Professors in the political science department used the 2016 presidential campaign to further the education and understanding of their students. Political science professor Lori Klein believed it was important for students to be plugged in to campaign happenings. According to Klein, campaigns provided better examples and a higher level of interest in the classroom as students participated outside of class by watching debates and following candidates on social media. "If the kids are even vaguely plugged into the news, that is good," Klein said. "Even if it is just stuff they see on the side of their Facebook feed, you've got these touch points you don't normally have that you can use to get them more engaged than they are." Klein also taught classes on public administration, a course that prepared students to work in government. Her curriculum included the down ticket elections, which involved state, city, county and school board elections. "These elections matter as well," Klein said. "We will have some of the state representatives come in and talk to the students in the classroom." Senior political science major Caroline Pruitt believed political science classes were relevant to understanding why modern politicians may think the way they do. "The 2016 election is imp01tant, like any other presidential election, but this particular one is significant because of the current problems in the world," Pruitt said. "I would say that my political philosophy class has made me consider the different types of candidates and has made me really look at opposing views and the different forms of freedom. This class is very deep, and we're looking at seven major political philosophies Se11iol' Brent Hall begins handiny out flugs during the 9/11.f/ay commemoration on Sept. 3. The A.meriC(lll Stwlies Institute Disti11yuished Scholal's and political science club Phi Siynw A.lphu joined togethel' to place flags on the front /(lwn to ho11or the victims of the attack. I Photo by Brittney G(lrringer PO LI TI C .\ L SC I E :\' C E ·~ 7 n such as classical liberalism and natural rights conservatism." Political science professor Steven Breezeel focused on two main things in his presidency class: characteristics of successful candidates and characteristics of successful campaigns. According to Breezeel, presidential elections had substantial influence on both foreign and domestic policy, especially through the appointments of Supreme Court justices. Breezeel said teaching his students the importance of elections was key to sparking their involvement. "I want to encourage students to look into what it is going to take to vote absentee and be ready to cast a ballot," Breezeel said. Klein saw the political scene as an opp01tune place for Christians to share their faith. "We need a lot ofgood people in government," Klein said. "It is a mission field." By Haley Anzalone I Kristina Kiser
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