Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Dept. of Political Science

Welcome to the Department of Political Science at IUPUI

Political science is one of the most popular courses of study for students in the School of Liberal Arts: we have more than 350 majors, about 30-40 minors, and more than 2500 students enroll in our classes each year - yet we still manage to keep our classes small, with plenty of faculty-student interaction.

The department has 14 full-time faculty and more than 25 part-time faculty, who among them teach undergraduate classes across the whole spectrum of political science. We offer about 50 sections each semester, including introductory and advanced classes in American government, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy. As well as a major and a minor in political science, we also offer a Masters Degree in Political Science, certificate or minor programs in International Studies, Legal Studies, and Paralegal Studies, and a Graduate Certificate in Survey Research.

The Department provides plenty of opportunities for students to become involved in politics and law inside and outside class:

Our students are given insight into how government works in Indiana, in the United States, and in countries all over the world. They are trained to be critical observers, and informed, active participants, and are prepared for a variety of careers in everything from politics to teaching, law, public administration and business.

For more information on the Department and our courses, contact Department chair Margaret Ferguson.

HOW TO FIND US

We are on the fifth floor of Cavanaugh Hall, in the center of campus, diagonally opposite IU Hospital and south of the University Place Hotel and Conference Center. The Department office is in room 504J.

NEWS

The Department  invites applicants for the position of Lecturer in Paralegal Studies.  The normal teaching load is four courses per semester.  The successful applicant will also serve as advisor to paralegal and pre-law students in addition to serving as Assistant Director of the Paralegal Studies program.  At least one year teaching and administrative experience in a paralegal program strongly preferred.  Applicants should submit a letter of application, a c.v., three letters of recommendation, and evidence of teaching experience to: Margaret R. Ferguson, Paralegal Search, Department of Political Science, 425 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5140.  Review of applications will begin on January 4, 2010 and continue until the position is filled.  Female and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. 

WHO’S WHO IN THE DEPARTMENT:

Chair: Margaret Ferguson
Senior administrative secretary: Megan Byrne.

US politics: Ramla Bandele, Bill Blomquist, Aaron Dusso, Margaret Ferguson, Brian Vargus, David Weiden
Comparative politics: John McCormick, Thomas Mustillo, Jasper Sumner
International relations: Scott Pegg, Jasper Sumner, Scott Wallace
Political theory: Johnny Goldfinger, Jasper Sumner, Brian Vargus
Law: Bill Blomquist, Erin Engels, David Weiden
Public policy: Bill Blomquist, Johnny Goldfinger, John McCormick
State and local politics: Ramla Bandele, Bill Blomquist, Margaret Ferguson, Brian Vargus

Advisors: Almost all full-time faculty
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Brian Vargus
Director of Graduate Studies: John McCormick
Graduate Certificate in Survey Research: Brian Vargus
Internship coordinator: Ramla Bandele
Pre-law advisor: Erin Engels
Graduate school advisor: Johnny Goldfinger
Polsa advisor: Cyrus Hayat
Polsa president: 
Director, Paralegal Studies Program: David Weiden
Legal Studies advisor:
Phi Alpha Delta advisor:
Director of International Studies: Scott Pegg
Pi Sigma Alpha advisor: