Hello all, and welcome to the Everyday Politics blog! Every good political science textbook (and we think the ones you're using are among the best) will illuminate events that we can read about every day, but unfortunately no textbook can keep up with these events. Especially in an election year, this is a shame. And nor can a textbook interact with students.
The idea behind Everyday Politics is to fill these gaps. The primary goal of the blog is to use examples from, well, everyday politics to help students learn about both American government and the basic principles of political science. Aside from current events, we will also try to introduce students to some of the cutting-edge research in the field while avoiding the jargon that often makes it inaccessible to students just starting out in the field. In addition, it provides a forum that students can use to discuss issues and concepts with students and teachers from all over the country. We look forward to starting and participating in the discussion!
My name is Scott Lemieux, and I'm an assistant professor of political science at Hunter College in New York. My primary interests are law and courts, constitutionalism, abortion politics, and American Political Development. Joining me will be a terrific team of teachers, researchers and writers who approach American politics from a variety of perspectives:
Laura McKenna teaches political science at Ramapo College of New Jersey. She teaches classes on American government, state and local politics, public policy, media & politics, and political theory. She has too many research interests, but lately she has been focusing on gender politics as well as the politics of the Internet and New Media.
David Watkins teaches Political Science at Seattle University. His research and teaching interests are broad, and include environmental politics and policy, political theory, and comparative politics. Currently, he teaches a freshmen seminar on American Politics and political participation, as well as introductory courses in political theory and comparative politics. When not teaching, he can be found obsessively checking the latest polls for upcoming presidential election. Come November, he hopes to develop some new hobbies.
Mike Xenos, after several years at the University of Wisconsin, has joined the faculty of Louisiana State University. Due to the recent weather events, you will probably hear from him last, but his Southern perspective will be invaluable. His research and teaching interests include political communication, new media, and youth politics.
We look forward to exploring American politics with you!
Scott Lemieux
Editor and Contributor
