ANNOUNCEMENTS (Events, new courses, internships . . .)

Careers in Political Science and International Relations

     Firmly grounded in the liberal arts tradition, political science has roots in the humanities, including philosophy and history. Through its use of statistical analysis, it relates not only to other behavioral sciences, but also to mathematics and the sciences generally. The role and significance of authority in human affairs establish the focus of political science; because politics is a central and enduring reality in the world, it affects and is affected by many other human concerns.

     As an academic discipline, political science uses systematic inquiry and analysis to examine political reality and to suggest and test alternatives. The student who majors in political science will explore political ideas and values, investigate political cooperation and conflict, analyze and compare political systems and develop perspectives on international relations. In the process, the student will be encouraged to relate insights from other liberal arts disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, economics, history, and sociology to the study of politics.

     Providing work in several sub-fields of political science, the major supplies the breadth appropriate for graduate work in the discipline, as well as in public administration, public policy analysis, law and other professions. It also serves as a foundation on which to develop careers in public service, business, communications and other fields. Legislative and other Internships, as well as significant independent research projects, are within easy reach of Augsburg Political Science students in the Twin Cities area. Combined with broad, balanced and flexible course offerings, these special opportunities enhance the student's potential for graduate study and a successful career.

     Augsburg Political Science students have the benefit of an experienced faculty that offers courses in all major areas of political science, and also possesses special expertise in the areas of campaigns and elections, comparative and international politics, mass communications and other information technology, racial and ethnic politics, and American public law.

  Associate Professor and acting Department Chair
B.A., The University of Oregon
M.A., Ph.D., The University of Wisconsin-Madison

Andrew Aoki specializes in American political thought, and teaches courses in political theory and American politics.   His research focuses on debates over the American identity, particularly those related to issues of race and ethnicity.  He has published work on immigration and multiculturalism, and was an associate editor of The Encyclopedia of Minorities in American Politics(Oryx Press).

Memorial 111-B
Campus Box #53
(612) 330-1634
aoki@augsburg.edu
 

  Professor of Political Science (on leave 2002-2003)
B.A., Macalester College
M.A., Ph.D., The University of Minnesota

Memorial 117-A
Campus Box #60
(612) 330-1197
hedblom@augsburg.edu

  Professor of Political Science
B.A., The University of Pennsylvania
M.A., Ph.D., Indiana University

     Norma Noonan is Professor of Political Science and directs the International Relations major at Augsburg. Trained in comparative and international politics, her special areas of interest include Russia, Russian foreign policy, political leadership, women and leadership. She has published numerous articles and recently published a book, Women in Russian Politics and Society, for which she was a major contributor and co-editor, with Greenwood Press. A frequent speaker on foreign policy and on Russia in the Twin Cities, she has also served as a commentator on Minnesota Public Radio.

Memorial 113
Campus Box #107
(612) 330-1198
noonan@augsburg.edu

 Assistant Professor of Political Science

B.A., The University of California at Berkeley
M.A., San Francisco State University
Ph.D., The University of Michigan

Joe Underhill-Cady specializes in international relations theory, peace studies, and U.S. foreign policy.  In addition to the regularly offered introductory courses in world politics and law in the United States, he teaches courses in war and peace, the culture of U.S. foreign policy, political biography, film and politics, and conflict resolution.  He has published work and presented papers on the political culture of American foreign policy and his book Death and the Stateman: The Culture and Psychology of U.S. Leaders during War has been published by Palgrave (Sept. 2001). He is working now on environmental politics and on teaching summer courses on the Mississippi River, and in 2000-01 was a Policy Fellow at the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. In 2001-02 he is working with HECUA on developing college curriculum relating to the Mississippi River. As well, he advises the Student International Negotiating (SIN) Team and the Pre-law Club. To visit his personal web page, Click Here.

Memorial 112-B
Campus Box #241
(612) 330-1312
cady@augsburg.edu

Area I
American Government and Politics

Area II
Comparative Politics and Analysis

Area III
International Politics

Area IV
Public Law

Area V
Political Theory and Analysis

Area VI
Seminars and Internships

Perspective and Graduation Skill courses offered by 
the Political Science Department.