Political Science Commons^™

The Relationship Between Late Night, Twitter, And Political Literacy In 2020, Sally Burkley

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

Political humor has played a role in politics since ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. From plays to newspaper comics to late night comedy, these bits of political criticism and commentary on current events have been there to provide the public with relief, reinforcement of views, and in some cases information. Since the late 2000s, social media started to take on a similar role of providing reactions to political commentary, but rather than a television network and professionally crafted scripts, it is any person who possesses an account and may write up to 280 characters. Previous research has looked at political …

Examining The Impact Of Political Identification And Morality On Compliance With Covid-19 Public Health Measures, Jessica Stump

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

COVID-19 provides a unique opportunity to study the influence of individual and group differences on beliefs and behavior. In the present work, we examine COVID beliefs and behavior as a function of morality, ideology, and emotion. Data were collected in the spring of 2021 and the fall of 2021, allowing for distinct snapshots of an undergraduate sample at two periods of the pandemic. Of primary interest was the relationship between political ideology, moral foundation endorsement, and COVID-19 behaviors and beliefs. The results reveal that ideology drives COVID-19-related beliefs and behaviors. The results from Study 2 suggest that political liberals were …

The Theoretical Challenges In Ukraine, Andrew Kim

Calvert Undergraduate Research Awards

The unfolding situation in Ukraine seems like a scene out of the Cold War, the complexity within it not only lies in how fast these events are occurring but also in the unpredictability of Russia’s leader; to address this current conflict requires the acknowledgment of a brief background within these events and also the possible responses which we could expect to see. The following policy brief addresses the matter of the historical influences and challenges that would be facing US national security policy because of the Russia and Ukraine conflict and how this question isn’t a historical question, but rather …

An Analysis Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Students At The University Of South Dakota, Alexandra J. Buss

Honors Thesis

The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly took over the United States (US) in the beginning of 2020. Nationally, damages to finances, housing, and mental health have impacted many. Despite being one of the least densely populated states, South Dakota quickly rose to some of the highest rates in the nation and was identified as a national hotspot. While there have been significant reports on the effects of COVID-19 on certain communities (healthcare workers, small business owners, parents), more research is needed on the effects on university students. In this report, I aim to assess damages based on financial status of students, mental …

Determinants Of Police Department Change: An Institutional Theory Approach, Colby Dolly

Dissertations

This research examines the change in police practices after the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. Immediately after his death and throughout the following years, police departments in St. Louis County faced immense pressure to change. The pressure originated from numerous fronts, including the media, local community groups, and politicians. This research evaluates the change in policing using institutional theory with data from surveys and interviews of police chiefs. The findings indicate changes in policies after 2014. The most significant change occurred in departments strongly influenced by the mimetic dimension of institutional theory. The research adds to …

2023 Graduate Program Rankings, Unlv & Unr, Olivia K. Cheche, Joshua Padilla, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Higher Education

This fact sheet highlights the 2023 U.S. News and World Report graduate program rankings for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Rankings are displayed for graduate programs in the following fields: business; education; engineering; fine arts; law; medical; sciences and mathematics; and social sciences and humanities.

Both UNLV and UNR first achieved Carnegie R1 status in 2018 and retained the designation of very high research activity in December 2021. The graduate program rankings explored in this fact sheet help to illuminate efforts toward enhancing graduate education, an important metric to achieving and …

The Universal Periodic Review: Determining An International Organization’S Impact On Women’S Rights In A State, Miranda R. Peterson Ms.

Honors College Theses

How does official criticism from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) affect the level of government respect for women’s rights in a state? International governmental organizations (IGOs), such as the Universal Periodic Review, play an important role in the overall global community. Although there is some evidence that IGOs can improve respect for human rights in a state, scholars do not yet know the impact on women’s rights specifically, especially when it comes to naming and shaming. I investigate this relationship, theorizing that the UPR will positively impact women’s rights, but this effect will be contingent on the level of terrorist …

The Meaning And Measure Of Deliberative Systems, Darren Michael Mccormick

Dissertations and Theses

Deliberative democratic theory emphasizes deliberation as central to the health of democracy. It has grown to be one of the most active and popular stands of political theory. In response to criticisms that deliberative democracy was unworkable at the large scale, the field made a systemic turn and now conceives of political communities as potential deliberative systems. While advancements have been made in measuring the quality of deliberation that occurs in deliberative forums, the practice of measuring the quality of deliberative systems is in its infancy. Authors have proposed various theoretical paths to assessing deliberative systems but no standardized method …

‘Vox Populi?:’ Assessing Nato Popularity Relative To Political And Economic Indicators In Selected Member Nations, Zachary W. Cheek

Undergraduate Economic Review

This paper seeks to identify the impact of political and economic conditions on a nation’s popularity/favorability ratings towards North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the world’s most powerful military alliance. It is found that in random-effect models there exists a significant positive relationship between a country’s democratic strength and favorability, as well as a negative relationship regarding unemployment. In fixed-effect models, however, there is slight evidence of a positive relationship with per-capita GDP, as well as negative relationships with the unemployment rate and the trade index. Overall, differences in member-nations largely account for whether democratic or macroeconomic conditions influence support.

How Accurate Were Predictions Of China’S Rise?, Osebhahiemen Okooboh

Symposium of Student Scholars

The rise of China is often depicted as one of the clearest, most predicted, and predictable realities in a century of international politics. Instead, China's rise has been gradual, widely foreseen, and not because of a conflict that transformed the world. Predictions and recommendations from academics and policy circles on China's rise matter because they transfer to popular discourse, albeit haphazardly. Therefore, understanding the predictions and recommendations and how they have changed over time is vital to explaining democratic responses to China's rise.

To empirically assess understandings of China's rise and how they have changed, we have coded a sample …

"Do You Know The Way To San Jose?" Ethnic Mexicans, Urbanism, Culture, And Politics In Emerging Silicon Valley, 1940-1980, Alexandro J. Jara

History ETDs

My dissertation explores the Latino experience in Santa Clara County, especially in San Jose. The area, located in Northern California’s Bay Area, is nestled just south of the more popular cities of Oakland and San Francisco, nearly five hundred miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. My examination of the social, cultural, and political activities of Latinos in San Jose provides insight into the community development of ethnic Mexicans away from traditional sites of study in places like Tucson, San Antonio, and Los Angeles. I argue that beginning at mid-century, Latinos moved into the downtown area and helped prevent nearby neighborhoods from …

Teaching And Integrating Women’S Studies Into The Classroom: Perspectives Of Elementary Teachers, Thomas Lucey

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

Women’s studies represent an underappreciated aspect of elementary education. Whether or how classrooms and their resources portray, present, and value women role-models informs both boys and girls about what passes for acceptable communication, treatment, and conduct towards women. Indeed, the extent to which and the basis that a young citizenry is taught to appreciate others informs the nature of the conversations engaged.

This paper describes the results of a research study that interpreted elementary teachers’ perspectives of women’s studies in elementary settings. The online survey was administered as part of the registration for two workshops that prepared teachers in the …

Examining Public Policies From Progressive Democrats With U.S. Healthcare System, Jeremiah Clabough

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

I

In this article, the author gives an activity that lets high school students explore the healthcare policies for Progressive Democrats. Specifically, the activity looks at Progressive Democrats’ Medicare for All. The author starts by providing an overview about some of the factions within the Democratic Party over the last 70 years. Then, the focus of the article shifts to focus on best practices within civic education about teaching public policies. Finally, an activity is discussed to help students analyze the arguments made by Progressive Democrats about Medicare for All. The author also provides thoughts for how social studies teachers …

Designing A Tool And Cooperative Learning: A Macos Inspired Activity, Jeffrey Byford, Jennifer Cordero, Alisha Milam, Kate Chambers, Presley Shilling

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

This simulation activity presents how elements of Man: A Course of Study (MACOS) can be implemented into the social studies classroom. Inspired by the Tool-Making Activity found in MACOS, this modified simulation activity prompts students to design an instrument to peel an orange as they discuss life and daily tasks related to the Great Plains settlement.

Putin And Putnam: Interpreting Russian Military Activity Through A Three Player, Two-Level Game, Nathan M. Colvin

Modeling, Simulation and Visualization Student Capstone Conference

Is Vladimir Putin a bad strategist, perhaps irrational? Previous military activity by Russia, such as the annexation of Crimea of 2014, yielded limited international gains, at a significant economic and reputational cost. Yet as the 2022 invasion of Ukraine shows, Putin is willing to commit military power, despite the cost of sanctions and other possible retaliation. This three-player simultaneous game, originally created in June, 2021, demonstrates how domestic and international considerations of President Vladimir Putin might lead to otherwise unpredictable Russian military behavior. In this extended version of Robert Putnam’s “two-level game,” President Putin rationally uses the international venue as …

Sustainable Planning, Protecting Social, Economic, And Environmental Interests Of Coastal Communities, Daniel O'Hara

Undergraduate Research Competition

Understanding the connection between humans and wetland environments is imperative to coastal planning. This project looks to gather policy and scientific information from local, regional, federal, and international levels regarding wetland protection and preservation to improve policies and practices in coastal areas and create more sustainable and healthier environments. Sustainable planning in coastal communities includes connecting humans and nature through low-impact developments, using native plant species, non-impervious surfaces, and adequate buffers between developments and water sources. Successful coastal planning and development can help ensure that economic, social, and conservation interests are protected. Wetlands represent 5.5% of the total land area …

Empirical Analysis Of Sustainable Land Use And Development And Potential Solutions For Remediation In Georgetown County, Brittany Whitehead

Undergraduate Research Competition

The county of Georgetown, SC envelops lush natural landscapes and complex water systems that host a diverse network of plant and animal species. This region is continuously threatened by natural disasters like flooding and stormwater issues,which inhibit the local economy and jeopardize the well-being of its inhabitants. Within the last decade, Georgetown County has been experiencing a consistent growth in population and development, specifically in vulnerable coastal areas. This growth must be addressed in order to provide a safe and resilient place for the community and nature to live in harmony. Through a case study of my experience in a …

Georgetown County: The Issue Of Land Litter And Pollution, Nicole Rainwater

Undergraduate Research Competition

Land litter and pollution are a large issue in current society. Georgetown County in South Carolina is no exception to this with excess amounts of litter lining the streets due to a lack of municipal solid waste management, and possibly a lack of education in sustainability. Litter not only harms the environment but also affects the community and its people while driving businesses and tourists away from the location. This paper aims to explore the litter issue of Georgetown County and its lack of sustainability through a litter index. To achieve this study a heat map of the land pollution …

Merging The Personal And The Academic For Greater Learning: A Successful Assignment, Gloria C. Cox

Feminist Pedagogy

Merging the Personal and Academic for Greater Learning: A Successful Assignment As a person who grew up during the Second Women’s Rights movement and who became a member of the academic community, I developed and taught on several occasions a class called Women and Politics. The course began with a brief overview of feminist theory and went from there to a history of women’s rights in the United States, which provided a foundation for our study of the legal and policy aspects of important topics like employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and marriage and family issues. Almost immediately I realized that …

Tourism And Sustainability In The City Of Georgetown, Ya Zheng

Undergraduate Research Competition

I am working on improving and increasing tourism in the city of Georgetown. These plans that I will implement will relate to SDG goals. Works will include creating social media posts to attract tourists, promoting jobs to spread job opportunities, encouraging sustainable tourism through creative content, and much more.

Georgetown County Workforce Assessment And Survey, Dylan Campbell

Undergraduate Research Competition

Georgetown County is a county located on the east coast of South Carolina and just like other counties in South Carolina is experiencing workforce issues. These issues are due to a variety of situations including the most obvious occurring situation, the Covid-19 Pandemic. While working in the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce I have been able to work on creating a workforce survey that would be distributed to many businesses within Georgetown County. By creating and distributing this survey will allow the chamber and myself to receive as much insight as possible into some of the workforce struggles in Georgetown …

Racialized Mass Incarceration In The United States: Exposing The Facade Of “Liberty And Justice For All”, Emily Wingfield

The Compass

No abstract provided.

Media Suppression In Africa And The Balkans - How Economic Distribution Impacts Freedom Of The Press On An International Level, Lindsey G. Ingraham

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Freedom of intellectual expression and media are human rights that the United Nations argues should be available to all people on Earth. However, we continue to see suppression of the media by various states across the globe. There is plenty of research that examines abuse of human rights, but there is a significant gap in the literature regarding what role economic distribution within a state plays. One of the most common measures of economic dispersion within states is the Gini Coefficient. This places states on a scale from 0, perfect income equality, to 1, perfect income inequality where all of …

Assessing Thematic Correlations Between Extremist Political Organizations Of The Past And Present, Andrew C. Eunice

Honors College Theses

The Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, saw more than five hundred protestors teamed with dozens of militia groups, all representing anti-government and white nationalist groups. Also present were over one thousand counter protestors, many representing far-left and antifascist groups, leading to a violent confrontation between the two sides. As we have developed our core themes of what defines the United States of America, we have also fostered a strong division along the way, enough to the point where some individuals feel the necessity to act with violence to “save our nation” so to speak. This conviction exists within …

The Influence Of Misinformation From The American Perspective, Tyler W. Nelson

Honors College Theses

Over the last decade, conspiracy theorists and larger groups have become much more prominent across the United States, despite conspiracies being present for decades. Previously, they have been dismissed by most, however over the last decade due to an explosive political climate and growing numbers, these groups have begun to act on their beliefs. Events such as the January 6th Insurrection on the United States Capitol building is an unfortunate example as to how far these groups are willing to go. This study’s purpose is to use a nationwide survey to help determine who exactly are these types of individuals …

Presidential Agenda Rhetoric In The State Of The Union Address: Obama And Trump, Danielle Goedken

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Previous research has illustrated that presidents will make many promises along the campaign trail and those promises are what build their agenda and hopefully get them elected. Once elected their agenda continues to be built through speeches. Researchers have compiled the campaign promises of previous administrations and tracked the completion of those promises. They have both tracked the completion of promises and good faith attempts at completing promises. In this paper, I analyze good faith attempts at keeping the promise on their agenda through presidential rhetoric in State of the Union Addresses. Presidents speak to Congress and the public on …

The Media, Onu Institute For Civics And Public Policy, Kennedy Aikey, Hailey Trimpey

Critical Questions

The media has a large influence on day-to-day life. The citizenry has become dependent upon media sources to inform them of current events and provide information about issues of importance to their daily lives. Media have evolved quite a bit over time and have become incredibly influential in our political system. For instance, American presidents now have the ability to communicate freely with the public and have direct ties to news media. We can continue to expect to see the growth of the media in both the political world and our daily lives.

When Growth Is Not Enough: Inequality, Economic Gains, And Executive Approval, Ryan E. Carlin, Timothy Hellwig, Gregory J. Love, Cecilia Martínez-Gallardo, Matthew M. Singer

Faculty and Student Publications

A robust economy is assumed to bolster leaders' standing. This ignores how benefits of growth are distributed. Extending the partisan models of economic voting, we theorize executives are more likely rewarded when gains from growth go to their constituents. Analyses of presidential approval in 18 Latin American countries support our pro-constituency model of accountability. When economic inequality is high, growth concentrates among the rich, and approval of right-of-center presidents is higher. Leftist presidents benefit from growth when gains are more equally distributed. Further analyses show growth and inequality inform perceptions of personal finances differently based on wealth, providing a micro-mechanism …

The Gray Zone Of Irregular Forces: Politically Sanctioned, Local Defense, And Organized Crime Groups In The Philippines, Jennifer Santiago Oreta

Political Science Department Faculty Publications

The persistent presence of armed groups in local communities is largely due to ineffective community security management, weak rule of law, and the constant shift in peace and security policy guidelines. Compounding the problem is the limited capacity of local government units and the lack of strong political will of officials to address security issues. Irregular forces offering private security services thrive in this environment. Armed groups gain legitimacy since they fill security service gaps in communities and because they assist government security forces in their counterinsurgency operations. Gray zone activities are activities by armed groups that happen in-between the …

The Tale Of Two Revolutionaries: Jefferson, Marx, And The Proper Use Of Political Violence, David Brostoff

Compass: An Undergraduate Journal of American Political Ideas

While Americans generally condemn the use of political violence, the topic has been put into the spotlight in recent years. What can Thomas Jefferson and Karl Marx’s juxtaposing ideas teach us about the proper use of political violence?

Author information: David Brostoff is a first-year scholar at American University in Washington, DC. He is currently majoring in international relations, minoring in philosophy, and earning a certificate in political theory. After graduating from American University, David intends to pursue law school.