Political Science Faculty

David Rankin, Chair
Ph.D; University of California, Santa Barbara
Professor
American Politics; Media and Politics; Public Opinion; Elections
716-673-4715 | david.rankin@fredonia.edu

My teaching fields are in American Politics, Media and Politics, Campaigns and Elections, Public Opinion and Political Participation, Civic Education and Engagement. Research areas include political psychology and political communication in which I am interested in symbolic politics, media influence, political attitudes, learning and behavior. I have published articles in journals such as Political Behavior, Comparative Politics, and Presidential Studies Quarterly, and contributed to several books. I have recently completed a book on "U.S. Politics and Generation Y: Engaging the Millennials," coauthored the books “Winning the White House, 2004: Region by Region, Vote by Vote (2005) and "Winning the White House, 2008" (2009), and co-edited the book “Transformed by Crisis: The Presidency of George W. Bush and American Politics” (2004). I have received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2004) and the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2011). I also serve as the coordinator for internships in Washington, DC.

Alex Caviedes
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, at Madison
Assistant Professor.
Western European Politics, European Union, Immigration, Comparative Capitalism
716-673-4672  |  alexander.caviedes@fredonia.edu

My teaching interests are mostly in comparative politics: Western European politics, the EU, immigration, and comparative capitalisms, though I also teach international relations courses such as international law and international organization. My research interests are in comparative political economy and international political economy generally, as well as multi-level governance and international law. My research deals with labor migration policy in W. European countries, where I examine the ability of trade unions and employers' associations to determine policies. In-depth case study analysis of Germany, the UK, Austria and the Netherlands has shown that labor migration is moving away from national models toward a greater convergence in policies across countries in the same sectors. Further research interests deal with whether the European Union will be able to develop a comprehensive common immigration policy, a subject on which I have published in the Journal of European Public Policy. 

Jonathan Chausovsky
Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
Associate Professor
American Political Development, Constitutional Law, Political Economy
716-673-4673 | jonathan.chausovsky@fredonia.edu

I teach courses in Constitutional Law, Civil Liberties, and Judicial Politics, as well as the introduction to American government.  My research is in American Political Development, particularly in the relations of government to business corporations.  I have published work on the development of state incorporation laws, and on the development of federal regulation in the early twentieth century.  I am one of four pre-law advisors on campus, and I serve on the University Senate.  I have lived in Seattle, Buenos Aires, New York City, Austin, and Milwaukee.

James Hurtgen  - On sabbatical 2012-13
Ph.D., SUNY, Buffalo
Professor
Political Philosophy; Law and Society
716-673-3885 | james.hurtgen@fredonia.edu

Since arriving at Fredonia, I have held a number of administrative positions, including chairperson of the Department of Political Science, Dean of Liberal Studies, Founding Director and Professor in Residence of the Albany Semester Intern Program, and Founding Director of the School of Business.  I teach in the field of political philosophy and American politics.  I am the recipient of the SUNY Chancelllor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.  In 2007, I was promoted to the rank of SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor.  My published work includes articles on the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, democratic theory, the American presidency, and Herman Melville.  The Divided Mind of American Liberalism (Lexington Books, 2002) is a study of divisions within American liberal thought in the 20th century.  In 1999, I established Fredonia's Mock Trial team, which competes in competitions sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association.

Richard Jankowski

Ph.D., University of Chicago
Professor
American Parties and Elections; Game Theory; East Asian Politics
716-673-3886 | richard.jankowski@fredonia.edu

I have published articles in political science, sociology, and economics journals. I am presently working on several research topics. First, I explore how governments manipulate the exchange rates of their currencies for domestic and international advantages. Second, I am analyzing how taxes and inflation affect wages and profits in society, so that better public policies can be designed. This work appears in my book, Wages, Profits, and the State. Third, I am studying the impact of political business cycles on the outcome of elections.

Raymond J. Rushboldt
MA; Ph.D. candidate, SUNY, Buffalo 
Instructor 
American Politics; Social Welfare Politics
716-673-3206 | raymond.rushboldt@fredonia.edu

I am a proud alumnus of SUNY/Fredonia, graduating "with greatest honors" with a major in both Political Science and History. Recipient of various awards, including Dawley Award for Outstanding Senior in Political Science (Fredonia) and three year Social Science Divisional Assistantship (SUNY/Buffalo). My Ph.D. thesis is on explanations of the levels of voting turnout for elections at the state and local level. My major teaching interests are in American Politics- including voting and elections and state/local government- and in Comparative Politics (especially Western Europe and former Soviet Union). I have also taught courses at SUNY/Buffalo, St. Bonaventure University, & Jamestown Community College. I am currently a member of the College Senate, Chairman of the SEFA campaign, and advisor to a variety of student groups. I am also currently the Director of SUNY Model European Union.

Ivani Vassoler - On sabbatical 2012-13
Ph.D., University of Maryland
Associate Professor
Coordinator of International Studies
International Politics; Political Economy of Development; Inter-American Relations; Latin American Politics
716-673-3887 | ivani.vassoler-froelich@fredonia.edu