Expanding Students’ Opportunities
Expanding Students’ Opportunities
Many exciting changes took place this past year in the Department of Political Science. We expanded our honors program, added a new five-year BA/MA program, took over administration of UT’s global development minor, and extended our BA degree to fully online distance education students.
These curricular options provide challenging new opportunities for our students that will better prepare them for diverse careers after graduation while also supporting the land-grant mission of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Our undergraduate classes continue to fill up quickly, showing the interest students have in learning about the critical issues confronting societies today. Of course, the 2024 presidential election produced considerable media attention and curiosity, on and off Rocky Top. Political science faculty participated in pre- and post-election forums, designed to educate students about the candidates, issues, and the voting public. Students flocked to these events and were rewarded with in-depth discussions about US campaigns and elections.
The department additionally welcomed one new faculty member this past fall, and two others who will join the department in August.
Leo Gentil-Fernandes, whose research focuses on violent non-state armed actors, identity, and conflict, came to UT from the University of Pittsburgh. Brooklyn Walker will join the department this coming August. Her research on Christian nationalism and political psychology in the US adds an important new substantive focus to our American politics course offerings. Finally, Taylor Chewning will bring expertise in US foreign policy and cybersecurity, two areas of research that are in demand by both undergraduate and graduate students. These three scholars expand our course offerings, introduce new ideas to students, and bring expertise to help solve public policy problems.
Interest in political science continues to be strong. We have added new course offerings and concentrations to our curriculum to meet the interests and passions of our students. These concentrations include concerns with human rights, political action, and research methods.
We also see more students participating in research. This spring at least 41 undergraduate students are working with faculty on projects that range from military arms sales to local rental evictions to death penalty cases. Contributing to a research project tends to boost a student’s confidence in their abilities, enhancing their sense of self-efficacy and providing motivation for future academic or professional endeavors. Further, collaboration with professors and peers can open doors to mentorship, networking opportunities, and future career prospects. It is another signature experience that the Department of Political Science brings to its students.
Please be sure to visit McClung Tower and the department when you are on campus. We would love to see you. Go Vols!
Brandon Prins, Department Head