Since arriving at William & Mary in 1987, I have taught more than a dozen different courses, mostly centering on American national institutions and public policy. I often attempt to integrate into these classes my research interests in legislatures and my practical experience working as a staff person to a bipartisan congressional committee. In addition, my courses generally feature elaborate simulation exercises and guest presentations by visiting policy practitioners from Washington. The goal is to combine academic and more applied perspectives on contemporary American government. I also like to integrate into my classes assignments that involve video production.
Courses that I have taught over the past few years include the following (with links to the relevant explanatory memos).
Legislative Processes (campaign ad assignment) (simulation exercise)
The Policy Process (policy paper assignment)
Seminar on Congress and the Presidency (seminar paper assignment)
Moreover, I regularly supervise honors theses and independent studies in government and public policy. Interested students should contact me.
Undergraduate Research
An important aspect of my teaching focuses on collaborative research with William & Mary students. Over the years, I have coauthored nearly two dozen papers with undergraduate students, all of which have been presented at major academic conferences and/or published in journals or edited volumes. About three dozen of these students have been able to attend the relevant conference and participate in the formal presentation. In part through the efforts of the Roy R. Charles Center, William & Mary has emerged as a national leader in promoting collaborative research between faculty members and undergraduate students. Interested students should consult the Charles Center website for information about funding and scholarship opportunities.