Department of Political Science
About the Department
As the saying goes, politics is not an exact science, but an art. How do political forces mesh to bring about changes? How are conflicting demands resolved? Who is really in charge?
A major in political science provides an understanding of the political forces, institutions, ideas, and problems of contemporary society. You'll gain the knowledge and skills necessary for graduate studies and careers in law, politics, teaching, journalism, government, and international civil service.
The Political Science faculty members have published scores of books and journal articles, have recently been quoted in papers such as USA Today and The Baltimore Sun, and have appeared on talk shows such as C-Span's Washington Journal and on public radio's Marc Steiner Show. They have worked in Congress, the federal courts, think tanks, law firms, and for government and business, and they draw on these experiences in the classroom to bring politics to life in a real-world context.
Meet Professor Christine Wade
Some women fill their closets with pair after pair of Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks. When Christine Wade, assistant professor of political science, went on a mission to collect shoes, the designers she had in mind were Nike, Asics and Reebok. And the shoes weren't for her.
Wade collected a dozen pairs of used running shoes to benefit Shoe4Africa, a program that gives out used running gear, organizes races that attract world-class runners, and promotes AIDS awareness.
A runner since college, Wade learned about the project while preparing for the local Relay for Life to benefit raise money for the American Cancer Society.
"I was motivated to put together a team because one of my best friends was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer this summer and I felt kind of helpless...I thought it was a great way to channel my energies, to channel some of that helplessness," she said.
Wade's team was the top-grossing team from WC, raising $5,780.
"We had a goal of $225 per person for the 225th celebration and we obliterated that," she said.
After the race, Wade challenged other participants to donate their shoes to Shoe4Africa.
"I really liked that it was a way to extend the relay experience. I sent out an e-mail and said, 'I'm going to give the shoes I wore at the relay. How many of you are going to give the shoes you wore?'"
Wade was "amazed" at the number of people who parted with their shoes.
"It's nice to have a group of female colleagues on this campus who are so driven to do something to help people," she said.
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782