I teach primarily in political theory and American politics, focusing on the history of ancient, modern, and American political thought.
In Fall 2025, I will be teaching Foundations of American Civic Life (SCLL 150 and 150H).
This course will examine the theoretical ideas that informed the creation and development of America’s political system and some of the major contemporary challenges to the maintenance of American constitutionalism. We are fundamentally interested in answering the question, “What is the American regime?” What institutions, laws, and customs uphold it? What does it mean to be a citizen of this regime? We will focus on the Founding and the debates over the meaning and interpretation of the Constitution, the role of religion in American life, slavery and civil rights, and the development of contemporary political partisanship. The course will take place in a seminar setting and emphasis will be placed on the discussion of important primary texts and documents. If you are interested in the course and wish to see the syllabus, please send me an email.
Resources for Students
Advice for writing papers
My paper-grading rubric
Advice about letters of recommendation
In Fall 2025, I will be teaching Foundations of American Civic Life (SCLL 150 and 150H).
This course will examine the theoretical ideas that informed the creation and development of America’s political system and some of the major contemporary challenges to the maintenance of American constitutionalism. We are fundamentally interested in answering the question, “What is the American regime?” What institutions, laws, and customs uphold it? What does it mean to be a citizen of this regime? We will focus on the Founding and the debates over the meaning and interpretation of the Constitution, the role of religion in American life, slavery and civil rights, and the development of contemporary political partisanship. The course will take place in a seminar setting and emphasis will be placed on the discussion of important primary texts and documents. If you are interested in the course and wish to see the syllabus, please send me an email.
Resources for Students
Advice for writing papers
My paper-grading rubric
Advice about letters of recommendation