynamic public speaking helps you stand out in today’s ever-evolving economy.
Collaborative Research Every student has the opportunity to conduct professional research alongside faculty as an undergrad. Recent projects have examined demographic change, minority voting rights, and the effect of electoral laws on voter behavior.
Field Studies From Cuba and Ecuador to Tanzania and Thailand, our faculty-led field studies let you engage today’s most pressing issues—democracy and economic development, human rights and ecotourism—all around the globe.
“The political science department at Rollins prepared me not just for graduate school and my career, but also for life as an engaged citizen. I apply the lessons I learned in the classroom daily in Washington, D.C., and am forever grateful for the education I received as a student in the department.”
David Bagby ’06
Legislative Director, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, Vice Chair of the DNC
Rollins Political Science Careers Rollins political science grads are making tomorrow happen everywhere from Capitol Hill to the courts.
Jason Emilios Dimitris ’92
Miami-Dade Circuit Court
Steve Leopoldo ’04
President, Margin of Era Research
Dan Sallick ’91
Partner and Founder, Subject Matter
Libby Schaaf ’87
Mayor of Oakland, California
Ted Scott ’12 ’13MBA
Chief of Staff and Corporate Development Manager, Sonobi
Gillian Smith ’95
Vice President of Marketing and Sales, LEGOLAND Florida
Real World Experience Hone the knowledge and skills you’re developing in the classroom through internships and community engagement projects at local, national, and international organizations.
Popular Courses In addition to core studies in American government, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory, you can explore topics ranging from sustainable development and climate change politics to Middle Eastern and Latin American politics. • POL 332 International Human Rights • POL 302 The Politics of Global Poverty • POL 346 Voting and Elections • POL 353 Foreign Policy of the U.S. • POL 351 International Security • POL 382 Constitutional Law
Beyond the Classroom The Democracy Project Pull up a chair and discuss hot topics with The Democracy Project, a nonpartisan initiative that empowers you with the knowledge and know-how to engage in our democratic process.
Ideas in Action Help identify and implement solutions to local problems through The Hive, a regular forum run by IDEAS For Us, a nonprofit founded by Rollins grad Clayton Louis Ferrara ’09.
Refugee in Residence At the only college in Florida providing on-campus housing to refugees, you can volunteer, mentor, or study alongside a family in need—experiencing transformational learning in the process.
Expert Faculty Rollins political science professors boast extensive on-theground experience across the globe, including several Fulbright awards. They frequently collaborate with students in the classroom, in the community, and around the world, reecting a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.
Dexter Boniface, PhD | Professor of Political Science Research interests: Inter-American relations, Brazilian politics, democracy promotion efforts in Latin America, and issues of democratization and development in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia
Dan Chong, PhD | Associate Professor of Political Science Research interests: International human rights, global poverty, and peace and conflict resolution
Don Davison, PhD | Professor of Political Science Research interests: The effects of race and religion on political behavior and reactions by majority populations to minority voting rights
Joan Davison, PhD | Professor of Political Science Research interests: Ethno-religious identity and politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mike Gunter, PhD | Professor of Political Science Research interests: Global environmental affairs, politics of climate change, and sustainable development
Julia Maskivker, PhD | Associate Professor of Political Science Research interests: Contemporary theories of justice, global ethics, and social and economic citizenship
Eren Tatari, PhD | Associate Professor of Political Science Research interests: Ethnic and religious minorities in the U.S. and Western Europe, Middle East politics, democratic theory and minority rights, women in Islam, gender politics, and intersectionality
ADM 1808-0176
rollins.college/political-science