Politics is the study of the way in which power, authority, and values are defined, produced, and distributed.
Courses within the department focus on analyzing political processes at individual, local, national, and international levels through studying topics as diverse as political institutions, social movements, conflict, war, and diplomacy. By using a range of research methods and employing various forms of evidence, both qualitative and quantitative, students develop new ways of viewing the power structures inherent to our society.
Pettengill Hall
Phone: 207-786-8368
eseeley@bates.edu
Graduates from the Politics department embark on careers in a wide range of fields, including government, economics, and medicine. Students also go on to continue their education by attending law school and through post-graduate degrees in a variety of topics.
of 2020-2024 Social Science graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school
“The best things in life come in threes, like friends, dreams, and memories.” — Mencius Three seniors, (from left) Brady Chilson of Carlisle, Pa., Kush Sharma of South Burlington, Vt., and Trijit Pico Banerjee of Morristown, N.J., gathered before a group of friends on the steps of Coram Library on Friday, May 12, to bind their senior theses and launch a celebration. Chilson produced two theses, one in English, another in politics: “Towards a ‘World Elsewhere’: Integrating Frameworks of Queer Theory and Political Representation in Shakespeare’s ‘Coriolanus’” and “The Impact of Electoral Institutions on Urban/Rural Policy Attitudes: Towards a More Holistic Urban-Rural Divide.” Sharma wrote one honors thesis in theater: “Practicing a Collaborative Directing Style, Ecotheater, and Theater for Social Change with Madeleine George’s ‘Hurricane Diane.’” Banerjee produced two honors theses, one in English, the other in philosophy: “Encountering Impossibility: George’s Bataille’s Acéphalic Lifework” and “Does the ‘Divine Marquis’ Subordinate? Pornographic Subordination in Literary Fiction.” Swipe left for additional binding and cork-popping moments.
Guests from “Rwanda 30 Years After: Trauma Healing of Genocide Survivors and Intergenerational Trauma,” who spoke at the Olin Arts Center on Sunday, March 24, meet in a join session with faculty and students from three classes in Roger Williams 315 on March 25. Speakers: From left, Esther Mujawayo, Chantal Kayitesi & Jean Bosco Rutagengwa Organizer: Dept. of French and Francophone Studies, BatesCollege Co-organizers: Rwandese Community Association of Maineand Ibuka-Maine Co-sponsors: Dept. of History, Dept. of Politics, TheAfricana Club &The Harward Center for Community Partnerships The faculty and classes: Representations of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (FRE379 ADR Alex Dauge-Roth) (Gender, Race, and Social Class in Francophone Films (FRE151 Laura Balladur) and Historical Methods (FRE399 Patrick Otim)
Moments from the First-Year Seminar Meeting and Advising with Seulgie Lim, assistant professor of politics, “Gender Without Borders” in Pettengill G65 on August 30, 2024. (Theophil Syslo | Bates College)
Moments from the First-Year Seminar Meeting and Advising with Seulgie Lim, assistant professor of politics, “Gender Without Borders” in Pettengill G65 on August 30, 2024. (Theophil Syslo | Bates College)
In the wake of the latest presidential election, three Bates politics professors with complementary expertise helped students understand the outcome of Tuesday’s election. The trio, Professor of Politics John Baughman, Professor of Politics Stephen Engel, and Associate Professor of Politics Clarisa Pérez-Armendáriz met with around 75 students in Memorial Commons in Chase Hall.
In the wake of the latest presidential election, three Bates politics professors with complementary expertise helped students understand the outcome of Tuesday’s election. The trio, Professor of Politics John Baughman, Professor of Politics Stephen Engel, and Associate Professor of Politics Clarisa Pérez-Armendáriz met with around 75 students in Memorial Commons in Chase Hall.
Students present a poster session about their summer research on Friday afternoon, Sept. 27, 2024, during Back to Bates Weekend, as families and alumni arrive on campus to register and spend time together.
Studying Politics at Bates means engaging with an interdisciplinary approach and a variety of cultural perspectives through courses that include Latinx Politics, Feminist Political Thought, and Technology and International Conflict. The major stresses the importance of learning about a diversity of political experiences, giving students a well-rounded and international view on the subject matter. Students are encouraged to study abroad to gain new perspectives on their studies at Bates, and graduates leave with a fresh understanding of the world we live in.
Faculty members in the Politics department at Bates have studied at prestigious universities in both the US and abroad. They’ve published books and articles on a variety of topics, including nation-building in Turkey and Morocco and committee politics in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, faculty members have studied at the Brookings Institute, worked alongside politicians in the US and internationally, and served as diplomats.
In the Student Center for Belonging and Community, first-generation Bates students mentor their younger peers, providing guidance on everything from academics to internships to social life.
Bates is embarking on a $45 million project to update two key athletic facilities and construct a new fitness and well-being center. A gift of $10 million from Jon W. Brayshaw ’90, P’25 and Jocelyn Stoddard Brayshaw ’88, P’25 has brought the college a vital step closer to construction. The new facility will be named the Stoddard Fitness and Well-Being Center.
February on campus saw sports successes, several large snowfalls, and our annual Winter Carnival — a week of events celebrating the joys of the chilly season.
