Department Spotlight: Political Science

The world is a complex place and the challenges that graduates face don’t always fit nicely into rehearsed scenarios or textbook examples. Teaching from a real-world point of view and incorporating examples from beyond the walls of the classroom exposes students to realistic situations in their field, and can also help with lesson retention. While maintaining that lectures and textbooks have undisputable educational value, faculty in the political science department implement interesting and energizing external resources such as service learning, insightful guest speakers, and team-based learning to get their point across. Political science professors Kani Sathasivam, Jennifer Jackman, Richard Levy, and Daniel Mulcare are among the faculty who employ teaching techniques that go beyond the traditional “by the book” approach.

In 2012 Professor Jackman conducted a Voter Engagement Project in which students from various political science classes teamed up with volunteers from North Shore Community Development Coalition to launch a voter registration drive in a Salem neighborhood called The Point. The pedagogical goal of the service-learning project was to bring textbook theories to life by exposing students to the obstacles that Point neighborhood residents face when trying to participate in the political process. Students gained valuable insight into how geographical, cultural and social factors impact the community’s political landscape. With this experience under their belt, those political science students can confidently move forward with a nuanced understanding of the relationship between politics and communities.

Holding class outside of a classroom isn’t the only way to provide students with a broader view of the world. Professors Jackman and Levy have used Skype, a free video chat service, to eliminate the logistical obstacles of hosting a guest speaker for the class. One of Jackman’s grassroots politics classes Skyped with notable feminist activist and grassroots organizer Eleanor Smeal, who discussed the role of business interests in defeating the Equal Rights Amendment.

Jackman said that “the students were very excited to have the opportunity to talk with Ellie directly. Some became even more inspired to pursue their interest in feminism and social movements more generally through activism and careers.” In addition to opening the classroom door to local and national professionals, Skype and other video chat software can reach across international boundaries. Israeli professor Joseph Ziera spoke via Skype at a roundtable discussion organized by Salem State’s Professor Levy, lending valuable insight to students who attended the event.

These professors have successfully demonstrated that teaching methods which require participation result in higher student involvement and investment in the course. Other methods such as in-class simulations, team-based learning, debates and mock cases also help students focus on the topics at hand and sharpen collaboration and critical thinking skills. While the traditional lecture certainly isn’t going anywhere, using real world contexts to transform theories into practical knowledge has proven to be an excellent method for engaging Salem State students and preparing them for successful careers.