Teaching
Political science is most meaningful when students actively engage in the process of asking questions, evaluating evidence, and developing their own conclusions. My goal is to create a classroom where students not only learn about politics but also learn how to investigate complex political phenomena. Whether teaching introductory comparative politics, upper-level courses on East Asia, or research design, I emphasize critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the application of political science to contemporary issues.
Many students enter my courses with little prior knowledge of East Asia or comparative politics. To make unfamiliar concepts accessible, I introduce new ideas through relatable examples drawn from current events, everyday experiences, or popular culture before connecting them to broader theoretical debates. Classroom discussions, simulations (including through AI), and broader role-playing exercises encourage students to examine political issues from multiple perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and appreciate the constraints facing political actors in different institutional and cultural contexts.
My courses also emphasize the importance of connecting theory to practice. Alongside traditional academic readings, students engage with news, policy analyses, public opinion data, and multimedia sources that demonstrate how political science helps explain ongoing political developments. Writing assignments, presentations, and collaborative activities provide opportunities for students to communicate complex ideas clearly while developing the analytical skills expected of informed citizens and future professionals.
Research is central to my teaching philosophy. Through the International Public Opinion Lab (IPOL), I integrate undergraduate students into every stage of the research process. These experiences allow students to apply classroom concepts to original research while gaining practical skills that prepare them for life after their undergraduate career. Moreover, I expand novel research opportunities within existing courses, providing students the opportunity to dabble in survey research before committing to more ambitious projects.
Above all, I strive to foster intellectual curiosity and evidence-based reasoning. Political issues rarely have simple answers, and my objective is not to persuade students to adopt particular viewpoints but to equip them with the tools to evaluate competing arguments critically. By creating an engaging, research-oriented learning environment, I hope students leave my courses with a deeper understanding of comparative politics, greater confidence in their analytical abilities, and an appreciation for the value of lifelong learning.
Courses Taught at WKU
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Introduction to International Relations
Chinese Politics
Comparative Elections and Voting
Faculty Led Study Abroad: Taiwan
Government and Politics of East Asia
International Affairs Senior Seminar
Politics of North Korea
Research Design in Political Science
Courses Taught Elsewhere
American Government
American Political Controversies