Graduate Courses
POLS 5330, American Politics
POLS 5337, The U.S. Congress
POLS 5364, Media and Politics
Undergraduate Courses
POLS 1337, Introduction to U.S. Government
POLS 2306, Texas Government
GOVT 2305, U.S. Government: Congress, President, & Courts
POLS 3337, The Congress and Legislatures
My teaching begins from the premise that students understand political science best when they connect theoretical arguments and empirical evidence to the institutions, technologies, and political events shaping their lives. Across introductory, upper-division, and graduate courses in American politics, I encourage students to approach politics as a field of inquiry: asking clear questions, evaluating competing explanations, and reaching conclusions grounded in evidence.
Media and data literacy are central to this approach. Whether examining Congress, Texas government, Latino representation, or the influence of media and technology on politics, students learn to assess the quality of sources, interpret political information, and recognize how evidence is produced and communicated. Through discussions, debates, case studies, and other applied activities, they compare perspectives, defend their reasoning, and reconsider their conclusions when presented with stronger evidence.
Whether teaching face-to-face or online, I work to create an inclusive environment in which students can engage difficult political questions thoughtfully and respectfully. My objective is not to tell students what political conclusions to reach, but to give them the conceptual and analytical tools to form, explain, and evaluate their own. I want students to leave my courses with a deeper understanding of American politics, greater confidence in navigating a complex information environment, and a stronger capacity to participate thoughtfully in civic life.