This afternoon my colleagues Lucas Núñez, Jess Terman, Rob McGrath, and I will be meeting with students in the Schar School of Policy and Government’s “Virtual Learning Community” (VLC). I’m looking forward to getting to know our wonderful students at Schar a bit better.

My democratic theory and practice course (GOVT 101) last fall has been recognized as “an outstanding Mason Core Social/Behavioral Sciences course.” I enjoy teaching this introductory course and I’m looking forward to continually improving it.

Yesterday was the final session of my first class at Mason — thanks to my students for a wonderful term!

This term I’m teaching an introductory course (GOVT 101) titled “Democratic Theory and Practice.” I’m looking forward to getting to know my new students at Mason. [syllabus]

My Political Philosophy, Policy & Law (PPL) students graduate tomorrow… congratulations!

Congratulations to the graduating students in my Political Philosophy, Policy & Law Capstone Seminar!

Congratulations to my Political Philosophy, Policy & Law capstone students. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of seniors!

This semester I’ll be teaching a capstone seminar for Political Philosophy, Policy & Law. The purpose of the course is to provide support and assistance to PPL students as they complete their senior thesis. [syllabus]

This semester I’ll be teaching an undergraduate seminar titled “Law and Political Thought: Punishment.” The course will introduce students to the complex role law plays in society through the issue of punishment. We’ll discuss both court cases and case-studies, focusing on the eighth amendment, and those discussions will be enriched by reading an eclectic mix of social and political thinkers. [Ad for the course is below, and a draft of the syllabus is available here.]